Confined Space Entry in Construction

The ever-changing work environment of a construction site poses numerous and dangerous confined spaces of which construction workers need to be aware. These confined spaces include: trenches, wells, pits, excavations, pumping stations, sewers, tunnels, ducts, manholes, flues, chimneys, caissons, bins, silos, vaults, vessels, crawl spaces, and box beams.

Confined Space - Construction is a one-day, six-hour program designed for workers in the construction sector who are required to enter a confined space. It will prepare entry workers with the knowledge and information they require prior to entry into a confined space.

The program represents the first in a two-step process for meeting the legal duty to provide workers with confined space training that is specific to construction work. (See NOTE 2 below for details of the second step.) Also specific to the construction sector is the program's participant manual which is small enough to fit easily into a worker's pocket or lunchbox for ease of reference.

The program is divided into two three-hour modules. The first module, Confined Space Hazards and the Law, addresses the specific requirements under Confined Spaces Regulation 632/05 for confined space entry on a construction site. These requirements include a confined space entry program composed of the following: hazard identification, assessment and controls; a plan of entry for each confined space; training for confined space entry workers; an entry permit system; testing of toxic atmospheres; as well as emergency equipment and emergency response procedures. The second module, Confined Spaces Entry Procedures, identifies the control measures for confined space hazards and safe work procedures for confined space entry work. Issues such as air testing, monitoring, and purging are discussed. General work procedures for personal protective equipment, communication, duties of attendants and use of entry permits are discussed as well as the use, maintenance and inspection of respirators and rescue operation considerations.

Notes:

Students are required to wear a mask and pre-screen according to COVID-19 protocols: https://durhamcollege.ca/information-regarding-novel-coronavirus

Students taking an on-campus course must comply with Durham College’s COVID-19 vaccination policy. Please be sure to read the policy very carefully before registering. https://durhamcollege.ca/coronavirus/covid-19-update-on-durham-colleges-vaccination-requirements-and-policy