CSA Announces new Standard for Management of Work in Confined Spaces
April 15, 2010
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CSA Standards announces CSA Z1006 Management of Work in Confined Spaces, a new standard that specifies requirements and guidelines for managing work in confined spaces and coordinating rescues.
A confined space is defined as a workspace that is fully or partially enclosed, is not designed or intended for continuous human occupancy and has limited or restricted access, exiting or internal configuration that can complicate provisions of first aid, evacuation, rescue or other emergency response services. Every confined space is considered to be hazardous unless deemed not so by a competent person through a hazard identification and risk assessment.
Hazard identification and risk assessment by a trained worker are required to determine the appropriate controls to address the specific hazards of the space, including those that can cause acute or chronic harm to the worker. The standard provides detailed guidance on roles required for safe entry, training requirements for the entry and rescue teams, as well as qualification requirements for training providers. It also addresses the competency for individuals to work in a confined space related to their ability to perform specific roles.
“Even the most skilled workers can become trapped, injured or overcome by toxins in a confined space,” says Suzanne Kiraly, President, CSA Standards. “This new CSA standard, the first of its kind in Canada, defines what a confined space is and provides guidelines to managers, workers, and rescuers for identifying and avoiding potential risks while not becoming victims themselves.
The standard is pending approval as a national Standard of Canada. It was funded in part by various federal, provincial and territorial OHS governmental agencies.
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