Gas-Powered Equipment in Basement
| Purpose |
To establish safe practices for operating gas-powered equipment in residential basements under construction, to prevent carbon monoxide accumulation the transformation of the basement into a confined space. |
| Definition |
Gas powered equipment includes any tool, machine, or device powered by gasoline, propane, or other combustible fuels. A restricted space refers to an area that has limited access or entry, but it is not immediately hazardous to life and health. A confined space is like a restricted space, with the addition of hazards making it immediately hazardous to life and health. |
| Potential Hazards
This list of potential hazards is not comprehensive. Workers are required to complete a Hazard Assessment prior to starting this task to ensure all hazards are identified and controlled.
|
Chemical:
- Carbon Monoxide
- Fuel leaks/spills
Physical:
- Fire/Explosion
- Burns
- Amputation
- Cuts/Lacerations
- Noise
- Working alone (as applicable)
- Strain/Sprain
- Inadequate emergency access
- Pinch points
- Flying debris
|
| Controls |
Engineering:
- Proper ventilation including ventilation fans
- Portable Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detector
Administrative:
- ABC fire extinguisher
- Emergency Response Plan (ERP)
- Hazard Assessment
Personal Protective Equipment:
- Basic PPE: CSA/ANSI approved safety footwear
- Task-Specific PPE: Safety glasses and gloves
|
| Work Site Supervisory Responsibility |
Do
- Ensure substitution with electric equipment whenever possible.
- Facilitate and / or provide proper instruction to Workers on protection requirements and training.
- Ensure that a hazard assessment has been completed prior to starting work.
- Ensure there is proper ventilation is used.
- Stop work if monitor’s alarm sounds, if Workers show signs of impairment, or if the basement has excessive exhaust fumes.
- Ensure Workers are trained in the use and calibration/bump test of CO monitors.
Do not
- Allow Workers to use equipment they are not trained for.
- Allow Workers to use gas-powered equipment without proper ventilation and air quality monitoring system (CO monitors).
- Allow refueling of equipment or fuel storage inside of the basement.
|
| Worker Responsibility |
Do
- Conduct hazard assessment prior to starting work.
- Review and be familiar with the exposure limits as set out by hazard assessment, Applicable Legislation and ERP prior to commencing work.
- Ensure there is proper ventilation and that you have a CO monitor.
- Ensure your CO monitor has been calibrated/bump tested as per manufacturer’s specifications.
- Inspect your equipment, including your CO monitor, for defects prior to use; ensure your CO monitor is turned on.
- Ensure you have clear and accessible exits.
- Ensure you have a fire extinguisher on site and accessible.
- Limit equipment run time (only operate gas-powered equipment for short intervals to reduce buildup of fumes).
- In the event of an alarm by the monitor, leave the area. Return only if the levels are below the legislative limit.
- Report CO monitor alarms or if you feel any symptoms of CO exposure
Do not
- Operate gas-powered equipment without required control measures.
- Store fuel or refuel any gas-powered equipment inside.
- Work in a basement or restricted space when there is running gas powered equipment without confirming the air quality is safe.
- Disable or ignore a CO alarm.
- Close windows or turn off ventilation system (unless gas powered equipment has been turned off for an adequate amount of time for any fumes to disperse).
|
| Region Specific Requirements |
Manitoba:
- Gas equipment is not permitted in residential construction builds.
|
