Working in confined spaces is an everyday occurrence in many occupations. When these spaces are properly identified and assessed, entry plans are in place and the plans are followed, work performed within a confined space can be completed safely and efficiently.
Who needs this training?
If there is a confined space in the workplace, all workers should receive training in the hazards of confined spaces. These include:
- Supervisors whose responsibilities include a confined space
- Safety Attendant to a confined space entrant
- Anyone who enters a confined space
- Anyone who is responsible for rescue or recovery from a confined space.
Confined spaces can be very dangerous places unless proper procedures are followed before and during entry. A full set of Confined Space policies, procedures, entry plans, hazard assessments and entry permits must be studied, forms completed and plans followed before safe entry to a Confined Space is permitted. These are sometimes called Safe Work Procedures. A buddy system whereby someone who is not allowed to enter the confined space but is outside and in communication with the entrant is normally required. These plans and procedures must include both non-entry and entry rescue plans, procedures, people and equipment.
60 minute average runtime
Our online Confined Space program will provide participants with the information needed to understand the potential hazards of working in these spaces and the elements necessary to control those hazards prior to entry.
Upon successful completion, a 2 year Confined Space certificate will be issued automatically.
Confined Space training course modules
- Confined Spaces
- Confined Space Program
- Confined Space Hazard Assessment
- Confined Space Entry Plans
- Confined Space Entry Permit
- Confined Space Controls
- Roles and Responsibilities
- On-Site Rescue
The legal definition of what is a ‘Confined Space’ varies considerably from province to province across Canada.
For example, in Alberta: “confined space” means a restricted space which may become hazardous to a worker entering it because of
(a) an atmosphere that is or may be injurious by reason of oxygen deficiency or enrichment, flammability, explosivity, or toxicity,
(b) a condition or changing set of circumstances within the space that presents a potential for injury or illness, or
(c) the potential or inherent characteristics of an activity which can produce adverse or harmful consequences within the space;”
Whereas in Ontario: “confined space” means a fully or partially enclosed space,
(a) that is not both designed and constructed for continuous human occupancy, and
(b) in which atmospheric hazards may occur because of its construction, location or contents or because of work that is done in it;
Although the various provinces define them in their own way their intent is similar. For convenience Olelearning has captured the Confined Space Provincial Regulations which can be reviewed by province and for Federally Regulated workplaces.
Confined space entry often require equipment and proper training on Fall Arrest or Fall Protection and the proper use of Lockout and Tagout processes.
If confined spaces exist in the workplace then even those unlikely ever to enter them should receive education to warn them of the dangers. This is where the Confined Space Video can be used to good effect. It can be shown in a general safety session to educate large numbers of people in a group settings.
