ANSI/ASSE Z117.1 Confined Space Safety

ANSI/ASSE Z117.1, “Safety Requirements for Confined Spaces,” has just been updated.  ASSE recently released the ANSI adopted 2016 Edition of this important safety standard.  This update replaces the previous 2009 Edition, which is now withdrawn (obsolete).  It deals with safety issues pertaining to employees working in confined spaces, and in particular “permitted” confined spaces.  Since workplace fatalities can be associated with these spaces, this is a particularly important standard.

Working in confined spaces comes with a series of hazards.  They include atmospheric hazards like lack of oxygen or too much hydrogen sulfide, methane and so on.  Working in some settings, like agriculture or construction sites, may expose workers to hazards from loose material like gravel or grain, causing what’s termed engulfment.

ANSI/ASSE Z117.1 provides you with a methodology for protecting staff required to work in such spaces.  This is in support of U.S. regulatory requirements found in OSHA regulations (29 CFR) like 29 CFR 1910.146 on permit-required confined spaces and 29 CFR 1910.272 on grain-handling facilities.  The U.S. Dept. of Transportation Safety Standards (49 CFR 192) on transportation of gases could be another reason for using this standard as well.

What is covered in ANSI/ASSE Z117.1?  You’ll find information on definitions, identification and evaluation.  Then the standard covers non-permited and permited confined spaces to give you the comparison you may need.  Different types of atmospheric testing are reviewed.  Staff requirements like entry team and supervisor issues are covered.   There is specific information on isolation and lockout/tagout issues.  And of course, ventilation, cleaning and decontamination are included, as well as equipment like PPE (personal protection) and auxilary equipment.

You’ll also find information on safety signs and symbols and emergency concerns.  Training of the team is addressed.  There is specific information on issues of medical suitability for staff taking on the challenge of working in confined spaces.   Issues that arise when you contract out this activity are here too.

The Appendices are an important feature of this standard.  Appendix A provides you with a logic diagram for confined space entry.   Appendix B is a lengthy review of applicable standards and other literature on the subject.  And Appendix C includes a wide array of surveys and permits used for confined space activities.

When it’s time to purchase your ASSE standards, you’ll want to use an authorized distributor and Document Center Inc. is such a source.  Search for and order standards at our webstore, www.document-center.com.  Here is a direct link to the order page for ANSI/ASSE Z117.1 for your convenience.  The standard is available in both paper format and for pdf download.

Should you have additional questions or want information on company-wide access for the ASSE standards, check in with our staff.  You can reach them by phone (650-591-7600) or email (info@document-center.com).  We have been working with standards since 1982.  Our collection is one of the most extensive in the business.  And we have additional products and services all geared to make compliance easier for your organization.  Make us your Standards Experts!

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Claudia Bach

Claudia Bach is the President of Document Center Inc. and a world-wide recognized expert on Standards and Standards Distribution. You can connect with her on Google+

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