Confined Spaces

A confined space is defined by legilsation for each state and territory.  When there are confined spaces in a workplace, certain restrictions and requirements apply.

Typicall occurring confined spaces include situations such as:

• storage tanks, tank cars, process vessels, boilers, pressure vessels, silos and other tank-like compartments
• open-topped spaces such as pits or degreasers
• pipes, sewers, shafts, ducts and similar structures
• any shipboard spaces entered through a small hatchway or access point, cargo tanks, cellular double bottom
• tanks, duct keels, ballast and oil tanks, void spaces

In order to manage confined spaces in a worksite or work area, the person responsible for the site must take certain steps to ensure the safety of people in the workplace.  These precautions should include:

• A master list of all confined spaces
• Signage at the entry to all confined spaces 
• A risk assessment of the confined space and the task to be carried out
• Implementation of controls identified in the risk assessment
• Atmospheric testing and monitoring of the space (where required)
• Emergency response procedures

A documented permit system should be used to manage this process.

Please refer to the Safety@Work documents listed below for additional details.