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Management of Confined Space Entry

Doc Name: CORP H&S 053 Management of Confined Space Entry Author: Manager, Systems & Strategy Version: 6 Page 1 of 15 Approver: GM Safety Doc ID: 3514589 Document Uncontrolled if Printed Approved: Nov 2016

1. Purpose

This procedure is designed to detail the requirements to ensure the safety and wellbeing of persons required to enter a confined space.

2. Scope

All work in Melbourne Water confined spaces will be carried out in accordance with this procedure. This procedure describes the requirements to ensure safe entry, work within and safe exit of Melbourne Water Confined Spaces and is intended to address hazards directly associated with the entry, work within or exit of the confined space.

Additional hazards may be present due to environmental conditions, systems of work and/or others and must be addressed by the overall risk assessment that applies to the scope of works and potential rescue requirements. In addition to the requirements of this proc edure,

there are specific requirements for different asset types:

Sewerage Assets – refer CORP H&S 053.8

Water Assets – refer CORP H&S 053.9

Drainage Assets – refer CORP H&S 053.10

Site or space specific procedures may be required depending on the space and/or types of works. It is the responsibility of the person in charge of the entry to ident ify where specif ic procedures are required and ensure detailed procedures are implemented, documented and

maintained.

Note: Where a space does not meet the regulated confined space criteria, but requires precautions due to the risks associated with entering the space it may be ident if ied to be a ‘restricted space’ – refer to Melbourne Water CORP H&S 027.2 Confined Space HAZID Checklist for specific information on identifying a restricted space.

A confined space permit is not required to enter a ‘restricted space’; however the work party must have a documented risk assessment that evaluates the risk level for the ac tivity and to identify the controls required to provide a safe system of work. Some of those controls may be similar to those used for entry and works within a confined space..

3. Procedure

3.1 Competency and Medical Requirements

3.1.1 Competency

All persons required to:

enter Melbourne Water confined spaces;

complete Confined Space Entry Permits; or

act as an observer or a standby personnel

must hold a current certificate in a confined space entry training program that has been delivered by a Registered Training Organisation.

Melbourne Water employees:

Employees must complete a confined space training course and complete an annual refreshe r. All training must be delivered by a Melbourne Water approved provider.

Contractors:

Contractors must demonstrate evidence of successful completion of a confined space t raining course and contractors engaged on an ongoing basis (for example panel members,

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maintenance contractors) must complete an annual refresher. Training must be delivered by a Registered Training Organisation and include a practical component.

Contractors must also complete CORP H&S 053.11- Melbourne Water Confined Space Induction Program which can be found on Inflo. The Induction program is valid for 12 months from date of completion.

The primary contractor is responsible for ensuring all sub-contractors are competent and have completed appropriate confined space training. An accurate register of persons with relevant

confined spaces entry training is to be made available as soon as practical on request to the Melbourne Water representative and/or other relevant Melbourne Water personnel.

3.1.2 Medical fitness

All people required to enter a confined space must complete a medical assessment, or provide

evidence that they have completed a medical assessment, within the past two years.

If the person in charge of the entry is in any doubt about an individual’s f itness to work in a confined space, despite the person having a previous medical clearance, a new medical clearance must be obtained before the person can be allowed to enter.

Vaccination for tetanus is advised for any below ground entries and hepatitis A/B are st rongly recommended for persons intending to enter sewerage or drainage assets.

Further information can be found in CORP H&S 022 – Medical Assessments and CORP H&S 068 – Biological Hazards

Contractors:

Contractors may use any registered medical practitioner to provide medical testing.

A register of persons that have current confined space medical clearance and relevant vaccinations must be made available as soon as practical on request to Melbourne Water.

3.2 Risk Assessment

Wherever practicable, the need for people to enter the confined space must be eliminated.

The party undertaking the work, in conjunction with other relevant people and/or specialist advice as identified - as required, must complete a risk assessment prior to ent ry. The risk assessment must always be reviewed prior to re-entry (i.e. after breaks) or at any t ime the

conditions have changed. A Take 4 CORP H&S 008 – Task Risk Assessment approach is to be applied before every entry. Controls may include engineering controls, administ ration and/or protective equipment or a combination of all or some.

The risk assessment must also identify other precautions required to satisfy requirements such as codes of practice or other factors including but not limited to the type of space, it s layout, the surrounding environment and any other factors. Identifying these factors is important as

other permits, training requirements or equipment may be required prior to entry and will vary from site to site. Examples include but are not limited to:

Fall from heights requirements

Hot Works

Chemical usage

Potential ignition (such as lighting or electrical tools)

Contaminant sources and

Atmospheric conditions

Personal protective equipment / Personal protective clothing (refer to Section 3.3.10 – Other Safety Consideration

Emergency rescue requirements; and









Specific training requirements.

If at any point during the work conditions change the risk assessment must be revisited by the work party and modified if required. The risk assessment must be available prior, during and after completion of any or all entries and work in the confined space.

Generic risk assessments may be used for repeated tasks or entries into similar spaces. It is the responsibility of the person in charge performing the entry to show that the risk assessment is relevant to the space being entered.

3.2.1 Fire Season

Where the State Fire Danger Rating (as issued by the Country Fire Authority) has been declared as “Extreme” or above, it is possible that emergency services may not have available

resources to assist in the event of an emergency. Unless the activity is of an emergency nature itself, is required for the purpose of prevention of a public health risk or has specifically been approved (according to the Melbourne Water Guidelines for Fire Danger Days and Total Fire Ban Days) as an action for continued operation of a plant all area works should be postponed. If this is not practicable, all risks for the task are to be identified, assessed and

appropriate controls put in place as early as possible before any work commences.

3.2.2 Emergency Rescue

The risk assessment must cover the full scope of works planned plus any potential rescue

operation. Whilst planning any rescue operation thought must be given to the location of the entry (i.e. remote location) and the time for any emergency assistance to arrive. The risk assessment should detail the rescue plan to be undertaken by the work party (e.g. initiate the rescue by keeping outside of the space and using the rescue controls such as lift ing devic e, safety line, harness, etc. to retrieve an injured person) prior to the Emergency Services

attending the scene.

Additionally, details of the emergency rescue plan must be clearly stated in the confined space

entry permit (i.e. Emergency Rescue Plans section). For more information on the development of the emergency rescue plan refer to Section 3.4 – Emergency Procedures.

Melbourne Water:

Melbourne Water employees must complete a Task Risk Assessment Form (CORP H&S 008.1). Guidance on completing a Task Risk Assessment can be obtained from procedure CORP H&S 008 – Task Risk Assessment available on the Melbourne Water Intranet. A work plan may also be required according to the scope of works involved.

Contractors:

Contractors may use their own form of risk assessment. The risk assessment must clearly identify the hazards and controls required.

3.3 Requirements for Entry

3.3.1 Self-Rescue Breathing Apparatus

A self-rescue breathing apparatus must be available for each person entering a confined space and should be within immediate reach. Self-rescue breathing apparatus will c omply with the AS/NZS 1716:2012. The Self Rescue Breathing Apparatus are to be maintained as per CORP

H&S 038 – Safety Equipment.

3.3.2 Entry Permits

For any Melbourne Water confined space two types of permits are required:

High Risk Work Permit








Melbourne Water has a Permit to Work System that ensures that all assets are presented in a safe condition prior to work being performed. Only High Risk Work Permits are to be issued for works in confined spaces.

No Work Permits are allowed to be issued for confined space works.

Other permits may also be required depending on the tasks being performed. Permits must be obtained prior to works commencing and is the responsibility of the person in c harge – see each Asset specific section for the relevant application process

CORP H&S 064 – Permit to Work explains the Melbourne Water Permit to Work process. The Permit to Work is not the same as the Confined Space Entry Permit.

Confined Space Entry (CSE) Permit

Once a High Risk Work Permit has been obtained, a Confined Space Entry Permit (CSE Permit) must be completed and authorised by the person in charge of the entry (refer form

CORP H&S 053.1 – Confined Space Entry Permit). Relevant information from the completed risk assessment will be used to complete the CSE Permit.

Contractors may use alternative CSE Permits provided they document the required level of detail equivalent to the Melbourne Water permit and:

the alternative permit complies with the requirements of Part 3.4 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007; and

there is provision to record any specific Melbourne Water requirements.

A single CSE Permit only applies to works being performed by one work-crew. If mult iple work-crews are to be working within the space at the same t ime , but at dif ferent ent ry sites, (i.e. a pipeline) then separate CSE Permits will be required for each workcrew. A single CSE Permit may be used only if there is a single coordinator and authorisation point

for all entries local to the site. A copy of the CSE Permit must be displayed at each entry point to the confined space (where required a waterproof cover/sleeve may be used).

All persons entering the space must sign-on and off the CSE Permit upon every ent ry and exit. The relevant Control Room must be notified of persons entering and exiting the confined space. Relevant sections of the CSE Permit must also be updated (results of pre -entry atmospheric testing etc.) for every entry and exit. The CSE Permit will expire when the task is completed. If work ceases at the end of a day and recommences the following

day a new permit is to be undertaken. The only time a permit may cover mult iple days is when work continues via multiple shifts and monitoring of the confined space does not cease.

CSE Permits for works entries performed by Melbourne Water employees must be retained for a minimum of 30 days or as otherwise required. CSE Permits completed by contractors are to be retained by the contractor according to Part 3.4 of the Vic torian Oc cupational

Health and Safety Regulations 2007, and a copy supplied to the Melbourne Water representative on request or as otherwise specified during works.

3.3.3 Signage

Worksite Signage

As far as possible the perimeter of the worksite is to be clearly delineated. This c an be achieved by perimeter tape, barricades or similar and should, as far as possible, prevent

public access. The observer or stand-by person must monitor the area for public ac cess and take reasonable action to prevent unauthorised access.





Confined Space Signage

All designated confined spaces must have warning signage in place for the duration of the entry that complies with Australian Standard 1742.3.

Where practicable, signs should be permanently mounted at each entry point to the c onfined spaces. Wording shall be as shown in Figure 1 with an example in Figure 2.

Figure 1 Figure 2

Figure 1 Figure 2

Where it is not practical to permanently affix signs, a portable sign is to be displayed at each entry point. Portable signs shall have wording as shown in Figure 1 above. When working in footpaths, unfenced private property or bike paths, barricades or covers must be installed at unattended open spaces. Covers should be fixed into position where possible. Open spaces must be covered overnight; otherwise barricades and warning lights must be installed.

3.3.4 Entry and Exit Points

All available entry and exit points within the confined space are to be ident if ied on the risk assessment and their location communicated to employees before work commences.

Wherever possible, leads and hoses should be fed into the confined space through openings other than those identified for the purposes of entry and exit. If this is not possible then the entry and exit points must be as clear as possible of potential obstruction.

3.3.5 Atmospheric Testing

Pre-entry testing

Pre-entry testing must occur before each and every entry (refer definition) into the c onfined space. Results must be recorded on the CSE Permit.

Pre-entry testing must be conducted for (at a minimum) oxygen, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulphide and explosive-gas level. Additionally, for Sewerage Transfer works, the following gases will need to be tested as well; volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and ammonia.

The measurement of atmospheric, explosive and relevant hazardous gas concentration levels

must be undertaken and interpreted by appropriately trained persons. Gas detectors are to be lowered into the sewer around the headspace area, to ensure that LEL levels are acceptable for the manhole to remain open and works to continue. The position of the gas detectors after checking the LEL levels during pre-entry testing & continuous monitoring is dependent on whether any persons are physically entering the manhole. In both situations, gas detectors are

to remain near breathing zone: inside the sewer in the headspace area if personnel physical entry is required, and above the manhole near the breathing space of personnel if not entering.

Acceptable conditions for entry are shown in Table 1.

DANGER

CONFINED SPACE

ENTRY by PERMIT ONLY



Type of Work Gas Acceptable Pre-entry level

All Business Group Areas Oxygen

Not less than 19.5% (by volume)

Not greater than 23.5% (by volume)

All Business Group

Areas Carbon monoxide Less than 30ppm

All Business Group

Areas Hydrogen sulphide Less than 10ppm

All Business Group Areas

Explosive level Less than 5% LEL

Sewerage Transfer Volatile Organic Compounds

Less than 10 ppm

Sewerage Transfer Ammonia Less than 25 ppm

Table 1 - Acceptable Pre-entry Atmosphere Levels

If pre-entry testing shows non-compliance with any of the required levels, the space must not be entered. Appropriate options to improve the atmospheric conditions must be implemented

and compliance with acceptable entry limits must be achieved before entry is permitt ed.

If explosive gases are found to be present at concentrations greater than 5% of their LEL after 10 minutes, all opened entry points should be closed and the job location reported to the relevant Control Room immediately.

*An exemption can be authorised by the relevant Control Room for gas monitoring under a High Risk work permit accompanied by an authorised Task Risk Assessment (TRA) without entry into the asset eg: Investigation into gas levels of a Sewerage Transfer asset following reported non-compliant atmospheric conditions

Continuous monitoring

Continuous monitoring is required for all MW confined space entries. Table 2 shows the alarm

level at which all people must exit the space. Similar to pre-entry, gas detectors are required to be in the breathing zone during continuous monitoring: inside the sewer in the headspace area if personnel physical entry is required, and above the manhole near the breathing space of personnel if not entering.

Area of Work Gas

Alarm level (must exit space)

All Business Group Areas Oxygen

Less than 19.5%

Greater than 23.5%


Carbon monoxide Greater than 30ppm


Hydrogen sulphide Greater than 10ppm


Explosive level Greater than 10% LEL

Sewerage Transfer Volatile Organic Compounds

Greaterthan 10 ppm

Sewerage Transfer Ammonia Greater than 25 ppm

Table 2 - Continuous Alarm Levels

If the entry party is required to exit the space as a result of the gas detector alarming, the space must be re-assessed and escalated to the appropriate Melbourne Water Representative prior to any re-entry to ensure conditions are returned to acceptable levels.



Ventilation

Ventilation of a confined space should be natural, forced or mechanical means to establish a safe atmosphere. The ventilation should be continued throughout the period of occupancy. If the use of mechanical blowers/extractors will require consideration of the following factors:

Safety – ensure no additional safety risks are being introduced without a risk assessment and controls.

Noise - in urban areas, noisy mechanical ventilation can disturb the public, particularly during the night. Use “quiet” blowers in sensitive areas.

Location - in selecting where the blower is to be loc ated, c hoose a site that will

minimise the introduction of vehicle exhaust gases or other contaminants into the space. With extractors, choose a site to minimise odours for local residents.

Traffic - as blowers can be required to operate continuously for many hours, sites should also be selected to minimise traffic disruptions, this may require work to be performed outside of the busy traffic times.

Security - incidents have occurred in the past where members of the public have compromised the operation of blowers/extractors, either because they object to the noise or odours created or in extreme cases by the fan being stolen. Measures must

be put in place to ensure blower-operation is not compromised.

Public Safety - warning signs and appropriate barricades should be installed around the fans to protect members of the public from both the mechanical energy of the fan and any gases that may be exhausted from the confined space.

3.3.6 Other contaminants

In some confined spaces it will be necessary to monitor for atmospheric contaminants in

addition to those listed above. These additional contaminants must be identified prior to entry as far as possible. This may be because the atmosphere may be affected by:

non-compliant industrial discharges – particularly sewerage assets

tasks being performed by other persons around the space

observation of abnormal conditions by the work crew

spillages / discharges into drains

the task performed requires the use of materials containing volatile solvents or similar.

A guide to the levels of contaminants that are of concern can be found in Exposure Standards for Atmospheric Contaminants in the Occupational Environment, published by Safe Work Australia. Assistance can be sought from a qualified occupational hygienist.

Risk assessment must identify the additional monitoring requirements required.

3.3.7 Standard Gas Detectors

Standard electronic gas detection meters must be capable of testing for the gases as listed in Table 1. Electronic gas detection meters will comply with AS/NZS 61779.1:2000. Gas detectors are to be maintained as per CORP H&S 038 – Safety Equipment.

If the work is being performed near a chlorine storage facility, a chlorine sensor should also be used.

3.3.8 Standby person

There must be at least one person (the standby person) who remains outside the space at all times when it is occupied. The risk assessment for the works will determine the actual number of people above required. All standby personnel must have current confined space training.

Under NO circumstances shall a stand-by person enter the confined space to assist employees who are inside.




The stand-by person has authority to instruct the work-party to immediately exit the space if an immediate risk to the work-party’s health and safety becomes apparent.

Note that specific procedures for specific assets may set additional mandatory minimum requirements for the number of standby personnel.

3.3.9 Communication

Continuous communication must be maintained between those on the surface and those below. As far as practical communication must be maintained within sight at all times.

Radio or telephone communication must be available at all times on-site to enable contact with the relevant Control Room and/or Emergency Services. Communication between the surface and those below can be maintained by using any, or a combination of the following:

voice

visually

torch signals

whistles

air horn

CCTV

approved radio communication equipment (intrinsically safe)

signals on the safety line:

o one tug - stop (when in motion)

o two tugs - lower

o three or more tugs - to attract attention.

Some examples of when distress signals may be generated by the party below include: person feeling ill, person injuring themselves whilst working in the confined space. The method of communication must be established in the risk assessment prior to entry.

3.3.10 Other Safety Considerations

Maintenance of plant and equipment

All plant and equipment (including but not limited to gas detectors, safety equipment, harnesses etc) used for confined space entry must be used and maintained in accordance with

the manufacturers’ specifications. All plant and equipment must be c hecked prior to use to confirm that it is suitable for use.

Ignition sources

No hot work (e.g. welding, grinding, lighting fires or to have other naked f lames) or ignit ion

sources are to be located within 6 metres of the entrance to any confined space without specific risk assessment being undertaken. The Hot Work Permit (Form CORP H&S 053.2 – Hot Work Permit) must be completed before any hot work is performed inside the space.

Do not carry matches or cigarette lighters while working in, or inspecting, confined spaces without the completion of the Hot Work Permit. Lighting, other electrical equipment , mobile phones, pagers and radio communications devices used in confined spaces must be approved for use in Hazardous Areas Class 1 Zone 1 or Class 1 Zone 2 (Intrinsically Safe). Refer to

Australian Standards AS 2380 and AS 2430 for further information. Where non-intrinsically equipment must be used, the explosive risk within the space must be eliminated or reduced to within safe limits. Risk assessment must address this.

Protective equipment

Safety helmets

Wear protective headwear, as required, when working in confined spaces. This is for protection from objects being lowered or accidentally dropped from above, and to protect you from bumping your head in confined areas. The surface crew must wear safety helmets when





loads are being carried above them (e.g. when equipment is being lowered into an ac cess pit by crane).

Bump caps may be worn in areas such as smaller diameter sewers, drains or pipes if there is no risk of objects falling from above. No equipment is to be raised or lowered direc t ly above persons wearing bump caps.

Protective clothing

The selection of the appropriate protective clothing to be worn within a confined space depends both upon the type of confined space and the work being performed.

The risk assessment prepared for the work being performed must identify the specific

protective clothing requirements for the task. Contaminated clothing or equipment must never be taken home. All contaminated clothing should be appropriately disposed of, or arrangements must be made to launder contaminated clothing through any loc al workplace laundering arrangements.

Harnesses

Refer Asset specific procedures

Safety Lines

The standby person (or observer) should control the safety line whilst people are working below and connected to the safety line. The safety line may be controlled manually or mechanically. Mechanical control is preferred as far as practical. If a safety line is used, and there is potential for the safety line to tangle in equipment while working in the space, the

safety line may be disconnected but must remain at the base of the access ladder and reconnected before ascent out of the confined space.

If the need to disconnect from the safety line occurs while within the confined space, the risk assessment must be revised to take into account the potential for different hazards and different types of rescue that may be required.

Working around open pits / prevention of falls

If the surface opening is larger than 300mm x 300mm the fall risk must be assessed and controls identified.

Ascending/descending into the space

Where fixed-ladders, walkways or platforms comply with Australian Standard AS1657 Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders - Design, construction and installation, then there is no requirement for fall protection to be worn while using the fixed ladder, stairway or platform for entry or exit.

If there is any doubt about whether any fixed ladder, stairway or platform complies with the Standard a risk assessment shall be performed to indicate the need for fall protection.

Personal hygiene

Sewerage and drainage assets in particular may contain biological hazards. As it is not possible to prevent sewage and storm water from presenting a biological hazard to those working with these assets, the hazards must be controlled by minimising contact with sewage and

stormwater wherever possible.

Where contact with these agents cannot be entirely prevented, personal hygiene c ontrols will

be required. Consider the use of safety glasses or face shield if the risk of splashing exist s. Minimise the risk of infection by wearing gloves and keeping hands away from your face. Wash hands thoroughly before eating or smoking. Use barrier cream and hand cleaner on hands and forearms. Treat abrasions and cuts immediately. The person in charge of the ent ry is responsible for ensuring all incidents are recorded and reported to the Melbourne Water

representative.



3.4 Emergency procedures

The standby person shall notify the relevant Control Room immediately of any change in conditions (e.g. sudden change in water flow, colour, gas levels, that may indicate that

dumping into the space has occurred). Effective arrangements for raising the alarm and carrying out rescue operations in an emergency must be identified in the risk assessment. Suitable emergency procedures will depend on the nature of the confined space, the risks identified, if the work will require disconnecting from a life line and the likely nature of an emergency rescue.

Emergency procedures must take into account:

The nature of the confined space

Any hazards associated with the level (or any change in the level) of oxygen and/or atmospheric contaminants

The work to be done and the work method

Work done outside the confined space

The means of entry and exit.

Consideration must be given to:

The location of the confined space – the geographic location of the space, its accessibility in an emergency and the distance to appropriate medic al facilit ies all need to be taken into account.

Communications – How can people working inside the space communicate to people

outside in an emergency? Exactly how will the alarm be raised and by whom? Planning needs to ensure that rescue and emergency personnel can access the workplace during night shift, weekends and holiday periods.

Rescue and resuscitation equipment – the provision of suitable rescue and resuscitation equipment will depend on the potential emergencies identified. Training in the correct operation of rescue equipment is essential where such

equipment is provided. Selected rescue equipment needs to be in close proximity to the confined space and able to be used immediately.

Capabilities of rescuers – rescuers need to be properly trained, sufficiently fit to carry out their task and capable of using any equipment provided for rescue (e .g. breathing apparatus, lifelines and fire-fighting equipment). Rescuers also need to be protected against the cause of the emergency.

First aid procedures – trained first aiders need to be available to make proper use of any necessary first aid equipment provided.

Local emergency services – if local emergency services are to be relied upon for

rescue:

a. how will the local emergency services (e.g. fire brigade) be notified of an

incident?

b. what information about the particular dangers in the confined space will

be given to them on their arrival?

c. have prior arrangements been made with local emergency services to ensure they are able to respond in a reasonable time, and have the

specialist confined space retrieval equipment readily available?

Rehearsal – the emergency procedures must be rehearsed with relevant employees to demonstrate that the specific rescue plan for the space is effective.

3.5 Background

Melbourne Water is committed to achieving zero harm in the workplace. Confined spaces present a unique risk to our business as hazards present may not be readily apparent. To ensure every entry is performed without incident this procedure and other supporting

documents are important in ensuring every time an employee or partner enters a confined space they exit in the same condition.



4. Definitions

4.1 Confined Space

A confined space is a structure or item of plant that is an enclosed or partially enclosed space that: is not intended or designed primarily for human occupancy (e.g. it has poor vent ilat ion,

poor lighting, size or location of the opening makes it physically difficult to get in and out of, or to remove an injured or unconscious person from the space; and

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 any one or more of the following: o an oxygen concentration outside the safe oxygen range (i.e. not between 19.5% and

23.5%) o harmful concentration of airborne contaminants that may cause impairment, loss of

consciousness or asphyxiation o a concentration of flammable airborne contaminant that may cause injury from f ire or

explosion

o engulfment in a stored free-flowing solid or a rising level of liquid that may cause suffocation or drowning.

Note: Use Melbourne Water CORP H&S 027.2 Confined Space HAZID Checklist to determine whether a space qualifies as a confined space. Melbourne Water’s definition meets the criterion of both WorkSafe Victoria’s Compliance Code for Confined Space (2008) and AS2865:2009 Confined Spaces.

4.2 Restricted Space

A “restricted space” means a Melbourne Water space that does not meet the technical criterion to be classified as a confined space but where there are physical characteristics that restrict work activities. There are a number of spaces in Melbourne Water that are not regulated confined spaces but require precautions due to the risks associated with entering the space.

The entry or exit to the space may be restricted by the size of the opening and/or its locat ion. Consideration needs to also be given to whether the space is physically difficult to get in or out

of and whether it would be difficult to remove an injured or unconscious person from the space.

CORP H&S 027.2 Confined Space Assessment HAZID Checklist will determine whether a space

is a restricted space.

For example, to be deemed a restricted space it will:

1. meet the physical characteristics criteria (A+B+C):

a) the space is enclosed or partially enclosed

b) the space is not intended or designed primarily for human occupancy; and

c) the space is at normal atmospheric pressure; and

2. Not meet the identified hazards criteria (D):

Oxygen concentration outside the safe oxygen range

Concentration of harmful airborne contaminant that may cause impairment, loss of

consciousness or asphyxiation

Concentration of flammable airborne contaminant that may cause injury from f ire or

explosion; and

Engulfment of any liquid or solid that may cause suffocation or drowning.





4.3 Entry

Entry into a confined space means any situation in which any part of the body of any person is located within the space regardless of the length of time taken.

4.4 Risk Assessment

A documented assessment of all hazards associated with the work, the risk levels and the controls required to ensure work can be performed safely. When undertaking a risk

assessment to determine the risks requiring control, the assessment will need to consider the following in most cases:

the hazards identified

the task

the working environment

work materials and tools

all permits associated with the work

the additional physiological and psychological demands of the task

arrangements for emergency rescue

training requirements

4.5 Safe oxygen level

An atmosphere containing not less than 19.5% and not more than 23.5% oxygen.

4.6 Person in charge of the entry

The person (who may be either a Melbourne Water employee or a contractor) responsible for the overall supervision of the work being conducted within the confined space.

4.7 Observer

A person who has the responsibility for assisting the person/s entering or exiting the CSE,

complete CSE permits to ensure all persons and equipment have exited the CSE and inst igate emergency response from outside the CSE.

4.8 Standby Personnel

Personnel within the immediate vicinity (sight and sound) who will make initial contact with emergency services if required and provide initial emergency rescue response from outside the

CSE. If only one person is present, they may also be the observer.

4.9 Melbourne Water Representative

The Melbourne Water employee who is engaging a contractor to undertake works.

4.10 Hot work

Welding, cutting, grinding, thermal or oxygen cutting, heating and other fire-inducing or other spark-producing operations.



5. References

Standards and Related Documents

Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004

Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007

Compliance Code - Confined Spaces – 2008

AS 2865-2009 Confined Spaces

Confined Spaces – Code of Practice – December 2011

AS 61779.1:2000 Electrical Apparatus for the Detection and Measurement of Flammable Gases

Related Documents

The following materials are related to this document

CORP H&S 008 – Task Risk Assessment

CORP H&S 022 – Medical Assessments

CORP H&S 038 – Safety Equipment.

CORP H&S 064 – Permit to Work

CORP H&S 068 – Biological Hazards

Records

CORP H&S 053.1 – Confined Space Entry Permit

CORP H&S 053.2 – Hot Work Permit

Appendices

CORP H&S 053.8 – Sewerage Specific Entry Requirements

CORP H&S 053.9 – Water Specific Entry Requirements

CORP H&S 053.10 – Drainage Specific Entry Requirements

CORP H&S 053.11 – MW Confined Space Induction Program

6. Responsibilities

Managers shall:

ensure that all appropriate actions are taken to implement Melbourne Water's procedures on safe working in confined spaces

ensure that resources are available for personnel to receive appropriate t raining, including refresher training

provide training records to the Health and Safety team to ensure records are kept

up to date

provide a visible commitment to the program by undertaking regular on-site visit s

and participating in checking on-site conditions

hold managers under their direction accountable for meeting the objectives of this procedure

Person in charge of the entry shall:

ensure that this procedure is followed by all members of the work party

arrange for the recording of atmospheric tests carried out in their area of responsibility so that any potentially hazardous atmosphere can be identified

ensure that employees have current confined space certification prior to commencing confined space work

ensure that safety equipment is in good order and that defective equipment is not available for issue until repaired













ensure that equipment checks are carried out

ensure relevant permits are approved prior to entry

ensure a risk assessment is performed for the task

ensure that a rescue plan exists as part of the risk assessment

ensure all personnel and equipment exits the confined space

Work Party members shall:

participate in the risk assessment process

sign in and out of the Confined Space Entry permit

present themselves for training when required

use the correct safety equipment for the task being performed

ensure that the safety equipment is only used for the task it is designed for

record the results of confined space atmospheric testing as required and advise the person in charge of any dangerous atmospheres detected

report any defective safety equipment to the person in charge

Melbourne Water Representative shall:

ensure all works in confined spaces is undertaken by contractors in compliance with this procedure

ensure contractors are informed of the requirements of this procedure

Manager, Health & Safety

Ensure a system for recording training records and notifications of expiry is in place

Provide management support for the effective and efficient resolution of any health and safety issues.

7. Stakeholder Consultation

7.1 Consultation during development

All MW H&S Committees had been consulted.

7.2 Consultation requirements during implementation

The following stakeholders may need to be consulted during the implementation of this controlled document.

All employees that issue permits and intend entering a confined space need to be aware of this procedure

All training providers need to be made aware of this procedure



8. Document History

Date Reviewed/ Actioned By Version Action

Nov 2016 GM, Safety 6

Provision of greater clarity on the criterion used to categorise a restricted

space and requirements to enter a restricted space.

Update to the definition of a confined space to meet the criterion for both WorkSafe Victoria’s Compliance Code for Confined Space (2008) and

AS2865:2009 Confined Spaces.

Jun 2015 GM, Safety 5 Included definition and requirements of a restricted space

Dec 2013 Manager, Health & Safety 4

Appendices 053.5 Gas Detector, 053.6 Self Rescuer Approval Criteria and 053.7 Training Providers have retired. Procedure is updated with compliance requirements with the relevant Australian Standards

Updated due to new gas detectors required for Sewerage Transfer works:

Section 7.3.5 Atmosphere Testing and Section 7.3.7 Standard Gas Detectors

Inserted hyperlinks to all Melbourne Water H&S documents to simplify process

Dec 2012 Manager, Health & Safety 3 Updated due to the new Permit to Work Process

Jun 2010 GM, People & Safety 2 Review of procedures in accordance with the Safety Management System

Jun 2005 Manager, HR 1 New Procedure

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