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Confined space means, other than a development heading in an underground mine and excavations, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) plenums and related ventilation and related ventilation ductwork, crawl and attic spaces with openings to outside allowing for continuous passive ventilation and other similar structures provided that there are no factors that could lead to the presence of an atmospheric or other hazard, an area that
(a) is enclosed or partially enclosed,
(b) is not designed or intended for continuous human occupancy, and
(c) has limited or restricted means of entry or exit that may complicate the provision of first aid, evacuation, rescue or other emergency response.
262.01(8) An employer shall ensure that the code of practice and any records associated with the code of practice, including an equipment calibration and maintenance log, are kept for a period of two years after the date on which the entry supervisor signed and dated the code of practice.
262.01(9) An employer shall ensure that a copy of the code of practice is readily available to an officer on request.
262.71 When performing a test referred to in subsection 262.06(1) or section 262.7, a competent person shall
(c) maintain an equipment calibration and maintenance log containing the following information:
(i) the date of purchase of the equipment;
(ii) the serial number of the equipment;
(iii) the sensor change schedule for the equipment; and
(iv) the maintenance, repair and calibration history of the equipment.
262.08 An employer shall maintain a list of the confined spaces located at a place of employment and the types of hazards that are or may be present at each confined space.
262.082(1) An employer shall maintain a training record for each employee who has completed the training program referred to in section 262.08 containing the following information:
(a) the name of the employee;
(b) the name of the competent person who provided the training; and
(c) the date on which the training took place.
262.082(2) An employer shall ensure that the training records for each employee is made available to an officer on request.
262.01(1) Before entry is permitted in a confined space, an employer, a contractor and an owner of a place of employment shall each ensure that a code of practice is established for the confined space.
262.01(2) An employer shall consult with the committee or health and safety representative, if any, or with employees if there is no committee or representative, in developing the code of practice.
262.01(3) the code of practice shall contain the following information:
(a) the date and authorized duration of code of practice;
(b) the location of the confined space to which the code of practice applies;
(c) the name of the entry supervisor, emergency response team leader, attendant and air supply system attendant, if applicable, and the entrant;
(d) a description of the work to be performed;
(e) a description of any possible hazards that may affect the health or safety of employees;
(f) the procedures to be followed and the equipment to be used to perform the work; and
(g) the procedures to be followed and equipment to be used in the event of an emergency.
262.01(4) An employer shall ensure that all employees involved in confined space work are adequately instructed and trained in the code of practice and the procedures identified in the code of practice.
262.01(5) The code of practice shall be posted conspicuously near the entrance to the confined space.
262.01(6) An employee shall comply with the code of practice and an employer shall ensure that the employees comply with the code of practice.
262.01(7) An employee who will enter into a confined space or who may undertake a rescue operation in a confined space shall read the code of practice and acknowledge that the employee has received and understood the instructions in the code of practice by signing and dating a copy of the code of practice.
262.01(9) An employer shall ensure that a copy of the code of practice is readily available to an officer on request.
Hazards
262.011 If the circumstances permit, an employer, a contractor and an owner of a place of employment shall each ensure that the hazards identified in the code of practice are addressed by implementing the following hazard control measures in the following order of priority:
(a) measures that involve the elimination of hazards;
(b) measures that involve the selection of less hazardous means of carrying out work, including the substitution of procedures and equipment;
(c) measures that involve the use of engineering controls to reduce the hazards;
(d) administrative measures to reduce the hazards; and
(e) measures that involve protection from the effects of hazards, including the provision of] personal protective equipment.
Engulfment
262.012 An employer shall ensure that no person enters a confined space that may contain a material that has the potential for engulfing the entrant.
Use of equipment and accessories
262.013(1) An employer shall ensure that electrical equipment, atmospheric monitoring equipment and accessories used in a confined spaces that may contain flammable dust, gases or vapours are intrinsically safe.
262.013(2) An employer shall ensure that electrical equipment, atmospheric monitoring equipment and accessories used in a confined space are approved in accordance with CSA Standard C22.01-15, “Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1”, as amended from time to time, for use in hazardous locations as defined in that standard.
Protection from traffic hazard
262.021 If a hazard from any form of traffic exists, an employer, a contractor and an owner of a place of employment shall each ensure that adequate warning signs and barricades are installed to protect an entrant while inside the confined space.
Personal protective equipment
262.083 If an employer or entrant determines that personal protective equipment identified in the code of practice and worn inside a confined space impedes the entrant’s ability to enter or exit the confined space, provisions to protect employees shall be incorporated in the code of practice.
Protective equipment
262.084 An employer and a contractor shall each ensure that all protective equipment and emergency equipment identified in the code of practice have been inspected by a competent person and are in good working order.
262.01(4) An employer shall ensure that all employees involved in confined space work are adequately instructed and trained in the code of practice and the procedures identified in the code of practice
262.081(1) An employer shall establish and implement a training program for employees involved in confined space work.
262.081(2) An employer shall use Table A.1 “Overview of training requirements” of CSA Standard Z1006-10, (2015), “Management of Work in Confined Spaces” as a guide to establishing the content of the training program.
262.08(3) An employer shall ensure that a competent person provides the training program and that the training results in an employee being able to apply the information as needed to protect the employee’s health and safety.
“entry supervisor” means an employee who is responsible for implementing the code of practice.
262.03(1) An entry supervisor shall
(a) implement the code of practice,
(b) prior to entry, ensure that employees involved in the confined space work are instructed and trained in the code of practice and the procedures identified in the code of practice,
(c) ensure that all required actions to be taken before allowing entry to begin have been taken,
(d) sign and date the code of practice,
(e) ensure that acceptable conditions are maintained for the duration of the entry,
(f) ensure that an emergency response team is available for the duration of the entry and that the means for summoning the team are operable,
(g) terminate the entry and ensure removal of entrants and equipment at the appropriate time, and
(h) communicate the status of the entry and the requirements relating to the entry to the next entry supervisor when the entry supervisor is replaced.
262.03(2) If the percentage or concentration referred to in paragraphs 262.061(1)(a) to (e) is unable to be maintained or there is a possibility that any liquid, free flowing solid or hazardous substance may enter into the confined space in a quantity that could endanger the health and safety of the entrant while inside the confined space, the entry supervisor shall ensure that
(a) the confined space is continuously monitored while the entrant is in the confined space, and
(b) procedures are in place and equipment is provided to allow entrant to safely enter and exit the confined space.
“emergency response team leader” means any employee who is responsible for the supervising emergency response team operations and implementing an emergency response procedure.
Duty of emergency response team leader
262.031 An emergency response team leader shall ensure that
(a) a written emergency response procedure is established,
(b) the emergency response procedure is adequate to protect the health and safety of employees and indicates the number of employees required in case of an emergency,
(c) the members of the emergency response team perform a simulated rescue at least once a year, and
(d) the procedures to be followed and the equipment to be used in the event of an emergency are followed and used correctly.
Duty of emergency response team leader in emergency
262.032 In an emergency, an emergency response team leader shall
(a) assume control of all activities during the emergency response and direct the emergency response team,
(b) ensure that the members of the emergency response team properly perform their duties throughout the rescue,
(c) assess the ability of the attendant and air supply system attendant to continue performing their duties, and
(d) maintain two-way communication with all affected parties.
“attendant” means an employee who continuously monitors work in and near a confined space and, if applicable, initiates the emergency response procedure.
“entrant” means any employee who enters a confined space.
**It should be noted, everyone who enters a confined space will have the responsibility of entrant!
“competent” means
(a) qualified, because of such factors as knowledge, training and experience, to do assigned work in a manner that will ensure the health and safety of persons,
(b) knowledgeable about the provisions of the Act and the regulations that apply to the assigned work, and
(c) knowledgeable about potential or actual danger to health or safety connected with the assigned work;
“air supply system attendant” means an employee who continuously monitors the effectiveness of the air-line supply system.
262.01(4) An employer shall ensure that all employees involved in confined space work are adequately instructed and trained in the code of practice and the procedures identified in the code of practice.
262.03(1) An entry supervisor shall
(b) prior to entry, ensure that employees involved in the confined space work are instructed and trained in the code of practice and the procedures identified in the code of practice,
262.01(7) An employee who is about to enter into a confined space or who may undertake a rescue operation in a confined space shall read the code of practice and acknowledge that the employee has received and understood the instructions in the code of practice by signing and dating a copy of the code of practice.
262.031(1) An entry supervisor shall
(d) sign and date the code of practice,
“competent” means
(a) qualified, because of such factors as knowledge, training and experience, to do assigned work in a manner that will ensure the health and safety of persons,
(b) knowledgeable about the provisions of the Act and the regulations that apply to the assigned work, and
(c) knowledgeable about potential or actual danger to health or safety connected with the assigned work;
262.02 Before entry is permitted in a confined space, an employer and a contractor shall each ensure that a competent person verifies that the opening of the confined space is large enough to allow safe entry and exit by an entrant wearing personal protective equipment and a member of the emergency response team using emergency response equipment.
**It should be noted, everyone who enters a confined space will have the responsibility of entrant!
262.05 An entrant shall exit a confined space and notify the attendant if the entrant
(a) observes a hazard that is not identified in the code of practice and for which hazard control measures are not in place, or
(b) believes the atmosphere of the confined space is unsafe due to the limitations of the equipment or the hazard control measures that are in place.
Full body harness
262.09(1) When required by the code of practice, an employer shall ensure that an employee entering, exiting or occupying a confined space wears a full body harness that is referred to in the code and attached to a life line that is attached to a secure anchor located outside the confined space , which lifeline and anchor are operated by a competent employee.
262.09(2) An employer shall ensure that the full body harness conforms with the requirements for Class E harnesses in CSA standard Z259.10-18, “Full Body Harness” or a standard offering equivalent or better protection.
Life lines
262.091(1) When more than one entrant occupies a confined space, an employer shall ensure that steps are taken to prevent the life lines attached to the full body harnesses worn by the entrants from becoming entangled.
262.091(2) The use of a life line is not required if the code of practice identifies conditions that make its use impractical or unsafe.
262.04 An attendant shall
(a) be stationed at all times immediately outside the point of entry to or exit from the confined space and continuously monitor work in and near the confined space,
(b) be knowledgeable about the actual and potential hazards associated with entering a confined space,
(c) maintain two-way communication with the entrant,
(d) review the entry procedures prior to entry,
(e) during the entry,
(i) monitor conditions or changes that could adversely affect the health or safety of the entrant,
(ii) ensure that the procedures to be followed and the equipment to be used in the event of an emergency are followed and used correctly,
(iii) recognize the signs and symptoms of illnesses, injuries and hazard exposures that can compromise the health or safety of the entrant,
(iv) have a means for two-way communication with the entry supervisor and emergency response team leader, and
(v) keep track of entrants entering and exiting the confined space.
262.041 In an emergency, an attendant shall
(a) initiate the emergency response procedure,
(b) order an evacuation of the confined space, if necessary, and
(c) assist with or perform a non-entry rescue as set out in the code of practice.
262.051 Neither an employer nor a contractor shall permit an employee to enter or remain in a confined space in which the atmosphere is not within acceptable limits.
262.052 Despite section 262.051, an employer or a contractor may, if the hazard control measures identified in the code of practice are in place, permit an employee to enter or remain in a confined space in which the percentage of oxygen is less than 19.5 % by volume.
262.06(1) Prior to an employee entering a confined space, an employer shall ensure that a competent person tests the atmosphere of the confined space taking into consideration the stratification of air contaminants and oxygen to ensure that the atmosphere is within acceptable limits.
262.061(1) The atmosphere of a confined space is within acceptable limits if
(a) the percentage of oxygen is not less than 19.5% by volume and not more than 23% by volume,
(b) the concentration of an air contaminant does not exceed 50% of the lower explosive limit or lower flammability limit of the air contaminant when the confined space work is cleaning or inspecting and does not create a source of ignition,
(c) the concentration of an air contaminant does not exceed 10% of the lower explosive limit or lower flammability limit of the air contaminant when the confined space work is cold work using non-sparking equipment,
(d) the concentration of an air contaminant does not exceed 5% of the lower explosive limit or lower flammability limit of the air contaminant when the confined space work is riveting, welding, flame cutting or other fire or spark producing work,
(e) the concentration of air contaminants and physical agents meet the requirements of this Regulation;
(f) the concentration or percentage referred to in paragraphs (a) to (e) can be maintained during the period of proposed occupancy in the confined space;
(g) any liquid in which an employee may drown or any free flowing solid in which an employee may become entrapped has been removed from the confined space;
(h) the entry of any liquid, free flowing solid or hazardous substance into the confined space in a quantity that could endanger the health or safety of the employee has been prevented by a secure means of disconnecting the pipes adjacent to the confined space or fitting blank flanges or blind flanges to the pipes adjacent to the confined space; and
(i) all electrical or other equipment and machines that present a hazard to an entrant while entering, exiting or occupying the confined space have been put in a zero-energy state and locked out in accordance with this Regulation.
262.061(2) In order to bring the atmosphere of a confined space within acceptable limits, an employer shall
(a) ventilate the confined space,
(b) remove air contaminants from the confined space by the displacement of air, or
(c) intentionally flood the atmosphere inside the confined space with an inert gas such as nitrogen in order to eliminate the hazard of ignition of flammable vapours inside the confined space and create an oxygen deficient atmosphere.
262.07 If ventilation systems are used to limit the concentration of air contaminants or to maintain safe levels of oxygen in the atmosphere of the confined space, an employer shall ensure that a competent person verifies the concentration of air contaminants and oxygen when the ventilation systems are shut down and when the ventilation systems are turned on.
262.071 When performing a test referred to in subsection 262.06(1) and section 262.07, a competent person shall
(a) use appropriate equipment that has been calibrated in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications,
(b) ump test the equipment {at least}once each day of use unless the manufacturer requires bump tests be done more often, and
(c) maintain an equipment calibration and maintenance log containing the following information:
(i) the date of purchase of the equipment;
(ii) the serial number of the equipment;
(ii) the sensor change schedule for the equipment; and
(iv) the maintenance, repair and calibration history of the equipment.
262.072 When the source of air contaminants or oxygen cannot be determined from outside the confined space, an employer shall ensure that appropriate hazard control measures are implemented prior to entry and the source of air contaminants and oxygen are identified from inside the confined space before other work proceeds.
262.092 If a confined space in which entry is required contains an IDLH atmosphere, an employer shall ensure that a pressure-demand SCBA or a multi-functional SCBA/airline respirator with auxiliary self-contained air supply has a minimum rated service time of 15 minutes, or additional capacity if required by the code of practice.
“IDLH atmosphere” means an atmosphere that poses an immediate threat to life or that will cause irreversible adverse health effects or impair a person’s ability to escape.
262.042 When an air supply system attendant is identified in a code of practice, the air supply system attendant shall ensure both in normal and emergency situations that
(a) the air-line supply system is in proper working order and the air supply is uninterrupted, and
(b) the air lines do not become entangled or otherwise compromised.
262.022(1) An employer and a contractor shall each ensure that an emergency response team is present and ready to respond immediately if the confined space
(a) contains or could develop an atmospheric or other hazard, or
(b) has an internal configuration such that an entrant could be trapped or asphyxiated by inwardly converging walls or by a floor which slopes downward and tapers to a smaller cross-section.
262.022(2) If a confined space contains an IDLH atmosphere, an employer and a contractor shall each ensure that an emergency response team is able to reach the entrant within three minutes after the attendant initiates the emergency response procedure.
“IDLH atmosphere” means an atmosphere that poses an immediate threat to life or that will cause irreversible adverse health effects or impair a person’s ability to escape.
