C1. Confined Spaces

C1.1 Introduction
C1.2 Standard
C1.3 Definitions
C1.4 Procedures       
    C1.4.1 Hazards    
    C1.4.2 Prior to entry
    C1.4.3 Training       
    C1.4.4 Records    

C1.1 Introduction

C1.2  Standard

No person is permitted to enter a confined space unless they are a competent person who has a combination of training, education, experience, acquired knowledge and skills, enabling them to correctly perform a specified task.

Certified Contractors only will carry out work in a confined space at the University.  Where work is performed in a confined space on a University site, that work must be carried out in accordance with the requirements of the Workplace Health and Safety (Confined Spaces) Compliance Standard 1995 and Australian Standard AS 2865 - 1995 Safe Working in a Confined Space.

C1.3  Definitions

These standards and procedures apply to University employees, students, contractors or others.

A confined space is defined in Australian Standard AS 2865 as a space of any volume which:

(a)  was not designed as a regular workplace;
(b)  has restricted means of exit and entry;
(c)  may have inadequate ventilation and/or an atmosphere which is either contaminated or oxygen    deficient;
(d)  is at atmospheric pressure during occupancy;
(e)  may be prone to engulfment.

Under this definition confined spaces at the University include but are not limited to:

• all sewerage pits with a depth greater than 1.5 metres;
• all storm water pits with a depth greater than 1.5 metres;
• all pump pits.

C1.4  Procedures

For information about delegations of authority, see Delegations at the end of this Manual.

C1.4.1 Hazards

Confined spaces can be potentially hazardous because of the presence of one or a combination of:

• known waste contaminants (sewerage, etc);
• suspected, unidentified gas contaminants (possibly H2S, or Methane);
• poor or no ventilation (oxygen deficient or a high CO or CO2  atmosphere);
• dangerous or difficult access;
• poor or inadequate lighting; 
• possibility of sudden or uncontrolled flow variations;  or
• hazardous substances.

C1.4.2 Prior to Entry

The appropriate Category 4 Delegate or above must ensure that the person entering a confined space is a competent person. A contractor must be a competent person and show documented compliance to the AS 2865 which requires certified operators, appropriate air monitoring equipment, safety equipment and all documentation as required by the Standard.

The competent person must ensure that actions appropriate to the work are carried out:

• a risk assessment of the identified confined space is undertaken;
• any risks are minimised or eliminated;
• all potentially hazardous services are isolated;
• contaminated confined spaces are cleaned with suitable purging agent;
• no person enters without an entry permit;
• O2 levels are safe;
• contaminants are below relevant exposure standards;
• the confined space is free from extremes of temperature;
• flammable contaminants are below 5% LEL;
• suitable personal protective equipment and respiratory equipment is provided;
• testing and monitoring is carried out while the confined space is occupied;
• stand-by personnel are available at all times while the confined space is occupied;
• signs and barriers are erected while work is carried out;
• first aid is available;
• fire suppression equipment is provided;
• a exhaust extraction  system must be available if an entry team is  required to carry out activities that produce dangerous fumes or gases (such as the use of solvents or welding) while in a potentially hazardous confined space;
• all persons required to work within or engaged in activities related to the entry to a confined space have been trained; 
• training must be carried out by competent, knowledgeable persons.

C1.4.3 Training

The appropriate Category 4 Delegate or above must ensure that training has been undertaken by:

• any person entering a potentially hazardous confined space on a University site;  and
• anyone engaged in activities related to the entry to a confined space.

Training must be carried out by a competent person and include the following topics:

a) relevant standards and regulations
b) the hazards of confined spaces
c) assessment procedures
d) control measures and safe work practices in confined spaces
e) emergency evacuation and extraction procedures
f)  selection, use, fit, and maintenance of safety equipment
g) communication systems
h) fire protection and control.

C1.4.4 Records

The appropriate Category 4 Delegate or above must maintain the following records:

• a copy of all entry permits which must be held for a period of 5 years;
• all risk assessments which must be held for 5 years;
• all employee training data which must be held for the term of the employee's employment.

All records must be available for inspection by Queensland Workplace Health and Safety.