Lesson 5: Code of Practice

Glossary

What Is A Code of Practice?

According to WorkSafe Alberta, a "code of practice is a document that describes the procedures to be followed to ensure that workers safely perform work in a confined space."
 
Courtesy of WCB - British Columbia

  • Confined space safe work procedures make up part of the Code of Practice and are developed by the employer

  • The Occupational Health and Safety Act states that, "employers must have a Code of Practice governing the practices and procedures for workers entering and working in a confined space." The Code of Practice should be in writing and available to workers.
  • Before workers enter a specific confined space, they must find and read the safe work procedures. They must also receive proper training.
  • Workers should be consulted, when employers are developing the Code of Practice, as they have an understanding of the various hazards in a confined space.
  • The Code of Practice must be reviewed and kept current.
  • The code of Practice must also identify all existing and potential confined space work locations at a work site.
  • To look at a Code of Practice, click here to view SAIT's Code of Practice for a Confined Space
  • A Code of Practice for confined space entry contains more than just procedures for the entry; it must also include: a description of confined spaces at the work site, reasons for the work involved, identification of hazards, worker training requirements, entry permit system, testing the atmosphere, emergency response and other sections, which you can see from this sample from Work Safe Alberta.
  • The confined space entry procedures must be followed every time a person enters a confined space.
  • The safe work procedures will not remove hazards; however, they should allow workers to control the hazards.

What Is A Safe Work Permit?

A confined space work permit is a checklist to ensure that the requirements in the Code of Practice have been addressed.
There is no one type of safe work permit; it may be a manual, booklet, or bulletin.
A safe work permit must be in-place before starting to work in a confined space; it must contain all of the following information and be kept at the workplace:
  • Description of the confined space. Includes all hazards found in the confined space.
  • Training required for workers.

  • Number and type of workers required. All workers needed to do the job safely should be listed.

  • Time and date. The day/date the work is to be done.

  • Confined space lock-out and tag-out requirements. Closing off the confined space from other work areas. All piping and electrical wiring must be identified, tagged and isolated.

  • Ventilation. How clean air will be provided.

  • Testing: how testing for harmful gases and oxygen levels will be done:
    • Before entry
    • During the work phase
    • After exit from the confined space.

  • Emergency Response Procedure indicates what to do in case of an emergency.

  • Communication. In confined spaces, talking is often difficult because of:

    • Noise
    • Distance
    • Protective equipment
    • Lighting conditions.
 


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  • Entrance and Exit.  Steps for entering and exiting confined spaces must be written in the safe work permit. A barrier should also be placed around the confined space to warn others not to enter during the work.   
  • PPE.  An employer must ensure that all equipment to safely perform confined or restricted space work, including Personal Protective Equipment and rescue equipment, is available and inspected to ensure it is in good working order. All workers must follow the code of practice for confined space and use the equipment as necessary to protect their health and ensure their safety.

  • Rescue and emergency.  The safe work permit must include the procedure to be used in case of an emergency.  Practicing the rescue plan regularly is very important. Watch this short video, from WorkSafe BC, on Confined Space Rescue.


  • Other hazards. The safe work permit should identify other hazards that may affect the health and safety of the worker, such as:

    • Falling objects, slippery surfaces, sparking tools

    • Environmental conditions (cold, rain, extreme heat, lightning, traffic control)

    • Noise, static electricity, humidity, electrocution, fire safety

    • Power failures, gas leaks, ventilation problems, toxic fumes

    • Illness, such as, heart attacks and claustrophobia (fear of  (small, closed-in or confined spaces)



Safe Work Permits are the responsibility of the employer.