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Confined Space Awareness Course 2026

This course is for workers in Canada, including security guards and site staff, who work near tanks, pits, vaults, sewers and similar spaces. It explains what a confined space is, its hazards, air testing, entry permits, attendants and rescue. It is awareness only: it does not train you to enter a confined space, act as an attendant or take part in a rescue, which require training from your employer.

  • Course
  • Canada
  • 25 questions
  • Checked October 13, 2026

Quick answer

This free course has about 30 minutes of lessons and a 25-question test. Score 80% or more to download a certificate of completion (private, not accredited). Checked against official sources on October 13, 2026.

Start with the lessonsConfined Space Awareness Course: Lessons: about 30 minutes of reading. Every test question is covered in the lessons.

What you will learn

  • Recognize a confined space and common examples
  • Describe oxygen, flammable, toxic and engulfment hazards
  • Explain air testing, entry permits and their limits
  • Describe the attendant's role and why rescue must be planned
  • Keep unauthorized people out and respond safely in an emergency

Score 80% or more to download your certificate.

  1. Question 1 of 25

    Which of these is part of the general definition of a confined space?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. It is not built for people to stay in

    A confined space is not designed for continuous human occupancy, has limited entry or exit, and can be hazardous.

  2. Question 2 of 25

    Is a confined space always small?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. No, it can be large, like a silo

    CCOHS notes that a confined space, despite its name, is not necessarily small. Silos and tanks can be very large.

  3. Question 3 of 25

    Which of these is most likely to be a confined space?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. A storage tank

    Storage tanks are confined spaces. Ontario's guideline says offices, shops and walk-in freezers are designed for occupancy.

  4. Question 4 of 25

    Normal air contains about how much oxygen?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. 21%

    Normal air is about 21% oxygen. Lower levels can cause collapse and death.

  5. Question 5 of 25

    Under Ontario's confined spaces rules, oxygen outside which range is an atmospheric hazard?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. 19.5% to 23%

    Ontario treats oxygen below 19.5% or above 23% by volume as an atmospheric hazard.

  6. Question 6 of 25

    Why should you never use pure oxygen to freshen the air in a confined space?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Extra oxygen makes fires far more likely

    Too much oxygen greatly increases the risk of fire and explosion. CCOHS says never substitute oxygen for fresh air.

  7. Question 7 of 25

    Nitrogen, argon and carbon dioxide can be deadly in a confined space. Why?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. They push out oxygen

    These simple asphyxiants displace oxygen. Unconsciousness or death can follow within minutes.

  8. Question 8 of 25

    Which toxic gas does CCOHS name as a confined space hazard?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Hydrogen sulphide

    CCOHS gives hydrogen sulphide and carbon monoxide as examples of toxic gases in confined spaces.

  9. Question 9 of 25

    What is engulfment?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Being buried by grain, sand or liquid

    Engulfment means being trapped or buried by shifting or collapsing bulk material, or by flooding liquid.

  10. Question 10 of 25

    Why is a problem inside a confined space more dangerous than the same problem in an open room?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Escape and rescue are much harder

    There is less margin for error, rescue and self-rescue are harder, ventilation is poor and conditions can change quickly.

  11. Question 11 of 25

    Where should the air in a confined space first be tested?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. From outside, before anyone enters

    Air should be tested from outside the space before anyone enters.

  12. Question 12 of 25

    In BC, pre-entry air testing must be done no more than how long before a worker enters?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. 20 minutes

    BC's OHS Regulation s. 9.25 requires testing to be completed not more than 20 minutes before entry.

  13. Question 13 of 25

    Under Ontario's guideline, cold work (no sparks or flames) may be done only if flammable gas is below what level?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. 10% of the LEL

    Ontario's decision chart allows cold work below 10% of the lower explosive limit; hot work needs less than 5%.

  14. Question 14 of 25

    In Ontario, at what flammable gas level is entry into a confined space not allowed at all?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. 25% of the LEL or more

    Ontario's guideline allows inspection only below 25% of the LEL. At 25% or more, entry is not permitted.

  15. Question 15 of 25

    What does LEL stand for in air testing?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Lower explosive limit

    Flammable gas readings are given as a percentage of the lower explosive limit (LEL).

  16. Question 16 of 25

    In Ontario, how often must a new entry permit be issued?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Each time work is done in the space

    Ontario's regulation (s. 10) requires a separate entry permit each time work is to be performed in a confined space.

  17. Question 17 of 25

    Which item must an Ontario entry permit include?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. The results of the air tests

    The permit lists the location, work, hazards and controls, time period, attendant, entries and exits, equipment and atmospheric test results.

  18. Question 18 of 25

    Where must the attendant be during a confined space entry in Ontario?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Outside and near the entrance

    Ontario's guideline says the attendant stays outside and near the entrance and does not enter.

  19. Question 19 of 25

    A worker inside collapses. The attendant is alone at the entrance. What should the attendant do?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Stay outside and call for rescue

    The attendant must not enter. They call for emergency rescue right away, keep communication and support the rescue.

  20. Question 20 of 25

    According to CCOHS, about what share of confined space deaths are would-be rescuers?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. About 60% or more

    CCOHS reports that more than 60% of confined space deaths are would-be rescuers.

  21. Question 21 of 25

    In Ontario, what must be in place before anyone enters a confined space?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. A ready on-site rescue plan

    Ontario (s. 11) requires written on-site rescue procedures ready for immediate use and enough trained rescuers before entry. Calling 911 alone does not count.

  22. Question 22 of 25

    In BC, in a low or moderate hazard confined space, a standby person must check on the workers inside at least how often?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Every 20 minutes

    BC's OHS Regulation (ss. 9.34 and 9.35) requires checks at least every 20 minutes in low and moderate hazard spaces. In high hazard spaces the standby person must monitor the workers continuously.

  23. Question 23 of 25

    Under Ontario's rules, how must entrances be handled if unauthorized entry is possible?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Secured, or barricaded and signed

    Ontario (s. 17) requires each entrance to be secured, or to have adequate barricades, warning signs or both.

  24. Question 24 of 25

    Before a confined space is closed up after work, what must be checked?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. That no one is still inside

    CCOHS says no confined space should be closed off until it has been verified that no person is inside.

  25. Question 25 of 25

    Under Ontario's regulation, who must receive adequate training?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Entrants, attendants and rescuers

    Ontario (s. 8) requires adequate training for every worker who enters a confined space or does related work, such as attendants and rescuers.

What to know before the test

  • All Canadian jurisdictions have confined space entry regulations, with small differences between them.
  • CCOHS reports that more than 60% of confined space deaths are would-be rescuers.
  • Ontario treats oxygen below 19.5% or above 23% by volume as an atmospheric hazard.
  • In Ontario, a separate entry permit is needed each time work is to be done in a confined space.
  • In BC, pre-entry testing must be done no more than 20 minutes before a worker enters.

Frequently asked questions

Can I enter a confined space after this course?

No. Only workers trained by their employer and authorized under the site's plan and entry permit may enter. Ontario, for example, requires adequate training for entrants, attendants and rescuers. This course is awareness only.

What should I do if someone collapses inside a confined space?

Do not go in. Raise the alarm, call the trained rescue team and 911 as your site plan says, and keep others out.

Why do so many rescuers die?

People rush in to help without testing the air or wearing supplied air, and are overcome by the same hazard. CCOHS reports more than 60% of confined space deaths are would-be rescuers.

Is the certificate accredited or officially recognised?

No. It is a private certificate of completion for knowledge only. It is not recognised, accredited or approved by any government, licensing body, regulator or educational institution, and it does not replace any licence, certification or training required by law.

Sources

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