United Rentals, Inc. recently announced the launch of its enhanced Confined Space Safety Training for Competent Persons Program. The updated course helps contractors and utility personnel identify confined space hazards and create safer, compliant work environments, with new content and learning formats designed to better meet evolving job site needs.
The announcement came ahead of the company’s Confined Space Safety Week in early August, which raises awareness of confined space hazards and best practices.
The program trains competent persons — those responsible for site safety — to properly evaluate confined spaces and oversee work activities. It covers regulatory requirements, hazard monitoring, ventilation, pre-entry checklists, gas detection, rescue planning and communication protocols on multi-employer worksites.
Delivered through United Academy, the training meets OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart AA requirements and is available in multiple formats: in-person, virtual instructor-led and e-learning.
Confined spaces are areas large enough for workers to enter but not intended for continuous occupancy, with limited access or egress. Common examples include manholes, vaults, pipelines and storm drains.
“Creating a safe environment is our top priority,” says Todd Hayes, region vice president of Trench Safety for United Rentals. “Through partnerships with our customers, we provide the equipment, training and expertise needed to help them identify risks and implement effective safety measures, especially in high-risk areas like confined spaces. Our newly enhanced Confined Space Entry Training Program equips workers with the latest knowledge and best practices to recognize and respond to hazards with confidence. It’s all part of our commitment to fostering a safety-first culture that protects workers, boosts productivity and helps to ensure every team member goes home safely.”
United Rentals Trench Safety provides turnkey confined space solutions with OSHA- and OH&S-compliant protective systems, safety training, on-site consulting and engineering services. With 92 trench safety locations and a large fleet of confined space and excavation equipment, United Rentals delivers customized, cost-effective solutions that support both safety and productivity.
