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The dangers of working in confined spaces
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The dangers of working in confined spaces
space should be continuously monitored while it is occupied by a worker. This can be done by the worker wearing a continuous monitoring device.

Rescue and first aid procedures should be planned, established and regularly rehearsed.

Untrained, unequipped and unprepared people must not enter a confined space to rescue a person because multiple fatalities have occurred in this way.
The device should be capable of sounding an alarm if dangerous gas levels or oxygen deficiency develop. Continuous monitoring devices are readily available. If there are strong indications that the atmosphere may change suddenly, all people entering the space must wear an air-supplied respirator.

What to do if initial testing shows that the space is contaminated:
  • purge the atmosphere by
    - blowing air through the space; or
    - extracting toxic gases with a suitable exhaust system; or a combination of blowing and exhausting.
  • care should be taken to prevent people outside the confined space from being exposed to gas whilst the atmosphere inside the confined space is being purged.
    - alternatively, people can enter the space if they wear an approved air-supplied respirator, provided there are no flammable gases present.

3 Training, rescue and first aid
Training of all persons is essential in the activities relevant or unique to confined space entry.
Toxic Gas
The need for rescue from a confined space and the provision of first aid in an emergency should be in accordance with clause 74 of the OHS Regulation 2001. Rescue and first aid procedures should be planned, established and regularly rehearsed.

Untrained, unequipped and unprepared people must not enter a confined space to rescue a person because multiple fatalities have occurred in this way.