HomeMy WebLinkAboutPR 662 HS - Confined Space Entry
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PROCEDURE PR.662.HS
TITLE: CONFINED SPACE ENTRY
Date issued: February 2008
Last revised: 26 June 2012
Authorization: Senior Staff: 12 February 2008
1.0 OBJECTIVE
To establish procedures to ensure the health and safety of all staff and contractors who may
perform work in confined spaces or perform related work with respect to confined spaces in the
course of their duties.
2.0 DEFINITIONS
In this procedure,
2.1 Acceptable Atmospheric Levels means that:
a) the atmospheric concentration of any explosive or flammable gas or vapour is
less than:
(i) 25 per cent of its lower explosive limit, if paragraph (i) of section 4.7 (c)
applies;
(ii) 10 per cent of its lower explosive limit, if paragraph (ii) of section 4.7 (c)
applies;
(iii) 5 per cent of its lower explosive limit, if paragraph (iii) of section 4.7 (c)
applies;
b) the oxygen content of the atmosphere is at least 19.5 per cent but not more than
23 per cent by volume; and
c) the exposure to atmospheric contaminants does not exceed any applicable level
set out in Regulation 632 Table 1
2.2 Adequate when used in relation to a procedure, plan, material, device, object or thing,
means that it is sufficient for both its intended and its actual use, and suff icient to protect
a worker from occupational illness or occupational injury.
2.3 Atmospheric Hazards are the accumulation of flammable, combustible or explosive
agents, an oxygen content in the atmosphere that is less than 19.5% or more than 23%
by volume, or the accumulation of atmospheric contaminants, including gases, vapours,
fumes, dusts or mists that could result in acute health effects that pose an immediate
threat to life or interfere with a person’s ability to escape unaided from a confined space.
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2.4 Authorized Attendant refers to a person who, because of knowledge, information and
instruction received on the space to be entered, the control of inherent and produced
hazards, regulatory and employer requirements, is authorized to remain outside the
entry point to the space and undertake the tasks identified of that person in accordance
with the safe work procedures.
2.5 Authorized Entrant refers to a person who, because of knowledge, information and
instruction received on the space to be entered, the control of inherent and produced
hazards, regulatory and employer requirements, is authorized to enter the space and
undertake the tasks identified of that person in accordance with the safe work
procedures.
2.6 Cold Work is work that is not capable of producing a source of ignition.
2.7 Confined Space is a fully or partially enclosed space that is neither designed nor
constructed for continuous human occupancy and in which atmospheric hazards may
occur because of its construction, location or contents or because of work that is done
in it.
2.8 Contractor refers to any outside company engaged by contractual agreement either
with the District or the constructor, as defined in the Act.
2.9 Competent Worker, in relation to specific work, means a worker who:
a) is qualified because of knowledge, training and experience to perform the work;
b) is familiar with the Act and with the provisions of the regulations that apply to the
work, and
c) has knowledge of all potential or actual danger to health or safety in the work.
2.10 District refers to the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board.
2.11 Employer refers to the District in circumstances where District staff is used in confined
space entry, related operations and where the work involved is not deemed a project as
defined by the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act).
2.12 Hot Work is work that is capable of producing a source of ignition.
2.13 Lead Employer means an employer who contracts for the services of one or more
other employers or independent contractors in relation to one or more confined spaces
that are located in the lead employer’s own workplace or in another employer’s
workplace.
2.14 Limited Access Spaces refer to those spaces for which entry and exit are difficult, the
space is not meant for continuous human occupancy, and no atmospheric hazards are
anticipated. However, if this space is being entered to investigate an odour or the work
within will create an atmospheric hazard (e.g., welding, cutting, soldering) the space will
be considered a confined space.
2.15 Related Work is work that is performed near a confined space in direct support of work
inside the confined space.
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3.0 RESPONSIBILITY
3.1 Superintendent of Facilities, the Facilities Department and any other department(s) or
contractors engaged in work in confined spaces or work related to confined spaces.
4.0 PROCEDURES
4.1 The District will ensure the health and safety of all staff and contractors who perform
work in confined spaces by:
a) properly identifying, assessing and controlling the hazards associated with
entering/exiting and working in confined spaces;
b) providing rescue equipment for confined space entry and methods of
communication for both confined spaces;
c) establishing safe work procedures for entering/exiting and working in confined
spaces or spaces that may have limited access and are not meant for human
occupancy, but do not fall under the definition of a confined space; and
d) training and equipping maintenance staff, and providing information and training
to all staff and other personnel who may be involved with confined space entry.
4.2 Prior to a worker entering a confined space, the employer will ensure that:
a) an adequate assessment, as per section 4.5 of this procedure, of the hazards
related to the confined space has been carried out by appropriate staff in
Facilities Department;
b) a written plan, including safe work procedures for the control of hazards identified
in the assessment, has been developed and implemented by a competent worker
for the confined space and any spaces having limited access;
c) an adequate number of people trained in the on -site rescue procedures that
apply to the specific confined spaces, first aid and cardio-pulmonary
resuscitation, and the use of the rescue equipment are available for immediate
implementation of the on-site rescue procedures; and
d) where work is being undertaken in a space that meets the criteria of 4.1 (c) and
2.14, and the work produces atmospheric hazards, that the space will be
considered to be a confined space and subject to the requirements of this
procedure.
Multi-Employer Involvement
4.3 If the workers of more than one employer perform work in the same confined space the
following must occur:
a) Before any worker enters the confined space or begins related work with respect
to the confined space, the lead employer shall prepare a co-ordination document
to ensure that the duties imposed on employers are performed in a way that
protects the health and safety of all workers who perform work in the confined
space or related work with respect to the confined space;
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b) The co-ordination document may provide for the performance of duty or duties
referred to in that subsection by one or more employers on behalf of one or more
other employers, with respect to some or all of the workers;
c) A copy of the co-ordination document will be provided to each employer’s joint
occupational health and safety committee (JOHSC) or occupational health and
safety (OHS) representative, if any, and each employer of workers who perform
work in the same confined space or related work with respect to the same
confined space; and
d) The additional requirements in 4.2 also apply.
4.4 A written program/procedure for confined spaces will be developed and maintained in
consultation with the JOHSC. The employer will provide a copy of the
program/procedure to the JOHSC and ensure that a copy of the program/procedure is
available to any other employer of workers who perform work to which the
program/procedure relates, and every worker who performs work to which the
program/procedure relates if the workplace has no JOHSC or OHS representative. See
Appendix A for the specific work procedures.
Assessment/Inventory
4.5 An assessment/inventory will be conducted and recorded in writing and will consider,
with respect to each confined space, the hazards that may exist due to the design,
construction, location, use or contents of the confined space and the hazards that may
develop while work is done inside the confined space.
4.6 The record of the assessment may be incorporated into an entry permit for confined
spaces, under section 4.5.
4.7 If two or more confined spaces are of similar construction and present the same
hazards, their assessments may be recorded in a single document, but each confined
space will be clearly identified in the assessment.
4.8 The employer will appoint a person with adequate knowledge, training and experience
(competent worker) to carry out the assessment and will maintain a record containing
details of the person’s knowledge, training and experience.
4.9 The assessment will contain the name of the person who carries out the assessment;
this person will sign and date the assessment and provide it to the employer.
4.10 On request, the employer will provide copies of the assessment and of the record
mentioned in subsection (d) to the JOHSC or the OHS representative, if any, or every
worker who performs work to which the assessment relates, if the workplace has no
JOHSC or OHS representative.
4.11 The employer shall ensure that the assessment is reviewed as often as is necessary to
ensure that the relevant plan remains adequate.
Refer to Appendix B, Attachment 2 for the Confined Space Assessment form.
Plan
4.12 A written plan, including procedures for the control of hazards identified in the
assessment, will be developed and implemented by a competent worker for the
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confined space. The employer will ensure that the plan is reviewed as of ten as is
necessary to ensure that it remains adequate. Refer to Ontario Regulation 632/05 and
Appendix A.
TRAINING
Awareness Training
4.13 Awareness training will be provided to all supervisors, principals, managers, vice-
principals and OHSC and JOHSC members or representatives whose sites contain
confined spaces.
Confined Spaces Training
4.14 Confined spaces training will be provided to all OCDSB staff, who are required to
undertake confined spaces entry as part of their job duties, including Facilities
Maintenance staff and Facilities Operations staff as well as contract trades-people and
Design and Construction staff involved in project management. This training will
include:
a) Hazard recognition and other general training:
(i) Every worker who enters a confined space or who performs related work
will be given adequate training for safe work practices for working in
confined spaces and for performing related work, including training in the
recognition of hazards associated with confined spaces.
(ii) A person with adequate knowledge, training and experience will be
appointed to conduct the training.
(iii) Training under this section is to be developed in consultation with the
JOHSC or the OHS representative, if any.
(iv) Training under this section will be reviewed, in consultation with the
JOHSC or the OHS representative, if any, whenever there is a change in
circumstances that may affect the safety of a worker who enters a
confined space in the workplace, and in any case at least once annually.
(v) Up-to-date written records will be maintained showing who provided and
who received training under this section, the nature of the training and the
date when it was provided.
(vi) The records may be incorporated into an entry permit.
(vii) Plan-specific training (training in safe work procedures).
(A) Every worker who enters a confined space or who performs related
work must receive adequate training, in accordance with the
relevant plan, to work safely and properly, and follow the plan.
(B) Up-to-date written records will be maintained, showing who
provided and who received training under this section, and the date
when it was provided.
Other Training
4.15 Everyone acting in a capacity as an attendant or who may perform work in a confined
space or perform related work with respect to the entry of a confined space must hold a
current Standard level first-aid and CPR card. In addition, training in rescue procedures
and the use of rescue equipment must also be done for those appointed as the rescue
team.
Entry/Exit of Confined Spaces
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Entry Permits for Confined Spaces
4.16 Before each shift, a competent worker will verify that the entry permit complies with the
relevant plan. The employer will ensure that the entry permit, during the time period for
which it applies, is readily available to every person who enters the confined space and
to every person who performs related work with respect to the confined space. The
entry permit will be adequate and will include at least the following:
a) The location of the confined space.
b) A description of the work to be performed there.
c) A description of the hazards and the corresponding control measures.
d) The time period for which the entry permit applies.
e) The name of the attendant.
f) A record of each worker’s entries and exits.
g) A list of the equipment required for entry and rescue and verification that the
equipment is in good working order.
h) Results obtained in atmospheric testing.
i) If the work to be performed in the confined space includes hot work, adequate
provisions for the hot work and corresponding control measures.
See Appendix C, Attachment 3 for the Confined Space Entry Permit.
Preventing Unauthorized Entry
4.17 If there is a possibility of unauthorized entry into a confined space, the employer will
ensure that each entrance to the confined space is adequately secured against
unauthorized entry and/or has been provided with adequate barricades and adequate
warning signs regarding unauthorized entry.
Means for Entering and Exiting
4.18 An adequate means for entering and exiting will be provided for all workers who enter a
confined space, in accordance with the relevant plan. Procedures to follow when
entering/exiting a confined space are outlined in Appendix A.
Rescue Procedures and Equipment
4.19 Refer to Appendix A for rescue procedures and rescue equipment for confined spaces.
HAZARDS
Hazard Recognition
4.20 Refer to Appendix A for procedures regarding hazard recognition and identification.
Atmospheric Testing for Confined Spaces
4.21 The employer will appoint a person with adequate knowledge training and experience to
perform adequate tests as often as necessary, before and while a worker is in a
confined space, to ensure that acceptable atmospheric levels are maintained in the
confined space in accordance with the program outlined in Appendix A.
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Explosive and Flammable Substances
4.22 The employer must ensure that no worker enters or remains in a confined space that
contains or is likely to contain an explosive or flammable gas or vapour unless one of
the following applies:
a) The worker is performing only inspection work that does not produce a source of
ignition. In the case of an explosive or flammable gas or vapour, the atmospheric
concentration is less than 25 per cent of its lower explosive limit, as determined
by a combustible gas instrument.
b) The worker is performing only cold work. In the case of an explosive or
flammable gas or vapour, the atmospheric concentration is less than 10 per cent
of its lower explosive limit, as determined by a combustible gas instrument.
c) The worker is performing hot work. All the following conditions are satisfied:
(i) In the case of an explosive or flammable gas or vapour, the atmospheric
concentration is less than 5 per cent of its lower explosive limit, as
determined by a combustible gas instrument.
(ii) The atmosphere in the confined space does not contain, and is not likely
to contain while a worker is inside, an oxygen content greater than 23 per
cent.
(iii) The atmosphere in the confined space is monitored continuously.
(iv) The entry permit includes adequate provisions for hot work and
corresponding control measures.
(v) An adequate alarm system and exit procedure are provided to ensure that
workers have adequate warning and are able to exit the confined space
safely if the atmospheric concentration of an explosive or flammable gas
or vapour exceeds 5 per cent of its lower explosive limit and/or the oxygen
content of the atmosphere exceeds 23 per cent by volume.
(vi) Sections (i) and (ii) do not apply if:
(A) the atmosphere in the confined space has been rendered inert by
adding an inert gas and is monitored continuously to ensure that it
remains inert, and
(B) a worker entering the confined space uses adequate respiratory
protective equipment, adequate equipment to allow persons outside
the confined space to locate and rescue the worker if necessary,
and such other equipment as is necessary to ensure the worker’s
safety.
Ventilation
4.23 If atmospheric hazards exist or are likely to exist in a confined space, the confined
space will be ventilated before any worker enters it, to ensure that acceptable
atmospheric levels are maintained in the confined space while any worker i s inside. If
mechanical ventilation is required, an adequate warning system and exit procedure will
also be provided to ensure that workers have adequate warning of ventilation failure
and are able to exit the confined space safely. For the ventilation procedures to follow,
refer to Appendix A.
Isolation of Energy in Confined Spaces and Control of Materials Movement in Confined
Spaces
4.24 Each worker entering a confined space must be adequately protected against:
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a) the release of hazardous substances into the confined space by blanking or
disconnecting piping, or, if this is not practical, by other adequate means;
b) contact with electrical energy inside the confined space that could endanger the
worker by disconnecting, de-energizing, locking out and tagging the source of the
electrical energy or by other adequate means;
c) contact with moving parts of equipment inside the confined space that could
endanger the worker by disconnecting the equipment from its power source, de -
energizing the equipment, locking it out and tagging it, or if this is not practical, by
immobilizing the equipment by blocking or other adequate means; and
d) drowning, engulfment, entrapment, suffocation and other hazards from free -
flowing material, in a confined space, by adequate means.
Additional Requirements
4.25 Where work is being undertaken in a space that meets the criteria of 4.1 (c), and the
work produces atmospheric hazards, that space will be considered to be a confined
space and subject to the requirements of this procedure.
5.0 APPENDICES
Appendix A: Confined Space Entry Procedures
Appendix B Form 662.001: Confined Space Assessment Form
Appendix C Form 662.002: Confined Space Permit
6.0 REFERENCE DOCUMENTS
Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act – R.S.O. 1990
Confined Spaces- Ontario Regulation 632/05 under the Occupational Health and Safety Act
Board Policy P.058.HS: Occupational Health and Safety
Board Procedure PR.594.HS: Employee Safety: Locking out and Tagging
Board Procedure PR.643.HS: Health and Safety, Workplace Inspections
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Appendix A
Confined Space Entry Procedures
Inventory Form, and
Confined Space Entry Permit
(forming part of Board Procedure PR. 662.HS)
1.0 SPECIFIC WORK PROCEDURES
1.1 CONFINED SPACE ENTRY
(a) Supervisors will assign work in confined spaces to at least two workers. In emergency situations, this
timeline will not be applicable. A Confined Space Entry Permit will be issued by the supervisor or designate.
(b) Supervisors and/or workers will inspect the instruments and equipment to be used for the job. The checklist
in the Confined Space Entry Permit must be used. Rescue and emergency equipment will be considered as
equipment to be used for the job and will be included on the permit.
(c) Workers will place a notice and install barriers to secure the entrances to the confined space. If necessary
vehicular traffic control should be established.
(d) An atmospheric test around the opening will be taken and recorded. Tests will be taken for oxygen levels,
flammable and toxic gases.
(e) The rescue and emergency equipment will be installed and tested for efficient operation.
(f) The space will be opened and an oxygen test will be taken by the competent workers at varying levels inside
the space.
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The test results will be recorded on the Confined Space Entry Permit.
(g) If the test results indicate an oxygen deficient atmosphere, the space will be ventilated with fresh air until
safe oxygen levels are obtained (19.5% to 23% oxygen).
(h) The competent workers will conduct a second oxygen test and record the result on the permit. Ventilating of
the space and testing will be continued to ensure that safe oxygen levels are maintained (19.5 % to 23%
oxygen).
(i) The permit will be posted near the entrance to the confined space.
(j) Flammability and toxicity tests will be taken and recorded in the Confined Space Entry Permit.
(k) Workers assigned to enter the confined space will wear a full harness and a life line, if practicable.
(l) Only when the atmospheric tests indicate safe levels may a worker enter the space and establish adequate
extraction of hazardous gases which may be produced as a result of the work, e.g., hot work. The other
worker will ensure that the ventilation equipment maintains a safe atmosphere a nd the rescue and
emergency equipment are laid out for a quick and effective response.
(m) Only when the ventilation system inside the space and the rescue and emergency system outside are ready
and operating, may the assigned worker enter the space and perfo rm the task planned.
The time of entry and exit must be entered on the permit.
(n) The space will be continuously monitored to ensure that the atmosphere is free from hazards. The results
will be recorded every 15 minutes on the permit.
(o) When the work is completed, workers will close all entrances to the confined space, store all testing
instruments emergency and other equipment appropriately and return the Confined Space Entry Permit to
the supervisor.
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(p) Supervisors will review the information on the Confined Space Entry Permit and take appropriate action as
necessary. The permit will be filed permanently and kept for at least two years.
(q) The supervisor will log the entry, indicating the date and time of entry, space entered, reason for entry and
note observations related to the entry.
IMPORTANT: If hot work is being undertaken a Hot Work Permit will be required. Ventilation equipment must be
used, as well as all other appropriate control measures.
If electrical work or work around moving equipment is being undertaken the provisions of the Lock-
out/tag-out procedure must be applied.
2.0 VENTILATION
Approved blower units with flexible ductwork and air flow alarm shall be used where there is a need for ventilating
the confined space. Consideration must be given to the contaminant to be removed, its physical and/or chemical
characteristics to ensure that ventilation is effective.
3.0 RESCUE AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Non-entry rescue will be the preferred means of rescue for confined space emergencies. The attendants must be
competent in the two retrieval systems on the davit/tripod. They must also know and be able to activate
emergency procedures and have full knowledge of the operation of all equipment used in confined spaces entry
and retrieval.
Rescue equipment will include but will not be limited to:
a) Davit/tripod for vertical retrieval
b) Body harness with D rings on the shoulder of the harness and a yoke attached with connection over the
entrant’s head
c) Blower unit of sufficient capacity with flexible hose and airflow alarm
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d) First-aid kit
e) Radio communications
f) Emergency lighting
g) SCBA and duplicate PPE as well as duplicate entry equipment for rescuer, where vertical retrieval is not
possible