Confined Space Rescue Training

[Danny Greba]

#105034

From what I have read in regards to OHS requirements for Confined Space Rescue in Alberta, one must complete the following:
-Obtain Confined Space Rescue Training
-Be trained on Rescue Procedures
-Have 1 rescuer with First Aid
-Be trained in rescue equipment.

My question is, Rescue Procedure and equipment training, how often should this be done throughout the year and should it be tracked for auditing purposes?

Thanks

[Glenn Demby]

#105041

Excellent questions. Let’s take them one at a time:
1. How Often Must Training Be Repeated?
The Alberta OHS Code doesn’t specify a schedule or time sequence for confined space rescue training. However, the general rule is that training must be provided as often as necessary to ensure that rescue personnel can demonstrate competence in the rescue procedure and equipment involved. Your obligation is, perhaps in consultation with the JHSC, to find a reasonable method for verifying such competence that provides for training and drill at regular intervals. In addition, retraining/refresher/additional training is required immediately in response to indications that current training may not be effective. Examples of red flags: Incidents occur inside or outside the confined space, rescue or entry procedures undergo significant changes, you get complaints, a worker asks for additional training, different equipment is introduced into the space, etc.

2. Must You Document Confined Spaces Rescue Procedure Training?
100% YES. Documentation should list at least the name and signature of the trainer and trainee, time and date of training, what it covered and your reasons for determining that the trainee understood and was competent to perform the training. If you don’t provide the training yourself, insist that the worker provide documentation of the training they received from a third party. Follow the records retention requirements set out in Sec. 58 of the Code, which I’ve pasted in below.

Hope that answers your questions. Feel free to follow up with me directly at glennd@bongarde.com if you have any further questions or concerns. Also, I’m the OHS Insider editor–not a user (I’m supposed to mention that fact).

Employer must keep records of training provided to a worker who’s assigned confined space or restricted space entry duties in recognizing hazards associated with working in confined spaces or restricted spaces, and performing the worker’s duties in a safe and healthy manner, for: (a) 1 year if no incident or unplanned event occurred during the entry, or (b) 2 years if an incident or unplanned event occurred during the entry (OHS Code, Secs. 46(2) + 58)

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