Confined Space Protocol

1. The purpose of our protocol  

Our protocol sets out how Adelaide University manages the safe systems of work in relation to confined spaces on university premises. It outlines principles and practises for ensuring the wellbeing and safety of staff, students and contractors. It guides guidance and direction to support suitable local-level planning for the safe working in confined spaces.  

This protocol should be read in conjunction with the Permit to Work Procedure and Hazard Management Procedure which gives effect to the Wellbeing and Safety Policy.  

2. Our protocol applies to  

2.1 Inclusions 

• members of our Adelaide University Community that undertake work in Confined Spaces 
• contractors that the University has engaged to undertake work in Confined Spaces 

2.2 Exclusions 

• Nil

3. Our confined space management protocols

3.1 Roles and responsibility 

University roles and responsibilities for managing Wellbeing and Safety risks, including those risks associated with confined spaces and confined space entry, as set out in the Permit to Work Procedure, Hazard Management Procedure and where relevant the Contractor Safety Procedure.

3.2 Ensuring confined space management   

The table below outlines key roles and responsibilities for the confined space management.

3.3 Entry into Confined Space 

The table below outlines key roles and responsibilities for any persons who is required to safely undertake work activities that require entry into Confined Spaces. Entry into a Confined Space is considered to have occurred when a person’s head or upper body enters the space.  

3.4 Criteria for determining a Confined Space 

A Confined Space is determined by the structure and a specific set of circumstance.  

Entry into a confined space is considered to have occurred when a person’s head or upper body enters the space.   

A space may become a confined space if work that is to be carried out in the space would generate harmful concentrations of airborne contaminants. 

Temporary control measures such as providing temporary ventilation or achieving a satisfactory pre-entry test will not cause a confined space to be declassified. For a confined space to be declassified as a non-confined space, it needs to have undergone sufficient changes in structure and use to eliminate all inherent hazards that define a confined space.  

This flowchart will help to defined whether a space is a ‘Confine Space’ for the purposes of the WHS Regulations. 

3.5 Entry into a Confined Space Risk Assessment Criteria  

Signage

The entry points to identify confined spaces are to be permanently signposted and secured to prevent unauthorised entry. Key must be held by the Infrastructure Unit and only provided to those who are authorised to carryout work in such places. 

As a minimum all confined spaces signed must be erected with AS 1319 and be conspicuously marked: ‘Danger: Authorized Access Space – Authorized Entry only’.  

Risk Assessment

A risk assessment must be undertaken by a competent person undertaking the work. It shall be in writing and consider at a minimum the nature of the hazards involved in performing the work task in that environment.  

Hazard Considerations

• Atmospheric hazards and testing requirements (safe oxygen levels)   
• Fire hazards (use of equipment or release of fumes etc) 
• Engulfment (water, grains, fly ash, sand etc) 
• Fall Prevention (falling into – items (tools, equipment, or persons)   
• Task related hazards 
  • Range of methods that consider how the tasks are completed 
  • Equipment to be used is checked to identify hazards introduced and ensure that it is fit for purpose.   
  • Emergency response procedures are identified and persons trained in them 
  • Competency and licensing of persons undertaking the work  
  • If hot work is being conducted in or near the Confined Space, then a Hot Work permit is also required as well as the Confined Space Permit.  
  • Where Personal protective equipment is identified as a control measure, the PPE needs to be in good working condition and conformation that workers know how to use it effectively.   
• Changes in the work area / or work practise and the need to review the risk assessment / permit to Work process; including advising the relevant Adelaide University authorising person.
• Confined Space Written Authority (Permit to Work), including Entry authorisation. 
• Measures to control the identified risks have been established and implemented 
• Emergency procedures have been determined and readily implemented 
• A standby person has been provided (where deemed necessary) 
  • The role of the standby person is to be within the vicinity of the space, be assigned to continuously monitor the wellbeing and condition of those inside the space, observe the work being carried out (where practicable) and initiate appropriate emergency procedure when necessary.  They should:
    • Understand the nature if the hazards inside the relevant confined space and be able to recognise signs and symptoms that workers in the confined space may experience. 
    • Remain outside the confined space and do no other work which may interfere with the primary role of monitoring the workers inside the space. 
    • Have all the required rescue equipment (e.g. safety harness, lifting equipment, a lifeline) immediately available 
    • Have the authority to order workers to exit the space if any hazardous situation arises.
    • Never enter the space to attempt to rescue 

4. Definitions used in our protocol 

The following definitions are applicable to this protocol, for generic Adelaide University definitions refer to the Glossary of Terms. 

Confined Space - Is an enclosed or partially enclosed space that − is not designed or intended to be occupied by a person − is, or is designed or intended to be, at normal atmospheric pressure while any person is in the space; and − is or is likely to be a risk to health and safety from: 

• an atmosphere that does not have a safe oxygen level, or  
• contaminants, including airborne gases, vapours and dusts, that may cause injury from fire or explosion, or  
• harmful concentrations of any airborne contaminants, or  
• engulfment.  

A confined space is determined by the hazards associated with a set of specific circumstances and not just because work is performed in a small space. 

Entry into a confined space means a person’s head or upper body is in the confined space or within the boundary of the confined space. 

Contractors – that undertake certain high-risk activities and are responsible for the day-to-day oversight of contractor work, ensuring it is performed safely and in accordance with WHS Legislation and Adelaide University requirements. 

High risk work – as defined by the WHS Legislation refers to tasks that pose significant danger to people or university property 

Job Safety Analysis (JSA) – is a structured procedure in which contractors identify specific work details, potential hazards, and risks to implement safe practices aimed at minimising or eliminating those risks.  

Permit to Work – is a formal checklist to ensure that all elements if a safe system of work are in place before people are allowed to enter the confined space. It also provides a means of communication between site management, supervisors and those carrying out the work; and authorisation for entry to the confined space is safe to proceed.   

Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) – is a structured procedure whereby contractors identify specific high-risk construction work, outline details aspects of the task, assess potential hazards and risks, and prescribe controls to facilitate safe execution. While similar to a Job Safety Analysis (JSA) as both are forms of risk assessment, a SWMS specifically addresses high-risk construction activities, where as a JSA applies to non-construction work.  

5. How our protocol is governed 

5.1 Compliance 

Confined space safety management at Adelaide University is conducted in compliance with the following established regulations and guidelines: 

Legislation & Code of Practice 

• Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (SA)  
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2012 (SA)
• Confined Space Code of Practice – February 2024 

Australian Standards

• AS2865 (2009) Confined Space  

University related documents and resources 

• Adelaide University - Permit to Work  
• Others  

5.2 Governance 

This protocol is categorised, approved and owned in line with the governance structure of Adelaide University and the offices and officers listed below. 

6. History of changes

Note on structures, positions and position titles:  

At the time of writing, the organisational structure, positions and position titles for Adelaide University have not all been confirmed. Accordingly, square brackets [ ] temporarily enclose position titles in this procedure until position titles for Adelaide University are known.