Duties in relation to confined spaces include:

  1. managing health and safety risks associated with a confined space, including risks when entering, working in, on or near a confined space, as well as the risk of inadvertent entry
  2. ensuring, so far as is reasonably practicable, that a worker does not enter a confined space until all the duties in relation to the confined space have been complied with, for example entry permit requirements
  3. establishing first aid and rescue procedures to be followed in the event of an emergency in the confined space.

The WHS Regulations also set out requirements for specific controls measures including communication and safety monitoring, signs, isolation of connected plant and services, and controls to maintain a safe atmosphere within the confined space.

The Code includes guidance on how to manage the risks associated with a confined space by following a systematic process that involves:

  1. identifying hazards associated with confined spaces
  2. assessing the risks associated with these hazards
  3. implementing risk control measures
  4. reviewing risk control measures.

Please download and read Confined-spaces-COP 2019

Guidance on the general risk management process is available in the Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks.

 

Confined Space Risk Assessments