Representatives from OSHA, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and Newport News Shipbuilding are among seven experts who will share their perspectives during an International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) Washington Roundtable on Confined Space Safety, August 21 in Arlington, Va.
The panel will consist of:
- Sherman Williamson of OSHA’s Directorate of Enforcement Programs
- William “Chico” McGill, director of the IBEW’s Government Employees Department
- Jim Thornton, Environmental, Health and Safety Director from Newport News Shipbuilding
- marine chemist Kenneth Congleton
- Rick Graham of Mine Safety Appliances Co.
- Brent Kleven of Scott Safety
- Trent Smith of Honeywell Analytics
ISEA President Dan Shipp will pose a series of questions for each panelist to address on various safety challenges of confined space entry. The free event will be held from 1 – 3:30 p.m. ET at the Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel in the Crystal City area of Arlington near Washington Reagan National Airport.
“Protecting workers who must enter potentially hazardous confined spaces is among the most difficult and complex worker safety challenges,” Shipp said. “Confined work spaces are everywhere, found in industries ranging from shipbuilding to winemaking. They exist below ground in utility systems and mines, and high above in wind-turbine nacelles. All types of personal protective and other forms of safety equipment may be required, depending on the situation.
“This issue is so important that OSHA is nearing completion of a confined space in construction rule. The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health has launched a statewide Confined Space Special Emphasis Initiative to prevent worker deaths and injuries,” he added.
Additional event details and a link to a registration form may be found by visiting ISEA’s website (www.safetyequipment.org), and specifically at: www.safetyequipment.org/news/newsDetail.cfm?NewsID=90. Registration is required.
