About
This construction safety toolbox talk explains common hazards in confined spaces such as manholes, crawl spaces, and tunnels. It includes a real incident involving methane gas exposure, steps workers should take to stay safe, and reminders about training, communication, monitoring, and emergency planning. The back side of the talk has an illustration of the hazard and solution, and reminders of key steps to avoid an injury or illness.
Others in this series
Suggested Citation
NIOSH, CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training [2026]. Confined Spaces and Safety Toolbox Talk. By Pfirman D, Cunningham TR, Bunting, J, Cincinnati, OH: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2026-109.
Sources
OSHA [2015]. 29 CFR 1926.1203 General requirements. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1926/1926.1203.
OSHA [2015]. 29 CFR 1926.1204 Permit-required confined space program. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1926/1926.1204.
OSHA [2015]. 29 CFR 1926.1207 Training. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1926/1926.1207.
OSHA [2015]. 29 CFR 1926.1208 Duties of authorized entrants. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1926/1926.1208.
OSHA [2015]. 29 CFR 1926.1209 Duties of attendants. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1926/1926.1209.
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