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Resources - Hazards in Confined Spaces

Types of Confined Spaces | Hazards in Confined Spaces | Working Safely in Confined Spaces | Confined Space Hazards in Different Industries | Confined Space Training | Confined Space Rescue | Confined Space Videos | Hazard Alerts and Bulletins

The following links list publications and other resources to help with confined space issues. These resources may not meet all the requirements for health and safety in British Columbia. Please check the Workers Compensation Act, the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, and related materials for specific WorkSafeBC requirements.

Hazards of Confined Spaces

"This book describes the main types of hazards found in confined spaces. Confined spaces may contain hazardous atmospheres, including insufficient oxygen, toxic (poisonous) air, or an explosive atmosphere. These spaces may also have physical hazards that may result, for example, in workers falling, being crushed or buried, or drowning. These hazards may not be obvious. All confined spaces must be carefully assessed to identify any hazards."
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC
* PDF (916 KB)

Also available in the following languages:

* Available in print from Publications, Videos and Forms Distribution.

Confined Space Entry Workshop

This document discusses the hazards of confined space entry, testing before entering, what should be tested for, and the regulations for confined space.
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC
* PDF (1 MB)

Lost Lives: Lessons to Be Learned: Work-related deaths in British Columbia in 2002

"This report looks at the 158 deaths from work-related accidents and diseases in 2002. It highlights accidents in the fishing industry and in confined spaces, and looks at lessons to be learned from such incidents."
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC
* PDF (745 KB)

Safety and Health in Confined Spaces

"Safety and Health in Confined Spaces goes beyond all other resources currently available. International in scope, the 15 chapters and 10 appendices cover every facet of this important subject. A significant addition to the literature, this book provides a confined space focus to other health and safety concepts."
Source: Neil McManus, Lewis Publishers, Copyright 1999
* Available for purchase through Amazon.ca.

Incorrect use of monitoring equipment in confined spaces can endanger workers

"Gas monitoring instruments are designed to protect workers from unseen workplace hazards. Exposure to toxic gases or an oxygen-deficient atmosphere can cause serious illness and even death. Gas monitors must be used whenever practicable to ensure the safety of workers in confined spaces.
* WS 2009-03
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

OSH Answers: Confined Space -- Introduction

"Many workers are injured and killed each year while working in confined spaces. An estimated 60% of the fatalities have been among the would-be rescuers. A confined space can be more hazardous than regular workspaces for many reasons."
Source: CCOHS (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety)
* HTML

Working Safely with Solvents -- A Guide to Safe Working Practices

"When working in confined spaces special precautions are needed to prevent you from being exposed to solvents."
Source: Health and Safety Executive, UK
* PDF (36 KB)

Worker Deaths in Confined Spaces

"This publication provides a summary of [NIOSH] surveillance findings and the full text of investigative case reports from 423 incidents in which 480 workers died. These incidents and investigations occurred between December 1983 and September 1993."
Source: NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health)
* HTML

Safe Work in Confined Spaces

"This leaflet is aimed at employers and the self-employed who carry out work in confined spaces, and forms part of HSE's commitment to make simple and practical guidance available for small firms."
Source: Health and Safety Executive, UK
* PDF (38 KB)

H2S at the Work Site

"Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) presents a potential hazard to workers at the work site. It usually occurs as an unwanted by-product and can result in worker exposure in many different industries or occupations. To ensure protection against exposure to hydrogen sulphide, both workers and employers must be aware of its properties, how it affects the body and what to do in emergency situations."
Source: Alberta Human Resources and Employment
* PDF (188 KB)

Confined Space

"A variety of hazards may exist in the confined space depending on its construction and type of materials being used. It is critical to recognize, assess and control these hazards, especially since conditions can change rapidly."
Source: Graphic Communications International Union
* HTML

Confined Space Gases

PowerPoint slide presentation on confined space gases.
Source: Colorado Mine Safety and Training Program
* PowerPoint Presentation

Confined Spaces: Recognizing the Danger

"Accident statistics suggest that about 60% of deaths in confined spaces resulted from oxygen deficiency and lack of air quality testing. More than half of those who died in confined spaces did so while trying to rescue their fellow workers."
Source: WorkSafeNB
* PDF (57 KB)

Complete Confined Spaces Handbook

"This handbook provides plant managers, supervisors, safety professionals, and industrial hygienists with recommended procedures and guidance for safe entry into confined spaces."
Source: John Rekus, Lewis Publishers, Copyright 1994
* Available for purchase through Amazon.ca.



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