[Is there an exemption from the confined space standard for utility workers. He recalls hearing, perhaps in the BNA Reporter, that there was a recently issued OSHA exemption for utility workers and would like to know which kinds of utilities are exempted: telecommunications, water/sewer, electric?]

The most recent revision to the confined space standard, 1910.146, was issued on May 19, 1994. This revision does not mention exemptions, but does clarify monitoring requirements for sewer entry. One year ago, OSHA issued a letter of interpretation confirming that OSHA standards do not apply to natural gas distribution and transmission facilities. OSHA stayed the application of the confined space standard to electric and steam utility underground workplaces (4/15/93). The promulgation of 29 CFR 1910.269, Electric Power, Generation, Transmission, and Distribution, on January 31, 1994 provides requirements for entry into enclosed spaces for this industry. The 6-month Index-Summary for the period 12/1/93-5/25/94 of the BNA Occupational Safety and Health Reporter listed no references to utility exemptions to the confined space standard.

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Last modified: 04/18/96 08:50:32