Confined Spaces

Confined spaces have limited openings for entry and exit, such as silos, vats, ship holds, sewers, tunnels, large pipelines, and other such spaces that workers could enter to perform work. Generally speaking, a confined space is:

  • is enclosed or partially enclosed,
  • is not designed or intended for continuous human occupancy,
  • has limited or restricted means for entry or exit that may complicate the provision of first aid, evacuation, rescue or other emergency response service, and
  • is large enough and so configured that a worker could enter to perform assigned work

The confined space hazard will vary depending on the function and use of the space so an individualized assessment is required by Regulation.

Who is this for?

WorkSafeBC has been actively inspecting facilities for confined spaces.  This has been especially prevalent in BC’s wine industry.  If you have a confined spaces that your employees interact with, an initial determination and hazard assessment may be required.

What does it involve?

Step 1:  Scoping meeting
First things first, we want to find out if there are confined spaces, how many and what type of confined spaces you have!  We call this the scoping meeting.  During this step, an advisor will come out to your facility to conduct this service.

Step 2: The proposal
If determined there are confined spaces, an initial determination and a hazard assessment is needed, the program administrator will send you a service proposal.  This will outline the costs and deliverables based on the findings from the scoping meeting.  Once this proposal is signed and returned, we can book a date for your service(s).

Step 3:  The deliverables
Our specialist advisor will complete the services agreed to in the proposal which generally includes the production an initial determination and hazard assessment report.  Awareness training for employees may also be recommended in order to satisfy regulatory requirements.

Schedule a Scoping

FREE for Members

If you would like to have a Manufacturing Safety Alliance of BC safety advisor visit your business to assess your Confined Spaces risk level please fill out the following form. We will follow-up with you and schedule a date that works for you.