University of Guelph - Safety Policy Manual Policy 851.06.

02

Confined Space Management Programs

Effective: September 2000

Revised March 2003
Vice-President,
Finance and Administration

Applicable Legislation:
O. Reg. 851, R.R.O. 1990, Industrial Establishments, Sections 6, 42, 43, 50, 66-71, 75, 76.
O. Reg. 231, Construction Projects, Sections 60-63.

Relevant Standards:
29 CFR 1910.146 Permit-Required Confined Space Standard for General Industry.
29 CFR 1910-272 Permit-Required Confined Space Standard for Grain Handling
Facilities.
NIOSH Publication 80-106, Working in Confined Spaces

Intent: To promote awareness of OHSA confined space regulations, to summarize the

requirements of the University’s Confined Space Management Programs, and to
implement effective workplace procedures that prevent unauthorized and unsafe
confined space entries.

Definitions:

acceptable environmental the conditions which must exist for the employee to safely
conditions enter and perform work within a confined space.

ACGIH American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, an

organization devoted to the administrative and technical aspects
of occupational and environmental health.

air quality tester a trained person who performs the requisite pre-entry and
ongoing atmospheric testing and monitoring for safe confined
space entries.

asphyxiation suffocation from insufficient oxygen in the air, airway obstruction

or loss of pulmonary function.

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atmosphere refers to the gases, vapours, mists, fumes and dusts within a
confined space. (See hazardous atmosphere)

atmospheric testing pre-entry testing by a competent person with a calibrated direct-

reading instrument to measure (in sequence) oxygen content,
flammable gases and vapours, and toxic air contaminants.
Because contaminants can stratify at different levels, the entire
confined space must be evaluated remotely. If the measurements
indicate that the atmosphere is within acceptable limits, the entry
may proceed. If not, additional ventilation or respiratory
protective equipment must be provided, or entry is prohibited.

atmospheric monitoring continuous monitoring with a calibrated direct-reading instrument

to verify acceptable atmospheric conditions for entrants. Alarm
conditions pre-empt an entry. Re-entry is not permitted until the
cause of the alarm is identified and corrected and the confined
space has been re-evaluated and the entry permit is re-issued.

attendant a person trained in external rescue procedures who remains in

communication with those inside the confined space for the
purpose of rendering assistance or effecting rescue. Attendants
shall be first aid and CPR-qualified. Also called a stand-by
person.

available rescue the emergency services team for rescue assistance is available to
respond upon request, within ten minutes.

buddy system a system of organizing employees into work groups so that each
employee of the work group is designated to be observed by at
least one other employee in the work group. The entry
supervisor shall be responsible for establishing buddy systems.

cold work work that is not capable of producing heat and a source of
ignition; may be performed provided the atmospheric
concentration of flammable gases and vapour is less than 10% of
the lower explosive limit (LEL).

competent person a person qualified to evaluate confined space hazards, perform

atmospheric tests and/or evaluate the results. A person familiar
with OHSA and OHSA regulations pertaining to confined spaces.

confined space as defined in O. Reg. 851, a space in which, because of its

construction, location, contents, or work activity therein, the

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accumulation of gas, vapour, dust, or fume or the creation of an

oxygen deficient atmosphere may occur. Examples of confined
spaces include storage tanks, process vessels, pits, silos, boilers,
reaction vessels, ventilation and exhaust ducts, sewers,
underground utility vaults, pipelines and trenches deeper than 1.2
metres (4 feet).

confined space entry any action that results if any part of the entrant breaks the plane
of any opening into a confined space.

contaminant toxic material found as a residue in or on a person or on an object

where it is not wanted.

easy egress a horizontal access or a few stairs (see O.Reg.851)

Industrial Establishments, Section 68 a).

emergency response/ a plan that establishes guidelines for handling foreseeable

rescue plan confined space incidents or accidents; a prerequisite for safe
confined space entry (see rescue).

enclosed space a space other than a confined space which is enclosed by walls
and ceiling such as a service tunnel or room where workers may
find otherwise ordinary hazards aggravated or intensified.
Enclosed spaces may become confined spaces because of
atmospheric hazards. Enclosed spaces shall have space-specific
safe entry procedures by permit based upon hazard evaluations
at the time of entry.

engulfment the surrounding and effective capture of a person by liquid or

finely divided solid that can be aspirated to cause death by filling
or plugging the respiratory system, or that can exert enough force
on the body to cause death by strangulation, constriction or
crushing.

entrant a trained person authorized by the entry supervisor to enter a

confined space.

entry permit the written authorization from an entry supervisor for entry into
a confined space for a stated purpose during a given time, which
certifies that all potential hazards have been evaluated and are
controlled. The entry supervisor and the entrants shall review and
sign the entry permit prior to the confined space entry. A

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competent person who performs atmospheric testing shall also

sign the entry permit.

entry supervisor a supervisor who is responsible for authorizing entry into a

confined space and for ensuring that safe procedures are followed
for such entries. An entry supervisor must be a competent
person. The entry supervisor must ensure there is a space-
specific emergency response/rescue plan and must sign the entry
permit once all potential hazards have been evaluated and are
controlled.

external rescue the rescuers do not physically enter the confined space; the
entrant is extracted by attendants via his life-line and with
retrieval equipment located outside the space (e.g. a lifting
device).

general ventilation a system of ventilation that introduces fresh air into a confined
space and relies on its movement to mix with, dilute, and displace
air contaminants.

hazardous atmosphere an atmosphere presenting a potential for death, disablement, injury

or acute illness from one or more of the following causes:

1. The presence of less than 19.5 percent or more than 23

percent oxygen by volume;

2. The presence of a flammable gas, vapour, or mist in

excess of 10 percent of its lower explosive limit (LEL);

3. A concentration of airborne combustible dust that

obscures vision at a distance of five feet or less;

4. A concentration of any toxic, corrosive, or asphyxiant

substance above the permissible exposure limit (PEL) or
above the numerical limit given for the substance in the
current ACGIH TLV booklet;

5. Any other condition that is know to present a safety or

acute health hazard or is immediately dangerous to life
or health (IDLH).

hot work welding, oxy-fuel gas cutting, burning, heating, or the use of live
electrical devices, or operations involving actions or

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materials that can provide a source of ignition in a confined space.

Hot work shall proceed only under acceptable environmental
conditions (i.e. 0% LEL).

hot work permit a written permit authorizing hot work in a confined space. (See
Safety Policy 851.02.04).

immediately dangerous any condition which poses an immediate threat of loss of life
to life or health (IDLH) or which may result in irreversible or immediate severe health
effects or may result in eye damage, irritation or other conditions
which could impair unaided escape from a confined space.

inerting rendering an atmosphere in a confined space non-flammable, non-

explosive or otherwise chemically non-reactive by displacing or
diluting the original atmosphere with an inert gas such as argon or
nitrogen.

internal rescue requires the rescuers to enter the confined space to effect the
rescue. Internal rescues arise if the life-line becomes detached or
entangled, when extrication is complicated, or when medical
packaging is required. Buddy systems are employed for internal
rescues and SCBAs are worn. There is a potential for needing
internal rescue in all confined space entries.

isolation a process whereby a confined space is removed from service and

completely protected from inadvertent release of materialor start-
up of any power source.

local exhaust a method of ventilationthat captures air contaminants at their point

of generation and exhausts them to a remote location.

lower explosive limit the lowest concentration of a flammable gas or vapour

(LEL) which will ignite and burn in the presence of an ignition source.

manhole an opening with a removable or lockable cover which is large

enough for a person to enter a confined space.

non-permit spaces confined or enclosed spaces that do not contain any actual or
potential hazards that could cause death or serious physical harm;
entry would proceed following a standard operating procedure
(SOP) approved by the work supervisor and Environmental
Health and Safety.

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non-routine entries involve entries into unfamiliar confined spaces where historical
data concerning atmospheric hazards is limited; comprehensive
entry planning is essential; stand-by internal rescue personnel are
to be present for the duration of the non-routine entry (see
routine entries).

oxygen deficient an atmosphere with less than 19.5% oxygen by volume at

atmosphere normal atmospheric pressure with a partial pressure of oxygen
less than 17.6 kPa (132 mm Hg). Normal air at sea level contains
about 21% oxygen at partial pressure of 21.3 kPa (160 mm Hg)
i.e., 21% of 101.3 kPa (760 mm Hg) atmospheric pressure at
sea level.

oxygen enriched an atmosphere containing more than 23.5% oxygen by

atmosphere volume or any atmosphere with a partial pressure of oxygen
greater than 23.7 kPa (178 mm Hg).

permit-required a confined space or enclosed space for which an entry permit

confined space is required, is one that must be entered and is:

a) large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily

enter and perform assigned work; and

b) has limited means of entry or exit; and

c) is not designed for continuous employee occupancy; and

d) has one or more of the following characteristics:

• contains or has the potential to contain a hazardous

atmosphere;

• contains a material that might engulf an entrant;

• has an internal configuration (such as inwardly converging

walls or a floor that slopes downward and tapers to a
smaller cross-section) that could cause the entrapment or
asphyxiation of an entrant.

• has any other recognized serious safety or health hazards

(e.g. physical hazards, biological hazards, chemical
hazards, environmental extremes).

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purging a method by which gases, vapours or other air contaminants are displaced
from a confined space.

rescue moving an incapacitated person from a location inside the confined space
to a safe location outside the confined space.

rescue team rescue professionals or a designated team of employees who have current
qualifications in standard first aid, CPR, the use of SCBAs, and are
trained and equipped to perform external and internal confined space
rescue work.

retrieval system the equipment (including retrieval line, chest or full-body harness, wristlets,
if appropriate, and a lifting device or anchor) used for external rescue of
persons from confined spaces.

routine entries involve entries into spaces which, from historical data, generally do not
exhibit changes in physical or atmospheric characteristics over time (see
non-routine entries).

self-contained positive pressure supplied air respiratory protection required for

breathing entry into atmospheres that are immediately dangerous to life or
apparatus (SCBA) health (IDLH). Positive pressure SCBAs provide the highest level of
protection against airborne contaminants and oxygen deficiency.

self rescue the entrant removes himself or herself from the confined space.

stand-by rescue the confined space rescue team is standing by at the entry site ready to
execute the emergency response plan for internal rescue. Stand-by
rescue is mandatory for safe entry if the entrant would have difficulty
exiting the space unassisted, if the entry is non-routine, if supplied
breathing air is required for the entry, or if the potential confined space
hazard is IDLH.

threshold limit registered trademark of the American Conference of Governmental

value (TLV) Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). Refers to the airborne concentration of
substances to which it is believed that nearly all workers can be repeatedly
exposed eight-hours a day, over a working lifetime without adverse effect.

toxic atmosphere any atmosphere where the level of air contaminants exceed OHSA
Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs), ACGIH Threshold Limit Values
(TLVs) or NIOSH Recommended Exposure Levels.

zero energy the stored potential energy in equipment is dissipated to prevent

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state movement or action that could cause injury.

Requirements of Regulation 851 for Industrial Establishments, Sections 67-71

67. The requirements of sections 68, 69, 70 and 71 apply, with all necessary
modifications, to any confined space while a worker is in the space.

68. Subject to section 70, a confined space shall be entered only where,
(a) there is an easy egress from all accessible parts of the confined space;
(b) mechanical equipment in the confined space is,
i. disconnected from its power source, and
ii. locked out;
(c) all pipes and other supply lines whose contents are likely to create a hazard
are blanked off; and
(d) the confined space is tested and evaluated by a competent person who,
i. records the results of each test in a permanent record, and
ii. certifies in writing in the permanent record that the confined space,
A. is free of hazard, and
B. will remain free of hazard while any worker is in the confined
space having regard to the nature and duration of the work
to be performed.

69. Subject to section 70, a confined space in which there exists or is likely to exist,
(a) hazardous gas, vapour, dust or fume; or
(b) an oxygen content of less than 18 per cent or more than 23 per cent
at atmospheric pressure,
shall be entered only when,
©) the requirements of section 68 are complied with;
(d) the space is purged and ventilated to provide a safe atmosphere;
(e) the measures necessary to maintain a safe atmosphere have been
taken;
(f) another worker is stationed outside the confined space;
(g) suitable arrangements have been made to remove the worker from
the confined space should the worker require assistance; and
(h) a person adequately trained in artificial respiration is conveniently
available.

70. A confined space in which there exists or is likely to exist,

(a) a hazardous gas, dust or fume; or
(b) an oxygen content of less than 18 per cent or more than 23 per cent
at atmospheric pressure;
and that cannot be purged and ventilated to provide and maintain a safe atmosphere
shall be entered only when,

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(c) all the requirements of section 68 except subclause (d) (ii) are
complied with;
(b) the worker entering is using suitable breathing apparatus and a
safety harness or other similar equipment to which is securely
attached a rope, the free end of which is held by a worker equipped
with an alarm who is keeping watch outside the confined space;
(e) the worker entering is using such other equipment as is necessary to
ensure the worker’s safety;
(f) the safety harness, rope and other equipment mentioned in clause (d)
have been inspected by a competent person and are in good working
order; and
(g) a person adequately trained in artificial respiration is conveniently
available.

71.(1) Subject to subsection (2), where the gas or vapour in a confined space is or is likely
to be explosive or flammable, the confined space shall be entered only where,
(a) the concentration of the gas or vapour does not or is not likely to exceed 50
per cent of the lower explosive limit of the gas or vapour; and
(b) the only work to be performed is that of cleaning or inspecting and of such
a nature that it does not create any source of ignition.

(2) Cold work may be performed in a confined space that contains or is likely to contain
an explosive or flammable gas or vapour where the concentration does not exceed,
and is not likely to exceed 10 per cent of the lower explosive limit of the gas or
vapour.

Policy:

Confined Space Management Programs

1. A Confined Space Management Program shall be established at University workplaces

(i.e. the main campus, research stations, Regional Colleges) that have confined spaces.

2. A joint committee to be known as the local Confined Space Working Group (CSWG)
shall be created to address local confined space entry issues and to review the local
confined space management program at least once per year. This committee shall be
chaired by a Confined Space Program Co-ordinator.

3. The following elements of the local Confined Space Management Program shall be
documented by the Program Co-ordinator:

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a) an inventory of all confined spaces, and reasons why they must be entered. All
confined spaces should be conspicuously posted. A sign reading “DANGER,
PERMIT-REQUIRED CONFINED SPACE, NO UNAUTHORIZED ENTRY”
would be acceptable;

b) identification of all potential hazards associated with each confined space, e.g.
atmospheric hazards (oxygen deficient or enriched atmospheres, toxic or irritating
atmospheres), physical hazards (mechanical equipment or electrically energized
equipment, powder, heat, cold, noise, engulfment, radiation), biological hazards
(e.g. insects, rodents), and chemical hazards (fire, explosion, gases, liquids,
hazardous substances);

c) space-specific procedures for confined space entry preparation (e.g. isolation,

lockout/tagout, purging, ventilation, and ensuring that equipment is in a zero energy
state);

d) the space-specific emergency response/rescue plan;

e) mandatory use of the written entry permit system;

f) listing of equipment available for safe confined space entries (e.g. direct-reading
air testing instrument, ventilation equipment, traffic control barriers, personal
protective clothing and equipment, respiratory protection, intrinsically safe tools,
radios, rescue gear, etc.);

g) lists of employees who have been trained for active roles in confined space entries
as entry supervisors, air quality testers, attendants, entrants, and rescue team
personnel;

h) procedures for atmospheric testing and the evaluation of the confined space to
ensure acceptable environmental conditions;

I) description of confined space training initiatives and training frequencies;

j) procedures for entries by contractors into University confined spaces.

4. Environmental Health and Safety shall be provided copies of all documentation about the
local Confined Space Management Program, about Program reviews and updates, and
with minutes of CSWG meetings.

5. EnvironmentalHealth and Safety shall be notified whenever a confined space is declassified

to non-permit space status. A standard operating procedure (SOP) for safe entry, signed

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by a worker representative and the supervisor responsible for the space, shall be submitted
to EHS. Entries into non-permit spaces shall proceed only after all potential and existing
hazards have been evaluated by the entry supervisor prior to entry, controls and safe work
procedures have been implemented, and buddy systems have been adopted.

Confined Space Training

6. Employees who are assigned duties as entry supervisors, air quality testers, attendants,
entrants, and rescue team personnel shall be competent persons as defined by the Act and
shall be provided formal confined space entry and rescue training that covers:

- recognition of confined spaces;

- confined space hazards and controls;
- correct use of personal protective equipment;
- standard first aid and CPR (for attendants and rescue team personnel);
- space preparation procedures (lockout/tagout, isolation, hot work procedures);
- safe work practices for confined spaces;
- the entry permit system;
- atmospheric testing, monitoring, evaluation, and interpretation;
- confined space entry equipment (tripod and hoist, ventilator, rescue gear);
- emergency entry and exit procedures and communication signals;
- emergency response/rescue planning;
- activation of the emergency response plan;
- entry and rescue rehearsals designed to promote familiarity and competence.

Training frequency shall be determined by the CSWG Program Co-ordinator based upon
the needs and experience of the confined space entry personnel.

Inventories

7. All confined spaces at the University of Guelph, including the research stations and the
Regional Colleges, shall be regarded initially as permit-required confined spaces.

Rescue Planning

8. A written space-specific rescue plan shall be a prerequisite for all confined space entries.
(This plan may call for an external rescue by attendants or for an internal rescue by a
stand-by rescue team equipped with SCBAs.)

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9. The space-specific rescue plan shall be reviewed at a pre-entry meeting and the written
plan shall be described on the Confined Space Entry Advance Notice Form (see
Appendix 2).Safe Confined Space Entries

10. Environmental Health and Safety and the University’s Fire Division shall be notified in
advance of all routine entries and non-routine entries (i.e. location, date, time, purpose
of entry, and names of entry supervisor and air quality tester, rescue plans). Appendix 2
illustrates the Confined Space Entry Advance Notice Form that is used to serve these
notifications.

11. The entry supervisor shall alert any personnel in the vicinity of a confined space about the
date, time and the purpose of a planned entry.

12. A pre-entry meeting of the entry and rescue team shall be mandatory to discuss team
member responsibilities, safe work procedures and the space-specific emergency
response/rescue plan.

13. No entry into a permit-required confined space shall be permitted unless the concentration
of flammable or combustible gas is less than 10% of the lower explosive limit (LEL).

14. Cold work shall be performed only when the atmospheric concentration of flammable or
combustible gas is not likely to exceed 10% of the lower explosive limit (LEL).

15. Hot work shall be permitted only when the atmospheric concentration of flammable or
combustible gas is 0%.

16. Entrants shall terminate a confined space entry immediately upon a signal from the
attendant or upon an alarm condition from atmospheric monitoring. Re-entry shall not be
permitted until the cause of the alarm is identified and corrected and the confined space is
re-evaluated.

Atmospheric Testing

17. Atmospheric testing from outside the space with a field-checked direct-reading instrument
shall be a prerequisite for confined space entries. Air quality tests shall be performed by
a competent person trained to perform and interpret such tests. The internal atmosphere
of the confined space shall be tested in the following order; oxygen content, flammable
gases and vapours, and suspected toxic air contaminants. The likelihood of contaminant
interferences shall be assessed.

18. Air quality tests shall be performed before ventilation is commenced to determine
precautions necessary for purging, ventilating, and for respiratory protection. A pressure-

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demand supplied-air breathing apparatus or SCBA shall be worn by an entrant when the
atmosphere in a confined space cannot be made safe to breathe through ventilation.
Environmental Health and Safety shall be notified immediately about all planned entries that
require entrants to wear SCBAs.

19. Pre-entry test results must be satisfactory to the entry supervisor and all entrants in order
for an entry to proceed. The air quality test results shall be recorded on the confined space
entry permit.

20. Atmospheric monitoring shall be performed continuously during entry operations.

21. Atmospheric testing and monitoring equipment shall be CSA-approved, equipped with
danger signalling features, and shall be factory-calibrated in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions. Field checks shall be performed immediately prior to confined
space entries. Instrument-specific calibration and field check data shall be recorded and
maintained for a minimum of seven years.

Confined Space Entry Permits

22. Entry into a permit-required confined space shall be by entry permit only. The entry permit
shall be signed immediately prior to entry by the entry supervisor and by all entrants. The
permit shall be displayed at the job site for the duration of the entry.

23. The entry supervisor shall issue a confined space entry permit to:

- identify the permit-required confined space;

- identify the time and duration of an entry;
- authorize the confined space work to be done (including that of contractors hired
directly by the University);
- appoint entrants, attendants, and rescue team personnel;
- confirm that existing and potential confined space hazards have been evaluated;
- identify controls for foreseeable hazards and to specify acceptable environmental
conditions for safe entry;
- identify required safety equipment, personal protective clothing, and safe work
procedures;
- ensure pre-entry atmospheric testing results and ventilation requirements are
recorded;
- specify continuous atmospheric monitoring during entry;
- communicate the space-specific rescue plan as a pre-requisite of entry;

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24. Completed entry permits, including any post-entry notes, shall be retained by the entry
supervisor in accordance with O. Reg. 851, Section 6, for a minimum of seven years.
Copies shall be forwarded to Environmental Health and Safety.

Guidelines:

A confined space is one which, by design, has limited openings for entry and exit, unfavourable
natural ventilation which could contain or produce hazardous atmospheres, and is not intended for
continuous employee occupancy. Entry into confined spaces may
occur during construction activities or for the purposes of inspection, repair or maintenance. The
atmospheric hazards (oxygen deficiency, oxygen displacement, flammable mixtures, toxic gases)
and physical hazards (mechanical, electrical, hydraulic energy, engulfment) associated withconfined
spaces present risks of injury and death. Biological hazards and environmental conditions can make
confined space work undesirable, uncomfortable, and difficult. It is estimated that there are
approximately 300 confined space fatalities in North America every year, and half of these involve
would-be rescuers. Confined space fatalities keep occurring because of failure to recognize and
control all hazards, and because of inadequate or incorrect (impulsive) emergency response
actions.

To ensure safety, a Confined Space Management Program is essential. The need for entries
into confined spaces must be minimized by design. All necessary entries shall proceed via an entry
permit system which identifies space-specific hazards and controls, safety equipment, cautious
work procedures, qualified personnel, and the rescue plan. Managers, supervisors, and workers
must be trained about confined spaces and must maintain their skills.

Appendix 1 identifies the names of the members of the various Confined Space Working Groups.
You should contact one of these persons for initial information about the Confined Space
Management Program in your workplace.

All permit-required confined spaces in the workplace must be inventoried and posted. Confined
spaces in the workplace may be recognized as:

agricultural confined spaces: manure pits, hoppers, silos, fertilizer storage tanks,
conveyor enclosures, spray tanks, grain bins, etc.;

non-agricultural confined spaces: boilers, water tanks, dust collectors, cable vaults,
manholes, transformer vaults, sludge pits, fuel tanks, incinerators, furnaces, sewage
conduits, storm drains, trenches, etc.

Confined Space Entry Permits and Confined Space Entry Advance Notice forms are available
from Environmental Health and Safety.

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Rescue Planning

Emergency response/rescue plans must be designed at a pre-entry planning meeting, i.e. before
the confined space entry is attempted. All confined space entries have the potential to require an
internal rescue if something goes wrong (e.g. the entrant becomes incapacitated for a medical
reason). Capable and properly equipped stand-by rescuers provide safe, efficient, and immediate
response to reduce the severity of injury and to save lives. Remember that oxygen deprivation can
cause irreversible brain damage after four minutes. Rescue actions rely upon technique and finesse,
not on brute strength. Thus external and internal rescue operations must be planned and rehearsed
in advance. The rescue plan may call for self-rescue, an external rescue by the attendants (e.g.
using a tripod and hoist), or for an internal rescue by a stand-by rescue team that is suited up and
ready to enter the confined space using SCBA or supplied-air.

The rescue plan must be documented on the Confined Space Entry Advance Notice Form (see
Appendix 2), and must be understood by all parties involved in the confined space entry.
Attendants may need to summon local emergency services personnel (fire department, police,
ambulance) whenever the rescue plan is activated. Emergency services personnel provide
additional assistance once the casualty is removed from the confined space. Pre-determined
communication signals are essential for prompt activation of the emergency response/rescue plan.
Entry supervisors cannot take the chance that a confined space rescue will never be necessary.
Lack of a rescue plan and/or inadequate rehearsals of that plan could turn an incident into a
catastrophe!

Rescue professionals for internal rescues have the latest in equipment, techniques, and industry
news. They regularly schedule practice to master and maintain skills for respiratory protection and
SCBA proficiency, atmospheric testing and monitoring, fall protection, lockout/tagout, PPE,
hazardous materials, first aid and CPR, rigging proficiencies, casualty extrication techniques, and
knowledge of provincial regulations. Emergency service providers for internal rescues must be
engaged if University personnel are not trained and confident to effect such rescues. Contact
Environmental Health and Safety for assistance regarding confined space rescue planning.

Atmospheric Testing

Air quality testers who must use an instrument to evaluate a confined space atmosphere must be
able to anticipate the atmospheric hazards, verify that the gas test instrument is functioning properly
and reading correctly, evaluate the entire space because of stratification of gases and vapours, and
correctly interpret the measurements. Multi-gas instruments are designed to measure oxygen,
combustibles, and one or more toxic gases. Field checks must be performed prior to using the gas
test instrument. Field calibration involves “zeroing” the instrument in uncontaminated air to verify
21% oxygen, and then introducing calibration gases of known concentrations. Since combustible
gas meters are factory-calibrated using a single gas (usually methane or pentane), they will only give
accurate readings of % LEL when measuring that specific gas. Instrument-specific correction

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factors may be needed if the confined space contaminant is different from the calibration gas.
Contaminants other than the species of interest that influence the instrument’s response, are called
interferences. Interferences must be minimized. Gas test instruments may only be used in
flammable/explosive atmospheres for which they are certified. Instrument alarm set points are
typically 23.5% and 19.5% for oxygen, 10% of the LEL for combustibles, and at the PEL or TLV
for toxic gases.

Contact the University’s Fire Division for more information about atmospheric testing.

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Appendix 1

Local Confined Space Working Groups

March 2003

Main Campus Confined Space Working Group

Gary Feltz, Supervisor, Mechanical Shop 519-824-4120, ext. 54881

CSWG Co-ordinator

Mike Kormendy, Central Utilities 519-824-4120, ext. 52229

Frank Burkard, Electrical Shop, 519-824-4120, ext. 52033

Brian Dobrindt, Central Utilities 519-824-4120, ext. 52474

Howard Roszel, Fire Division 519-824-4120, ext. 52071

Dennis Novosad, Manager, Construction 519-824-4120, ext. 52009

Bill Fisher, Mechanical Shop 519-824-4120, ext. 54881

Mark Rogers, Student Housing Services 519-824-4120, ext. 54708

Dave Cook, CCS - Networking Services 519-824-4120 ext. 56199

RSO Agricultural Confined Space Working Group

Roger Shantz, Guelph 519-826-3807

Research Stations Operations - Director CSWG Co-ordinator

Al McBurney, Elora 519-822-0110

Pete Milton, Arkell 519-836-1400

Jim Hasson, Elora 519-846-5621

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University of Guelph - Safety Policy Manual Policy 851.06.02

Kemptville College Confined Space Working Group

Dennis McKnight, CSWG Co-ordinator 613-258-8336, ext. 348

Albert Koekkoek 613-258-8336, ext. 209

New Liskeard Confined Space Working Group

John Rowsell, CSWG Co-ordinator 705-647-8525, ext. 221

Ridgetown College Confined Space Working Group

John Brooks, CSWG Co-ordinator 519-674-1510

Gary Brien 519-674-1549

Mike Zink 519-674-1607

Mark Monden 519-674-1548

Phil McEwen 519-674-1541

Alfred College Confined Space Working Group

Serge Courchesne 613-679-2438

Serge Tremblay 613-679-2464

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University of Guelph - Safety Policy Manual Policy 851.06.02

Appendix 2
Confined Space Entry Advance Notice Form

TO: Environmental Health and Safety TO: Fire Division

University of Guelph Security Services
126 Christie Lane Trent Lane
Guelph, Ont. N1G 2W1 University of Guelph
Attention: G.G. Byford, Manager Attention: R. Begin, Manager
FAX: 519-824-0364 FAX: (519) 766-9974

PLEASE PRINT
FROM:

PHONE: FAX: _______________________________

LOCATION OF CONFINED SPACE

PLANNED ENTRY: DATE TIME

PURPOSE OF PLANNED ENTRY

HOT WORK PERMIT REQUIRED? 9 YES 9 NO

NAME OF ENTRY SUPERVISOR

NAME OF AIR QUALITY TESTER

A CONTRACTOR IS INVOLVED 9 YES 9 NO

RESCUE PLAN: 9 EXTERNAL 9 INTERNAL

All parties involved in the confined space entry (entry supervisor, attendants, entrants,
rescue personnel) know that they share the authority to terminate the entry for any valid
safety reason. 9 YES

Entrants know that self-rescue is the first rescue strategy and understand all
communication signals. 9 YES

Attendants know all communication signals, how to summon emergency assistance, and
how to use lifelines, pulleys and/or the tripod to accomplish an external rescue .
9 YES
Identify rescue equipment:_________________________________________________

Stand-by rescue personnel are equipped with SCBAs, lifelines and other emergency
equipment for internal rescue. 9 YES

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