FROM THE FIELD: DELANEY GALL
Confined spaces are a regular hazard of work in the heavy construction industry year-round. Is important to know what hazards and controls are required when working in or around confined spaces.
Under the Workplace safety and health act there are two types of confined spaces. They include:
- A confined space is an enclosed or partially enclosed space that except for the purpose of performing work, is not primarily designed or intended for human occupancy; and has restricted means of access or egress.
- A hazardous confined space is a confined space that is or may become hazardous to a worker who enters or is in the space due to:
- the design, construction or atmosphere of the space;
- materials or substances in the space;
- the work activities or processes in the space; or
- any other conditions within or related to the space.
Confined spaces must be considered hazardous until a complete hazard assessment has been conducted and control measures are implemented.
The risks of working in and around confined spaces are numerous such as access/egress constraints, falls, engulfment, flooding, temperatures, hazardous atmospheres (toxic and/or flammable gasses, oxygen deficiency), and more.
It is essential that steps are taken to eliminate or reduce hazards when working in confined spaces. These include:
- Conducting a detailed risk assessment prior to work being conducted.
- Testing the atmosphere prior to entry by workers. The space should be continuously monitored should changes occur during work.
- Completion of a confined space entry permit as per regulation 15.6 of the Workplace Safety and Health Act.
- Having only trained workers enter the confined space.
- Identify what personal protective equipment is required and ensure it is inspected and used correctly by workers.
- Having a standby worker ready and available at the entrance to the confined space with first aid training.
- Lockout/tagout equipment and procedures available specific to the work being done.
- Procedures for communication with the standby worker.
- A documented emergency plan with rescue procedures that is known to all workers entering the confined space or acting as standby workers.
With these steps and more, we can aid our confined space workers to conduct their jobs safely day in and day out.
