News

The Z117.1-2003 standard was approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) on February 20, 2003, and it is a revision of the 1995 standard. The new standard includes confined space information such as definitions, identification and evaluation, emergency response and rescue, permit and non-permit requirements, atmospheric testing, isolation and decontamination, lockout/tagout, warning sign requirements and personal protection equipment. The standard also includes an appendix providing sample permits, surveys and evaluations.

Z117 Committee Chair Edward Grund said, "Confined spaces continue to be a significant cause of injuries, illnesses and fatalities in the U.S. and the Z117.1 standard will provide guidelines to help reduce confined space accidents. The standard provides the minimum safety requirements to be followed when entering, exiting and working in a confined space at normal atmospheric pressure."

ASSE, secretariat of the Z117 Committee, is hosting a technical conference call April 29, 2003 from 11AM-12:30 PM CST featuring Z117 Committee members Edward Grund and Craig Schroll, who will discuss the new revisions in the standard. Registrants will receive the Z117.1-2003 and 1995 standards, and a written presentation on the revisions as well as be able to e-mail questions to the speakers in advance. The conference call is $75 for ASSE members, $82 for AIHA and ACHMM members, and $89 for non-members.

The Z117.1 standard, order number 3384, is available for $37 for ASSE members, $45 for AIHA and ACHMM members and $53 for non-members. To order the standard or to participate in the conference call visit www.asse.org or call ASSE Customer Service at 847-699-2929.