7. The Plan

Regulation & Section Number	Wording in the Regulation
Industrial Establishments: Section 119.6	(1) Before any worker enters a confined space, the employer shall ensure that an adequate written plan, including procedures for the control of hazards identified in the assessment, has been developed and implemented by a competent person for the confined space. (2) The plan may be incorporated into an entry permit under section [specific number]. (3) The plan shall contain provisions for, (a) the duties of workers; (b) co-ordination in accordance with section [specific number], if applicable; (c) on-site rescue procedures, in accordance with section [specific number]; (d) rescue equipment and methods of communication, in accordance with section [specific number]; (e) personal protective equipment, clothing and devices, in accordance with section [specific number]; (f) isolation of energy and control of materials movement, in accordance with section [specific number]; (g) attendants, in accordance with section [specific number]; (h) adequate means for entering and exiting, in accordance with section [specific number]; (i) atmospheric testing, in accordance with section [specific number]; (j) adequate procedures for working in the presence of explosive or flammable substances, in accordance with section [specific number]; and (k) ventilation and purging, in accordance with section [specific number]. (4) One plan may deal with two or more confined spaces that are of similar construction and present the same hazards as identified by the assessment. (5) The employer shall ensure that the plan is reviewed as often as is necessary to ensure that it remains adequate.
Health Care and Residential Facilities: Section 43.5
Mines and Mining Plants: Section 299
Confined Spaces: Section 7
Construction Projects: Section 221.7	(1) and (2) and (3)(a) to (d) are the same as in the above provisions. (3)(e) protective clothing and personal equipment and devices, in accordance with section 221.12; (3)(f) and (g) are the same as the above provisions(3) (3)(h) adequate means of access and egress;(3) (3)(i) to (k) and (4) and (5) are the same as the above provisions

What is the difference between a program and a plan?

A program sets out the methods by which an employer intends to comply with the regulation, such as how to recognize confined spaces, how assessments will be carried out, how plans will be developed, how training will be delivered and what the entry permit system will be.

A plan is a specific set of measures and procedures to control hazards identified by the assessment for that confined space to allow workers to enter and work in a specific confined space safely. The plan must include provisions for on-site rescue procedures, rescue equipment and methods of communication, in addition to the other provisions listed above.

Can my program replace the plan?

No. The program sets out the methods and processes for safe work in confined spaces in your workplace whereas the plan, which may deal with two or more confined spaces of similar construction and same hazards, includes procedures for the control of hazards identified in the assessment. The plan for a confined space must be flexible to respond to the hazard assessment carried out for a specific entry.

Are my standard operating procedures good enough to constitute a plan?

It depends on the situation, since standard operating procedures may differ from one employer to the next. Some may include provisions for compliance with the program, while others may be measures and procedures to enter and would be more consistent with a plan. The plan for a specific confined space must be flexible to respond to the hazard assessment carried out for a specific entry; standard operating procedures often are not as readily revised or extensive enough to deal with different situations.