LIVE: Confined Space & Trench Safety - Bloomington, IN

Course Description

This course provides water and wastewater operators with essential safety knowledge and practical skills for working in confined spaces and excavations commonly encountered in utility operations. Participants will learn to recognize hazards, understand applicable OSHA requirements, and apply proper procedures to protect themselves and their coworkers.

The classroom portion covers confined space identification, distinctions between permit-required and non-permit spaces, atmospheric monitoring, ventilation practices, team roles and responsibilities, required safety equipment, and safe entry procedures. Excavation and trench safety topics include hazard recognition, soil classification and analysis, protective systems, shoring methods, and safe work practices when operating in and around excavations.

In the afternoon, the course transitions to an outdoor technical session featuring hands-on demonstrations of confined space entry and trench safety practices. Participants will observe proper equipment setup, hazard controls, and real-world applications of safe work procedures.

By the end of the session, attendees will have a practical understanding of how to plan and perform confined space and excavation work safely and in compliance with OSHA standards.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Identify confined spaces and distinguish between permit-required and non-permit spaces
• Recognize common hazards associated with confined space entry and excavation work
• Understand OSHA requirements related to confined spaces and trenching/excavation safety
• Perform basic atmospheric testing and explain ventilation requirements for confined spaces
• Describe the roles and responsibilities of confined space entry team members
• Identify appropriate personal protective equipment and safety devices for each task
• Conduct basic soil analysis and select appropriate excavation protective systems
• Apply safe work practices when working in and around trenches and excavation equipment
• Observe and evaluate proper setup and execution of confined space and trench safety controls during hands-on demonstrations

Instructors: Rex Blanton, AIRW & Tony Farmer, EJP