Confined Space Entry: Permits, Classifications, Roles, and Training

Who Is Responsible for the Entry Permit?

Under Canadian legislation, across most provinces and territories, the responsibility for obtaining a confined space entry permit lies with the employer.

• The employer must appoint a competent person to carry out hazard assessments and related tasks.
• The permit may be referred to as an entry plan, entry permit, certificate, or record.
• In all cases, it must be a written document completed by the appointed competent person.
• The permit assists with hazard identification and must be communicated to all workers involved before entry.

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Confined Space Classifications

Low Risk Confined Space

• Easy entry/exit and natural ventilation.
• NC1 Classification: Shallow entry with adequate ventilation, simple access, and no flooding risk.
  • Examples: meter pits, valve chambers, booster‑pumping stations, PRV chambers.
• No breathing apparatus required.

Medium Risk Confined Space

• Access issues or realistic expectation of encountering risks.
• NC2 Classification: Vertical direct access with continuous attachment to a hoist or rescue device.
  • Escape Set (Self‑Rescue) breathing apparatus required.
• NC3 Classification: Team entry without permanent safety line attachment, moving away from entry point.
  • Examples: sewers, utility tunnels, aqueducts, complex wet walls.
• Escape Set (Self‑Rescue) breathing apparatus required.

High Risk Confined Space

• Specified hazards that cannot be controlled or eliminated.
• NC4 Classification: Non‑standard entries involving complex operations and additional risks.
  • Examples: mechanical hazards, complex systems, enhanced intrinsic hazards.
• Full working breathing apparatus required at all times.
• High‑risk entries require personnel with designated emergency responsibilities.

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Roles and Responsibilities

A person is considered to have entered a confined space once any part of their body passes through the opening even reaching in with an arm requires training.

Confined spaces share four common characteristics:

• Limited access or egress
• Partially or fully enclosed area
• Not designed for human occupancy
• Potential atmospheric hazards

Pre‑entry training and awareness are critical. Over 85% of confined space injuries are preventable and often occur because workers do not realize they have entered a confined space.

Key Roles

• Management Team
  • Identify confined spaces and hazards.
  • Create risk assessments and emergency response plans (ERP).
  • Ensure workers have access to the ERP. 
  • Provide hazard controls (e.g., PPE) and maintain training records.
• Entry Supervisors
  • Ensure entrants and attendants are trained and competent.
  • Verify pre‑entry steps and rescuer availability.
  • Monitor conditions and end entry when appropriate.
  • Complete required paperwork.
• Attendants
  • Remain outside the entryway and maintain communication.
  • Monitor conditions and control hazards.
  • Direct entrants to exit if irregularities occur.
  • Initiate ERP in case of an accident.
• Breathing Air Supply System Attendants
  • Ensure respiratory equipment is functioning.
  • Monitor breathing airlines and air supply.
  • Assist during emergencies as outlined in the ERP.
• Entrants
  • Recognize hazards inside the space.
  • Use PPE correctly and understand its limitations.
  • Identify symptoms of illness or injury.
  • Exit immediately if conditions become unsafe or directed to do so.
• Emergency Response Team
  • Facilitate rescues when entrants cannot exit on their own.
  • Act according to training, the ERP, and the situation at hand.

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Training Requirements

Both attendants and entrants require confined space training.

• Entrants need training on the equipment they will use.
• Attendants require training on atmospheric testing devices and monitoring procedures.

Training Must Include:

• Confined Space Entry/Monitor Training
  • Covers theoretical content from legislation and CSA standards.
  • In‑person training includes practical components.
• Develop a Confined Space Program
  • Company‑specific program outlining roles, responsibilities, and processes.
  • Includes safe work procedures, hazard assessments, and entry permits.
• Develop Work‑Specific Safe Entry Procedures
  • Tailored to specific spaces, equipment, and hazards.
  • Must include rescue procedures (internal or third‑party).
• Hazard Assessment, Atmospheric Testing, and Entry Permit
  • Required each time confined space work is conducted.
  • Testing must occur before entry, after re‑entry, and at ongoing intervals.
  • Entry permits often combine hazard assessment and atmospheric testing records.
  • All workers must sign off, acknowledging their role.
  • Must identify attendants, testers, and rescue personnel.

Additional training often required: Working at Heights, Fall Protection, Lockout/Tagout, First Aid/CPR, etc. 

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