Lesson 6: Confined Space Legislation

Glossary

Testing, Training, and the Law

Testing Confined Spaces

Each year more workers die attempting rescues in a confined spaces, than victims of confined space accidents.
Testing the air for gases and oxygen level is very important. The person doing the testing must:

  1. be qualified
  2. know about confined space hazards
  3. know how to test for confined space hazards.

Testing the atmosphere, prior to entry of a confined space, should include:

  • substances to be checked for
  • circumstances when continuous monitoring is required
  • instruments to be used
  • calibration of the instruments
  • how often measurements are to be taken
  • record-keeping

In addition, excavations, trenches, tunnels, and underground shafts must be tested to see if they are safe from cave-ins.

 

Worker Training Requirements
Confined space work requires an effective training program so that all workers understand the hazards and safe work procedures.  Training must be provided for:
  • those who supervise workers
  • those who perform the work
  • tending workers
  • rescue personnel

The Code of Practice should document:

  1. Requirements for trainer competency - trainers must be competent and can be in-house or external trainers, having a through working knowledge of confined spaces.

  2. Requirements for worker training - workers will have different tasks so the training may differ for the workers, however there are certain requirements that must be covered for all workers.

  3. Requirements for tending workers - this includes training workers who administer first aid and conduct emergency response and rescue.

  4. Requirements for evaluating worker training and follow-up.

 

Confined Spaces and the Law

Part Five of Alberta's Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act contains laws about how employers and workers must deal with confined spaces.

 

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Alberta's OHS Act says:

  1. The employer is responsible for the health and safety of all workers at the worksite, whether or not they work for him/her. The employer must be sure that the workers work safely.
  2. Each worker must be trained for the job and be aware of the hazards.
  3. Each worker must carry out the work without risk to other workers.
  4. The worker must co-operate with the employer by following safe work procedures and using proper equipment.
  5. A safe work procedure (Code of Practice) must be developed by the employer for each confined space.