J17 Confined Space

Law. Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, Part 9 (confined spaces, ss. 9.1 to 9.41), with s. 8.35 (IDLH entry), s. 5.48 (exposure limits) and s. 31.5(2) (written rescue procedures) (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation [BC], 2026, ss. 5.48, 8.35, 9.1-9.41, 31.5).

What must be covered.

• Program and assessment. A written confined space entry program (s. 9.5); a hazard assessment and written procedures by a qualified person (ss. 9.9-9.11); instruction for everyone assigned to the work (s. 9.8).
• Atmosphere. No numeric oxygen band in Part 9: “clean respirable air” is about 20.9 percent oxygen, no measurable flammable gas and contaminants below 10 percent of the exposure limit (s. 9.1); “oxygen deficient” means below 19.5 percent or a partial pressure below 16.3 kPa (s. 1.1). Flammables are kept below 20 percent of the LEL where clean air cannot be assured (s. 9.28(b)), with continuous monitoring if more than 20 percent could develop (s. 9.25(6)). Hydrogen sulphide and carbon monoxide follow the ACGIH limits adopted by reference (s. 5.48).
• Testing. Pre-entry testing within 20 minutes of entry (s. 9.25(2)).
• Permit. An entry permit signed by the supervisor, posted, and kept for a year (ss. 9.13-9.16).
• Standby. Low hazard: checks at least every 20 minutes; moderate hazard: at or near the entrance, checks at least every 20 minutes; high hazard: continuous attendance by a person equipped to rescue (ss. 9.34-9.36).
• Rescue. The employer provides rescue persons; “If the rescue persons are employees of another firm, or an agency such as a fire department, there must be a written agreement detailing the services” (s. 9.37(2)). Rescue persons are equipped and trained, a “practice drill must be conducted at least annually”, and records are kept (s. 9.38). Rescue personnel are notified before entry unless the agreement provides 24-hour availability (s. 9.39); SCBA is required in unknown or IDLH atmospheres (s. 9.41).
• Fire department procedures. Written procedures for rescue from confined spaces where the service provides it (s. 31.5(2)); an attendant capable of rescue for any IDLH entry (s. 8.35).

Fire-service nuance.

• No general firefighter exemption. Emergency rescue is excepted only from the notice for inerted spaces (s. 9.29(4)) and from continuous ventilation “if ventilation is not practicable” (s. 9.30(c)).
• A department that acts as an industrial employer’s rescue provider needs the written agreement (s. 9.37(2)) and an annual practice drill in its records (s. 9.38(2)).

Status. Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (Part 9 and related sections, current to 2026-10-20). The ACGIH values themselves were not read.

Law. Occupational Health and Safety Code, Part 5 (confined and restricted spaces, ss. 44 to 58), s. 162 (flammable atmospheres) and Schedule 1, Table 2 (exposure limits) (Occupational Health and Safety Code [AB], 2025, ss. 44-58, 162, Sch. 1). Guidance, not law: OHS guide for firefighting (Government of Alberta, 2019).

What must be covered.

• Program. A written code of practice for confined space entry (s. 44); a hazard assessment by a competent person (s. 45).
• Training. By a competent person, with records (s. 46(1)-(2)); those who respond collectively hold first aid, emergency equipment and space-specific competence (s. 46(3)). No interval.
• Permit. An entry permit signed by a competent person and readily available (s. 47).
• Atmosphere. Oxygen 19.5 to 23.0 percent (s. 52(1)(a)), with continuous monitoring where the atmosphere may change (s. 52(3.1)); no entry or work above 20 percent of the LEL (s. 162(1)); in-space monitoring equipment not energized above 10 percent of the LEL unless it cannot ignite the atmosphere (s. 56(7)(b)); hydrogen sulphide 10 ppm (8 hours) and 15 ppm ceiling, carbon monoxide 25 ppm (8 hours) (Sch. 1, Table 2).
• Tending worker. Designated for every entry, and at the entrance or a remote station where oxygen is outside the range or a Table 2 substance exceeds 50 percent of its limit (s. 56).
• Rescue. No entry unless an effective rescue can be carried out (s. 55).
• Records. Kept 1 year, or 2 years if an incident occurred (s. 58).

Fire-service nuance.

• The only exemption, verbatim. The 20 percent LEL ban “does not apply to a competent, properly equipped worker who is responding in an emergency” (s. 162(2)). Part 5 itself has no firefighter exemption, and the provincial guide says a department that provides confined space rescue must comply with it (Government of Alberta, 2019).
• Training entries and the department’s own spaces need the code of practice, permits, monitoring and a tending worker.

Status. Verified against the official text (Code consolidated to 2025-03-31): s. 162 read on 2026-10-23; Part 5 (ss. 44 to 58) read on 2026-10-24.

Law. The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020, Part 18 (confined space entry, ss. 18-1 to 18-10), s. 25-11 (flammable atmospheres), s. 21-6 and Table 18 (contamination limits), s. 3-3 (young workers) and Part 32 (ss. 32-1, 32-4) (The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020 [SK], 2021, ss. 3-3, 18-1-18-10, 21-6, 25-11, 32-1, 32-4).

What must be covered.

• Identification and assessment. Spaces identified with the committee (s. 18-2); a competent person’s hazard assessment, atmospheric testing and written report (s. 18-5); a notice and rescue procedure even for non-hazardous spaces (s. 18-6).
• Entry plan. A written hazardous confined space entry plan made with the committee: tests, isolation, ventilation, entry, PPE, “rescue procedures including the number and duties of personnel”, and communication, posted at the entrance (s. 18-7).
• Atmosphere. Purge and ventilate to oxygen 19.5 to 23 percent (s. 18-8(1)(a)(ii)); continuous monitoring if a safe atmosphere cannot be kept (s. 18-9(2)); no entry above 20 percent of the LEL (s. 25-11(1)); hydrogen sulphide 10 ppm (8 hours) and 15 ppm (15 minutes); carbon monoxide 25 ppm (8 hours) and 190 ppm (15 minutes) (Table 18).
• Attendant and rescue. An attendant stationed at the entrance, trained in the rescue procedure, with an alarm (s. 18-9(4)); a harness and lifeline for top entry (s. 18-9(5)); rescue equipment at the entrance, a class A first aider available and trained rescue personnel readily available (s. 18-9(7)).
• Permit. None; the written plan and the competent person’s report take its place.
• Training. Entrants, attendants and rescuers trained in the plan (s. 18-7(3)); no interval.
• Young workers. No one under 16 may enter a confined space (s. 3-3(1)(d)).

Fire-service nuance.

• The only exemption, verbatim. The 20 percent LEL ban “does not apply to: (a) a firefighter who has been trained pursuant to section 32-4” (s. 25-11(2)). Part 18 itself has no firefighter exemption.
• Part 32 names confined space entry as a “special operation” that requires training (ss. 32-1, 32-4).
• Part 32 covers full-time and part-time firefighters; apply the rules to unpaid volunteers by policy (see J11 Volunteer Firefighters).

Status. Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (consolidation last updated 2021-04-01).

Law. Workplace Safety and Health Regulation, Part 15 (confined spaces, ss. 15.1 to 15.13), s. 19.8 (flammable atmospheres) and Part 36 (chemical and biological substances) (Workplace Safety and Health Regulation [MB], 2026, ss. 15.1-15.13, 19.8, 36.5).

What must be covered.

• Procedures. Safe work procedures covering isolation and lockout and, for hazardous spaces, standby communication, an emergency response and rescue plan and an entry permit system (s. 15.2).
• Hazardous spaces. A harness and lifeline attached to a personal hoisting device unless there is an alternate safe means of rescue; controls for engulfment; lockout to zero energy; rescue equipment at the space (s. 15.5).
• Permit. Signed by a competent person, available at the space, and reviewed when conditions change (ss. 15.5(e), 15.6, 15.7).
• Standby worker. Present at the entrance at all times, a first aider under Part 5, trained in the procedures and in rescue, able to summon help and in direct communication (s. 15.8).
• Atmosphere. Purge or ventilate to less than 10 percent of the LEL and oxygen of at least 19.5 and not more than 23 percent (s. 15.9(1)), with continuous ventilation and monitoring by a competent person (s. 15.9(2)); hydrogen sulphide and carbon monoxide through the ACGIH limits adopted in Part 36 (s. 36.5).
• Rescue. The rescue plan is implemented in an emergency (s. 15.12); top-entry rules (s. 15.13).
• Training. In the procedures (s. 15.2(1)(b)); no interval.

Fire-service nuance.

• The exemption, verbatim. Entry is prohibited for “a worker, other than a firefighter responding to an emergency, … if a concentration of a flammable or explosive substance in the space cannot be reduced to less than 10% of its lower explosive limit” (s. 15.11(b)); a similar exemption applies to flammable atmospheres (s. 19.8(2)).
• The 23 percent oxygen ceiling (s. 15.11(a)), the permit, the first-aider standby, the rescue plan and continuous monitoring still apply to firefighters. Technical rescue procedures under s. 42.2 must show how each is met at an emergency.

Status. Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (regulation current to 2026-10-20). The ACGIH values were not read.

Law. O. Reg. 632/05, Confined Spaces (Confined Spaces [ON], 2026, ss. 1-21); O. Reg. 343/22, Firefighter Certification (Firefighter Certification [ON], 2026, Table 1). Guidance: Section 21 guidance note 6-5, confined space rescue (MLITSD, n.d., GN 6-5).

What must be covered.

• Program and plan. A written program (s. 5), an assessment by a qualified person (s. 6) and a written plan (s. 7).
• Atmosphere. An “acceptable atmosphere” has oxygen of 19.5 to 23 percent and flammable gas below 25 percent of the LEL for inspection only, below 10 percent for cold work and below 5 percent for hot work, which also needs oxygen of no more than 23 percent, continuous monitoring and alarm and exit provisions (ss. 1, 19(4)); contaminants within the Reg. 833 and designated substance limits.
• Permit. An entry permit for each entry (s. 10).
• Rescue. Written on-site rescue procedures ready for immediate use, and enough persons trained in the procedures, first aid, CPR and the rescue equipment available before anyone enters (s. 11).
• Attendant. An attendant outside who never enters (s. 15).
• Testing. By a qualified person with calibrated instruments, results recorded (s. 18).
• Training. Adequate training by a qualified trainer, developed with the committee, “reviewed … whenever there is a change in circumstances … and in any case at least once annually”, with written records (s. 8).
• Certification. A department that provides confined space rescue must have members certified to NFPA 1006 (2021) chapter 7 at the Operations (7.2) or Technician (7.3) level for that service from 2028-07-01 (Firefighter Certification [ON], 2026, Table 1, items 34-35).

Fire-service nuance.

• The exemption, verbatim. “Sections 4 to 7 and 9 to 21 of this Regulation do not apply to emergency work performed by, (a) a firefighter as defined in subsection 1 (1) of the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997” (s. 3(2)). Such workers “shall be adequately protected by, (a) personal protective equipment, clothing and devices provided by the worker’s employer; (b) training under section 8 provided by that employer; and (c) written procedures and other measures developed by that employer” (s. 3(3)). “Emergency work” means work “in connection with an unforeseen event that involves an imminent danger to the life, health or safety of any person” (s. 1).
• Section 8 (training, with the annual review) is not exempted, so firefighters need it too.
• Guidance note 6-5 says that where a department provides contracted standby rescue to industry, all of the regulation applies and crews must be able to carry out the client’s on-site rescue plan immediately (MLITSD, n.d., GN 6-5).

Status. Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (O. Reg. 632/05 ss. 1, 3 and 8 and O. Reg. 343/22 Table 1 read in e-Laws, current to 2026-10-20). The hydrogen sulphide and carbon monoxide values in Reg. 833 were not extracted.

Law. Regulation respecting occupational health and safety, Division XXVI (confined spaces, ss. 296.1 to 312) and Schedule I (Regulation respecting occupational health and safety [QC], 2026, ss. 296.1-312).

What must be covered.

• Scope. The Division “applies to all confined spaces and all work performed in a confined space” (s. 296.1).
• Who may enter. Only qualified workers 18 or older (s. 298); entry is prohibited for anyone “not assigned to do work, to perform a task or to carry out a rescue there” (s. 299).
• Before entry. Written information on the atmospheric and other risks and written preventive measures, gathered by a qualified person and available on site (s. 300). The regulation does not use the word “permit”.
• Atmosphere. Ventilation that keeps oxygen at or above 19.5 and at or below 23 percent, flammable gases or vapours at or below 5 percent of the LEL, and contaminants within Schedule I (s. 302); hot work only with continuous monitoring by an instrument with an alarm (s. 304).
• Readings. Before entry and then continuously or periodically as a qualified person decides, and whenever conditions change (s. 306), recorded in a register; non-compliant readings kept at least 5 years (s. 307).
• Attendant. Outside near the entrance, competent, in two-way communication, and able to order evacuation (s. 308); entry is stopped for any unforeseen risk until a qualified person reviews it (ss. 308.1-308.2).
• Rescue plan. Equipment and methods for rapid rescue, kept near the space; a call and communication protocol; a named person to direct the rescue; rescuers trained by a qualified person; and “The rescue plan must be tested with exercises” (s. 309).

Fire-service nuance.

• No exemption. Quebec has no firefighter exemption: the Division applies to every confined space and every entry, and s. 299 expressly contemplates entry “to carry out a rescue”. Firefighters entering for rescue are held to the same atmosphere, attendant and rescue plan rules, and the employer must have a tested rescue plan that its own crews can carry out.
• The 5 percent LEL limit is the strictest general entry limit in Canada.
• A department providing confined space rescue should build its plan and training on CSA Z1006:23 and NFPA 1006 (CSA Z1006:23; NFPA 1006, 2021).

Status. Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (ss. 296.1-312 read in the consolidation of 2026-07-01).

Law. General Regulation 91-191, Part XVII (confined space, ss. 262 to 262.1, rewritten by N.B. Reg. 2022-79) and s. 51.7 (firefighters’ confined space rescue equipment) (General Regulation: Occupational Health and Safety Act [NB], 2026, ss. 51.7, 262-262.1).

What must be covered.

• Code of practice as permit. A written code of practice for each space before any entry, which works as the entry permit: date and duration, location, the entry supervisor, emergency response team leader, attendant, air-supply attendant and entrants by name, the work, hazards, procedures, equipment and emergency procedures (s. 262.01(1)-(3)); posted at the entrance and signed by entrants and rescuers (s. 262.01(5), (7)); codes and calibration logs kept 2 years (s. 262.01(8)).
• Atmosphere. Oxygen 19.5 to 23 percent; flammables no more than 50 percent of the LEL for cleaning or inspection with no ignition source, 10 percent for cold work with non-sparking tools and 5 percent for hot work (s. 262.061(1)); hydrogen sulphide 10 ppm ceiling, other limits from the ACGIH values adopted in s. 2.
• Testing. By a competent person before entry, with results posted (s. 262.06); instruments bump-tested daily (s. 262.071).
• Attendant and rescue team. An attendant outside with two-way communication who tracks entrants (ss. 262.04-262.041); an emergency response team present and ready where there is an atmospheric or configuration hazard (s. 262.022(1)), able to reach the entrant within three minutes in an IDLH atmosphere (s. 262.022(2)); a written emergency response procedure with “a simulated rescue at least once a year” (s. 262.031).
• Training and equipment. A training program using CSA Z1006-10 (R2015) Table A.1, with records (ss. 262.081-262.082); harnesses to CSA Z259.10-18 Class E (s. 262.09); SCBA or airline respirators with at least 15 minutes rated service (s. 262.092).
• Firefighters’ rescue equipment. A firefighter doing confined space rescue wears an NFPA 1983 harness and NFPA 1981 SCBA (s. 51.7).

Fire-service nuance.

• The exemption, verbatim. “This Part does not apply to a firefighter engaged in structural fire-fighting or rescue” (s. 262.1). It is the broadest confined space exemption in Canada: the whole Part, for any rescue.
• WorkSafeNB reads the parallel fall-protection exemption as not covering training (see J16 Fall Protection and Rope Access); treat confined space training entries the same way.
• The department must fill the gap with its own procedures; NFPA 1006 and NFPA 2500 are the usual basis (NFPA 1006, 2021; NFPA 2500, 2022).

Status. Verified against the official text (consolidated to 2026-06-30): s. 262.1 read on 2026-10-23; ss. 262.01 to 262.092 read on 2026-10-24. The application of s. 262.1 to training is not confirmed.

Law. Occupational Safety General Regulations, Part 12 (confined space entry, ss. 129 to 137) and s. 197(2) (Occupational Safety General Regulations [NS], 2025, ss. 129-137, 197). Part 19 of the Workplace Health and Safety Regulations is a placeholder that points here (Workplace Health and Safety Regulations [NS], 2025, Part 19).

What must be covered.

• Definition. An enclosed or partially enclosed space, not designed or intended for regular human occupancy, with restricted access or exit, that is or may become hazardous; the atmospheric assessment ignores PPE and ventilation (s. 129(1)-(1A)).
• Written procedure. Pre-entry assessment, training, notification, entry and exit, PPE, emergency procedures, written rescue procedures, testing and ventilation (s. 130); the procedure is reviewed at least yearly (s. 130(7)).
• Training. Entrants retrained at least every 2 years and rescuers at least once a year (s. 130(5)).
• Atmosphere. Contaminants within the exposure limits, flammables below 50 percent of the LEL, oxygen 19.5 to 22.5 percent, isolation and lockout confirmed (s. 130(8)); instruments calibrated and functionally tested, with records (s. 130(10)); purge and retest (s. 132); no entry at or above 50 percent of the LEL, and between 10 and 50 percent only cleaning or inspection with no ignition source (s. 133).
• Certificate. A competent person’s written certification of conditions, valid no more than 24 hours, posted at the entrance and kept 12 months (s. 131).
• Attendant and rescue. Rescue equipment including a retrieval yoke on hand; an attendant in the immediate vicinity who keeps communication, can start the rescue, is trained, and records who is inside (s. 134); a full body harness where reasonably practicable (s. 134(3)); positive-pressure supplied air or SCBA where oxygen is below 19.5 percent (s. 135); electrical precautions and signs (ss. 136-137).
• Firefighters’ rescue equipment. A firefighter entering a confined space for rescue wears an NFPA 1983 harness and NFPA 1981 SCBA (s. 197(2)).

Fire-service nuance.

• The exemption. Sections 130 to 137 do not apply to “a firefighter engaged in structural fire-fighting or rescue” who has received adequate training for confined space entry and rescue (s. 129(2)(b)). It is conditional on training and covers emergency rescue only.
• Pre-planned standby rescue, the department’s own tanks, pits and cisterns, and every training entry are fully regulated.
• The regulation does not cite CSA Z1006; use CSA Z1006:23 as the program design basis (CSA Z1006:23).

Status. Verified against the official text: Part 12 read in the official consolidation on 2026-10-22.

Law. General Regulations, Part 13 (confined spaces, ss. 13.1 to 13.7) and s. 11.3 (exposure limits) (Occupational Health and Safety Act General Regulations [PE], 2025, ss. 11.3, 13.1-13.7).

What must be covered.

• Before entry. A safe means of access; lockout; disconnecting or blanking lines; atmospheric testing by a competent person with a calibrated instrument, recorded in a permanent record that certifies in writing the space is free from hazard and specifies the procedures (this works as the permit); ground-fault protection; emergency procedure training for entrants and the worker outside (s. 13.2).
• Hazardous spaces. Where oxygen is below 19.5 or above 23 percent, or gas, vapour, dust or fumes may accumulate: purge and ventilate, monitor continuously or periodically, station a worker outside, arrange removal, have a person trained in CPR available, and provide a respirator, harness and lifeline and the equipment and persons for immediate removal (s. 13.3, amended by EC600/24).
• Flammables. Entry at or below 50 percent of the LEL only for cleaning or inspection that creates no ignition source; cold work at or below 10 percent (s. 13.4).
• Toxics. No specific hydrogen sulphide or carbon monoxide limits; the ACGIH values apply (s. 11.3).
• Attendant. Stays outside, keeps visual or voice contact, can raise the alarm, and does not enter unless relieved (s. 13.5).

Fire-service nuance.

• No firefighter exemption and no training interval.
• The 50 percent LEL entry ceiling is far looser than common practice; adopt 10 percent in department procedures.
• The in-force date of the EC600/24 amendments was not confirmed.

Status. Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (consolidated to 2025-01-01).

Law. Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2012, Part XXVII (confined spaces, ss. 511 to 516) and s. 38(3) (rescue and evacuation procedures) (Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2012 [NL], 2026, ss. 38, 511-516).

What must be covered.

• Assessment. A written hazard assessment by a competent person, signed, dated and reviewed as necessary (s. 512(2)-(10)); testing before entry, after interruptions and at intervals (s. 512(11)).
• Atmosphere. After ventilation, oxygen “between 20% and 22%” and flammables “below 10% of the lower explosive limit”, with toxics within the ACGIH values (s. 512(12)); where flammables remain, entry is limited by task: under 25 percent of the LEL for inspection only, under 10 percent for cold work and under 5 percent for hot work, with oxygen no more than 23 percent and continuous monitoring (s. 515).
• Permit. A “written work permit documenting the tests and safety precautions”, posted at the portal (s. 512(2)(e), (17)).
• Attendant and rescue. Retrieval equipment and a tended lifeline (s. 513(1)); an attendant outside in continuous communication, with a device to summon rescue, who does not enter (s. 513(3)-(4)); emergency rescue procedures (s. 516); a written rescue and evacuation procedure for confined space work (s. 38(3)).
• Training. A confined space entry program prescribed by the commission, required since 2013-01-01 (s. 511(3)); the interval is set by WorkplaceNL’s standard.

Fire-service nuance.

• No firefighter exemption.
• The 20 to 22 percent oxygen band is the narrowest in Canada.

Status. Partly verified: regulations read on 2026-10-23 (consolidated to NLR 48/26). The training standard and its interval were not read.

Law. Workplace Health and Safety Regulations, Part 2 (confined spaces) and s. 11.04(3) (written rescue procedures) (Workplace Health and Safety Regulations [YT], 2022, ss. 2.04-2.32, 11.04).

What must be covered.

• Program and assessment. A written entry program (s. 2.04) and a hazard assessment by a qualified person (s. 2.08).
• Atmosphere. “Clean respirable air” means about 20.9 percent oxygen, no measurable flammable gas and contaminants no more than 10 percent of the exposure limit; oxygen deficiency is below 19.5 percent and enrichment above 23.5 percent (s. 2.08(2)(b)); flammables below 20 percent of the LEL where clean air cannot be assured (s. 2.22(b)), with continuous monitoring where more than 20 percent could develop (s. 2.20(3)); hydrogen sulphide and carbon monoxide from the Workplace Health Regulations limits.
• Permit. Required for high-hazard atmospheres, lockout or isolation, or engulfment or entrapment hazards; re-signed at crew or shift changes and kept one year (s. 2.09).
• Testing. Within 20 minutes before entry, recorded (s. 2.18).
• Ventilation. Continuous, except for inerted spaces, controlled low-hazard spaces, or “an emergency rescue, where ventilation is not practicable” (s. 2.24(c)).
• Standby. Checks at least every 20 minutes for low or moderate hazards; continuous attendance by a person equipped to rescue for high hazards (ss. 2.28-2.29).
• Rescue. Rescue personnel available with written procedures; trained, with “a practice drill at least annually” and records; SCBA or supplied air with an escape bottle in unknown or IDLH atmospheres (ss. 2.30-2.32).

Fire-service nuance.

• No firefighter exemption; emergency rescue is excepted only from continuous ventilation where it is not practicable (s. 2.24(c)).
• Part 11 requires written procedures for confined space rescue where the department may do it (s. 11.04(3)).

Status. Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (WSCB rendering of Part 2 read). Amendments after the rendering and the Workplace Health Regulations limits were not checked.

Law. Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, Part 18 (confined spaces, ss. 273 to 282), s. 403 (flammable atmospheres) and Schedule O (Occupational Health and Safety Regulations [NT], 2024, ss. 273-282, 403, 479). The WSCC publishes a confined spaces code of practice (Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission [WSCC], 2016).

What must be covered.

• Assessment. A competent person assesses each hazardous confined space and tests for oxygen enrichment or deficiency, flammables and toxics, with a written report (s. 277).
• Entry plan. A written hazardous confined space entry plan, made with the committee, covering monitoring, isolation, ventilation, PPE, communication and rescue (s. 279). The regulation does not use the word “permit”.
• Atmosphere. Purge and ventilate to oxygen of 19.5 to 23 percent (s. 280(1)(a)(ii)); no entry above 20 percent of the LEL (s. 403(1)); toxic limits in Schedule O.
• Attendant and rescue. An attendant trained in rescue, stationed at the entrance with an alarm (s. 281(4)); a harness and lifeline for top entry, with a mechanical lifting device if reasonably possible (s. 281(5)); rescue equipment, an intermediate first aider and trained rescue personnel readily available (s. 281(7)).
• Training. In the plan; no interval.

Fire-service nuance.

• The only exemption, verbatim. “Subsection (1) does not apply to (a) a fire fighter who has been trained under section 479” (s. 403(2)). Part 18 itself has no firefighter exemption.

Status. Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (consolidation in force since about 2024-09-26). Schedule O values were not extracted.

Law. Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, the same sections as the Northwest Territories (Occupational Health and Safety Regulations [NU], 2021, ss. 273-282, 403, 479).

What must be covered.

• Entry plan, atmosphere and rescue. As in the Northwest Territories: a written entry plan (s. 279); oxygen of 19.5 to 23 percent (s. 280(1)(a)(ii)); no entry above 20 percent of the LEL (s. 403(1)); an attendant at the entrance (s. 281(4)) and rescue personnel and equipment readily available (s. 281(7)).

Fire-service nuance.

• The same exemption from the LEL entry ban for a firefighter trained under s. 479 (s. 403(2)); no exemption from Part 18.

Status. Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (official consolidation 2021-09-28, compared with the Northwest Territories text). Schedule O values were not extracted.

Law. Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, Part XI (confined spaces, ss. 11.01 to 11.13, replaced by SOR/2021-143) and ss. 10.19-10.20 (Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations [CA], 2026, ss. 10.19-10.20, 11.01-11.13, 12.03).

What must be covered.

• Identification and assessment. Survey and identify confined spaces and have a qualified person classify hazardous confined spaces (s. 11.02); a hazard assessment report that covers the rescuers’ equipment and whether a permit is needed, reassessed at least every 3 years (s. 11.03).
• Procedures. For each space: entry and exit, two-way communication and checks on entrants, emergency response, and an entry permit system with a validity period and entry log where the report requires it (s. 11.04).
• Atmosphere. Oxygen “not less than 19.5% by volume and not more than 23% by volume” (s. 11.05(1)(a)(iii)); chemical agents below the ACGIH values (s. 10.19(1)(a)); flammables below 50 percent of the LEL generally and no more than 10 percent where an ignition source is present (s. 10.20); hot work barred above 10 percent of the LEL or 23 percent oxygen unless a qualified person determines it is safe.
• Attendant and rescue. Where the s. 11.05 conditions cannot be met at all times, a qualified attendant outside in communication with an alarm; rescue persons available, at least one with annual refresher training and a basic first aid and CPR certificate; entrants in a harness and lifeline, with a mechanical lifting device where feasible (s. 11.06).
• Training and records. Training in the procedures and equipment (s. 11.12); records kept 10 years, or 2 years for compliant verification reports (s. 11.13).

Fire-service nuance.

• No firefighter exemption in Part XI. The only relief is the PPE carve-out for trained emergency rescuers (s. 12.03(2)); see J16 Fall Protection and Rope Access.

Status. Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (consolidated to 2026-09-30). The hot-work section number is not confirmed.