Identify Confined Space

A ‘confined space’ means an enclosed or partially enclosed space that:

• is not designed or intended to be occupied by a person
• is, or is designed or intended to be, at normal atmospheric pressure while any person is in the space; and
• is or is likely to be a risk to health and safety from:
  • an atmosphere that does not have a safe oxygen level, or
  • contaminants, including airborne gases, vapours and dusts, that may cause injury from fire or explosion, or
  • harmful concentrations of any airborne contaminants, or
  • engulfment.

A confined space is determined by the hazards associated with a set of specific circumstances and not just because work is performed in a small space.

Entry into a confined space means a person’s head or upper body is in the confined space or within the boundary of the confined space.

Confined spaces present inherent dangers due to their lack of design for human work activities. Inadequate ventilation in these spaces can lead to the rapid buildup of hazardous atmospheres, especially in smaller areas. The risks within confined spaces are not always immediately evident and can vary between entries.

The potential perils of working in confined spaces encompass the risk of unconsciousness, impairment, injury, or fatality arising from:

• Direct exposure to airborne contaminants
• Ignition of flammable substances resulting in fires or explosions
• Challenges in rescuing and providing aid to incapacitated individuals
• Oxygen scarcity or immersion in free-flowing materials like grains, sand, fertilizers, liquids, etc.
• Falls from elevated positions
• Environmental factors, including extreme temperatures
• Limited visibility due to poor lighting
• Manual handling issues.

These risks emphasize the critical need for proper training and precautions when dealing with confined spaces.

Confined spaces are frequently encountered within various structures such as vats, tanks, pits, pipes, ducts, flues, chimneys, silos, containers, pressure vessels, underground sewers, wet or dry wells, shafts, trenches, tunnels, or comparable enclosed or partially enclosed configurations.

These examples qualify as confined spaces under the definition outlined in Australian WHS Regulations.

Under Australian WHS law, a PCBU must eliminate risks arising from working in confined spaces, or if that is not reasonably practicable, minimise the risks so far as is reasonably practicable.

The WHS Regulations include more specific requirements for PCBUs to manage the risks of hazardous chemicals, airborne contaminants and plant, as well as other hazards associated with confined spaces.

PCBUs have a duty to consult workers about work health and safety and may also have duties to consult, cooperate and coordinate with other duty holders.

The Safe Work Australia Code of Practice (July 2020) outlines a systematic approach for managing risks linked to confined spaces in the workplace. This involves the following steps:

• Identify Hazards: Recognize potential sources of harm within confined spaces.
• Assess Risks: Understand the potential severity and likelihood of harm caused by identified hazards. In some cases, if the risk is known and controlled, this step might not be required.
• Eliminate Risks: Whenever possible, remove risks to health and safety as much as reasonably practicable.
• Control Risks: If complete elimination isn't feasible, implement the most effective control measures in line with the hierarchy of control measures. Ensure these controls are practical and maintain their effectiveness over time.
• Review and Monitor: Regularly evaluate the implemented control measures to confirm their efficacy and make adjustments as needed.

Following this process will help mitigate the dangers associated with working in confined spaces, promoting a safer work environment.