Topic: Confined Spaces
| TRENT UNIVERSITY HEALTH AND SAFETY PROGRAM ELEMENT | |
|---|---|
Document Name:Trent University H & S Program - Confined Spaces | Document Category:Hazardous Materials, Hazardous Workplaces and Required Controls |
Document Type: | Last Revised (date):February 4, 2019 |
Summary:
Before performing any work in a confined space, employees MUST familiarize themselves with Trent's Confined Space Entry Program.
A confined space is one which, by design, has limited openings for entry and exit, unfavourable natural ventilation which could contain or produce hazardous atmospheres, and is not intended for continuous occupancy. Entry into confined spaces may occur during construction activities or for the purposes of inspection, repair or maintenance.
The atmospheric hazards (oxygen deficiency, oxygen displacement, flammable mixtures, toxic gases) and physical hazards (mechanical, electrical, hydraulic energy, engulfment) associated with confined spaces present risks of injury and death. Biological hazards and environmental conditions can make confined space work undesirable, uncomfortable, and difficult.
It is estimated that there are approximately 300 confined space fatalities in North America every year, and half of these involve would-be rescuers. Confined space fatalities keep occurring because of failure to recognize and control all hazards, and because of inadequate or incorrect (impulsive) emergency response actions.
To ensure safety, a Confined Space Entry Plan is essential. The need for entries into confined spaces must be minimized by design. All necessary entries shall proceed via an entry permit system, which identifies space-specific hazards and controls, safety equipment, cautious work procedures, qualified personnel, and a rescue plan.
Only those with Confined Space training are allowed to work in confined spaces.
Trent has an established Confined Space Entry (CSE) Program that sets out requirements that need to be met for any work can be done in an area that has been identified as a Confined or Restricted space. Requirements include:
Identification:
Please refer to the Confined Space Inventory document to determine if your work area meets the criteria of a confined space as defined in Section 119.1 of Regulation 851 (Regulation for Industrial Establishments) made under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA).
Hazard Assessment:
An assessment of the hazards that workers may be exposed to must be made by a competent person, using the TrentU CS Hazard Assessment Form. The Hazard Assessment must be completed each time there is a new entry permit issued for work to be done in a confined space, and as often and necessary to ensure that the relevant CSE Plan and Permit remain adequate.
CSE Plan:
A CSE plan includes procedures for controlling the hazards identified in the CSE Hazard Assessment. The plan also includes provisions regarding pre-entry checklists, access and egress procedure, and rescue plans. The Trent Confined Space Entry Plan is reviewed annually or every time material changes are made to the configuration of the space or the tasks performed in the Confined Space.
CSE Permit:
Each time work is to be performed in a Confined Space, a separate CSE Permit must be completed. Before a worker enters a confined space, a competent person must review the CSE permit and verify that it complies with the associated CSE Plan. A CSE Permit includes elements such as hazards present and the associated controls, equipment needed for entry and rescue, a description of the rescue plan, and regular atmospheric readings of the confined space.
All the elements of Trent's Confined Space Entry Program must be met before employees can perform work in confined spaces.
If you require any assistance in regards to working with Confined Spaces or have any questions, please feel free to contact the Risk Management Office. All documents pertaining to working in Confined Spaces can also be found on the Trent University Health & Safety SharePoint Portal.
Last Updated: April 26, 2019