Confined space protocol for dropped ceilings
I have a confession: in terms of confined space our people almost never follow the protocol when they’re working in dropped ceilings. I know it’s technically “non-permit”, but its pretty much not recognized as a confined space by our workforce (and very seldom do I enforce it).
Now that I got that off my chest, how do you guys handle drop ceiling work? Is anyone issuing a written entry permit, or just have people monitor the head space atmosphere, or nothing (like us)?
Comments (11)
Why do you think a dropped ceiling is a confined space?
OSHA has an interpretation on drop ceilings. They usually are not permit-required unless there is an atmospheric or other hazard (plenum air is contaminated from area below, etc.). Here is the link: https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/1995-10-27
Seems like a non-permit confined space.
>> large enough for an employee to enter and perform work.
>> has limited or restricted means for entry or exit.
>> is not designed for continuous occupancy.
But none of the listed hazards that would make it a permit-required confined space.
I've seen the LOIs on that, and have always joked that the space above a drop ceiling is really easy to exit, just step on it.
In all seriousness, I've never had occasion to treat one as a permit space, but I definitely train folks on the hazards up above. With poor lighting and many line-of-sight obstructions, it would be really easy to accidentally find an open junction box the hard way. Sometimes air handling equipment has exposed drive belts that you could get caught in. And of course, who hasn't moved a ceiling tile only to have a chunk of asbestos pipe fitting insulation drop to the floor?
I agree with Drew. If you want to add some visibility to the different types of work that could go on in the space, then add it to the NPRCS list and clear it based on your clearance procedure and attach a copy of the work order to show the work won’t introduce any hazards. Just my 2 cents.
RS