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PART XI - Confined Spaces

Scope

This part of the directive enhances and/or supplements Part XI (Confined Spaces) [http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/L-2/SOR-86-304/31919.html#rid-31996] of the COHSR and should be read in that context.

Definitions

In this part:

"confined space"(espace clos) means an enclosed or partially enclosed space that:

  1. is not designed or intended for human occupancy except for the purpose of performing work,
  2. has restricted means of access and egress, and
  3. may become hazardous to an employee entering it due to:
    1. its design, construction, location or atmosphere;
    2. the materials or substances in it; or
    3. any other conditions relating to it, and includes but is not limited to: a tank, silo, storage bin, process vessel or other enclosure not designed or intended for human occupancy, in respect of which special precautions are necessary when an employee is required to enter therein to protect the employee from a dangerous atmosphere, prevent the employee from becoming entrapped in stored material, or otherwise ensure the employee's safety.

"confined-space ship repair" (espace clos dans un navire en réparation), where the confined space relates to ships or vessels in repair, maintenance or refit, confined space means a storage tank, ballast tank, pump room, coffer dam or other enclosure,

other than a hold, not designed or intended for human occupancy, except for the purpose of performing work,

  1. that has poor ventilation,
  2. where there may be an oxygen deficient atmosphere, or
  3. in which there may be an airborne dangerous substance.

"qualified person" (personne qualifiée) means a person who, because of knowledge, training and experience, is qualified to perform safely and properly the duties specified under this directive (this part) in the following areas:

  • hazard assessment
  • entry procedures
  • emergency procedures
  • emergency requirement and equipment maintenance
  • entry permits
  • hot work

(Performance of these duties may be assigned to different qualified persons.)

"ventilation equipment" (équipement d'aération), where the confined space relates to ships or vessels in repair, maintenance or refit, means a fan, blower, induced draft or other ventilation device used to force a supply of fresh, breathable, atmospheric air into an enclosed space or to remove ambient air from such space.

Requirements

11.1 Hazard Assessment

11.1.1 The employee shall be provided with information on the hazard assessment.

11.2 Confined-space Entry Procedures

11.2.1 For the purposes of this section, any procedures developed by a department shall include an entry permit system that shall include a checklist of entry requirements to be given to and signed by the employee(s).

11.2.2 No employee shall enter a confined space unless the appropriate entry permit has been issued and signed by a qualified person and explained to, understood and signed by the employee prior to entry.

11.2.3 Procedures, developed in consultation with the workplace committee, shall include those to be followed by the qualified persons responsible for the inspection, maintenance and testing of all monitoring equipment, personal protective equipment, ventilating equipment, safety harnesses and any other entry, protective and rescue equipment used in conjunction with entry into a confined space.

11.2.4 Where a person is about to enter a confined space under an entry permit system, the employer shall appoint a qualified person (who could be the same person) to verify by means of tests that a percentage of oxygen between 19.5 per cent and 23 per cent by volume, at normal atmospheric pressure, is achievable while the person will be in the confined space.

11.3 Repair of Ships and Vessels

11.3.1

  1. For confined spaces in ships or vessels in repair, maintenance or refit, the employer may use forced ventilation from the lowest point in the confined space to meet the requirements related to the exposure to the concentration of chemical agents.
  2. When conditions in the confined space can be maintained in this state, an entry permit system may be established in accordance with section 11.2, which will be valid for multiple entries into the confined space during a specified period.
  3. The permit shall be valid for a maximum of one shift for uncoated fuel tanks and for a maximum of 24 hours in all other situations.
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