When you hear "confined space," your first thought might be a tight crawl space under your house or a massive industrial tank. Both are correct, and the risks they bring to the table are nothing to ignore.
Confined spaces are more common than you might think, especially in industrial, construction, and agricultural settings. Examples include storage tanks, silos, underground vaults, and sewers, which are often encountered in manufacturing or municipal work. These areas are not designed for continuous human occupancy but may require entry for tasks like maintenance, cleaning, or inspections. Pipelines and tunnels are also confined spaces where workers may need to perform repairs or install equipment under tight and potentially hazardous conditions.
Even less obvious examples exist. Crawl spaces under buildings, ship holds, grain bins, and even certain machinery interiors can all qualify as confined spaces. They share characteristics such as limited entry and exit points, restricted airflow, and potential hazards like toxic gases, engulfment risks, or extreme temperatures. Even seemingly innocuous areas, like basements with poor ventilation or pits used for vehicle maintenance, can present confined space dangers depending on the circumstances.
For Calgary businesses, where industries like oil and gas, manufacturing, and construction dominate, confined spaces are a regular part of the job. But how do you keep your workers safe? Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide to safe confined space entry—and how Calgary Safety Consultants can help you protect your team and stay compliant.
In Alberta, the distinction between restricted spaces and confined spaces lies in the level of hazard and the legal requirements for working in these areas, as defined under occupational health and safety regulations. Properly defining them is important.
A restricted space is an area with limited access or egress, like a tight crawl space or a small mechanical room. These spaces might be awkward to work in but don’t necessarily pose the same level of risks as a confined space. They don't have the potential for atmospheric hazards or other life-threatening risks unless specific tasks or conditions introduce them. While working in a restricted space, you still need to follow safe work practices, but the rules are less stringent compared to confined spaces.
A confined space, on the other hand, is more hazardous by nature. It’s a space not designed for continuous occupancy, with limited entry and exit points, and it poses specific risks such as toxic gases, oxygen deficiency, or the risk of engulfment. Examples include tanks, silos, and underground vaults. Entering a confined space in Alberta requires a formal risk assessment, a confined space entry permit, atmospheric testing, and a rescue plan in case something goes wrong.
In simple terms: restricted spaces can be inconvenient or uncomfortable, but confined spaces are inherently more dangerous and come with strict regulatory requirements for safe entry and work.
Step 1: Identify the Confined Space
A confined space isn’t just any small area. It has specific criteria:
Think of tanks, silos, or pits—if your workspace checks these boxes, you’re dealing with a confined space.
Step 2: Perform a Hazard Assessment
Before anyone sets foot in that space, you need a full hazard assessment:
A thorough assessment identifies what you're up against so you can plan accordingly. This is where many companies fall short, leading to unnecessary risks.
How We Can Help: Our team at Calgary Safety Consultants specializes in hazard assessments for confined spaces. We’ll pinpoint the risks and help you develop a plan to address them effectively.
Step 3: Secure a Permit
No permit? No entry. A confined space entry permit ensures:
A permit isn’t just a piece of paper—it’s a lifesaver.
Pro Tip: Keep permits organized and accessible for audits or inspections. It’s not just about compliance—it’s about accountability.
Step 4: Air Monitoring
Air quality is a big deal in confined spaces. Toxic gases or low oxygen levels can turn deadly fast. Continuous monitoring ensures the space remains safe throughout the job.
How We Can Help: We can guide you in selecting the right air monitoring equipment and training your team to use it effectively.
Step 5: Proper Equipment is Non-Negotiable
From personal protective equipment (PPE) to communication tools, having the right gear is critical:
Investing in quality equipment pays off when it’s your team’s safety on the line.
Step 6: Develop a Rescue Plan
If something goes wrong, are you prepared to respond? A confined space rescue plan isn’t just a "nice-to-have"—it’s mandatory under Alberta OHS regulations.
Training your team on the rescue plan is just as important as having it in place.
How We Can Help: At Calgary Safety Consultants, we design customized rescue plans tailored to your specific confined spaces. We also offer rescue training to ensure your team is ready to act.
Step 7: Train, Train, Train
Safety training isn’t a one-and-done deal. Workers should understand:
Regular refreshers keep the information fresh and your team confident.
How We Can Help: Our training programs are hands-on and designed with Calgary’s industries in mind. We’ll ensure your workers aren’t just checking boxes—they’re truly prepared.
Confined space entry is one of the most dangerous tasks workers can face. But with proper planning, equipment, and training, it can be done safely. That’s where Calgary Safety Consultants comes in:
Ready to take the first step? Contact Calgary Safety Consultants and take the first step toward measurable safety success. Book your complimentary consultation today.
References
Confined spaces don’t have to be a death trap. With the right approach and expert help, you can protect your workers and your business. Reach out to us today—we’ve got your back.
Yes, a confined space entry permit is mandatory to ensure all hazards are identified and controlled before work begins.
Training should be conducted regularly and refreshed periodically to keep workers up to date on procedures and equipment.
A rescue plan outlines the steps and resources needed to respond quickly and effectively if an emergency arises inside a confined space.
Calgary Safety Consultants is here to help you ensure compliance, enhance safety, and streamline your OH&S program. Don’t wait—fill out the form, and we’ll connect with you to discuss how we can support your business. Let’s get started!
Calgary Safety Consultants delivers game-changing COR Audits and OH&S consulting designed to keep your business safe, compliant, and accident-free. With 30+ years of expertise in high-risk industries like oil & gas, construction, and manufacturing, we understand the unique challenges you face. We offer tailored safety solutions that not only meet regulatory standards but also reduce operational risks and protect your workforce. From conducting thorough safety audits to implementing comprehensive safety management systems, we ensure your team is fully supported. Our hands-on, collaborative approach means we're with you every step of the way, helping you achieve a safer, more efficient workplace. Let us handle the heavy lifting so your team stays protected, and your business thrives!
