Confined Space Entry

The WorksafeBC requirements for confined space can be stringent and onerous. Both SFU & WorksafeBC requires that a risk/hazard assessment of the space be conducted prior to any entry of a confined space. The risk/hazard assessment must be completed by a qualified person as defined by WorksafeBC. SFU requires that any SFU employee entering a confined space be properly trained for confined space entry. Please contact the FM safety advisor prior to conducting any entries.

SFU requires the following basics:

• Risk assessment
• Site documentation
• Worker training
• Site orientation

Contractors

For contractors working at SFU that may be required to enter a confined space this must first be cleared with Facilities Services & the EHS department. Prior to any contractor entering a confined space at SFU the contractor is required to submit a copy of the risk/hazard assessment and permit (onsite documentation) to the EHS department. EHS doesn't approve these procedures. The purpose of this is to ensure that the contractor has in fact gone through the processes required by WorksafeBC. If EHS has concerns regarding the contractors process, the contractor will be contacted and the work postponed.

Prior to any work at SFU by a contractor, the contractor must have attended a formal orientation session or be working under direct supervision of a contractor that has attended an orientation. SFU's expectation is that any contractor required to be involved in a confined space entry will attend orientation. One of the main concerns regarding confined space entry at SFU is the joint use manholes. Both communication challenges and high voltage can be factors that are present in a single manhole. Always check with your Project Manager during the risk assessment process to ensure that you have all the information required to complete your assessment. For additional information regarding confine space entry at SFU, call 778-782-3867.