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TRAINING
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Entry
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Rescue
Ø Hot work
A confined space is an area that is enclosed or partially enclosed, is not intended for continuous occupation, has limited means of entry or exit, is large enough that a worker could enter to perform assigned work, and which can present a risk for the health and safety of anyone who enters. (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 885-2001, 1)
The hazard assessment of the confined space and safe work procedures must be explained to the worker by a capable person before entry into the space. Only workers with knowledge, training or experience are qualified to work in a confined space. (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 885-2001, 298, 301)
Before work is started in a confined space, a written hazard assessment must be performed. The hazard assessment must include information on the atmosphere and likely contaminants, whether ventilation is sufficient, material in the space that could cause danger, energy sources, ignition sources, and special circumstances. A qualified person must complete the hazard assessment. (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 885-2001, 300)
Before work is started in a confined space, written safe procedures for work must be developed and implemented. Procedures must include necessary safety equipment, rescue procedures and equipment. A qualified person must write the procedures. (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 885-2001, 300)
No entry is allowed into a confined space for a person not doing work or rescue. (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 885-2001, 299)
Entry is only allowed when natural or mechanical ventilation ensures that the concentration of oxygen is between 19.5 and 23 percent, flammable vapours are less than 10 percent of the lower explosive limit (LEL), and other contaminants do not exceed exposure limits. If it is not possible to meet these concentration limits, workers must wear respiratory protection. (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. 885-2001, 302)
The
atmosphere must be tested before entry and periodically during the entry
according to the hazard assessment. The atmosphere must be retested if the
atmosphere changes and evacuation is required, and if workers leave the
confined space unless there is continuous monitoring. (Occupational
Health and Safety Regulation 885-2001, 306)
Test results must be recorded unless the monitoring is continuous, then only the alarms need to be recorded. If the atmosphere is found to be nonconforming, records must be retained for 5 years. (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 885-2001, 307)
A person with the skills to supervise must remain in visual, verbal or other contact outside the confined space to initiate rescue. (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 885-2001, 308)
A rescue procedure must be developed and tested. The procedure must include required equipment, the rescue team, an evacuation plan, sounding the alarm and communication. Equipment may include devices, personal protective equipment, harnesses, lifelines, first aid kit, and recovery equipment. (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 885-2001, 309)
Entry into a confined space to perform hot work is only permitted if atmospheric limits are attained and there is continuous monitoring of flammable gases with a meter with alarm. (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 885-2001, 304)
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