Confined spaces are one of those workplace hazards that most people underestimate. On the surface, they look like just another part of the job — a tank, a pit, maybe a sewer line. But confined spaces are consistently among the deadliest places a worker can end up if things aren’t handled right. The problem usually isn’t that employers don’t care, it’s that they don’t realize how quickly things can go sideways when entry planning and atmospheric testing are skipped or done halfway.
Here in Alberta, the rules under the Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Code are clear: confined space entry is a regulated, high-risk activity. Companies that mismanage it expose themselves to far more than regulatory fines. We’re talking injuries, fatalities, shutdowns, lawsuits, and a workplace culture that can spiral downhill. In this post, we’ll look at why mismanagement happens, break down what entry planning and atmospheric testing should look like, and talk about how Calgary Safety Consultants (https://calgarysafetyconsultants.ca) can help businesses across Alberta and Canada get this right.
When confined spaces make the news, it’s usually because of tragedy — workers overcome by toxic gases, an explosion during hot work, or a failed rescue attempt that adds to the casualty count. In almost every case, the root cause isn’t that people didn’t know the risks existed. It’s that the process to control those risks was sloppy or missing altogether.
Some of the most common missteps include:
These shortcuts save a few minutes on the front end, but they can cost lives. And once an incident happens, regulators don’t care about good intentions — they care about compliance, documentation, and whether workers were truly protected.
Entry planning is not just paperwork. It’s the process that ensures every single confined space job is approached with clear eyes and prepared hands. A proper plan starts with identifying all confined spaces in your workplace. That means anything that’s enclosed or partially enclosed, not designed for continuous human occupancy, and has limited entry or exit.
Once identified, a hazard assessment must be carried out by a competent person. This assessment should detail all potential risks, including oxygen deficiency, toxic gas buildup, flammables, engulfment hazards, mechanical or electrical energy, and physical hazards like slips or falls.
From there, an entry permit system must be in place. The permit isn’t just a form to check boxes; it’s a contract between the employer and the workers that confirms the hazards have been identified, the space has been tested, controls are in place, and a rescue plan is ready.
The plan must also clarify roles. The entrant, the attendant stationed outside, and the supervisor each have defined responsibilities. Training ensures those roles aren’t just titles — they’re competencies. Without that structure, workers are essentially flying blind.
Finally, there’s the rescue plan. If something goes wrong and a worker collapses inside, every second matters. Without a well-designed and practiced rescue plan, there’s a high chance that other workers will rush in unprepared, turning one victim into several. A strong entry plan prevents panic by ensuring the rescue process is already mapped out and ready to go.
If the atmosphere in a confined space is unsafe, everything else is meaningless. That’s why testing the air is one of the most critical steps in entry preparation.
Testing should always include:
Testing is not a one-time event. Pre-entry testing must be done within minutes of entry, but continuous or periodic monitoring is equally important. Conditions in confined spaces change quickly, especially when welding, chemical cleaning, or other work activities are underway.
Equally important is who performs the testing. Instruments need to be operated by a competent person who knows how to use them, interpret readings, and respond to unsafe results. Monitors also need regular calibration and bump testing, or they can give dangerously false assurances.
Documenting the results is just as critical. Every reading, the time it was taken, and the corrective actions taken if hazards were detected must be recorded on the permit. If the atmosphere becomes unsafe during work, evacuation is mandatory — no excuses.
Even employers who know the basics often make the same mistakes. They reuse generic entry permits that don’t reflect the hazards of each specific space. They test once and never again. They rely on equipment that’s past its prime. They don’t drill their rescue plans. Or they assume that because a job was safe last time, it will be safe again. These small gaps create the perfect storm for confined space incidents.
This is where Calgary Safety Consultants (https://calgarysafetyconsultants.ca) comes in. They work with companies across Calgary and Alberta to build confined space programs that are not only compliant but practical.
They start by conducting detailed hazard assessments of your confined spaces. This step often uncovers risks that were overlooked internally, especially in complex facilities where conditions change over time.
Next, they help design or refine your entry permit system. Instead of cookie-cutter forms, they create clear, practical permits that outline hazards, controls, responsibilities, and rescue procedures specific to your workplace.
On the atmospheric testing side, Calgary Safety Consultants guide businesses in choosing reliable detection equipment, setting up calibration schedules, and training staff to use monitors properly. They close the dangerous gap where testing is done casually or with untrustworthy tools.
They also provide training for entrants, attendants, supervisors, and rescue teams. This training is hands-on, ensuring that workers know not just the theory but how to act under real conditions.
Rescue planning is another critical area they cover. Instead of generic rescue statements, they develop detailed plans for each space and run drills so that workers know exactly how to respond.
Finally, Calgary Safety Consultants offer ongoing audits and inspections. Programs that look good on paper can degrade quickly in practice. Regular audits help keep systems sharp, identify gaps, and reinforce compliance with Alberta OH&S Code requirements.
If your company has confined spaces, you should be asking some tough questions today. Do you know where all of them are? Have you completed proper hazard assessments? Are entry permits clear and enforced? Is atmospheric testing reliable and documented? Do you have a rescue plan that has been practiced, not just written down?
If the answer to any of these is “I’m not sure” or “probably not,” it’s time to act. Confined space incidents are unforgiving, and the legal and moral consequences are severe. Calgary Safety Consultants can step in to help you close those gaps before an inspector — or worse, a serious incident — forces you to.
Confined space mismanagement isn’t just about ticking boxes on a compliance form. It’s about protecting workers from some of the deadliest hazards in Canadian workplaces. Entry planning and atmospheric testing are the pillars of safe confined space management, but they’re also the areas most often overlooked.
Calgary Safety Consultants provides the tools, training, and expertise to ensure your confined space program is more than words on paper. From hazard assessments and permits to atmospheric testing programs, training, rescue planning, and audits, they deliver the full package.
Don’t wait for a near miss or tragedy to highlight your blind spots. Take control now, and make sure your confined space entries are done the right way — safely, legally, and confidently.
Connect with us here and let us help you improve your OH&S practices.
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A confined space is an area not designed for continuous occupancy, has limited entry or exit, and is large enough for a worker to enter and perform tasks. Examples include tanks, tunnels, silos, and sewers.
A confined space is an enclosed or partially enclosed area not designed for continuous human occupancy, with limited entry or exit, and the potential for hazardous conditions such as low oxygen, toxic gases, or engulfment. Examples include tanks, silos, pits, and sewers.
Atmospheric testing determines if the air inside is safe. Workers need to know oxygen levels, flammable gas concentrations, and toxic gas presence before entry. Testing must be done pre-entry and, in many cases, continuously while work is performed.
According to Alberta OH&S Code, safe entry requires oxygen levels between 19.5% and 23.0% by volume. Anything outside this range is considered hazardous and must be corrected before workers enter.
Calgary Safety Consultants is here to help you ensure compliance, enhance safety, and streamline your OH&S program. Don’t wait—fill out the form, and we’ll connect with you to discuss how we can support your business. Let’s get started!
Calgary Safety Consultants delivers game-changing COR Audits and OH&S consulting designed to keep your business safe, compliant, and accident-free. With 30+ years of expertise in high-risk industries like oil & gas, construction, and manufacturing, we understand the unique challenges you face. We offer tailored safety solutions that not only meet regulatory standards but also reduce operational risks and protect your workforce. From conducting thorough safety audits to implementing comprehensive safety management systems, we ensure your team is fully supported. Our hands-on, collaborative approach means we're with you every step of the way, helping you achieve a safer, more efficient workplace. Let us handle the heavy lifting so your team stays protected, and your business thrives!
