What is Confined Space Entry

The definition of a confined space can be found in the Manitoba Regulation 217/2006 Workplace Safety and Health Regulation Part 15 - Confined Spaces (see References section) and the Code of Practice.  A confined space is defined as an enclosed or partially enclosed space that:

(a) except for the purpose of performing work, is not primarily designed nor intended for human occupancy;
(b) has restricted means of access or egress;
(c) is or may become hazardous to a worker entering it (within it) because of:
     (i) its design, construction or atmosphere;
     (ii) the materials or substances in it;
     (iii) the work activities to be performed in it or processes used in it; or
     (iv) any other conditions or hazards relating to it (mechanical, process, safety hazards, etc present).

Confined spaces can be below or above ground, and can be found in almost any workplace. A confined space, despite its name, is not necessarily small. 

General Dangers of a Confined Space:

1. The entrance/exit of the confined space might not allow the worker to get out in time should there be a flood, structural collapse or collapse of free-flowing solid. 
2. Self-rescue by the worker is difficult. 
3. Rescue of a victim is difficult; the interior configuration of the confined space often does not allow easy movement of people or equipment within it. 
4. Natural ventilation alone will often not be sufficient to maintain safe air quality; the interior configuration of the confined space does not allow for easy movement of air within it. 
5. Conditions can change very quickly. 
6. The space outside the confined space can impact on the conditions inside the confined space and vice versa. 
7. Work activities may introduce hazards not initially indicated.

General Hazards of a Confined Space:

1. Asphyxiation due to lack of oxygen.
2. Poisoning due to an overabundance of gas (e.g. hydrogen sulphide - H2S, nitrogen, etc.).
3. Hazardous materials exposure due to inhalation, absorption through the skin or eyes, ingestion and injection.
4. Flammable/explosive atmosphere due to the presence of flammable liquids and gases, and of combustible dusts.
5. High noise levels.
6. Musculoskeletal injuries (MSI) due to physical factors such as, entanglement in moving parts of equipment, slips/trips, falls from heights, pinch points, sharp objects, etc.
7. High radiation levels (e.g. radon). 
8. Temperature extremes.
9. Crushing/burial due to shifting, structural collapse or collapse of bulk materials, or of excavations. 
10. Drowning/suffocation due to release of liquid or of free-flowing solid. 
11. Electrocution.
12. Low visibility due to darkness, fog, smoke, steam, dust, etc.
13. Illness/disease due to biological hazards such as mould, animal droppings, insects, etc.

Hazard/Risk Assessment:

Before any worker enters a confined space, the employer must ensure that an adequate assessment of the hazards related to the confined space has been carried out.  The Code of Practice for confined space entry,defines the hazard/risk assessment as the process of identifying ways in which a worker may suffer harm while in a confined space and the hazards that may develop during the work activity inside the confined space. In addition to assessing the atmospheric hazards that pose an imminent danger to workers, the assessment must include all other hazards present in the space.

The assessment may include the following hazards:

• Oxygen deficiency/oxygen enrichment
• Flammable, combustible or explosive agents
• Toxic air contaminants, smoke, fumes, and dusts
• Residual chemicals/materials
• Ignition hazards, including hot work, tools and other potential sources of ignition
• Chemical contact hazards, including acids, alkalis
• Physical hazards, including mechanical hazards, thermal stress, humidity, radiation, noise and vibration, working/walking surfaces, engulfing materials, physical obstacles, poor visibility
• Electrical hazards, including lines and cables, exposed terminals
• Traffic hazards, including pedestrian, mobile equipment
• Biological hazards, including animals and biological agents
• Other hazards related to the confined space, including piping/distribution systems, pressurizing fluids, any type of uncontrolled energy (water, liquid, vapour, electric, magnetic, gaseous, etc.), limited access and egress, etc.