Working in a Confined Space: Keeping Safety in Check

Working in a Confined Space: Keeping Safety in Check

In January 2018, two workers were discovered dead inside a fibreglass tank on a purpose-built tri-axle trailer in Australia. Circumstances surrounding their deaths were related to the cleaning process of the tank. This tragedy hit home for many industries, highlighting potential risks when working in a confined space.

In this article, we explore the definition of confined spaces, discuss regulations and standards set by Australian authorities, identify hazards associated with working in confined spaces, and provide recommendations for maintaining safety in such environments.

Definition of Confined Space

Before delving into safety aspects, it's crucial to understand what a confined space is. In Australia, a place qualifies as a confined space if:

• It is not intended for continuous occupation by humans.
• Limited access and egress points exist.
• A risk of injury or harm exists due to hazardous substances, dangerous conditions, or design or layout of the space.

Confined spaces get determined by specific hazards present rather than merely being small in size. Entering a confined space means a person's head or upper body sits inside its boundaries. Common examples of confined spaces include vats, tanks, silos, sewers, wells, shafts, trenches, underground sewers, tunnels, or other enclosed or partially enclosed structures meeting definitions provided in WHS Regulations.

What is not considered a confined space?

According to WHS Regulations, following items are not considered confined spaces:

• Trenches without structural collapse risk: Trenches are not automatically confined spaces merely because collapse risk exists. However, they will be classified as confined spaces if concentrations of airborne contaminants could potentially lead to impairment, loss of consciousness, or asphyxiation.
• Workplaces with adequate ventilation, lighting, and safe entry and exit points: Common examples include office buildings, storage spaces, and workshops.
• Enclosed or partially enclosed areas that occasionally have harmful airborne contaminants: This includes spaces such as abrasive blasting or spray painting booths. If pollutant concentration isn't high enough to cause health issues, then that area won't qualify as a confined space.
• Emergency service entry for rescue purposes: An emergency service worker can enter a confined space if rescuing or protecting someone. Emergency services personnel can enter to carry out life-saving measures, such as freeing someone trapped or providing medical assistance.

Jobs requiring working in confined spaces

Several occupations may require a person to work in confined spaces due to the nature of tasks involved. Some of these roles include:

• Tank cleaners: Individuals responsible for cleaning and maintaining storage tanks, such as those used in oil and gas industry operations.
• Utility workers: Employees working with water, gas, or sewer systems may need to enter underground pipes, manholes, or vaults.
• Shipyard workers: Those working in shipbuilding or ship repair may need to enter confined spaces within a hull, such as fuel tanks, cargo holds, or engine rooms.
• Maintenance technicians: Maintenance staff in various industries, such as chemical plants, power plants, or manufacturing facilities, often need to access spaces like ducts, tunnels, or crawlspaces to perform equipment repairs.
• Tunnel and mining workers: Miners and tunnel construction workers frequently operate in underground mines, tunnels, or shafts.
• Silo workers: Employees responsible for maintaining or cleaning silos in the agricultural industry.
• HVAC technicians: Professionals who install, maintain, or repair heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems may need to access ductwork or crawlspaces.
• Emergency responders: Firefighters, paramedics, and other emergency response personnel may need entry into confined spaces during search and rescue operations or when dealing with hazardous materials incidents.

It's essential for individuals working in these occupations to receive proper training and follow all safety precautions and protocols to minimise risks associated with confined space entry.

Risks of working in a confined space

When working in enclosed spaces, staying aware of significant health and safety hazards remains vital. Some potential dangers associated with confined space entry include:

• Oxygen deficiency: Confined spaces can have limited airflow, leading to dizziness, unconsciousness, and even death.
• Toxic atmosphere: Some confined spaces may contain harmful airborne contaminants such as gases, vapours or dust. This toxic exposure can cause injury from fire or explosion or even lead to poisoning.
• Engulfment or entrapment: Working in a confined space may increase the risk of engulfment, where an individual could become trapped by loose material or liquids and suffocate.
• Fire and explosion: Confined spaces containing flammable materials can ignite or explode, causing severe injuries and even fatalities.
• Temperature extremes: Confined spaces can experience extreme temperatures, leading to heat exhaustion, dehydration, or frostbite.
• Fall from heights: Falling becomes possible if the confined space sits at a high location, such as a rooftop, elevated floor, or ladder.
• Poor lighting: This can make conditions challenging to navigate, thus increasing the likelihood of slips, trips and falls.

Working in confined spaces poses significant biological hazards and risks. Therefore, prioritising safety measures becomes pivotal. Such environments present various dangers, so strict safety measures remain essential to minimise accidents and mitigate risks. For related guidance on elevated work, see our Working at Height Safety Packages.

Duty Holders and their Roles

Who bears responsibility for the safety of personnel working in confined spaces? Laid out in the Code of Practice for confined spaces, specific duty holders carry certain responsibilities to ensure workers' health and safety.

1. Persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs)

Specific duties of a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) in managing confined space risks are as follows:

• A PCBU must ensure effective management of risks associated with a confined space in their workplace.
• A PCBU must remove potential hazards associated with working in cramped areas, or if that isn't feasible, reduce risks as much as possible.
• A PCBU must identify, assess, and control hazards and associated dangers.

2. Designers, manufacturers, importers, suppliers, installers and constructors of plants, substances or structures

• These parties must ensure design and construction of the confined space minimises any risk associated with working inside it.
• They ensure that the plant, substance or structure remains safe for everyone involved, including those who store or maintain it.
• They must obtain or provide information to help other people manage plant health and safety risks.

3. Officers

• Officers must ensure the PCBU stays diligent in its duties of managing confined space risks.
• Officers should also ensure workers receive appropriate instruction, information, training and supervision when entering a confined space.

4. Workers

• Workers must follow instructions regarding confined space entry provided by their employer.
• Workers must abide by safety measures put in place by employers and report unsafe conditions immediately.
• Workers carry a duty of care to themselves and others in the workplace, taking reasonable care of their own health and safety and other people's wellbeing.

Australian Legal Requirements and Regulations for Working in Confined Spaces

In Australia, several regulations and standards govern working in confined spaces. The most notable is the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act 2011, which sets out legal obligations of employers and employees. Here are other regulations and standards applicable to confined space entry:

Code of Practice: Confined spaces

The Code of Practice for managing confined space risks at workplaces is an approved guide under relevant Work Health and Safety Acts. It helps achieve required health, safety, and welfare standards by providing practical guidance. This code applies to anyone holding a duty of care, and following it ensures compliance with the WHS Act. While codes of practice address specific issues, duty holders must consider every risk related to work, even those lacking regulations or codes.

Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act 2011

Guidelines for working in confined spaces sit within Work Health and Safety Regulations for your state or territory. These regulations outline responsibilities of employers, workers, and other duty-holders when managing confined space entry. Specific requirements also cover ventilation, air monitoring systems, emergency communication systems, and signage.

Australian Standard AS 2865-2009

Australian Standard AS 2865-2009 provides recommendations and best practices for managing and controlling confined spaces across Australia. This standard aims to assist employers, duty holders, and workers in understanding and implementing effective measures to ensure health and safety of individuals working in confined spaces. Reference guidance from bodies such as Safe Work Australia can support compliance efforts across construction and manufacturing sectors alike.

Confined Space Entry Permit

A Confined Space Entry Permit is a crucial document outlining necessary precautions and safety measures to take before, during, and after operating in a confined space. Here are reasons why this permit holds such significant value:

• Risk Identification and Management: The permit process requires identifying and thoroughly assessing potential hazards before entry. This could include oxygen deficiency or enrichment, presence of toxic gas, potential for engulfment, or fire or explosion risk.
• Safety Measures: Based on identified risks, safety measures get defined and documented. These may include use of personal protective equipment (PPE), isolation or lockout/tagout procedures.
• Accountability: The permit process ensures accountability by specifying roles and responsibilities of all involved personnel, including entrant(s), attendant(s), and entry supervisor.
• Monitoring and Communication: The permit outlines means of ongoing hazard monitoring and establishes communication procedures between entrants and attendants to maintain safety throughout the entry process.
• Emergency Preparedness: A key component of the permit involves planning and readiness for potential emergencies, including rescue and evacuation procedures.
• Documentation and Review: Finally, a Confined Space Entry Permit provides a written record of steps taken to ensure safety, allowing review and continuous improvement of protocols.

In conclusion, a Confined Space Entry Permit serves as a vital tool for managing safety in environments where workers must operate in confined spaces. It enables a systematic approach to hazard identification, risk management, and emergency preparedness, contributing significantly to overall workplace safety. Pair your permit process with a Confined Space Identification Form to strengthen your documentation trail.

Risk Management and Safety Measures

1. Risk Assessment

Conducting a thorough risk assessment is fundamental in managing confined space hazards. Under WHS Regulations, a risk assessment is compulsory for confined spaces. The PCBU ensures a qualified individual performs the assessment and records findings in writing.

Risk assessment should involve the following:

• Identifying potential hazards
• Evaluating likelihood and consequences of hazards
• Implementing control measures to eliminate or minimise risks
• Regularly reviewing and updating the risk assessment as necessary

Control measures may include:

• Proper ventilation
• Isolation of hazardous substances
• Use of safety equipment
• Implementation of safe work procedures

2. Hierarchy of Controls

Duty holders must adhere to the hierarchy of control measures outlined in WHS Regulations when managing certain risks, including confined space hazards. This hierarchy provides an organised approach to mitigating risks, with the most effective controls placed at the top of the list.

Steps in the hierarchy of control measures are:

• Elimination – Removing hazardous substances from a confined space
• Substitution – Replacing hazardous substances with less hazardous alternatives
• Engineering control measures – Installing appropriate ventilation systems
• Administrative control measures – Implementing safe work procedures and providing training to workers

3. Safety Equipment

In addition to necessary control measures, employers must provide appropriate safety equipment when working in confined spaces. This includes but isn't limited to a full body harness, breathing apparatus and air supply systems (if needed), gas detectors, emergency communication devices, rescue equipment, torches/lighting solutions, and signage.

4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) plays a crucial role in ensuring worker safety in confined spaces. PPE type should align with particular risks present in each area. Employers must provide sufficient and appropriate PPE for their workers in confined spaces, and remain responsible for ensuring all PPE gets appropriately maintained and tested following manufacturer's instructions.

PPE may include:

• Respiratory protective equipment
• Protective clothing
• Safety harnesses and lifelines
• Head protection
• Eye and ear protection
• Breathing apparatus

5. Training and Competency Requirements

Proper training and competency remain vital for working safely in confined spaces. Employers must ensure workers receive comprehensive training on the following:

• Hazards associated with confined spaces
• Correct use of safety equipment
• Emergency procedures and rescue techniques
• Risk assessment and control measures

Conduct regular refresher training to maintain employee competency and update staff with the latest safety practices. Employers operating in high-risk sectors like construction and manufacturing should also review our 10 Safety Tips for Working Alone, since lone entry into confined spaces compounds existing hazards.

6. Emergency Preparedness and Rescue Procedures

Being well-prepared can save lives in critical situations. Employers must prepare emergency plans and maintain emergency response procedures for any eventuality. The PCBU bears responsibility for establishing appropriate workplace first aid and rescue procedures, and workers must practise these procedures regularly to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.

Emergency plans should include the following:

• Emergency contact information
• Evacuation plan
• Rescue procedures
• Any necessary medical and first aid equipment
• Clear communication methods
• Emergency response team roles and responsibilities
• Availability and use of rescue equipment
• Coordination with external emergency services
• Regular drills and practice scenarios

Equip Your Team With Safety Documents from SafetyDocs

From risk assessments to safety plans, SafetyDocs by SafetyCulture offers a range of documents available to equip your team with the best safety practices and safety measures used for working in confined spaces. Experienced safety experts develop our documents, covering safety management plans, risk assessments, safe operating procedures, method statements, and more.

With SafetyDocs, rest assured your workers stand ready for any hazardous tasks. Browse our library of safety documents and start with these tools for working in confined spaces:

• Confined Space Management Plan
• Confined Space Work Safe Work Method Statement
• Confined Space Emergency Rescue Plan
• Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) Safe Work Method Statement

Workers in trades handling asbestos-related tasks alongside confined space entry should also consult our Asbestos Safety - Working in Roofs Safe Work Method Statement for additional guidance relevant to construction and manufacturing sites.

Contact us to find out more about how you can start developing a safety culture in your workplace.

Our team of experts remains dedicated to providing accurate and informative content. Craig Cruickshank, senior HSEQ advisor at SafetyDocs by SafetyCulture, has reviewed this blog post to ensure the highest level of quality.

Learn more about Craig's work on LinkedIn for more industry insights.

Available for instant download and supplied in fully editable MS Word format for use in your business.

Please note that information above is provided as a comment only and should not be relied on as professional, legal or financial advice.