Description

This Standard provides requirements and guidance in eliminating or minimizing the need to enter confined spaces and in avoiding hazards which may be encountered where entry to a confined space is unavoidable. It contains Sections dealing with risk identification and assessment, monitoring prior to entry, education and training as well as emergency response.

Appendices provide additional guidance for cleaning and the precautions needed when undertaking hot work. A sample risk assessment form and written authority to enter are provided, as is a typical check list.

Scope

This Standard sets out the particular requirements and procedures to ensure the health and safety of any persons required to enter or work in a confined space. For the purpose of this Standard, a person whose head, i.e. the breathing zone, or upper body is within a confined space is considered to have entered the confined space.

Requirements and procedures for ensuring general occupational health and safety, for example, welding safety and prevention of slips and falls, are dealt with in other standards and regulations rather than being specifically addressed in this Standard. It should be noted that a confined space may exacerbate other hazards, for example, noise or heat stress.

This Standard is framed to help designers, manufacturers, suppliers, modifiers and users where confined spaces are involved to achieve a high safety standard. It is not exhaustive in its coverage, but it is intended to cover those areas which are of particular concern in the workplace. It will be necessary for persons who require further information to research various other legislation, standards, codes and guidance notes.

This Standard is not intended to cover situations which are not at atmospheric pressure, such as work in hyperbaric chambers. At pressures significantly higher or lower than the normal atmospheric pressure, expert guidance should be sought.

Specific workplaces, for example, dangerous goods storage areas, may also be subject to other standards, regulations or codes of practice.

Most places of work are not confined spaces in accordance with the definitions in this Standard. Risk assessments should still be made at these places of work to ensure that people are not exposed to risk. For example, national standards and codes of practice for hazardous substances and plant provide procedures for conducting risk assessments for hazardous substances. These may include atmospheric contaminants.