Confined spaces have resulted in a number of multiple fatalities in Canada in recent years. This session will look at ideas on what can be done to reduce or eliminate these totally preventable deaths. Issues about varying definitions of confined spaces across Canada and internationally, the arrival of a new CSA consensus Standard on Confined Space Work, and the role of the professional ROH/ROHT/CIH in work involving confined spaces will be discussed.
• Introduction to the New CSA Standard Z1006, Management of Work in Confined Spaces. E. Rankin, Canadian Standards Association, Mississauga, ON, Canada.
• Is the Concept of a "Confined Space," as Varied as it is, Still a Useful Construct? N. McManus, NorthWest Occupational Health & Safety, North Vancouver, BC, Canada.
• Recent Multiple Fatalities in Confined Spaces in British Columbia, Canada, Including Rescue Workers, and the Response of WorkplaceBC. G.A. Clark, Workers
Compensation Board of BC (WorksafeBC), Vancouver, BC, Canada.
• Investigating Confined Space Fatalities and Testifying as an Expert Witness in Court. M. Denhoff, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
• The Revised Ontario Confined Space Regulation and Its Impact in the Workplace. M. Szabo, Municipal Health and Safety Association (Ontario), Mississauga, ON, Canada.