Write a toolbox talk for confined space

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# Part 5 Confined Spaces (cont.) ## Testing the atmosphere (cont.) Section 53 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE Part 5 AR 191/2021 ## Ventilation and purging - 53(1) If the atmospheric testing under section 52 identifies that a hazardous atmosphere exists or is likely to exist in a confined space, an employer must ensure that the confined space is ventilated, purged or both before a worker enters the confined space. - 53(2) If ventilating or purging a confined space is impractical or ineffective in eliminating a hazardous atmosphere, the employer must ensure that a worker who enters the confined space uses personal protective equipment appropriate for the conditions within the confined space. - 53(3) If mechanical ventilation is needed to maintain a safe atmosphere in a confined space during the work process, an employer must ensure it is provided and operated as needed. - 53(4) If mechanical ventilation is required to maintain a safe atmosphere in the confined space, the employer must ensure that (a) the ventilation system incorporates a method of alerting workers to a failure of the system so that workers have sufficient time to safely leave the confined space, and (b) all workers within the confined space have received training in the evacuation procedures to be used in the event of a ventilation system failure. - 53(5) All workers must evacuate a confined space or use an alternative means of protection if a ventilation system fails. ## Inerting 54(1) An employer must ensure that a confined space is inerted if it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate an explosive or flammable atmosphere within the confined space through another means. - 54(2) If a confined space is inerted, an employer must ensure that (a) every worker entering the confined space is equipped with supplied air respiratory protective equipment that complies with Part 18, (b) all ignition sources are controlled, and (c) the atmosphere within the confined space stays in…

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# What are the hazards in a confined space? All hazards found in a regular workspace can also be found in a confined space. However, they can be even more hazardous in a confined space than in a regular worksite. Hazards in confined spaces can include: - Poor air quality: - Insufficient amount of oxygen for the worker to breathe. - Toxic gases that could make the worker ill or cause the worker to lose consciousness. Examples include hydrogen sulphide and carbon monoxide). - Asphyxiants - simple asphyxiants are gases which can displace oxygen in the air (normally about 21 percent). Low oxygen levels (19.5 percent or less) can cause symptoms such as rapid breathing, rapid heart rate, clumsiness, emotional upset, and fatigue. As less oxygen becomes available, nausea and vomiting, collapse, convulsions, coma and death can occur. Unconsciousness or death could result within minutes following exposure to a simple asphyxiant. Simple asphyxiants include argon, nitrogen, or carbon dioxide. - Chemical exposures due to skin contact or ingestion (as well as inhalation of toxic gases). - Fire hazard - An explosive or flammable atmosphere due to flammable liquids and gases and combustible dusts which, if ignited, would lead to fire or explosion. - Process-related hazards - such as residual chemicals, or release of contents of a supply line. - Physical hazards - noise, heat, cold, radiation, vibration, electrical, and inadequate lighting. - Safety hazards - such as moving parts of equipment, structural hazards, engulfment, entanglement, slips, or falls. - Vehicular and pedestrian traffic. - Shifting or collapse of bulk material (engulfment). - Barrier failure that results in a flood or release of free-flowing solid or liquid. - Visibility - such as smoke particles in the air. - Biological hazards - viruses, bacteria from fecal matter and sludge, fungi, or moulds. Confined Space - Introduction CCOHS

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# Confined Space - Program (cont.) ## What should happen when work is being done in a confined space? (cont.) - Understands the nature of the hazards that may be found inside that particular confined space and can recognize signs, symptoms and behavioural effects that workers in the confined space could experience. - Monitors the confined space and surrounding area and is on the look out for dangerous conditions. - Remains outside the confined space and does no other work which may interfere with their primary duty of monitoring the workers inside the confined space. - Maintains constant two-way communication with the workers in the confined space. - Orders the immediate evacuation if a potential hazard, not already controlled for, is detected. - Calls for emergency assistance immediately if an emergency develops. - Is immediately available to provide non-entry emergency assistance when needed. - Can provide entry rescue only after the most stringent precautions are taken and another attendant is immediately available to assume the attendant duties Should a worker leave a confined space for a short time (for example, coffee break, getting additional material for their work), the confined space should be re-tested before the worker re-enters. If the confined space has been continuously monitored by equipment that can show the details of the atmosphere during the time absent from the confined space and this information can be seen from outside the confined space, it can be re-entered without retesting. If there is no continuous air monitoring then the hazard assessment needs to be repeated. No confined space should be closed off until it has been verified that no person is inside it. After exiting the confined space, the time of exit should be noted on the entry permit. ## What are some emergency response precautions? The detailed plan for emergency response to an injury or other emergency within the confined space should be described in detail in the…

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# PART 12 - EXCAVATIONS, TRENCHES AND CONSTRUCTION (cont.) ## PART 13 - CONFINED SPACE (cont.) Occupational Health and Safety Act General Regulations PART 13 - CONFINED SPACE Section 13.3 (d) the confined space is tested and evaluated by a competent person, properly equipped with personal protective equipment, who (i) used an approved calibrated instrument that has been functionally tested, (ii) records the results of each test in a permanent record which is available to an officer, (iii) certifies in writing in a permanent record that the confined space is free from hazard, and (iv) specifies the procedures to be followed to ensure that the space remains free of hazard; (e) ground fault circuit interrupters are used for electrical equipment taken into wet or solidly grounded confined spaces unless battery operated or safety low voltage equipment is used; and (f) training in emergency procedures is provided for workers assigned to a confined space entry job including the worker stationed outside the confined space. (EC180/87; 126/21) ## 13.3 Hazardous confined space, conditions for entry The employer shall ensure that a confined space in which there exists or is likely to exist (a) a hazardous accumulation of gas, vapour, dust, mist, smoke or fumes; or (b) an oxygen content of less than 19.5% or more than 23% at atmospheric pressure is entered only when (c) the requirements of section 13.2 and clause 13.5(a) are complied with; (d) the space is purged and ventilated to provide a safe atmosphere; and (e) provisions for continuous or periodic monitoring have been established to ensure that the hazardous condition does not recur; (f) another worker is stationed outside the confined space; (g) the worker entering the space is using such other equipment as is necessary to ensure his safety; (h) suitable arrangements have been made to remove the worker from the confined space should it be required; (i) a person adequately trained in cardiopulmonary…

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# Confined Space - Program (cont.) ## What is an Entry Permit System? (cont.) - The scope of the work that is to be done in the confined space. - Possible hazards that may be encountered inside and outside the space. - Possible hazards that may develop during the work activity. - The date and time of entry into the confined space and the anticipated time of exit. - The details of any atmospheric testing done of the confined space - when, where, results, and date monitoring equipment was last calibrated. Ideally, calibration (including bump test) would be done just before each use. If this is not possible, follow the equipment manufacturer's guidelines for the frequency of calibration. - Hazard control measures, including the use of mechanical ventilation, work procedures, personal protective equipment needed and any other precautions that must be followed by every worker who is going to enter the confined space. - Means of communication between the persons working in the confined space and the attendant. - Emergency plan, and the protective equipment and emergency equipment to be used by any person who takes part in a rescue or responds to other emergency situations in the confined space - A signature of a worker who did the confined space air testing. The signature on the permit would indicate that adequate precautions are being taken to control the anticipated hazards. - Authorization signature by the supervisor certifying that the space has been properly evaluated, prepared, and it is safe for entry and work. The entry permit should be posted at the confined space and remain so until the work is completed. The employer should keep a copy of the completed permit on file. ## What should happen when work is being done in a confined space? Use warning signs to prevent unauthorized entry to the confined space. Anyone working in a confined space must be constantly alert for any changing conditions within the confined space. In the event of an alarm fr…

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# Confined Space - Program (cont.) ## What is a Confined Space Hazard Assessment and Control Program? (cont.) - Development of an emergency plan complete with training and equipment in case an unforeseen situation occurs. - An emergency response system. - Reporting and investigating incidents related to work in confined spaces. - Record and documentation control. - Program review whenever there is a change in circumstances or at least annually, to identify program weaknesses and make any necessary changes to the program. More information about confined spaces is located in the OSH Answers documents Confined Spaces - Introduction and Confined Space - Atmospheric Testing. ## What is an Entry Permit System? An entry permit is an administrative tool used to document the completion of a hazard and risk assessment for each confined space entry. Someone fully trained and experienced in confined space work should complete the entry permit. Some jurisdictions require a permit for all confined space entries. An entry permit is required for confined spaces where the hazard and risk assessment determined that the measures to control the risk involve the following: - atmospheric monitoring, - isolation, - lockout, - ventilation, - safeguarding devices, - respiratory protection, or - any other control that needs to be verified and documented in the permit as required by the assessment. Before entering a confined space, an entry permit should be completed. It should contain at least the following information: - The length of time the permit is valid for. - The name(s) of the worker(s) that are authorized to enter the confined space. - The name(s) of the attendant(s) (safety watch). - The name of the supervisor responsible for the work. - The location and description of the confined space. Confined Space - Program CCOHS

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CCOHS CCHST Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Centre canadien d'hygiène et de sécurité au travail Confined Space # Confined Space - Program ## On this page What is a Confined Space Hazard Assessment and Control Program? What is an Entry Permit System? What should happen when work is being done in a confined space? What are some emergency response precautions? How many people must be present while work is being done in a confined space? Is worker training important? ## What is a Confined Space Hazard Assessment and Control Program? To manage the risks associated with working in confined spaces, employers must develop and implement a confined space hazard assessment and control program. A confined space hazard assessment and control program, specific to the work being conducted, should be written for work in each and every confined space. A confined space hazard assessment and control program should include the following: - Description of roles and responsibilities of each person or party (e.g., employer, supervisor, workers, attendants, and emergency response team). - Advice on how to identify confined spaces. - The identification and assessment of all potential hazards that may exist at the beginning of the work as well as those that may develop because of the work activities. - A procedure to conduct atmospheric testing and monitoring, as required. - A plan to eliminate or control all identified hazards. - Written work procedures. - Training program for all the workers that will enter into the confined spaces. - The establishment of an entry permit system for each entry into a confined space. Confined Space - Program CCOHS

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# APPENDIX C EXAMPLES OF PERMIT-REQUIRED CONFINED (cont.) ## B. ENTRY PERMIT REQUIRED Permits. Confined Space Entry Permit. All spaces shall be considered permit-required confined spaces until the pre-entry procedures demonstrate otherwise. Any employee required or permitted to pre-check or enter a permit-required confined space shall have successfully completed, as a minimum, the training as required by the following sections of these procedures. A written copy of operating and rescue procedures as required by these procedures shall be at the work site for the duration of the job. The Confined Space Entry Permit must be completed before approval can be given to enter a permit-required confined space. This permit verifies completion of items listed below. This permit shall be kept at the job site for the duration of the job. If circumstances cause an interruption in the work or a change in the alarm conditions for which entry was approved, a new Confined Space Entry Permit must be completed. ## Control of atmospheric and engulfment hazards. Surveillance. The surrounding area shall be surveyed to avoid hazards such as drifting vapors from tanks, piping or sewers. Testing. The confined space atmosphere shall be tested to determine whether dangerous air contamination and/or oxygen deficiency exists. A direct reading gas monitor shall be used. Testing shall be performed by the SUPERVISOR who has successfully completed the gas detector training for the monitor he will use. The minimum parameters to be monitored are oxygen deficiency, LFL and hydrogen sulfide concentration. A written record of the pre-entry test results shall be made and kept at the work site for the duration of the job. Affected employees shall be able to review the testing results. The most hazardous conditions shall govern when work is being performed in two adjoining, connected spaces. Space Ventilation. Mechanical ventilation systems, where applicable, shall be set at 100% outside air. Where po…

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# What is a confined space? Generally speaking, a confined space is a fully or partially enclosed space that: - is not primarily designed or intended for continuous human occupancy - has limited or restricted entrance or exit, or a configuration that can complicate first aid, rescue, evacuation, or other emergency response activities - can represent a risk for the health and safety of anyone who enters, due to one or more of the following factors: - its design, construction, location or atmosphere - the materials or substances in it - work activities being carried out in it, or - the mechanical, process and safety hazards present Confined spaces can be found in almost any workplace. Confined spaces can be below or above ground. A confined space, despite its name, is not necessarily small. Examples of confined spaces include silos, vats, hoppers, utility vaults, tanks, water supply towers, sewers, pipes, access shafts, truck or rail tank cars, aircraft wings, boilers, manholes, pump stations, digesters, manure pits and storage bins. Ditches, wells, and trenches may also be confined spaces when access or egress is limited (but they still have "blue sky" above). Barges, shipping containers and fish holds are also considered as possible confined spaces. Tunnels Wells Manholes Cold Storage Ship Holds Subcellars Tanks Culverts Silos Vaults Open Ditch Confined Space - Introduction CCOHS

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# Why is working in a confined space more hazardous than working in other workspaces? (cont.) ## How are fire and explosion prevented? (cont.) Continuous Monitor for Oxygen and Combustible Gases If potential flammable atmosphere hazards are identified during the initial testing, the air in the confined space should be cleaned or purged, ventilated and then tested again before entry to the confined space is allowed. Only after the air testing is within allowable limits should entry occur as the gases used for purging can also be extremely hazardous. ## How are energy sources controlled? All potentially hazardous energy sources such as electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, or thermal must be de-energized (or isolated) and locked out prior to entry to the confined space so that equipment cannot be turned on unintentionally. If de-energization is not possible, the hazardous energy must be controlled in a way that eliminates or minimizes worker exposure to the hazards before workers are allowed to enter the confined space. It is important that any method of control other than isolation and lockout must be evaluated and the effectiveness for controlling the hazardous energy must be demonstrated. Please see the OSH Answers on Hazardous Energy Control Programs and Lockout/Tag_out for more information. ## What are other safety precautions? Many other situations or hazards may be present in a confined space. Be sure that all hazards and risks are identified and controlled, for example: - Any liquids or free-flowing solids should be removed from the confined space to eliminate the risk of drowning or suffocation. - All pipes should be physically disconnected or isolation blanks bolted in place. Closing valves is not sufficient. - Use two blocking valves, with an open vent or bleed valve between the blocking valves when isolating pipelines or similar conveyances to prevent entry of materials and hazardous contaminants. - A barrier is present to p…