OHS Knowledge Areas in Manufacturing

803: Confined space safety

Confined space safety is an important aspect of occupational hygiene. A confined space is a fully or partially enclosed space that:

– Is large enough for a person to enter
– Has not been designed or intended for continuous human occupancy
– Has limited or restricted access or egress or has a design that can complicate the ability for first aid, rescue, evacuation or other emergency response activities
– Is susceptible to hazards and represents a risk for the safety and health of those who enter it

It is important that the OHS professional understands the limits of their own knowledge, and recognizes when it is necessary to bring in additional expertise.

In order to act as an effective resource in their workplace, the OHS professional should be familiar with:

– Legislation, regulations, guidelines, and standards that pertain to confined spaces in the workplace
– The definition of, and criteria for, a confined space
– How to identify, assess, control, and manage confined spaces in the workplace

Prerequisite

None

References in Other Frameworks

BCRSP: EPRF8; INSHPO: A5, B6, OHS BoK

Understand and Remember

– Relevant legislation, regulations, guidelines and standards that pertain to confined spaces in the workplace
– The definition of, and criteria for, a confined space
– How to manage and control of hazards and risks for those working in confined spaces, including permit requirements
– Critical controls applicable to all confined space entries: Atmosphere testing, Ventilation, Standby, and Rescue
– Roles and responsibilities of the management representative, entry team and emergency response team
– Safety procedures, personal protective equipment and other equipment used in confined spaces
– Emergency and rescue plans in confined spaces
– Training requirements for work associated with confined spaces

Apply and Analyze

– Identify specific confined spaces in a workplace
– Initiate and maintain a confined space program
– Identify critical controls applicable to all confined space entries: Atmosphere testing, Ventilation, Standby, and Rescue
– Identify opportunities for changes to workplace procedures or controls and make recommendations
– Communicate recommendations and their rationale to workers and managers
– Maintain up-to-date knowledge of new or changing sources of confined space hazards and risks
– Provide training for work associated with confined spaces

Evaluate and Create

– Conduct a hazard and risk assessment
– Conduct a review of the confined space safety management processes in a workplace
– Identify areas of excellence
– Identify areas of (non)compliance
– Identify opportunities for improvement- Develop workplace training for work associated with confined space
– Conduct a training needs analysis
– Develop safety resources for newly introduced confined spaces or previously unidentified hazards or risks
– Develop and maintain a confined space safety management program

No results found.

Related Units of Competency