CREEPING IN
An overview of confined spaces in Saskatchewan
By Jennifer Miller, Occupational Safety Group
Legislation concerning confined spaces varies across Canada. Each jurisdiction
has requirements for confined spaces. It is crucial that employers, HR profession-als
and health and safety leaders know which legislation applies to their work-place
and that they adhere to it. Saskatchewan is covered by the Occupational Health and
Safety Regulations, 1996, which includes confined spaces in Part XVIII – Confined Space
Entry, Section 266.
Confined spaces do not always neatly present themselves as such. They are sometimes
misconstrued to mean a tight space, one without optimal airflow or simply a space that is
small. Confined spaces may also be mislabeled, which creates problems for those tasked
with looking after the Confined Space Safety Program. In Saskatchewan, a confined space is
legally defined and a space is not considered to be a confined space if it does not meet that
legal definition. Part XVIII of Confined Space Entry, Section 266, defines a confined space as:
(a) “confined space means an enclosed or partially enclosed space that:
(i) is not primarily designed or intended for human occupancy, except for the purpose
of performing work; and
(ii) has restricted means of entry and exit.”
SAFETY
SAROTEPRUKSACHAT / 123RF STOCK PHOTO
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