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Confined Spaces are a significant hazard
in the workplace and they account for a number of serious injuries
and deaths to workers.
Many workplaces contain spaces that are considered to be confined
and due to their enclosed nature can trap dangerous, poisonous or
explosive gas mixtures and other contaminants (eg; dusts and fumes).
Confined Spaces may have restricted means of entry and exit, an
atmosphere with potentially harmful contaminants, an unsafe level
of oxygen or stored substances that may cause engulfment.
Confined Spaces may include storage tanks, process or pressure vessels,
boilers, silos & other tank-like compartments, open-topped spaces
of more than 1.5 metres in depth (such as pits & degreasers),
pipes, sewers, shafts, ducts & similar structures.
Confined Spaces legislation and Australian Standards AS 2865-1995
'Safe Work in Confined Spaces' place obligations on the employer
to ensure that no person enters a confined space or works inside
or on the outside of a confined space if there is a risk to the
persons safety or if there is a risk of fire or explosion.
Employers have responsibilities to ensure that the provisions of
the risk management process for confined spaces in their workplace
have been undertaken. This risk management process for confined
spaces involves the following steps:
STAGE 1 IDENTIFICATION OF CONFINED SPACES
Confined Spaces in the workplace must be
identified. This identification process involves a site inspection,
investigation and testing of the work areas and spaces in the workplace.
STAGE 2 IDENTIFICATION OF OTHER HAZARDS
Additional hazards may be encountered with
confined space works and they also need to be identified. These
hazards may include exposure to noise, asbestos, chemicals and hazardous
substances, heat stress, plant hazards (eg; operation of moving
equipment), electrical hazards, explosion and fire.
STAGE 3 RISK ASSESSMENT
The inherent risk of each confined space
identified, the associated hazards and work activities carried out
must be assessed so that the appropriate controls can be implemented
to eliminate or minimise the risk.
STAGE 4 RISK CONTROLS & PROCEDURES
The implementation of appropriate risk control
measures for confined space entry and work must be in place at the
employers workplace, regardless who enters the confined space or
undertakes the works (i.e. contractors, employer's personnel, public
or others).
As such, documented procedures or instructions for confined space
entry and works need to be established and must outline the following
requirements:
Isolation and Lock-Out of hazardous services
Entry permit system
Stand-by persons requirements & responsibilities
Atmospheric testing and monitoring
Rescue and first aid equipment and emergency procedures
Entry protection (signage and protective barriers)
Safety and personal protective equipment
Training program & supervision
Record keeping
SERVICES & EXPERIENCE
Hibbs & Associates Pty Ltd personnel
are qualified and experienced occupational hygienists who provide
the following services associated with confined spaces:
Identification of Confined Spaces
Risk assessment
Development of Confined Space entry and work procedures
Atmospheric testing of confined spaces
Training
For further information please contact:
Philip Hibbs on 0418 356 784, or
Simon Butterfield on 0419 403 543
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