ASPEC Engineering HSE Management System. Work Instruction. 1 Objective. 2 Working in confined spaces. 2.1 What is a confined space?

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1 1 Objective This work instruction has been developed to abide by the WHS Regulations (2011) and AS/NZ 2865 Safe working in a confined space. It has been developed around Hadden s typology for risk management, (refer to ASPEC HSE Hazard Identification & Risk Management Procedure, AE-HSE-PR-0003, for more information). 2 Working in confined spaces 2.1 What is a confined space? The definition of a confined space workplace: an enclosed or partially enclosed space that: Is at atmospheric pressure when anyone is in the space Is not intended or designed primarily as a workplace Could have restricted entry to, or exit from the place and Is, or is likely to be entered by a person to work At any time, contains or is likely to contain a. An atmosphere that has potentially harmful levels of a contaminant b. An atmosphere that does not have a safe oxygen level c. Anything that could cause engulfment ASPEC team members may be required to enter (at least the upper body and head within) a confined space while visiting a clients site. Some examples include: Storage tanks Pits Pipes Shafts Holes 1

2 2.1.3 Entering a confined space is considered a high risk activity (as defined by AS/NZ 2865:2001 section 5.6) as it has the potential for fatal or serious injuries Individuals must adopt risk management protocols in accordance with the legislation, and site regulations to reduce the risks associated with confined spaces. 2.2 Confined space risk management Prevent the marshalling of energy The confined space shall be designed manufactured and supplied so as to minimise the risks associated with work in a confined space, and to minimise the need to enter the confined space Reduce the amount of risk marshalled Use an alternate method instead of a human entering the confined space, e.g. use a machine Where possible, the confined space shall be cleared of contaminants by use of a suitable purging agent. The purging agent of any gas used for ventilation purposes should never be pure oxygen or gas mixtures with oxygen in a concentration greater than 21% Prevent the release of energy The confined space shall be designed, manufactured and supplied so as to minimise the risks associated with work in a confined space Openings for entry to and exit from a confined space shall be of adequate size, so that all persons can comfortably enter, and a confined space rescue is possible Any modification to a confined space shall not detrimentally affect the safe means of entry to, exit from, or work within the confined space Preventative barriers should be implemented where appropriate to prevent unauthorised access. Prior to an individual entering a confined space, all potentially hazardous services, including all process services, normally connected to that space shall, where it is possible to do so, be isolated in order to prevent a. The introduction of any materials, contaminants, agents or conditions harmful to persons occupying the confined space. b. The activation or energising in any way of equipment or services, which may pose a risk to the health, or safety of persons within, or near to, the confined space. 2

3 Where is it not possible to isolate potentially hazardous services, ASPEC team members are required to seek advice from the site supervisor or onsite Project Leader before proceeding Separate energy release from susceptible structure by a barrier All individuals working in a confined space must be fitted with a confined space fall restraint system. Safety harnesses must be regularly inspected by a competent person and recorded on a register Safety harnesses must be checked by the individual wearing it prior to use. If frayed, cut or damaged webbing or deformation/stretching of metal components are noticed the harness must not be used; it must be removed from service and another harness procured. If it is not practical to comply with the gas mixture requirements, an air respirator must be used and a full risk assessment performed. Individuals must be properly trained on the correct use of the safety harness (in the working at heights training session) The safety harness must be properly fitted All individuals must also wear appropriate additional PPE (helmet, eye protection, ear protection, long sleeved high-vis work wear, steel cap boots, gloves etc.) Separate energy release from susceptible structure by a barrier Training a. All individuals entering the confined space must have confined space training b. An external certified training provider trains all ASPEC team members and sub-contractors in working in confined spaces to increase safety awareness. This training must be kept current Risk Assessment A risk assessment should be conducted No person should enter a confined space unless: a. A review of risk assessment has been completed: A Job Safety Analysis must be completed, signed and retained by all relevant parties prior to commencing work, a toolbox talk with the client site representative must occur prior to commencing work and a Take 5 must be completed prior to commencing work b. The person with direct control for the work in the confined space must complete all written authority documentation. The written 3

4 authority documents will include any control measures or precautions necessary for safe entry and execution of work c. They are advised of, understand and comply with the requirements of the written authority d. A record of their presence in the confined space is maintained e. A standby person(s) is outside the confined space f. Appropriate signage is displayed Atmospheric testing and monitoring shall be carried out consistent with the hazards identified by the risk assessment. The atmosphere of the space must have a safe oxygen level with no greater than 21% mixtures of oxygen. There must also be safe levels of any other contaminant in the space (below that required by the standards) Detect, evaluate and counteract damage Individuals must be equipped with a rescue kit nearby. 2.3 Procedure for entering a confined space Hazard identification The employer must identify any hazards associated with the confined space Risk assessment Before carrying out work in a confined space, an employer must ensure a competent person has completed a risk assessment of the area Job safety analysis The method of work and an effective risk control system must be recorded before commencing work Rescue The employer must ensure that the appropriate rescue operation, first aid procedures and provisions are established, current, planned, and practiced Isolation and lockout Before any personnel enter a confined pace, the employer must ensure that all potentially hazardous process services connected to the space are isolated. Introduction of harmful contaminants and activation of hazardous equipment must be prevented while there are persons within the confined space 4

5 2.3.6 Ventilation Before commencement of work in a confined space, the employer must ensure that contaminants are cleared with suitable purge gas/ agent Entry permits Upon review of the risk assessment, the employer must provide written approval of confined space access in the form of an entry permit. 2.4 Confined space training Certified external training All ASPEC staff have the opportunity to participate in confined space training. This will increase knowledge about confined spaces but also alert staff of some of the safety issues involved when entering a confined space. 2.5 Confined space records The must keep and maintain the following confined space entry records: Entry permits for one month The current recorded risk assessment reports for work in a confined space for five years from the time of their validity Training records for the term of the employee s employment 3 Document Control Revision Completed on Author Comments 0 Unknown Unknown S Cardow Regular reviews, content updates unknown. Document Control detailed not available Document control details included. Review for relevance and compliance 5