PART XXVII CONFINED SPACE ENTRY — Corrective precautions

An employer shall ensure that a worker does not enter a confined space until

Where a test under subsection (11) indicates the presence of a harmful or explosive substance and it is not feasible to provide a safe respirable atmosphere, an employer shall ensure that

Where control measures referred to in subsection (13) cannot be implemented, a worker shall leave the confined space.

an adequate assessment of the hazards related to the confined space has been carried out; the hazards that may exist due to the design, construction, location, use or contents of the confined space; and the joint health and safety committee or the health and safety representative; or before entry into the confined space; the oxygen content is between 20% and 22%; a worker entering the confined space is provided with and wears respiratory and personal protective equipment appropriate to the hazards likely to be encountered; and

a source containing a hazardous substance leading to the confined space is safely and completely blocked off or disconnected; the hazards that may develop while work is done inside the confined space. every worker who performs work to which the assessment relates, where the workplace has no joint health and safety committee or health and safety representative. after an interruption in the work procedures; and the concentration of flammable substances is maintained below 10% of the lower explosive limit (LEL) of that substance or substances; and where a flammable or explosive gas or liquid is present all sources of ignition are controlled or eliminated.

a test required under subsection (11) has been completed; at appropriate intervals. a worker's exposure to harmful substances is maintained at acceptable levels in accordance the TLVs established by ACGIH.

the worker is qualified to safely enter and perform duties within the confined space;

a written work permit documenting the tests and safety precautions has been completed; and

a set of written safe work procedures has been developed and a worker has been instructed in these procedures.

The assessment referred to in paragraph (2)(a) shall be recorded in writing and shall consider, with respect to each confined space,

The record of the assessment may be incorporated into an entry permit.

Where 2 or more confined spaces are of similar construction and present the same hazards, their assessments may be recorded in a single document, but each confined space shall be clearly identified in the assessment.

The employer shall appoint a person with adequate knowledge, training and experience to carry out the assessment and shall maintain a record containing details of the person’s knowledge, training and experience.

The assessment shall contain the name of the person who carries out the assessment.

The person shall sign and date the assessment and provide it to the employer.

On request, the employer shall provide copies of the assessment and of the record to

The employer shall ensure that the assessment is reviewed as often as necessary to ensure that the assessment referred to in paragraph (2)(a) remains current.

Appropriate tests for harmful vapours, gasses, fumes, mists, dusts or explosive substances and oxygen deficiency shall be made and recorded

Where a test made under subsection (11) indicates an unsafe condition, the confined space shall be ventilated or cleaned or both and periodically retested to ensure that:

Tests made under in subsection (11) shall be performed by a person who has been adequately trained in the proper use of testing and monitoring equipment.

Equipment used in testing and monitoring shall be calibrated and monitored according to the manufacturer's instructions.

The completed permit referred to in paragraph (2)(e) shall be made available at the time of entry to all authorized personnel by posting it at the entry portal or by another effective means.