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What are Confined Spaces and what does the law say? A confined space is any space that has limited or restricted means of entry or exit, is large enough for an employee to enter and perform assigned work, and is not designed for continuous occupancy by the employee. Examples are underground vaults, tanks, storage bins, pits, vessels, and silos. Generally, they have limited entry (usually a hatch or a manhole), are large enough for an employee to get inside, but are not really meant to be occupied by people. They may be poorly lit and contain hazardous substances or materials, and due to the unique nature of confined spaces and the difficulty involved in rescue operations the regulatory authorities set out stringent regulations regarding access and operations. If the work cannot be performed outside the confined space then there should be strict adherence to the regulations and well-rehearsed operational and rescue procedures. Training is critical. What should I do if I need confined space entry at my workplace? Read the regulations, develop a permit to work system for confined space entry, have your relevant people and supervisors professionally trained, and then conduct practice drills. Can I get help? Yes. With confined spaces it is best to get professional assistance. Firstly, by using an confined space specialist training company and secondly by getting the confined space part of the operation risk assessed. The one company may be able to do both, and you can You may need protective equipment. Find an external consultant in our Business Directory. Is there any free guidance material I can read on Confined Spaces? Click on the link below for useful information? Australian Capital Territory www.ors.act.gov.au New South Wales www.workcover.nsw.gov.au Northern Territory www.worksafe.nt.gov.au Queensland www.deir.qld.gov.au South Australia www.safework.sa.gov.au Tasmania www.wst.tas.gov.au Victoria www.worksafe.vic.gov.au Western Australia www.worksafe.wa.gov.au
Can I get help? With confined spaces it is best to get professional assistance. Firstly, by using an confined space specialist training company and secondly by getting the confined space part of the operation risk assessed. The one company may be able to do both, and you can You may need protective equipment. Is there any free guidance material I can read on Confined Spaces? Click on the link below for useful information? Australian Capital Territory Safe Working in a Confined Space New South Wales Working Environment Hazards Northern Territory Confined Spaces Queensland Safe Working in Confined Spaces South Australia Confined Spaces Tasmania Confined Spaces Victoria Shafts, Tunnels & Trenches Western Australia Click Here And refer to division eight of the OHS Regulations
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