2022 Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Act and Regulation

Hazardous atmosphere risks
26.8(1) When the atmosphere in an excavation is toxic or hazardous or may
reasonably be suspected to be toxic or hazardous, an employer must
ensure that no worker enters the excavation until after a competent
person tests the atmosphere in the excavation to determine whether
a breathing or other hazard exists.
26.8(2) If a test under subsection (1) finds that a breathing hazard exists in
an excavation, an employer must ensure that no worker enters the
excavation unless the requirements of section 26.7 are met and
(a) suitable ventilation is installed, operated and maintained
that will supplement and maintain a satisfactory supply
of breathable air to the excavation and to workers in the
excavation; or
(b) any worker entering the excavation is provided with suitable
respiratory protective equipment that meets the requirements
of Part 6 (Personal Protective Equipment).
26.8(3) If a test under subsection (1) finds that no breathing or other hazard
exists in an excavation, an employer must ensure that periodic and
frequent tests of the atmosphere in the excavation are carried
out by a competent person to determine if the atmosphere in the
excavation remains safe.
26.8(4) An employer must ensure that the results of any tests required to be
conducted under this section are
(a) recorded;
(b) kept at the excavation site; and
(c) readily accessible to a worker who requests the results of the
tests.

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Workplace Safety And Health Regulation
235
Water hazards
26.9
An employer must ensure that an excavation that a worker may
be required or permitted to enter is kept free of an accumulation
of water that may create a risk to the safety or health of the
worker.