Confined Spaces and Crawl Spaces: Not for the Faint of Heart

Things can go wrong very quickly in crawl spaces, although some applicators have had things go very right. Some crawl spaces can be a near death experience, yet others have yielded unexpected treasures!

Crawl spaces or confined spaces are a world unto themselves. Each has its own unique set of circumstances, such as the things you can see and the things you can’t see. They can be profitable, or they can become a dangerous trap. Home owners are often unaware of the things lurking in their crawl spaces, especially if they are not the original owners. According to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration, a “Confined spaces - such as manholes, crawl spaces, and tanks - are not designed for continuous occupancy and are difficult to exit in the event of an emergency. Confined spaces include crawls spaces, such as attics, basements and other spaces where there is a one-way access. For more information on confined spaces, visit osha.gov/confinedspaces

Inner Space

Ryan Cleland, of Tri County Foam Insulation Alexandria, Minnesota worked in the underside of this concrete slab that holds grain bins.
A section of the wall had collapsed a year ago due to erosion. A false wall had to be built, then void-fill.

People working in confined spaces can face life-threatening hazards including toxic substances, electrocutions, explosions, and asphyxiation. Shock hazards and chemical hazards are not always obvious and sometimes are not noticed until the worker enters the crawl space. Normal movements can be severely restricted which can lead to panic, especially when the unexpected happens.

Unexpected Encounters in Crawl Spaces Can Include:

Things to watch out for:

• Asbestos
• Mold
• Water
• Chemicals
• Electrical hazards
• Sharp objects, such as nails are common
• Sewage (this happens more often than you might think)
• Pesticide
• Critters: decaying and alive, such as possums, raccoons, bats, skunks, rats, snakes, insects, etc. Animal droppings can produce air-born bacterial or viral contaminants.
• Evidence of structural collapse or unstable structures--Examine the columns, posts, piers, girders, joists, and foundations. Workers can become pinned or crushed.
• Old wells: Some applicators have reported nearly falling into old, uncovered wells.

Crawl Space Preparedness:

• Use appropriate protective gear, including gloves, knee pads and head protection
• A respirator mask is recommended
• Good lighting (Carry and extra flash light)
• A cell phone that works in the crawl space or a two-way radio
• Camera, or camera on your cell phone, to document the conditions
• Spotter or assistant who can help or call for help. Make sure they stay alert!!
• A spin-tite or nut driver can help turn off a spray gun fast when necessary. Make sure this tool is secure and reachable. Pushing on the back-emergency stop can help too.
• Sharp Objects -- Be aware of nails or other sharp objects that could be hanging down
• Sewage backups or spills in a crawl space area can happen when you least expect it. Even if the surface seems dry, a previous sewage leak causes contamination and is considered unsafe, unless full protective gear is worn.
• Extension Cords -- It can be dangerous to plug in an extension cord and trouble light in a wall socket. Using a cord that has GFCI and AFCI is safer.
• Spray Gun Jams -- Always understand how to unjam a spray gun in case it will not shut off.
• Reducing overspray -- If there is a need to reduce the amount of overspray in a crawl space, consider using a smaller spray tip and/or reduce the pressure. Always check with the manufacturer to determine how much the pressure can be reduced without compromising the desired results.

Striking Gold!