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Health & Safety Programs   Confined Space - Program

To manage the risks associated with working in confined spaces, a Confined Space Hazard Assessment and Control Program should be developed and implemented. A Confined Space Hazard Assessment and Control Program, specific for 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:

• 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 plan to eliminate or control all identified hazards.
• 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.
• Development of an emergency plan complete with training and equipment in case an unforeseen situation occurs.
• An emergency response system.
• 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 document "Confined Spaces - Introduction". What is an Entry Permit System?

An Entry Permit is an administrative tool used to document the completion of a hazard assessment for each confined space entry. Someone fully trained and experienced in confined space work should complete the Entry Permit.

Before entering a confined space, an entry permit should be written. 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 will enter the confined space.
• The name(s) of the attendant(s) (safety watch) and/or supervisor.
• The location of the confined space.
• The work that is to be done in the confined space.
• 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, date monitoring equipment was last calibrated. Ideally, calibration would be done just before each use. If this is not possible, follow the equipment manufacturers guidelines for frequency of calibration.
• The use of mechanical ventilation and other protective equipment needed and any other precautions that will be followed by every worker who is going to enter the confined space.
• 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 testing. The signature on the permit would indicate that adequate precautions are being taken to control the anticipated hazards.

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.

There should be 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 from monitoring equipment or any other indication of danger, workers should immediately leave the confined space.

Another worker, the Safety Watch or Standby, is posted outside the confined space and continuously monitors the workers inside the confined space. The Safety Watch has the following duties:

• Understands the nature of the hazards that may be found inside the 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 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 Safety Watch is immediately available.

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 not 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.

If a situation arises where there is a hazardous condition and the worker does not leave or is unable to leave the confined space, rescue procedures should be begin immediately.

The Safety Watch is qualified in confined spaces rescue procedures and will be available immediately outside the confined space to provide emergency assistance if needed. The Safety Watch should be familiar with the structural design of the confined space. The Safety Watch is in constant communication with the worker inside the confined space and will:

• Have an alarm for calling for help.
• Have all required rescue equipment (for example, safety harnesses, lifting equipment, a lifeline) immediately available and be trained in its use.
• Hold a basic first aid certificate.
• Can do Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).

The detailed plan for emergency response to an injury or other emergency within the confined space should be described in detail in the Confined Space Hazard Assessment and Control Program.

Rescue the victims from outside of the confined space, if possible. No other worker should enter a confined space to attempt a rescue unless that worker is fully trained in the rescue procedures and is wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment. More than 60% of deaths in confined spaces are would-be rescuers, who are not fully trained and adequately equipped.

Another worker qualified in confined spaces rescue procedures must be present outside the confined space before the first rescuer enters the confined space. Do not use the same air as the confined space workers you are rescuing. Wear SCBA (self contained breathing apparatus) or supplied air respirator with an escape bottle.

Yes, appropriate training is extremely important to working safely in confined spaces. Hands-on training should be an essential part of the confined space training.

Every worker that enters a confined space must be fully trained on the following:

• Recognition and identification of potential hazards associated with the confined spacesthat will be entered.
• Evaluation and control procedures for the identified or potential hazards.
• All equipment such as ventilation equipment (blowers), harnesses and air qualitymonitors (e.g., Oxygen/combustible meters) that will be used while in the confined space.
• All personal protective equipment (e.g., respirators) that the worker will be using while inthe confined space.
• All procedures for entering the confined space as outlined in the employer's ConfinedSpace Hazard Assessment Program.
• Procedures to follow in the event of a situation developing that could present additionalrisk to the worker or an emergency.
• The specific work to be done while in the confined space.

Workers with emergency rescue responsibilities will need additional specialized training. All confined space training should include some hands-on training with the safety equipment including the personal protective equipment and safety harnesses. Rescue procedures should be practiced frequently so there is a high level of proficiency. Employers should keep records of all confined spaces training including refresher courses.