This section provides an overview of how to do a confined space
hazard assessment in your workplace.  

Confined Space Hazard Assessment

The new definition of a confined space may reduce or eliminate the confined spaces in your workplace. If you no longer have a confined space, you cannot just walk away from it. You must still control the actual and potential workplace hazards that may still be present in that space.

The employer should describe, in writing, the decision-making process that led to the conclusion that the space is not a confined space. These confined space audits have to be recorded on a risk assessment form. Additional sections of the regulations should be checked for entry requirements. If there is in fact a confined space still in your workplace, you will need to develop a confined space program.

The steps below are the steps required to complete a confined space assessment:

• The confined space identification must be recorded in writing and shall consider the hazards, design and location for each individual space (see Appendix A: Confined Space Hazard Identification Checklist).
• The hazards that may exist due to the design, construction, location, use or contents of the confined space must be determined and the hazard rate (see Appendix B: Confined Space Hazard Assessment) described in writing.
• The hazards that may develop while work is done inside the confined space must be determined. 
• The record of the assessment may be incorporated into an entry permit.
• If two or more confined spaces are of similar construction and present the same hazards, their assessments may be recorded in a single document, but each confined space shall be clearly identified in the assessment. 
• The employer shall appoint a person with adequate knowledge, training and experience to carry out the assessment and shall maintain a record containing details of the person’s knowledge, training and experience.
• The assessment shall contain the name of the person who carries out the assessment. The person shall sign and date the assessment and provide it to the employer. 
• On request, the employer shall provide copies of the assessment and of the record mentioned to the following:
  • The joint health and safety committee or the health and safety representative, if any.
  • Every worker who performs work to which the assessment relates, if the workplace has no joint health and safety committee or health and safety representative. 
• The employer shall ensure that the assessment is reviewed as often as is necessary or at least once per year to ensure that the relevant plan remains adequate.