Essential guide: Our Critical Risk expectations
The word MUST means it is a mandatory requirement. Where you see the words YOUR CALL it means you are strongly advised to do this, but you can use your judgement.
Controlled access
A Confined space permit MUST be issued prior to work being undertaken in a confined space. The permit MUST remain at the entry location during occupancy.
The confined space entry documentation set needs to be completed as a minimum. This includes the:
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Confined Space Entry Certificate
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Risk Assessment (incorporation hazard identification and control measures)
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Atmospheric Condition Card
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Emergency Response Plan
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Sign-on Register
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Closure Statement.
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It’s YOUR CALL on whether you need any of the additional documentation listed below
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Entry Visitor Briefing
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HazID/GSAF
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Initial Atmospheric Test Report
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Method Statement
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JSA
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Hot Work Form
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Selected Persons Report.
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A risk assessment MUST be conducted prior to undertaking any work activity in confined space.
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You MUST prevent unauthorised access by placing barriers across entrance ways when the confined space is unattended.
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Atmospheric testing
Atmospheric testing MUST be undertaken prior to any confined space entry.
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A trained and competent person MUST do atmospheric testing and monitoring with a suitably calibrated gas detector to help ensure the safety of those working in the confined space.
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Before a person enters a confined space the atmosphere within the confined space MUST be determined to have:
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a safe oxygen range – between 19.5% and 23%
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levels of airborne contaminants that may cause impairment, loss of consciousness or asphyxiation that have been reduced to below the relevant exposure levels
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concentrations of flammable airborne contaminants below 5% LEL.
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While working in a confined space, the atmosphere MUST be continuously monitored for:
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oxygen content
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airborne concentration of flammable contaminants
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airborne concentration of potentially harmful contaminants.
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Isolate hazards
The confined space work party MUST carry out a hazard assessment that considers hazards outside of the confined space. For example, consideration MUST be given to fumes from mobile plant and portable generators, adjacent work parties etc.
All potentially hazardous services, including all process services normally connected to that space MUST, where possible, be isolated in order to prevent:
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the introduction of any materials, contaminants, agents, or conditions harmful to people within the confined space
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the activation or energising in any way of equipment or services that pose a risk to the health or safety of people within the confined space
Additional hazards introduced into the work environment MUST be considered and controlled.
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Isolations, where possible, MUST be put in place and proven effective to provide safe entry. If isolations are not possible, additional controls MUST be considered:
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pipework/spool removal
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a rated blank flange installed to open process pipework
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solid blind/spade installed as close as possible to the confined space
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double block and bleed
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an electrical cell isolation.
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Communication and monitoring
A safety watch MUST be assigned to continuously monitor the wellbeing of those inside the confined space and MUST:
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be capable of being in continuous communication with those inside the confined space and where possible be able to observe those within the confined space
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be able to initiate the emergency response procedures
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be able to operate and monitor equipment used to ensure safety during entry and work in the confined space
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at no time shall enter the confined space
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ensure that the confined space Sign-on Register is accurately maintained throughout the duration of the work
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complete recording of atmospheric monitoring results on the confined space Atmospheric Condition Card
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ensure that required signage is in place and maintain the integrity of safety equipment and barriers associated with the confined space.
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be aware of any external hazards that may affect the integrity of the confined space
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establish a system of communication with those in the confined space.
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Training and competency
No-one will enter a confined space unless they can demonstrate they have the required level of training and competency to perform their duties.
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All work associated with confined spaces MUST be undertaken by trained and competent workers.
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Those accessing a confined space MUST have the relevant confined space competencies.
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The Nominated Supervisor or Nominated Competent Person MUST ensure that those entering the confined space are trained appropriately.
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Visitor entry MUST be strictly controlled in accordance with Contact procedure.
Contact MUST check the competencies for overseas contractors to ensure that they hold an appropriate level of training, knowledge, and competency of confined space work.
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Emergency response plan
First aid and rescue procedures MUST be considered, discussed and documented as part of planning entry to the confined space.
Workers MUST have a method to raise the alarm in an emergency.
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It’s YOUR CALL but consider the use of a tether on confined space entrants so that rescues can be performed from outside the confined space.
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Workers MUST be trained in the use of rescue and resuscitation equipment.
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Where a high risk has been identified it is strongly recommended that appropriately qualified rescue specialists be contracted to provide the:
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Emergency rescue / response plan in consultation with site personnel
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emergency response personnel
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the specialist equipment required.
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The confined space entry party MUST do a review of the emergency response plan as part of the confined space entry planning process.
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