In this Division:

"adjacent piping" means a device such as a pipe, line, duct or conduit which is connected to a confined space or is so located as to allow a substance from within the device to enter the confined space;

"blank" means a solid plate installed through the cross section of a pipe, usually at a flange connection; 0.'.'

"blanking or blinding" means the absolute closure of adjacent piping, by fastening across it's bore a solid plate or cap that completely covers the bore and that is capable of withstanding the maximum pressure of the adjacent piping;

"blind" means a solid plate installed at the end of a pipe which has at that point been physically disconnected from a piping system;

"clean respirable air" when used to describe the atmosphere inside a confined space, means an atmosphere which is equivalent to clean, outdoor air and which contains:

(a) about 20% oxygen by volume;

(b) no measurable flammable gas or vapour as determined using a combustible gas measuring instruments; and

(c) no air contaminant in concentrations exceeding either 10% of its applicable exposure limit in Division 15 or an acceptable ambient air quality standard established by an authority having jurisdiction over environmental air standards, whichever is greater;

"confined space" means an area, other than an underground work area, that

(a) is enclosed or partially enclosed;

(b) is not designed or intended for continuous human occupancy;

(c) has limited or restricted means for entry or exit that may complicate the provision of first aid; evacuation, rescue or other emergency response service, and

(d) is large enough and so configured that an employee could enter to perform assigned work;

"disconnecting' means physically disconnecting adjacent piping from a confined space to prevent its contents from entering the space in the event of discharge;

"double blocked and bled" means the closure of adjacent piping by locking out a drain or vent in the open position in the line between 2 locked valves in the closed position;

"harmful substance" means a WHMIS controlled product, substance listed in Table 14.29 in Division 15 or a substance which may have a harmful effect on an employee in a confined space;

"high hazard atmosphere" means an atmosphere that may expose an employee to risk of death, incapacitation, injury, acute illness or otherwise impair the ability of the employee to escape unaided from a confined space, in the event of a failure of the ventilation system or respirator;

"inerting" means intentionally flooding the atmosphere inside a confined space with an inert gas such as nitrogen to eliminate the hazard of ignition of flammable vapours inside the confined space but thereby creating an oxygen deficient atmosphere;

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"low hazard atmosphere" means an atmosphere which is shown by pre-entry testing or otherwise known to contain clean respirable air immediately prior to entry to a confined space and which is not likely to change during the work activity, as determined by a qualified person after consideration of the design, construction and use of the confined space, work activities to be performed, and all engineering controls required by this Part; and

"moderate hazard atmosphere" means an atmosphere that is not clean respirable air but is not likely to impair the ability of the employee to escape unaided from a confined space, in the event of a failure of the ventilation system or respirator.

Initial Determination
14.26.1.1

The railway must:

(a) ensure that each confined space in the workplace is identified, and

(b) determine whether any such place will require entry by an employee, either in scheduled work activities or as a result of foreseeable system failures or other emergencies.

Prohibited Entry
14.26.1.2

If a confined space exists at a workplace but no employee entry is required, the railway must ensure that each point of access to the confined space is secured against entry or identified by a sign or other effective means which indicates the nature of the hazard and the prohibition of entry, and that employees are instructed not to enter.

Control of hazards
14.26.1.3

The railway must ensure that all confined space hazards are eliminated or minimized and that work is performed in a safe manner.

Confined Space Entry Program
14.26.1.4

Before a worker is required or permitted to enter a confined space, the employer must prepare and implement a written confined space entry program which includes

(a) an assignment of responsibilities,

(b) a list of each confined space or group of similar spaces and a hazard assessment of those spaces, and

(c) written safe work procedures for entry in the confined space, that address, where applicable:

(i) identification and entry permits;

(ii) lockout and isolation;

(iii) verification and testing;

(iv) cleaning, purging, venting or inerting;

(v) ventilation;

(vi) standby person;

(vii) rescue;

(viii) lifelines, harnesses and lifting equipment;

(ix) personal protective equipment and other precautions; and

(x) co-ordination of work activities.

Administration
14.26.2.1

The railway must assign overall responsibility for administration of the confined space entry program to a person or persons adequately trained to do so.

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Supervision
14.26.2.2

(1) The railway must assign the responsibility for supervision to a person who is adequately trained to supervise the job before any employee enters a confined space.

(2) The responsible supervisor must ensure that:

(a) pre-entry testing and inspection is conducted based on the written procedures;

(b) the precautions identified in the written procedures and precautions required by this Part or which are otherwise necessary for the safety and health of employees are followed; and

(c) only authorized employees enter a confined space.

Instruction
14.26.2.3

Each person who is assigned duties or responsibilities related to entry into a confined space must be adequately instructed and trained in:

(a) the hazard of the space, and

(b) the precautions identified in written procedures to properly perform their duties.

Hazard Assessment
14.26.3.1

(1) A hazard assessment must be conducted for each;

(a) confined space, or group of confined spaces which share similar characteristics, and

(b) work activity, or group of work activities which present similar hazards, to be performed inside a confined space.

(2) The hazard assessment required by subsection

(1) must;

(a) consider the conditions which may exist prior to entry due to confined space's design, location or use, or which may develop work activity inside the space, and

(b) the potential for oxygen enrichment or deficiency, flammable gas, vapour or mist, combustible dust, other hazardous atmosphere, harmful substances requiring lockout and isolation, engulfment and entrapment, and other hazardous conditions.

Procedures
14.26.3.2

Written procedures specifying the means to eliminate all hazards likely to prevail must be developed, based on the hazard assessment required by section 14.26.3.1.

1) The hazard assessment and written confined space entry procedures must be prepared

(a) by a qualified person who has adequate training and experience in the recognition, evaluation and control of confined space hazards, and

(b) in consultation with the person assigned overall responsibility for administration of the confined space entry program and with the joint committee or the occupational safety and health committee, if any, or employee occupational safety and health representative, if any

(2) space entry procedures must be prepared:

(a) by a qualified person who has adequate training and experience in the recognition, evaluation and control of confined space hazards, and

(b) in consultation with the person assigned overall responsibility for administration of the confined space entry program and with the.

For the purpose of paragraph (1) (a) qualifications which are acceptable as evidence of adequate training and experience include:

(a) certified industrial hygienist (CIH) or registered occupational hygienist (ROB);

(b) certified safety professional (CSP), Canadian registered safety professional (CRSP), or professional engineer (P .Eng.), provided that the holders of these qualifications have experience in the practice of occupational hygiene as is relates to confined space entry; or

(c) other combination of education, training and experience acceptable to the safety officer.

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Identification
14.26.4.1

When a confined space requires entry by an employee, each point of access which is not secured against entry must be identified by a sign or other effective means which indicates the hazard and prohibits entry by unauthorized employees.

When Permits Required
14.26.4.2

(1) An entry permit must be completed and signed by the responsible supervisor before an employee enters a confined space:

(a) with a high hazard atmosphere;

(b) that requires lockout or isolatiOl1 procedures to be followed; or (c) in which there is a hazard of entrapment or engulfment.

(2) An entry permit must--be posted at each designated point 'of entry to a confined space. (3) Subsection (2) does not apply if:

(a) the entry permit is posted at a minimum of one designated point of entry;

(b) the identification at other designated points of entry includes up-to-date information on whether it is safe to enter; and

(c) all employees authorized to enter are informed of the location of posted entry permits.

!4.26.4.3 An entry permit must identify the:

(a) confined space and the work to which it applies,

(b) employees who are inside the space;

(c) required precautions for the space; and

(d) time of expiration of the permit.

Updating the Information
14.26.4.4

(1) Once issued, the information on an entry permit may only be altered by:

(a) the responsible supervisor who signed the permit to update it in accordance with subsection (2) or (3);

(b) the standby employee to update the list of employees inside the confined space; or

(c) the tester to record the test results.

2) An entry permit must be reviewed and updated as necessary to ensure the ongoing safety of the employees inside the space.

(3) The permit must be re-authorized and signed by the responsible supervisor

(a) if there is a change in the work crew,

(b) after each shift change, or

(c) after a change of the responsible supervisor.

(4) Every employee affected must be informed of an alteration of an entry permit regarding a change in the required precautions or work activity .

Record of Permit
14.26.4.5

A copy of the signed entry permit must be kept for at least one year.

Lockout
14.26.5.1

(1) Before an employee enters a confined space, all potential energy sources must be de-energized and locked out, as required by Division 25 of this Part.

(2) Any material conveyance equipment which transports material to or from the space must be rendered free of material if the presence of this material presents a hazard.

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Isolation
14.26.5.2

(1) Except as provided in subsections (2) and (3), before an employee enters a confined space, adjacent piping which contains or has contained a harmful substance must be controlled by:

(a) disconnecting, blanking or blinding, or equivalent engineered system, or

(b) if the adjacent piping contains a harmful substance that is not a gas or vapour, nor a liquid of sufficient volatility to produce a hazardous concentration of an air contaminant in the discharge of the piping, a double block and bleed system.

(2) If adjacent piping contains or has contained a substance at a pressure exceeding 100 kPa gauge (15 psig) that is hazardous only because of its 'pressure, temperature or quantity; before an employee enters the space, the pressure must be controlled:

(a) to meet the requirements of subsection (1), or

(b) provided there is no other pressure source or head pressure, by de-energizing and locking out the pressure source and depressurizing the line.

(3) If adjacent piping contains or has contained a substance at a pressure not exceeding 100 kPa gauge (15 psig) that is hazardous only because of its temperature or quantity, before an employee enters the space, the hazard must be controlled:

(a) to meet the requirements of subsection (1), or

(b) other effective means.

(4) Except when used in an acceptable double blocked and bleed system, the closing of one or more valves in a line is not an acceptable means of isolation.

Isolation Points
14.26.5.3

(1) The railway must keep a record which identifies the location of every isolation point.

(2) Every isolation point must be visually checked or otherwise verified to ensure that the confined space is effectively isolated before an employee enters the space.

Blanks and Blinds
14.26.5.4

(1) Unless certified by a professional engineer to provide adequate safety for the particular conditions of anticipated pressure, temperature and service, a blank or blind must be manufactured in accordance with the specifications of one of the following standards, or other standard acceptable to the safety officer:

(a) ANSI Standard API 590-1985, "Steel Line Blanks";

(b) ANSI Standard ASMEJANSI BI6.5-1988. "Pine Flanges and Flanged Fittings", or;

(3) If required, an allowance for corrosion must be made in the design of a blank or a blind.

(4) A blank or a blind must be stamped with or otherwise indicate its pressure rating.

(5) If a line is to be opened for disconnection or to insert a blank or a blind, written safe work procedures must be prepared and followed to prevent hazardous exposure of employees to its contents.

(6) Visual indication that a blank or a blind has been installed must be provided at the point of installation.

(7) If required to prevent leakage, gaskets must be installed on the pressure side of blanks or blinds and flanges must be tightened to make the blanks or blinds effective.

(8) If threaded lines are used, threaded plugs or caps must be used to blind the lines.

Double Block and Double Bleed
14.26.5.5

If a double block and bleed isolation system is used:

(a) the diameter of the bleed line must be no less than the diameter of the line being isolated, unless certified by a professional engineer;

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(b) the bleed for a liquid system must be at a lower elevation than the block valve;

(c) All valves must be locked out in their proper open or closed position;

(d) the downstream block valve must be checked to ensure it is capable of safely withstanding the line pressure;

(e) the bleed must be checked to ensure that it remains clear of obstructions while the confined space is occupied, either by continuous automatic monitoring or by manually checking within 20 minutes before the employee entry, or before re-entry after the confined space has been vacated for more than 20 minutes; and

(0 in the event ofa discharge from the bleed line resulting front failure of the upstream block 0. " Valve, all employees must be in1mediately exit the confined space and the space must be effectively re-isolated before an employee enters the space.

Alternate Procedures
14.26.5.6

(1) If isolation using the measures specified in section 14.26.5.2 is not possible, the railway may implement alternate measures, if acceptable to the safety officer, which ensure equivalent protection to all employees exposed to the hazard.

(2) All employees affected by measures implemented under subsection (1) must be informed of the measures taken and instructed in any applicable work procedures.

Discharge Area
14.26.5.7

The area of potential discharge from a disconnected line or from the bleed of a double block and bleed isolation system must be controlled to ensure that any accidental discharge will not present a hazard to employees.

Verifying all Precautions
14.26.6.1

Before an employee enters a confined space, pre-entry testing and inspection must be conducted to verify that the required precautions have been effective at controlling the identified hazards and that it is safe for an employee to enter.

Testing the Atmosphere
14.26.6.2

(1) Except as stated in subsection (7), before an employee enters s confined space, the railway must ensure that the atmosphere in the confined space is tested.

(2) The pre-entry testing must be

(a) conducted as specified in the written work procedures, and

(b) completed not more than 20 minutes before an employee enters a confined space.

(3) When all employees have vacated the confined space for more than 20 minutes, pre-entry testing, as required by subsection (1), must be repeated.

(4)While an employee is inside a confined space with moderate or high hazard atmosphere, additional testing must be conducted as necessary to ensure the employee's continuing safety.

(5) Whenever practicable, continous monitoring of the atmosphere must be done.

(6) If an employee enters a confined space with a medium or high hazard atmosphere, the railway must continuously monitor the atmosphere if a flammable or explosive atmosphere in excess of 20% of the lower explosive limit could develop.

(7) Pre-entry testing is not required in a confined space with a low hazard atmosphere if:

(a) the location and control of the space ensures that a more hazardous atmosphere could not develop;

(b) such testing is not required to verify the effectiveness of an isolation or other pre-entry control;

(c) prior representative sampling has demonstrated that the atmosphere within the space or group

of similar spaces meets the low hazard atmosphere definition; and

(d) the written entry procedures do not require testing.

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Procedures and Equipment
14.26.6.3

(1) Testing must be carried out in a safe manner and as specified in the written procedures.

(2) Each confined space test must be carried out by an adequately trained employee, using reliable equipment that is properly serviced. calibrated and maintained in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer of the equipment.

(3) The test record must show the date and time of the test, the initials of the tester and the levels or conditions found.

(4) Test results, other than continuos monitoring results, must be posted without delay at all points of entry to the confined space.

Cleaning, Purging and Venting
14.26.7.1

(1) When practicable, the railway must ensure that a confined space to be entered contains clean respirable air.

(2) If a confined space is known, or shown by pre-entry testing to contain other than clean respirable air, the hazard must be controlled by cleaning, purging or venting the space and the atmosphere must be retested before an employee enters the space.

(3) The dead-ends of a line that has been isolated must be cleaned, purged or vented to remove any harmful substance which could present a hazard to an employee entering the confined space.

Risk Control
14.26.7.2

If clean respirable air cannot be assured in a confined space before an employee's entry, the railway must ensure that:

(a) all employees entering the space wear appropriate personal protective equipment including respirators when necessary;

(b) the concentrations of flammable gases and vapours are maintained below 20% of the lower explosive limit; and

(c) if flammable or explosive gases, vapours or liquids are present, all sources of ignition are eliminated or adequately controlled.

Inerting
14.26.7.3

(1) The employer must notify the safety officer in writing, and submit a copy of the proposed work procedures, at least 7 days before an employee enters a confined space which has been inerted.

(2) The railway must follow any additional precautions that are prescribed by the safety officer after review of the notification.

(3) If a confined space has been inerted

(a) all entry precautions for high hazard atmospheres must be followed, except the requirement for continuous ventilation,

(b) every employee entering the confined space must be equipped with a supplied-air respirator protection meeting the requirements of Division 10 of this Part; and

(c) all ignition sources must be controlled.

(4) Subsection (1) does not apply to entry for the purpose of performing emergency rescue duties.

Continuos Ventilation
14.26.8.1

Every confined space must be ventilated continuously while an employee is inside the space, except in:

(a) an atmosphere intentionally inert in accordance with section
14.26.7.3 ;

(b) a low hazard atmosphere controlled in accordance with subsection
14.26.8.2 (2); or

(c) an emergency rescue, if ventilation is not practicable.

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Low Hazard Atmospheres
14.26.8.2

(1) The railway must ensure that a minimum of 85 m³/hr (50 cfrn) of clean respirable air is supplied for each employee in a confined space with a low hazard atmosphere, except as permitted in subsection (2).

(2) Continuous ventilation is not required in a confined space which has a low hazard atmosphere, if:

(a) the atmosphere is continuously monitored and shown to contain clean respirable air, and

(b) the space has an internal volume greater than 1.8 m³ (64 cu ft) per occupant, is occupied for less than 15 minutes, and work inside the space generates no contaminants other than exhaled air.

Mechanical Ventilation
14.26.8.3

(1) A ventilation system for the control of airborne contaminants in a confined space must be designed, installed and maintained in accordance with established engineering principles and must be specified in the written procedures...

(2) Ventilation equipment must be located and arranged so as to adequately ventilate every occupied area inside the confined-space.

(3) If a contaminant is produced in a confined space, it must be controlled at the source by a local exhaust ventilation system if practicable, by general (dilution) ventilation, or by a combination of both.

(4) If practicable, a mechanical ventilation system for a confined space must be sufficient to maintain concentrations of airborne contaminants below the applicable exposure limits.

14.26.8.4

(1) If natural ventilation is relied upon for the control of airborne contaminants in a confined space, the rate of airflow through the space must be monitored and must be sufficient to maintain concentrations of airborne contaminants below the applicable exposure limits.

(2) Natural ventilation must not be used:

(a) to ventilate a confined space that has a high hazard atmosphere, or

(b) if such ventilation could draw air other than clean respirable air into the confined space.

Low Hazard Atmosphere
14.26.9.1 If an employee enters a confined space which contains a low hazard atmosphere:

(a) another employee must be assigned as a standby person;

(b) there must be a continuous means of summoning the standby person,

(c) the standby person must check on the well-being of employees inside the space at least every 20 minutes, and

(d) the standby person must have a means to immediately summon rescue personnel.

Moderate Hazard Atmosphere
14.26.9.2

If an employee enters a confined space which contains a moderate hazard atmosphere:

(a) another employee or employees must be assigned as the standby person(s);

(b) a standby person must be stationed at or near the entrance to the space;

(c) the standby person must visually observe or otherwise check on the well-being of the employee(s) inside the space, as often as may be required by the nature of the work to be performed, but at least every 20 minutes;

(d) there must be a continuous means of summoning the standby person form inside the space; and

(e) the standby person must have a means to immediately summon rescue personnel.

High Hazard Atmosphere, Engulfment or Entrapment
14.26.9.3

If an employee enters a confined space which contains a high hazard atmosphere, a risk of engulfment or entrapment or with any other recognized serious safety or health hazard:

(a) another employee or employees must be assigned as standby person(s);

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(b) the standby person(s) must be stationed at the entrance to the space and must continuously attend to the standby duties;

(c) the standby person(s) must visually observe or otherwise continuously monitor the well-being of the employee(s) inside the space;

(d) there must be a continuous means of summoning the standby person(s) from inside the space;

(e) the standby person(s) must be equipped and capable of immediately effecting rescue using

lifting equipment if required, or otherwise performing the duties of rescue persons; and

(f) the standby person(s) must prevent the entanglement of lifelines and other equipment.

Provision of Rescue Services
14.26.10.1

(1) The railway must provide for the services of rescue persons when an employee enters a confined space.

(2) If the persons are emp1ayees of another firm, company or an agency such as a fire department, there must be a written agreement detailing the services that are to be provided.

Training and Equipment
14.26.10.2

(1) Every person assigned rescue duties must be properly equipped and adequately trained to carry out such duties.

(2) A practice drill must be conducted at least annually.

(3) Records of training and practice drills must be maintained by the railway of the rescue persons.

Notification
14.26.10.3

(1) Before an employee enters a confined space, the responsible supervisor or the standby person must notify rescue personnel of work in the space.

(2) The responsible supervisor or the standby person must notify rescue personnel when all employees have completed their work and exited the space.

(3) If more than one confined space is to be entered at the same time, notification of rescue personnel to be on alert status at the commencement of work is to be adequate.

(4) Notification requirements in this section do not apply if the written agreement indicates that rescue personnel are available 24 hours each day.

Summoning Rescue
14.26.10.4

The railway must ensure that rescue personnel monitor any signalling system that will be used to summon the rescue persons in the event of an emergency whenever they have been informed by the responsible supervisor or the standby person that a confined space entry is in progress.

Rescue Procedures
14.26.10.5

(1) Rescue or evacuation from a confined space must be directed by a supervisor who is adequately trained in such procedures or a qualified rescue person.

(2) Effective voice communication must be maintained at all times between employees engaged in the rescue or evacuation and the person directing the rescue.

(3) A rescue worker must not enter a confined space unless there is at least one additional employee located outside to render assistance.

(4) A self-contained breathing apparatus, or air supplied respirator with escape bottle, must be used during rescue operations in an unknown or illLH atmosphere.

Note: Rescue procedures must apply every possible effort to eliminate, control or reduce the risk to emergency personnel responding to emergency situations including the use of mechanical ventilation.

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When Required
14.26.11.1

(1) When entering a confined space which contains a high hazard atmosphere, a risk of entrapment or engulfment or with any other recognized serious safety or health hazard, the employee must wear a harness of a type which will keep the employee in a position to permit rescue.

(2) A lifeline must be attached to the harness and be tended at all times by a standby person stationed outside the entrance to the space.

(3) The standby person must be equipped with suitable lifting equipment if necessary to permit rescue,

(4) The use of a lifeline is not required if the risk assessment identitifies obstructions or other conditions that make its use impracticable or unsafe.

Standards
14.26.11.2

Harnesses, lifelines and lifting equipment must meet the requirements of standards acceptable under this Part.

Line Entanglement
14.26.11.3

If one or more employees enter a confined space, provision must be made to prevent the entanglement of lifelines and other equipment.

Additional Employees
14.26.11.4 If rescue cannot be effected by the standby person(s) using harnesses, lifelines and lifting equipment, then one or more additional employees must be stationed at the entrance to the confined space and these employees must be equipped and capable of entering the space and effecting rescue.

14.26.12 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT AND OTHER PRECAUTIONS

Personal Protective Equipment
14.26.12.1

An employee entering a confined space must be provided with and wear personal protective equipment as required by Division 10 of this Part.

Compressed Gas Cylinders
14.26.12.3 Except for compressed air supplied to a respirator, medical resuscitation equipment, and hand held aerosol spray containers, a cylinder of compressed gas is not permitted inside a confined space.

Torches and Hoses
14.26.12.4

Torches and hoses used for welding, brazing or cutting must be removed from a confined space when not in use and when the confined space is vacated.

Electrical Equipment
14.26.12.5

(1) Electrical tools and equipment used in a confined space must be grounded or double-insulated and so marked, and if wet or damp conditions exist inside the space, must be protected by an approved ground fault circuit interrupter as required by Division 20 of this Part.

(2) Electrical tools and equipment used in a confined space where flammable or explosive gases, vapours or liquids are present must be CSA approved for hazardous locations classified under CSA Standard C22.l-94, Canadian Electrical Code Part 1, as Class I, Division 2, Groups A, B and C.

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Non-Sparking Tools
14.26.12.6

Only non-sparking tools may be used in a confined space where flammable or explosive gases, vapours or liquids are present.

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