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Confined/Restricted Spaces
Working in confined or restricted spaces is potentially one of the most dangerous of all workplace activities. It has
been calculated that working in a confined space is 150 times more dangerous than doing the same job outside
(reference: DoL ‘Safe Working in a Confined Space’).
Always follow the rules to live by:




Plan Your Entry & Exit – Decide who is best to enter the space. Decide who
will be the standby person and will not enter the space.
Always work with a mate.
Consider how you will get out if something goes wrong.
Consider the equipment required for the work.
It must be available, ready for use and right for the job.
Confined Space
An enclosed or partially enclosed space that is at atmospheric pressure during occupancy and is not intended or
designed primarily as a place of work, and is liable at any time to:
 Have an atmosphere which contains potentially harmful levels of contaminant;
 Have an oxygen deficiency or excess; or
 Cause engulfment; and
 Could have restricted means for entry and exit.
In CHRP a confined space may include:
 Under floor spaces where liquefaction is extensive and may be preventing ventilation resulting in a
hazardous atmosphere
 Trenches where there is risk of engulfment from sides collapsing
 Ceiling voids where ventilation is restricted resulting in a hazardous atmosphere or oxygen deficiency or air
temperature is extreme (eg, 40° or more)
 Enclosed below ground areas such as basements and other places where there is inadequate ventilation
and the atmosphere is hazardous or oxygen deficient
A confined space is an extremely hazardous environment. The risks must not be underestimated. If a confined
space is suspected a specialist must be engaged to test the atmosphere for contaminants prior to work
commencing. The specialist engaged to undertake atmospheric testing must have undertaken training which
includes attaining Unit Standard 25510 – Atmospheric Testing.
Where a confined space is confirmed:
 the combined Australian-New Zealand standard: AS/NZS 2865:2001 Safe working in a confined space
must be complied with.
 A task analysis is required to be submitted to Fletcher EQR for evaluation prior to work commencing.
 A permit to enter must be completed by the specialist contractor prior to entry into the confined space.
Restricted Space
A Restricted Space is an area;
 that has a very narrow, small or awkward entry/exit point; and
 where the space is not large enough to comfortably house a human occupant.
For the purposes of CHRP, a restricted space includes (but is not limited to) ceiling space and under floor space.
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14 April 2014 - 009
The following must be in place prior to entering a Restricted Space:
 A task analysis is required to be submitted to Fletcher EQR for evaluation prior to work commencing.
 Persons entering a Restricted Space and the standby person must be competent or be closely supervised
throughout the duration of entry into a Restricted Space by someone who is.
 Ensure Emergency Procedures are in place and appropriately communicated. Emergency Procedures must
include:
o A dedicated standby person to be stationed at the entrance to the Restricted Space to ensure that
communication is constantly maintained. Ensure the standby person has a means to contact
Emergency Services if required.
o A suitable alternative method of egress must be identified. Ensure the size of the opening, or site of a
proposed opening, is adequate and free from obstructions to allow the passage of persons wearing
appropriate PPE in the event of an emergency evacuation.
 Equipment (battery operated as the electricity may be isolated) required to undertake such emergency
egress must be immediately available in the event that an emergency evacuation is required. Adequate
emergency lighting must also be readily available.
 Communication of the intention to enter a Restricted Space must be undertaken to all personnel on site
including expected time frames and emergency procedures. This must include:
o
Briefing of all personnel on site.
o
Updating of the hazard board
o
Updating of the SSSP and Task analysis
o
Appropriate signage at the entry point must be present
 Ensure appropriate equipment to undertake the task is readily available and fit for purpose including
adequate lighting.
 Ensure adequate ventilation is present in the Restricted Space.
 Ensure appropriate PPE is worn and fitted correctly.
The requirements for a Restricted Space also apply to a Confined Space, but there are additional
requirements for a Confined Space.
Questions and answers
Q. What are the Rules to Live By?
A.




Plan Your Entry & Exit – Decide who is best to enter the space. Decide who will be the standby person and will not enter
the space.
Always work with a mate.
Consider how you will get out if something goes wrong.
Consider the equipment required for the work. It must be available, ready for use and right for the job
I have read / heard and understand the information in this Tool Box Talk, I will ask my Manager if I have
any questions.
Name
Date
Signature
Visit our website www.safe6.co.nz for more information on Safe6 risks