what are the confined space requirements in BC

Source excerpt

## S-15.1 REG 10 ## OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY, 2020 ## Purging and ventilating of unsafe atmosphere - 18-8 (1) In addition to the requirements of section 25-11, if a concentration of a toxic, flammable or explosive substance is present or an oxygen enrichment or deficiency exists in a hazardous confined space, an employer shall ensure that the hazardous confined space is: - (a) purged and ventilated before a worker is allowed to enter the space, so that: - (i) any hazard associated with a toxic, flammable or explosive substance is reduced to the extent that is possible or eliminated; and - (ii) an oxygen content of not less than 19.5% and not more than 23% is ensured; and - (b) continuously ventilated at all times during which the worker occupies the hazardous confined space, to maintain a safe atmosphere. - (2) If ventilation is used to reduce or eliminate a hazard pursuant to subsection (1), an employer shall ensure that a competent person tests the atmosphere to determine that the confined space is safe for entry by a worker: - (a) before a worker enters the confined space; - (b) if all workers have vacated the confined space, before any worker re-enters the confined space; - (c) on the request of a worker who is required or permitted to enter the confined space; and - (d) continuously if any condition in the confined space may change and put the worker's health or safety at risk. 31 Dec 2020 c S-15.1 Reg 10 s18-8. ## Precautions if safe atmosphere not possible - 18-9 (1) If a hazardous confined space cannot be purged and ventilated to provide a safe atmosphere or a safe atmosphere cannot be maintained pursuant to section 18-8, an employer shall ensure that no work is carried on in the confined space except in accordance with the requirements of this section and section 25-11. - (2) An employer shall ensure that a competent person continuously monitors the atmosphere in a hazardous confined space. - (3) An employer shall ensure …

Source excerpt

- (ii) a determination of whether more than one person is required to be present outside a confined space during the occupancy of any person, and - (iii) a written rescue procedure; Clause 130(3)(f) replaced: O.I.C. 2000-130, N.S. Reg. 52/2000. - (g) for the protective equipment and emergency equipment to be used by a person who undertakes rescue operations in the event of an accident or other emergency; - (h) for a written procedure for testing the confined space in an adequate manner, at regular intervals and on a continuous basis, if necessary, to ensure the concentration or level of a hazardous substance or physical agent complies with the limits in subsection (8); and - (i) for a means of ventilating the confined space to ensure the removal or dilution of all airborne hazardous substances from the confined space. Subsection 130(3) amended: O.I.C. 2013-65, N.S. Reg. 53/2013. - (4) An employer shall provide to each person entering the confined space and a person who may undertake rescue operations the protective equipment and emergency equipment referred to in this Section. - (5) An employer shall ensure that - (a) a person who enters a confined space is trained at least once every 2 years in accordance with the procedures set out in clause (3)(b); and - (b) a person who undertakes rescue operations is trained at least once every year in accordance with the procedures set out in clause (3)(b). Subsection 130(5) replaced: O.I.C. 2000-130, N.S. Reg. 52/2000. - (6) Every person who enters into, exits from or occupies the confined space shall follow the written procedures and use the protective equipment and emergency equipment as required. - (7) An employer shall review the confined space entry procedure at least once a year and amend it, if necessary. - (8) An employer shall designate a competent person who shall perform the assessment required in clause (3)(a), which shall include \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\…

Source excerpt

- (c) prepare a procedure for the removal of a worker who has become injured or incapacitated while in the confined space; and - (d) ensure that the ventilation in the confined space is adequate to maintain safe atmospheric conditions. 31 Dec 2020 c S-15.1 Reg 10 s18-6. ## Entry plan - 18-7 (1) If a worker will be required or permitted to enter a hazardous confined space, an employer, in consultation with the committee, shall develop a hazardous confined space entry plan to ensure the health and safety of workers who enter or work in the hazardous confined space. - (2) A hazardous confined space entry plan must be in writing and must include: - (a) the tests or measurements necessary to monitor any oxygen deficiency or enrichment or the presence and hazardous concentration of flammable or explosive substances; - (b) the identification of any other hazards that may be present in the hazardous confined space and may put the health or safety of workers at risk; - (c) the means, if any, of isolating the hazardous confined space; - (d) the means, if any, of ventilating the hazardous confined space; - (e) the procedures to enter, work in and exit from the hazardous confined space safely; - (f) the availability, location and proper use of personal protective equipment; - (g) the rescue procedures to be followed, including the number and duties of personnel and the availability, location and proper use of equipment; - (h) the means to maintain effective communication with a worker who has entered the hazardous confined space; and - (i) the availability, location and proper use of any other equipment that a worker may need to work safely in the hazardous confined space. - (3) An employer shall ensure that the following workers are trained in and implement a hazardous confined space entry plan: - (a) a worker who is required or permitted to enter the hazardous confined space; - (b) a worker who attends a worker in the hazardous confined space pursuant…