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Bell Canada fined record $280,000 in deaths of confined-space workers

In 1983, a graduate engineer on work-experience entered an inspection chamber to test for seepage and collapsed. Three work colleagues attempted a rescue and as each entered the chamber, collapsed also. All four young men died.

In 1986 a worker entered a chemical degreaser to clean the bottom. He collapsed. Two colleagues entered to rescue him. All three died.

What is a Confined Space?

A confined space is defined as a space that is enclosed or partially enclosed that:

Was never designed for human occupancy
Has a restricted entrance or exit by way of location, means or size
Can be a risk for the health and safety for anyone who enters due to its design, location, atmosphere, materials in it, work activities to be carried out or the mechanical process and safety hazards that are present.

Confined spaces can be below or above ground. Confined spaces also come in various sizes from very small to extremely large. Examples of confined spaces are silos, vats, hoppers, utility vaults, tanks, sewers, pipes, access shafts, truck or rail cars, aircraft wings, ditches and trenches.

Hazards in Confined Spaces

The same hazards that you can find in a regular workspace can also be found in a confined space. Additionally, many new hazards can be found in the confined space such as:

Poor air quality: Not only can poisonous gases cause a worker to lose consciousness or die but the insufficient amount of oxygen for the worker can cause the worker to die. Natural ventilation alone is not sufficient to maintain breathable air.
Chemical exposure due to skin contact, ingestion or inhalation.
Fire hazards due to explosive / flammable atmosphere which could ignite and lead to fire or explosion.
Noise.
Safety hazards such as moving parts or structural hazards.

How to Prepare to Enter

There should be a confined space hazard assessment and control program in place and it is to be followed. Confined Space Preparing

Ask yourself - Is it absolutely necessary that work be carried out inside the confined space? In many cases where there have been deaths, the work could have been done outside the confined space.

Before entering any confined space, a trained and experienced person should identify and evaluate all potential hazards with the space.

Air quality testing should be performed from outside the confined space and to ensure that the testing should be carried out throughout the confined space. The sampling needs to show that the oxygen content is within safe limits, toxic/flammable gases are not present and ventilation equipment is operating properly.

Hazards are to be controled in the confined space. Lockouts are to be used at all times to prevent accidental activation of equipment or piping.

Have rescue personel ready with all necessary equipment. Quick response is key when providing a rescue for a downed employee.

Training

Training is key to survival in Confined Spaces. Employees need to have the proper training on Confined Spaces entry tickets, procedures, air monitoring, air quality and the use of confined space equipment. Rescue teams need to be trained on rescue techniques and equipment. All employees should practice on a regular basis.