A confined space includes any enclosed or partially enclosed space that:

  • is not designed or intended primarily to be occupied by a person
  • is, or is designed or intended to be, at normal atmospheric pressure while a person is in the space
  • is or is likely to be a risk because of the atmosphere, contaminants or engulfment.

Examples of confined spaces that may be found on a construction site include some types of excavations or trenches, drainage or sewerage pipes, and crawl spaces. The important aspect to the definition of a confined space is the presence of some sort of hazard - be it a lack of oxygen, contaminants, flammable vapours or dusts, or a risk of engulfment. Even a large area such as a grain silo could be considered a confined space in certain circumstances.

 

There are significant regulations for confined spaces, as dictated by the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (WHS Regulation), Part 4.3 – Confined spaces, which apply only to confined spaces that are entered by, intended or likely to be entered by, or could inadvertently be entered by any person.


Although there are many legislative requirements that anybody working in or around a confined space should know, here is a summary of a few of the more notable requirements:

 

For the Designers, Manufacturers, Importers and Suppliers:

The designers, manufacturers, importers and suppliers of anything that could include a confined space must:

So far as is reasonably practicable, eliminate the need for any person to enter the space and the risk of a person inadvertently entering the space. WHS Regulation, s64(2)(a)

If the need to enter cannot be eliminated, they must ensure that: WHS Regulation, s64(2)(b)

  • the need or risk is minimised
  • the space is designed with a safe means of entry and exit, and
  • the risks to any person that enters the space is eliminated or minimised so far as is reasonably practicable

 

For the Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU)

The PCBU must:

Manage the risks associated with entering, working in, working on, or working in the vicinity of, a confined space, including the risk of a person inadvertently entering the confined space. WHS Regulation, s66(1)

Ensure that a risk assessment carried out for the purpose of managing risks associated with confined spaces is: WHS Regulation, s66(2), (3), (4), and (5)

  • done so by a competent person
  • recorded in writing
  • reviewed and revised by a competent person as required to reflect any review of control measures, and
  • has regard to the matters listed in r66(4) of the WHS Regulation
Not direct a worker to enter a confined space unless that person has a confined space entry permit for the work. WHS Regulation s67
 
Ensure that when work for which an entry permit has been issued is completed all workers leave the space and a competent person makes the appropriate record on the permit. WHS Regulation s67(4)

Ensure that signs are erected in a clear and prominent location next to each entry into a confined space that identify the space and inform workers that they must not enter without a permit. WHS Regulation s68

Provide a system of work that includes: WHS Regulation s69

  • continuous communication between workers inside and workers outside the confined space
  • monitoring of conditions inside the confined space by a standby person who is in the vicinity of the space and, if practical, observing the work
Establish and practice first aid and rescue procedures to be followed in the event of an emergency in a confined space. WHS Regulation s74(1)

Ensure that the relevant workers are provided with suitable and adequate training with regards to the hazards, risks, controls and procedures relevant to working in a confined space. Records of the training must be kept for 2 years. WHS Regulation s76

 

For Regular People/Workers:

If you are not the PCBU, you should still be mindful of confined space regulations. Even regular workers should:

  • not enter a confined space without a confined space entry permit for the work
  • be attentive and aware of the possible hazards in the space
  • ensure that the training was adequate and that you are confident in your abilities
  • make sure the PCBU is following all regulations, and point out any issues you find
  • wear appropriate PPE for the space

 

 

For further information on confined space regulations, click here or view the Science of Safety podcast episode on Confined Space Regulations here