Code of Practice


What Is A Code of Practice?

According to the CCOHS, 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.