Confined Space Training Ontario: Programs Acute Offers

With over 100 years of combined experience, ACUTE has the knowledge and expertise to train you and your workers on a variety of training topics, for a full list of our training courses, click here. 

Also, if you have any questions or concerns, contact us! We are more than happy to help.

Confined Space Training Ontario: Certification

As of the most recent update of this article, August 2022, there is no formal confined space certification process employed by the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. In addition, there is no certification process for trainers, workers, training programs, or agencies at this time.

It is up to the employer, in consultation with the JHSC or health and safety representative, if any, to determine the level and type of training provided, and to ensure it is adequate for the type of entry being conducted.

Click here for the guidelines for working in confined spaces.

Confined Space Training Ontario – Regulations

All employees entering the confined space and all employees contributing to the work that involves the confined space need to be trained.

Confined space training requirements include: 

• Recognition and identification of potential hazards associated with the confined spaces that will be entered.
• Evaluation and control procedures for the identified or potential hazards.
• Hands-on training for all equipment such as ventilation equipment (blowers), harnesses, and air quality monitors (e.g., oxygen/combustible meters) that will be used while in the confined space.
• Hands-on training for all personal protective equipment (e.g., respirators) that the worker will be using while in the confined space.
• All procedures for entering the confined space.
• Procedures to follow in the event of a situation developing that could present additional risk to the worker or an emergency.
• The specific work to be done while in the confined space.
• Rescue Plan training.

Note: This is a summary to help workplace parties understand some of their obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and regulations. This is not legal advice.

Click here to view the confined space regulations in full.

Click here for confined space rescue procedures and equipment.

ACUTE can provide your employees with confined space training Ontario.

Confined Space Training Ontario – Legal Requirements For Employers

You need to develop a written confined space program for confined spaces in your workplace. There are three parts to a confined space program:

• Part one: Recognize or identify a confined space
• Part two: Assess the confined space hazards
• Part three: Control the hazards by developing a plan for the confined space, providing general training for workers, and creating a permit system

Refer to the Confined Space Guideline on the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development’s website for additional information on how to recognize and assess your confined space, and how to create your confined space plan.

Learn how to identify a confined space.

Confined Space Definition

A confined space means a fully or partially enclosed space that is not designed or constructed for continuous human occupancy and in which atmospheric hazards may occur due to its construction, location, contents, or because of work that is done in it.

Examples of potential confined spaces include:

• Manholes: Underground spaces used for access to utility systems like sewers, telecommunications, or water pipes.
• Tanks: Large containers used to store liquids, gases, or other materials.
• Silos: Structures used to store grain, coal, cement, or other bulk materials.
• Tunnels: Underground passages that are often used for transportation, utilities, or mining.
• Pipelines: Enclosed tubes used for transporting fluids, gases, or solids.
• Boilers: Closed vessels used to heat water or produce steam.
• Ductwork: Enclosed channels used for ventilation, heating, or air conditioning systems.
• Vaults: Underground chambers used for storing equipment, utilities, or valuables.
• Crawl Spaces: Low-height, confined areas typically found under houses or buildings.
• Vats: Containers used for chemical processes, mixing, or storage.
• Storage Bins: Containers used to store materials like grains, powders, or other bulk substances.
• Pits: Depressions in the ground that are often used for maintenance, access, or storage.

If you have any questions concerning confined spaces or any other safety needs, contact us directly.