Working safely in confined spaces

Working in confined spaces is a dangerous task and has led to the death or serious injury of a number of workers in the rural industry in Queensland.

Confined spaces refer to an enclosed or partially enclosed space that:

is at atmospheric pressure while a person is working in that space
is not intended or designed primarily as a place of work
is likely at any time to:
have an atmosphere which contains potentially harmful levels of contaminants
have a lack of or excess oxygen
trap a person
has restricted entry and exit points.

Examples of confined spaces include silos and hoppers, water tanks, milk vats, pits and wells.

Workers typically enter confined spaces to:

clean-up waste or sludge
physically inspect plant or equipment
install pumps, motors or other equipment
undertake inspection, maintenance or repair work
read meters, gauges or dials.

Before anybody enters a confined space, all employers or self-employed people in the rural industry should thoroughly assess the hazards to help minimise the risk of injury.

These include identifying hazards such as lack or excess of oxygen; toxic gases, vapour or fumes; flammable gases, vapours, fumes or dust; engulfment, entrapment and access; and falls from heights.

The employer or self-employed person is required to develop a safe system of work for entry to and working in a confined space, including:

identifying any hazards when working within a confined space
undertaking and recording a risk assessment of work associated with confined spaces. The risk assessment must take into account at least the following:
the nature and inherent hazards of the confined space
the work required to be done, including the need to enter the confined space
the range of methods by which the work can be done
the hazards and risks associated with the work and equipment to be used
emergency response procedures
the competence of the person to undertake the work
implementing control measures
organising education and training for persons who may be entering a confined space
planning emergency and first aid procedure
keeping good records of all actions taken.

In addition, employers should issue entry permits before workers can enter a confined space (AS 2865 Safe working in a confined space).

An entry permit provides written approval for work to commence in a confined space and should be kept for one month. The permit details precautions and instructions for safe entry and working.

Safety permit details include:

work to be done
hazards likely to be encountered
plant isolation
ventilation and atmospheric conditions
clothing and personal protective equipment
authorised entry and working constraints
emergency procedures.

The rural industry exemption from the Workplace Health and Safety Regulation 2008 (PDF, 1.4 MB), Part 18: Confined spaces will be removed on 1 September 2010. Workplace Health and Safety Queensland is working with the rural industry to inform employers and self-employed people about their confined space obligations and how to manage the injury risks.

For a sample risk management form, download the Guide to working safely in confined spaces (PDF, 892 KB), or phone the WHS Infoline on 1300 369 915.

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