The only way to determine if a space is confined is to evaluate it
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Silos, manure pits, and water supply towers. Do you know what they have in common?
It’s not a trick question. Silos, manure pits, water towers certainly don’t store the same products, but they do share a commonality: they’re confined spaces. To determine whether your workplace has confined spaces, you must be familiar with the definition of confined space. |
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There’s a misconception that confined spaces are small
Confined Space Definition
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There’s a misconception that confined spaces are small. On the contrary, a confined space might be quite large. In order to be considered a confined space, it must meet the following criteria:
The Ministry of Labour, Training, and Skills Development (MLTSD) as well as Ontario Regulation 632/55, defines confined spaces as: “ A fully or partially enclosed space, (a) that is not both designed and constructed for continuous human occupancy, and (b) in which atmospheric hazards may occur because of its construction, location or contents or because of work that is done in it. If you have a space that is fully or partially enclosed, the two conditions – (a) and (b) above – must both apply before the space can be considered a "confined space." |
How do I know if it's a Confined Space?
The only way to determine if a space is confined is to evaluate it:
It’s up to the employer how they evaluate confined spaces. However, many employers still struggle to correctly identify confined spaces. Especially where atmospheric hazards are concerned. It’s sometimes challenging to discern accurately whether a hazard “might” occur.
- Is the space fully or partially enclosed?
- Is the space not both designed and constructed for continuous human occupancy?
- Might an atmospheric hazard occur?
It’s up to the employer how they evaluate confined spaces. However, many employers still struggle to correctly identify confined spaces. Especially where atmospheric hazards are concerned. It’s sometimes challenging to discern accurately whether a hazard “might” occur.
Employers are responsible for assessing each space for potential and foreseeable hazards
Is it a Confined Space?
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To help you identify confined spaces, read the following descriptions, and assess the space:
A storage tank is used to store gasoline. Is it a confined space? It’s fully enclosed, not designed or constructed for human occupancy, or might contain an atmospheric hazard. Yes, a silo is a confined space. A maintenance closet is very small and contains several chemicals. Is it a confined space? It’s fully enclosed, and it might contain atmospheric hazards if the cleaning chemicals spill or get mixed up. However, although cramped, it’s designed for human occupancy. It was constructed to have a human inside of it. Therefore, it’s not a confined space. |
Trust the Experts
Whether your workplace has one or many confined spaces, you will require a specific plan for entry for each space. Employers are responsible for assessing each space for potential and foreseeable hazards. MidSouthWest Training and Consulting offers consulting services aimed at helping you determine whether spaces meet the confined space criteria. If your workplace has confined spaces, you’ll need specific policies, programs, procedures, and training in place to ensure the safety of the workforce.
Trust MidSouthWest Training and Consulting
MidSouthWest Training and Consulting offers Confined Space Awareness training in-class and online. We also offer consulting services aimed at helping organizations develop confined space programs, policies, and procedures. To learn more, contact us online or call 289.309.1143. Visit us 24/7 on the web at midsouthwest.ca.
Last updated August 31, 2020
