8.1 Safe working in confined spaces
8.1.1 Possible control measures for work in confined spaces
Part 15 Confined spaces of the Workplace Health and Safety Regulation 2008 outlines the requirements for confined spaces. The Guide to Working Safety in Confined Spaces (PDF, 892 KB) provides practical guidance towards minimising health and safety risks associated with confined spaces, and outlines the necessary actions required to comply with the Workplace Health and Safety Regulation 1997.
Within sugar milling operations a range of plant is installed which meets the definition for a confined space under the regulation. For further information see AS/NZS 2865 Safe working in a confined space (non-Queensland Government link).
Types of equipment that may be a confined space can include:
- air conditioning ducts
- bagasse bins
- boilers
- clarifiers
- pans and evaporators
- filter drums
- pipes
- pits
- sugar bins
- trenches
- sugar dryers
- tanks.
A safe work permit system must be used to ensure that all risks associated with entry into a confined space are assessed and those risks are minimised or, where possible, eliminated. The issuer of safe work permits must be trained in confined space entry procedures and risk assessment techniques.
Some of the hazards associated with confined spaces include:
- oxygen deficient or enriched atmosphere
- flammable atmosphere
- toxic atmosphere
- external hazards that may affect those in the confined space
- residual hazardous substances
- surfaces
- engulfment
- electric shock
- temperature extremes
- access and egress
- visibility
- noise
- psychological factors
- mechanical equipment.
8.1.1 Possible control measures for work in confined spaces
Procedures are required that address all hazards likely to be encountered before a safe work permit is completed and person(s) are permitted to enter the confined space. Issues to be considered include:
- identification of the authorised person
- risk assessment
- isolation procedures
- atmospheric testing and the need for air purging
- portable electrical equipment
- lighting and ventilation
- access and egress
- requirement for a stand-by person and identification
- emergency equipment, rescue procedures and first aid
- signs and barriers to prevent unauthorised access
- education and training of all persons working in or involved with confined space entry
- the work to be performed in the confined space
- work being performed outside the confined space
- whether other hazardous conditions apply (hot work, working at heights or excavation)
- potential for hazardous conditions to result from the work activities.
All existing confined spaces and the hazards associated with working in those confined spaces shall be identified at each workplace. A confined space can also be created during the manufacture of plant, equipment and or machinery such as building a tank.
No safe work permit should be issued until all controls are implemented and the persons entering the confined space are briefed about the conditions of entry.
The work in the confined space is to be carried out as specified in the permit and all the required controls and procedures shall be followed.
If the work activities are likely to generate harmful fumes or deplete oxygen levels then it will be necessary to implement controls that will minimise the risks associated with these hazards.
The name of each person entering a confined space shall be recorded and a system implemented to account for each person involved using appropriate procedures to control entry/egress.
A stand-by person must be provided if a risk assessment indicates a risk to health and safety, such as an unsafe atmosphere or engulfment.
If a stand-by person is required by the risk assessment they must complete the duties specified in the standard and not leave the position while any person remains in the confined space. In the event of an injury or collapse of the person in the confined space, the stand-by person’s primary role is to summon help and if possible, provide assistance (e.g. First aid or resuscitation. The observer must not enter the confined space until it is deemed to be safe by a qualified, authorised person.
At the completion of the work, all persons involved in the work shall be confirmed as having left the confined space, the confined space shall be closed, the relevant persons notified and the permit signed off and returned to the issuer and closed (an example of a safe work procedure, plugging a boiler tube, is included in appendix 9.4).
Last updated 22 July 2008