Working in confined spaces can be challenging and dangerous without proper precautions. 

These spaces usually have small or narrow openings and enough room to work but lack proper ventilation. Examples include storage tanks, silos, sewers, and underground vaults.

In Canada, confined spaces are particularly hazardous due to unique conditions like extreme weather or industrial environments. 

According to a report by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), accidents in confined spaces account for about 60% of fatalities involving multiple workers—often because others try to rescue someone without proper training.

The risks are real and significant. Limited airflow in confined spaces can lead to a buildup of toxic gases or a lack of oxygen, both of which are life-threatening. 

Other dangers include fires, explosions, and physical hazards like falling objects or slippery surfaces. Before entering these areas, safety measures, confined space training, and equipment are critical.

In this blog, we'll cover the key do's and don'ts of working in confined spaces to help keep you and your team safe. 

Whether you are new to this work or looking to refresh your knowledge, these practical tips can make all the difference.

What are Confined Spaces?

Confined spaces pose unique challenges and risks because of their design and purpose. In Canada, these spaces are defined by three key criteria that distinguish them from regular workplaces.

1. Limited Openings for Entry and Exit

Confined spaces often have narrow or restricted entry and exit points, making it difficult for workers to enter or leave quickly. This limitation becomes critical in emergencies when every second counts. 

For example, a storage tank may have only one small hatch for access, making rescue operations challenging if something goes wrong.

2. Not Intended for Continuous Human Occupancy

Unlike offices or workshops, confined spaces are not designed for people to stay in for extended periods. These areas lack ventilation, lighting, and ergonomic accommodations, making prolonged presence unsafe. 

Workers only enter these spaces to perform maintenance, cleaning, or inspections.

3. Large Enough for a Person to Enter and Work

Although not meant for regular occupancy, confined spaces must be big enough for someone to enter and perform tasks physically. 

This characteristic is essential for jobs like repairing pipes in a tunnel or cleaning inside a silo.

4. Common Examples

Some common confined spaces include tanks, silos, tunnels, manholes, sewers, and enclosed pipelines. These spaces are found across various industries, such as construction, agriculture, and manufacturing.

Understanding these criteria is crucial for identifying confined spaces in your workplace. Misjudging the risks can lead to severe consequences, including injuries and fatalities. 

Risks Associated with Confined Spaces

Working in confined spaces has significant risks that demand careful attention and preparation.

These areas are often hazardous due to their structure, lack of ventilation, and potential for unexpected dangers. Let's explore some of the most common risks:

1. Explosions

Confined spaces can trap flammable gases or vapors, creating a high risk of explosions if there's an ignition source. For instance, welding in poorly ventilated tanks can lead to catastrophic accidents.

2. Asphyxiation

A lack of airflow in confined spaces can cause a buildup of carbon dioxide or other gases, leading to suffocation. Workers may not even realize the danger until it's too late.

3. Drowning

In some confined spaces, like sewers or tanks, flooding or liquid accumulation can occur suddenly, trapping workers and leading to drowning.

4. Low Oxygen Levels

Oxygen-deficient environments are a hidden threat in confined spaces. Rusting metals or chemical reactions can consume available oxygen, making breathing hard and causing dizziness or unconsciousness.

5. Toxic Fumes

Toxic gases, such as hydrogen sulfide or methane, can accumulate in confined spaces, posing severe health risks. Without proper monitoring, workers may be exposed to harmful substances that can lead to poisoning or death.

By recognizing these hazards and implementing thorough risk assessments and controls, workers, and employers can ensure safer operations in confined spaces. 

Do's of Working in Confined Spaces

Working in confined spaces requires strict adherence to safety protocols to minimize risks and ensure smooth operations. These spaces pose unique dangers, and workers must proactively manage them. 

Below are essential steps to follow when working in confined spaces designed to protect workers and improve outcomes.

1. DO Know the Dangers

Before entering, identify the specific hazards associated with the confined space. Understanding these dangers, whether toxic fumes, low oxygen levels, or the risk of flooding, is the first step to mitigating them.

2. DO Ensure Capability

Workers should be physically fit, mentally prepared, and adequately trained to handle confined space tasks. Regular health evaluations and skill training are critical.

3. DO Have a Safety Plan

Develop a site-specific safety plan that addresses potential risks, required controls, and emergency procedures. This plan ensures everyone knows their roles and responsibilities.

4. DO Use Proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Provide and enforce appropriate PPE, such as helmets, gloves, respirators, and harnesses, to protect workers from physical, chemical, and environmental hazards.

5. DO Monitor Atmospheric Conditions

Test air quality using reliable equipment to detect hazardous gases, oxygen deficiency, or flammable conditions before and during entry.

6. DO Ensure Adequate Ventilation

Forced-air ventilation systems for confined spaces help maintain safe air quality, reducing the risk of toxic buildup or oxygen depletion.

7. DO Establish Emergency Procedures

Prepare a clear, actionable emergency response plan, including alarms, evacuation routes, and medical aid protocols.

8. DO Maintain Communication

Use radios or other communication tools to constantly contact workers inside the confined space, ensuring updates and quick responses if issues arise.

9. DO Prepare for Rescue

Ensure rescue equipment, such as ropes and breathing apparatus, is readily available. Train a standby team to perform effective rescues in emergencies.

By following these steps, workers and supervisors can minimize risks and enhance safety in confined spaces.

Don'ts of Working in Confined Spaces

Working in confined spaces requires strict safety measures, but mistakes can happen even with the best preparations. 

Some of these errors can be deadly, so knowing what not to do when dealing with confined spaces is essential. 

Below are crucial "don'ts" to keep in mind to ensure workers stay safe and avoid preventable accidents.

1. DON'T Ignore the Hazards

Never underestimate the risks of working in confined spaces. Toxic fumes, low oxygen, or structural hazards can emerge quickly, so constant vigilance is necessary.

2. DON'T Enter Until It's Safe

Do not enter the confined space until a thorough inspection confirms it is safe. Ensure all hazards are identified and controlled, and atmospheric testing has been completed.

3. DON'T Forget About Emergency Arrangements

Failing to plan for emergencies can lead to severe consequences. Always have a detailed response plan, including evacuation procedures and rescue team readiness.

4. DON'T Rush the Job

Hurrying can lead to skipped safety checks and careless mistakes. Take the time needed to follow all safety protocols and address risks methodically.

5. DON'T Work Alone

Working alone in a confined space is dangerous. Always have a buddy system or a trained attendant monitoring the activity from outside, ready to assist in emergencies.

6. DON'T Use Equipment Without Training

Untrained workers handling safety equipment can create more hazards than they solve. Ensure everyone is properly trained on how to use tools like gas detectors, ventilators, or harnesses.

7. DON'T Assume Conditions Are Constant

Conditions inside confined spaces can change quickly. Regularly monitor and reassess air quality, temperature, and structural stability throughout the job.

By avoiding these common mistakes, workers can significantly reduce the risks associated with confined spaces and create a safer working environment for everyone involved.

Legal Requirements for Working in Confined Spaces

Working in confined spaces in Canada is regulated under the Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (SOR/86-304) to ensure workers' safety. 

These regulations outline specific legal requirements for employers and employees to identify, assess, and manage the risks associated with confined spaces. Non-compliance can lead to severe penalties and, more importantly, endanger lives. 

Below, we discuss the legal responsibilities and required safety procedures for employers.

Employer Responsibilities

Employers play a crucial role in ascertaining the safety of the employees. This is the main reason they are legally responsible for safety. Here are the main responsibilities of the employers in terms of confined space safety: 

1. Identification of Confined Spaces

Employers must identify all confined spaces within their premises in consultation with workplace health and safety committees or representatives. This identification ensures everyone is aware of potential hazards and risks in the workplace.

2. Qualified Personnel

A qualified individual, such as a safety expert, must assess each confined space to determine whether it is hazardous. This step is critical to identifying risks like toxic gases or structural instability.

3. Signage Requirements

Clear warning signs must be posted at every confined space entrance, indicating restricted access and potential dangers. These signs should be visible and legible to prevent unauthorized entry.

4. Record Keeping

Employers are obligated to maintain accurate records of all identified confined spaces. These records must include assessments, hazards, and safety measures and be easily accessible to all workers.

Safety Procedures

Employers need to plan, introduce, and implement safety procedures to ensure the safety of the employees working in confined spaces. Here is how they can do it: 

1. Safe Entry and Exit Procedures

Employers must establish safe protocols for entering and exiting confined spaces. These procedures should include tools, communication systems, and specific steps to follow during operations.

2. Emergency Response Plans

Each confined space must have a tailored emergency response plan. This plan must include detailed rescue measures, evacuation strategies, and designated roles for team members during an incident.

3. Monitoring Air Quality

Employers must conduct continuous air quality monitoring to detect hazards such as toxic gases or low oxygen levels. This ensures the environment remains safe throughout the workday.

By adhering to these legal requirements, employers not only comply with Canadian regulations but also prioritize the health and safety of their workers, creating a more secure workplace environment.

Training and Instruction

Proper training and instruction are the foundation of safety when working in confined spaces.

These environments present unique and dynamic hazards, and well-trained workers are better equipped to manage risks, follow procedures, and respond effectively in emergencies.

Preventing Accidents Through Training

Training provides workers with the knowledge and skills to identify hazards and follow proper procedures. 

For example, workers trained in atmospheric testing can detect toxic fumes or low oxygen levels before they become life-threatening. 

Additionally, hands-on instruction on using personal protective equipment (PPE), such as respirators and harnesses, ensures workers can protect themselves in dangerous conditions. 

Emergency protocols, like evacuation procedures and first-aid response, can prevent minor issues from escalating into major incidents.

Untrained or undertrained personnel are more likely to make mistakes, such as mishandling equipment, overlooking hazards, or failing to follow safety protocols. 

These errors can result in injuries, fatalities, or costly damage to property and equipment. 

Proper training significantly reduces these risks by instilling a culture of safety and preparedness.

The Importance of Ongoing Training

Confined space work is governed by evolving best practices and regulations, such as updates on Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations. 

Ongoing training ensures that workers remain informed about these changes and continue to meet compliance requirements. Regular refreshers also reinforce safety habits, helping workers avoid routine complacency.

Employers should invest in structured training programs that include classroom sessions, hands-on practice, and scenario-based exercises. 

For example, simulated rescue drills help workers build confidence and competence in handling real-life emergencies.

By prioritizing proper and continuous training, employers can create a safer workplace while reducing the likelihood of accidents and ensuring that all staff are prepared to tackle the challenges of confined spaces.

Conclusion

Due to the unique risks involved, working in confined spaces requires strict attention to safety.

This blog has highlighted essential do's and don'ts to help workers and employers navigate these challenges effectively.

The do's emphasize proactive measures like understanding hazards, using proper personal protective equipment (PPE), monitoring atmospheric conditions, maintaining communication, and preparing emergency plans. These steps help mitigate risks and ensure safe operations.

The don'ts serve as critical reminders to avoid shortcuts that could compromise safety. Never rush tasks, work alone, or neglect proper training and monitoring. 

These actions can lead to severe accidents, underscoring the importance of vigilance and procedure adherence.

Employers have a legal and moral obligation to prioritize worker safety by following the Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations. 

This includes identifying confined spaces, appointing qualified personnel, maintaining records, and establishing emergency protocols. Workers, in turn, should commit to proper training and staying informed about safety measures.

Safety in confined spaces is a shared responsibility. By following the outlined dos and don'ts, adhering to legal requirements, and fostering a safety culture, employers and workers can minimize risks and create a safer working environment.