1. Confined Space-Hazards and
Risk Assessment
Lesson 9

2. What is a confined space?
Any space not intended for continuous worker occupancy.
Any space which has a limited or restricted way of entry or exit.
Any space in which there is a chance that normal levels of oxygen may be reduced, or some toxic or explosive gases may be accumulated or released.
Any space where there is the presence of mechanical hazards.
Lesson 9
Learning Activity #9.1
Slides #1 - #4

3. Some examples of confined spaces are:
Holding Tank
Empty Water Well
Septic Tank
Culvert
Grain Bin
Tanker Trailer

4. What are the two types of hazardous
conditions while working in confined spaces?
Physical Conditions:
Space is tight. Should an injury occur, it may be difficult to get out
Light may be limited
Surfaces may be uneven or slippery
There may be machinery or moving parts within the confined
Biological (Atmospheric) Conditions:
Lack of air movement in confined spaces may cause unsafe
proportions of nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide and other
gases, vapours and dust particles
Germs in sewer; pit work (excavations); mould in tanks

5. DVD/Video – Steve’s Story
CBC I-Team Report:
Power Vac 1996
Lesson 9
Learning Activity #9.2
Slides #6 - #13

6. What is the preparation needed for confined space work?
Identify confined spaces
Determine the hazards
Determine the equipment required to perform work safely
Establish control procedures to ensure all necessary protection is operational in use
Be familiar with all relevant standards and regulatory requirements
Ensure that you are trained for this work
Ensure that there are rescue procedures in place

7. Spot the Hazards Uneven surfaces, wet or sloping sides
Moving machinery or equipment
Material that could fall or suddenly move into or
over the area
Limited oxygen
Vapours or gases which are toxic or flammable

8. Assess the Risks
Training
Equipment
Ventilation and air supply
Emergency plan

9. 1. Training
Assess whether you have been trained to do that kind of work and use the necessary equipment. Think about who did the training.

10. 2. Equipment
Determine whether equipment is appropriate and available to test, and continuously monitor the atmosphere in the confined space.

11. 3. Ventilation and Air supply
Identify whether the space can be ventilated continuously
Find out whether a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) or Supplied Airline Respirator is available for workers to use
Check to see if the air supply equipment is regularly maintained

12. 4. Emergency Plan
Ensure that there is a communication system between the watch person and confined worker as well as the emergency response personnel
Make sure that retrieval equipment is available and on site
Find out what the detailed emergency plan is and who the emergency contacts are

13. FIND A SAFER WAY
EVERYDAY!