Seven experts on confined space worker safety will share their perspectives on this important topic during an International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) Washington Roundtable August 21 in Arlington, Va.

Panelists will include OSHA confined space expert Sherman Williamson, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers’ William “Chico” McGill, Newport News Shipbuilding safety chief Jim Thornton, marine chemist Ken Congleton, and “confined space” experts from ISEA members Honeywell Analytics, Mine Safety Appliance Co. and Scott Safety.

Using a “roundtable” format, 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 the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration 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.  “I encourage all who are responsible for confined space worker safety to take advantage of this learning opportunity.”

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 by July 20 is required.

About ISEA

Arlington, Va.-based International Safety Equipment Association is the leading trade association for manufacturers of safety and personal protective equipment.  Established in 1933, ISEA supports its nearly 80 member companies in manufacturing and marketing the highest-quality products to protect the safety and health of people who may be exposed to hazardous and potentially harmful environments while working on the job or at home.