Confined Space Training Requirements in BC

WorkSafeBC defines a confined space (s. 9.1) as an area, other than an underground working, that:

• is enclosed or partially enclosed,
• is not designed or intended for continuous human occupancy,
• has limited or restricted ways in or out that could make first aid, evacuation or rescue harder, and
• is large enough that a worker could go in to do assigned work.

Common examples include tanks, silos, vessels, vaults, pits, sumps, manholes, some crawl spaces and large ducts.

Part 9 puts most of the duties on the employer:

• Identify every confined space at the workplace and decide whether anyone will need to enter it (s. 9.2).
• Secure or sign spaces that no one needs to enter (s. 9.3).
• Write and implement a confined space entry program before any worker is required or permitted to enter (s. 9.5).
• Assign a trained administrator for the program (s. 9.6) and a trained supervisor for the job before anyone enters (s. 9.7).
• Do a hazard assessment for each space and each task (s. 9.9), and write procedures to eliminate or minimize the hazards (s. 9.10).

The hazard assessment and written procedures must be prepared by a qualified person with adequate training and experience in recognizing, evaluating and controlling confined space hazards (s. 9.11). The Regulation lists examples of acceptable qualifications, such as a Certified Industrial Hygienist, Registered Occupational Hygienist, Canadian Registered Safety Professional or a professional engineer with confined space experience. It also allows other combinations of education, training and experience acceptable to WorkSafeBC.

A general online course won't make you a qualified person on its own.

Section 9.8 requires that each person assigned duties related to entry into a confined space be adequately instructed and trained in the hazards and the required precautions. That covers more than the people going in:

• Entrants: the space's hazards, the entry permit, atmospheric testing results, lockout and isolation, ventilation, PPE and how to get out.
• Standby persons: how to monitor the entrant and summon rescue. In a low hazard atmosphere, the standby person must check on the entrant's well-being at least every 20 minutes; in a high hazard atmosphere, the standby person must be stationed at the entrance.
• Atmospheric testers: testing must be done by a qualified person using properly calibrated equipment.
• Rescue personnel: everyone assigned rescue duties must be properly equipped and adequately trained. A practice drill must be held at least once a year, and the employer of the rescue persons must keep training and drill records (s. 9.38).

Much of this training has to be specific to the space, because each space has its own hazards and procedures.

It helps to think of confined space training in three levels:

1. Awareness: recognizing a confined space, understanding the main hazards (oxygen deficiency, toxic gases like H2S, flammable atmospheres, engulfment, entrapment), and knowing never to enter without authorization or try an unplanned rescue. Good for anyone who works near confined spaces.
2. Entry and standby: the hands-on knowledge to enter or attend under your employer's program, including permits, testing, isolation, ventilation and equipment.
3. Rescue: specialized training and equipment for retrieving a worker, with annual practice drills.

A co-worker who rushes in to help without protection can quickly become a second victim. Awareness training teaches you to stay out and call for trained rescue.

Our online Confined Space Awareness course is awareness-level training. It teaches you to recognize confined spaces and their hazards, and what entry permits, atmospheric testing and emergency procedures involve. It does not qualify you to enter a confined space, act as a standby person or perform rescue. Your employer must still train you under its entry program.

• Price: $39.95
• Time: about 2 hours, self-paced, in English or French
• Certificate: pass the final exam (80% or better) to get your digital certificate right away, plus a physical wallet card mailed free

Working where hydrogen sulfide may be present? Add our online Hydrogen Sulfide awareness course. Training a crew? Volume pricing starts at 5 seats. Call +1 (866) 661-9803 or email info@gamasafety.ca.