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Working in confined spaces presents unique challenges and safety risks. Is your team fully prepared and aware of the necessary precautions? In this article, we’ll explore what defines a confined space, identify potential hazards, and provide essential strategies to manage these risks effectively. Dive in to ensure your team’s safety and compliance.
According to Safe Work Australia, a ‘confined space’ is defined as a closed-in or partially enclosed area that:
The ‘confined space’ terminology won’t automatically apply to all small spaces. To be considered a confined space, an area must meet the definition above.
There are lots of potential risks when working in confined spaces. Many are invisible to the naked eye and cannot be smelt. This makes detection tools essential. Here are some hazards you may face when working in confined spaces.
According to the Work Health and Safety Regulations (the WHS Regulations), risks associated with working in confined spaces must be identified, assessed, eliminated (where possible), and controlled. These control measures need to be reviewed over time. However, there are more specific methods for managing risk as well.
A suitably qualified person must do a risk assessment of the confined space, bringing attention to all of the probable risks associated with working in and near that environment. No one should step into a confined space before all the relevant risks have been identified and a strategy has been put in place to deal with them.
Entry permits are necessary for safety in confined spaces. Permits detail which confined space it is regarding, the names of permitted persons, and for how long the work will occur in the confined space. Risk control measures are also included, as well as documentation on the completion of the project, that work has ended, and all people have left the space.
One way to eradicate risk is to avoid entering a confined space. There may be other ways of completing the necessary work, such as using mechanical tools. When alternative methods for completing the objective can be found, people should not enter the confined space.
The air quality in a confined space must be constantly monitored to ensure workers can breathe safely. Atmospheric testing indicates if there are sufficient levels of oxygen and alerts personnel to the presence of dangerous gases and other airborne contaminants. Respiratory protective equipment may need to be used.
As confined spaces often have less room to enter and exit, you must establish emergency procedures to adopt should something go wrong. It is also important to have someone outside of the confined space act as an onlooker who can call emergency services or provide first aid should the need arise. This person should not attempt a rescue, though, as that can lead to harm from unseen hazards.
For more on risk control measures for safety in confined spaces, check out Safe Work Australia’s Model Code of Practice.
At All Star Access Hire, we take safety seriously, which is why we keep our young fleet so well-maintained. It’s also why we offer a 24/7 emergency breakdown phone service, so if your equipment stops functioning, we can fix it or swap it out ASAP. That leaves you to get on with the job as quickly as possible without compromising safety on your site.
Access our 24/7 phone line by calling (03) 9397 3555.