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Resources - Working Safely in Confined Spaces
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.
Precious Time (DVD)
"On October 4, 2001 Cody McNolty was working as a welder's assistant in northern British Columbia. He was helping his father refit a log barge. Precious Time documents Cody's story, a story of confined space rescue that goes tragically wrong."
Source: WorkSafeBC
The full video is available
* for download
* for loan from the WorkSafeBC Library
* for purchase from the WorkSafeBC Store
Confined Space Entry Program: A Reference Manual BK84
This book describes measures used to control hazards in confined spaces. It is written for employers, owners, managers, supervisors, and joint committees in workplaces where there are confined spaces. It can be used as a reference to develop your confined space entry program and to assist you with meeting the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. This book also will be helpful to workers who may need to enter a confined space.
Source: WorkSafeBC
* PDF (783 KB)
Updated: April 2007
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
* PDF (1 MB)
Entering Confined Spaces
"Confined space accidents are rare, but they can have deadly consequences --- fast. Workers entering an oxygen-deficient confined space can lose consciousness within a couple of breaths."
Source: WorkSafeBC
* PDF (103 KB)
Confined Spaces -- No Easy Way Out
"This publication is intended to complement the Canada Labour Code and the Confined Spaces Regulation. It contains general information that can help you determine whether all safety measures have been taken so that you can safely enter a con fined space."
Source: Human Resources Development Canada
* HTML
OSH Answer: Confined Space -- Program
"To manage the risks associated with working in confined spaces, a Confined Space Hazard Assessment and Control Program should be developed and implemented. A Confined Space Hazard Assessment and Control Program, specific for the work being conducted, should be written for work in each and every confined space."
Source: CCOHS (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety)
* HTML
Is It Safe to Enter a Confined Space?
"This Confined Space Guide has been developed to explain the hazards of confined space work and to assist employers in establishing and maintaining an effective confined space program ... The Confined Space Guide contains information, definitions, and requirements for entry into permit-required confined spaces (Section 5157) ... To clarify and facilitate the understanding of confined space issues, the guide presents the information in the format of questions and answers and includes a list of the most frequently asked questions."
Source: California State Department of Industrial Relations
* PDF (3 MB)
Entry into Tanks and Other Confined Spaces
"In industrial establishments in Ontario, entry into confined spaces is covered by [sections 67 to 71 of Regulation 851, Revised Regulations of Ontario, 1990], made under the Occupational Health and Safety Act."
Source: Ontario Labour
* HTML
A Guide to Safety in Confined Spaces
"This manual provides information on recognition of confined spaces and their hazards, and specific safe work practices for testing, monitoring, and ventilating the atmosphere; isolation of energy sources (lockout-tagout); respirators; standby/rescue; and addressing general physical hazards such as temperature extremes, engulfment hazards, slick surfaces, and noise. A checklist for confined space entry is appended."
Source: NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health)
* PDF (325 KB)
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 (240 KB)
A Guide to Working Safely in Confined Spaces
This industry guide is aimed at employers, workers and self-employed persons who carry out work associated with confined spaces.Source: Queensland Workplace Health and Safety
* PDF (895 KB)
Permit-Required Confined Spaces
"The term permit-required confined space (i.e., permit space) refers to those spaces that meet the definition of a "confined space" and contain health or safety hazards, thereby requiring a permit for entry."Source: OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
* PDF (154 KB)
Planning Entry and Working Safely in a Confined Space
"Confined spaces have been likened to a serial killer. Year after year, people die when entering confined spaces to carry out work. In some cases, multiple fatalities occur when would-be rescuers enter the space and become victims themselves."Source: Occupational Safety and Health, Government of New Zealand
* PDF (268 KB)
Work Permits
"A work permit is a written form used to authorize jobs that expose workers to serious hazards...Examples of the jobs needing work permits are those requiring employees to enter and work in confined spaces, to repair, maintain or inspect electrical installations or to use large or complex equipment."Source: Industrial Accident Prevention Association
* PDF (185 KB)
Safe Working in a Confined Space
"Working in a confined space is potentially one of the most dangerous of all workplace hazards. It's been calculated that working in a confined space is 150 times more dangerous than doing the same job outside."Source: Occupational Safety and Health, Government of New Zealand
* PDF (340 KB)
Safety and Health in Confined Spaces
"This book addresses the common issues and challenges that safety and industrial hygiene professionals may have when setting up and maintaining a program, and subsequent training for employees."
Source: Neil McManus, Lewis Publishers, Copyright 1999
* Not available online.
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
* Not available online.
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