Does OSHA need to be more stringent on acceptable O2 levels?
After teaching confined space training in Canada this week, we discussed several differences between OSHA's permit-required confined space standard and some of Canada's regulations. For example, Quebec recently updated their provincial regulations for the lower limit on oxygen (O2) content within a confined space from 19.5% (like OSHA) to 20.5%. This means that if your O2 content inside the confined space drops by 0.3%-0.4%, then you must evacuate the space and implement proper controls before re-entry is authorized.
Do you think OSHA should do the same, considering the leading cause of death in confined spaces is asphyxiation? Or do you think it would even make a difference?
Let's hear your thoughts! 👇🏻
Comments (6)
I've always felt this way. There's really no reason that a well-ventilated space should have a different O2 concentration than the outside space. Most O2 sensors have a 0.1% resolution, so you have to give yourself +/- 0.1%, and maybe it's fair to give yourself +/- 0.2%, but beyond that something is either displacing or consuming oxygen.
What if your ventilation fails? What if the shape of your space allows for a pocket of whatever is displacing oxygen? What if you get closer to whatever is consuming it?
It's an unpopular opinion, but for me I want to see supplied air in these cases.
Here's an old, but really good article on what 19.5% isn't a good cutoff.
https://www.ehstoday.com/safety-leadership/article/21917274/confined-spaces-is-195-percent-oxygen-really-safe
Nice discussion Guys!