| Confined Spaces
WHAT IS IT?
A confined space means an enclosed or partially enclosed space that:
- is not intended or designed primarily as a place of work
- is at atmospheric pressure while persons are in it
- may have an atmosphere with potentially harmful contaminants, an unsafe level of oxygen or stored substances that may cause engulfment
- may, but need not, have restricted means of entry and exit
Examples are:
- storage tanks, tank cars, process vessels, boilers, pressure vessels, silos
- open topped spaces such as pits or degreasers
- pipes, sewers, shafts, ducts
- shipboard spaces entered through a small hatchway or access point
The general procedures for working in confined spaces are set out in Australian Standard AS2865-2001, and in the NSW Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001.
Some of the key provisions are:
- training
- risk assessment
- atmospheric testing
- record keeping
- standby person
- rescue and first aid
- fire prevention
- respiratory protection
- entry permits
- Some of the potential problems are:
- openings
- ventilation
- contaminated atmosphere
- temperature
- engulfment
- slips and falls
- introduction of substances
- falling objects
For full consultancy, atmospheric testing, entry permits, contact New Environment. All staff are professionally qualified and trained.
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