Hospitality & Tourism Confined Space Entry
A procedure for the safe entry into and work within confined spaces, including risk assessment, atmospheric testing, permitting, and rescue arrangements, in compliance with the WHS Regulations and AS 2865.
Purpose
To protect workers from the serious and potentially fatal hazards associated with confined space entry through rigorous planning, hazard control, and emergency rescue preparedness.
Scope
Applies to all confined space entries across the organisation, including tanks, vessels, pits, silos, pipelines, and any enclosed or partially enclosed space not designed for continuous human occupancy. Covers all workers, contractors, and rescue personnel involved.
Prerequisites
- Confined spaces identified, labelled, and listed in the confined space register
- Workers trained in confined space entry, atmospheric monitoring, and emergency procedures
- Atmospheric monitoring equipment calibrated and available
- Rescue plan and trained rescue team or standby rescue service confirmed
Includes food safety compliance (HACCP), RSA requirements, liquor licensing documentation, and tourism accreditation record keeping.
Step-by-Step Procedure
Confirm the Space is a Confined Space
Verify that the space meets the regulatory definition of a confined space and confirm it is listed in the confined space register.
- 1.1Assess the space against the WHS Regulations definition — enclosed or partially enclosed, not designed for continuous occupancy, with a risk of harmful atmosphere, engulfment, or entrapment
- 1.2Check the confined space register for the specific space
- 1.3Review any existing risk assessments for the space
Conduct a Confined Space Risk Assessment
Assess the specific risks for this entry considering the space characteristics, the work to be performed, and potential hazards.
- 2.1Identify hazards — atmospheric (toxic, flammable, oxygen-depleted), engulfment, entrapment, temperature, biological
- 2.2Assess risks considering the work to be done — welding, cleaning, inspection
- 2.3Determine control measures for each identified risk
- 2.4Document the risk assessment and have it reviewed
Prepare and Issue the Entry Permit
Complete the confined space entry permit documenting the space, hazards, controls, personnel, atmospheric conditions, and rescue arrangements.
- 3.1Complete all sections of the entry permit
- 3.2Confirm isolation of energy sources — electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic
- 3.3Verify ventilation arrangements and atmospheric testing equipment
- 3.4Confirm rescue arrangements and communication systems
- 3.5The authorised person signs and issues the permit
- The entry permit is only valid for the specified duration and scope — any changes require a new permit
Conduct Pre-Entry Atmospheric Testing
Test the atmosphere inside the confined space before entry for oxygen levels, flammable gases, and toxic gases. Record the results on the entry permit.
- 4.1Calibrate the atmospheric monitoring instrument before use
- 4.2Test at multiple levels within the space — top, middle, bottom
- 4.3Record results for oxygen (19.5–23.5%), LEL (<5%), and relevant toxic gases
- 4.4If the atmosphere is not within safe limits, ventilate and retest before entry
- Continue atmospheric monitoring throughout the entry — conditions can change rapidly
Conduct the Pre-Entry Briefing
Brief all entry workers, the standby person, and rescue team on the entry plan, hazards, controls, communication procedures, and emergency arrangements.
- 5.1Review the entry permit and risk assessment with all personnel
- 5.2Confirm roles — entry workers, standby person, entry supervisor
- 5.3Test communication systems between the entry workers and standby person
- 5.4Confirm the rescue plan and rescue team readiness
Enter and Perform Work in the Confined Space
Workers enter the confined space under the conditions of the entry permit. The standby person maintains continuous communication and monitors conditions.
- 6.1Workers enter using appropriate equipment — harness, retrieval line, respiratory protection if required
- 6.2The standby person maintains visual or voice contact with entry workers at all times
- 6.3Continuous atmospheric monitoring is maintained throughout the entry
- 6.4Workers cease work and evacuate immediately if atmospheric conditions deteriorate or an alarm sounds
Exit and Secure the Confined Space
All workers exit the confined space. The entry supervisor verifies all persons are out, secures the space, and closes the entry permit.
- 7.1Confirm all workers have exited the confined space
- 7.2Account for all tools and equipment removed from the space
- 7.3Replace guards, covers, or barriers on the confined space entry point
- 7.4Close out the entry permit with sign-off from the entry supervisor
Debrief and File Documentation
Conduct a brief debrief on the entry. File the completed entry permit and all associated documentation.
- 8.1Discuss any issues or observations from the entry with the team
- 8.2File the completed entry permit, atmospheric test results, and risk assessment
- 8.3Report any concerns or recommended improvements
- 8.4Update the confined space register if conditions have changed
Quality Checkpoints
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Expected Outcomes
Percentage of confined space entries conducted with a valid, fully completed entry permit
Percentage of entries where atmospheric testing confirms safe conditions pre-entry and monitoring is maintained throughout
Number of confined space incidents or near-misses per entry, targeting zero
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifies as a confined space?
Under Australian WHS Regulations, a confined space is an enclosed or partially enclosed space that is not designed or intended primarily for human occupancy, and has restricted entry and exit, and may have a harmful atmosphere, a risk of engulfment, or other hazards. Examples include tanks, silos, pits, pipes, and vaults.
What training is required for confined space entry?
Workers entering confined spaces must hold the nationally recognised competency RIIWHS202E — Enter and Work in Confined Spaces (or equivalent). The standby person and rescue personnel require additional training. Refresher training should be conducted every two to three years.
Can the standby person enter the confined space in an emergency?
The standby person must not enter the confined space to attempt rescue unless they are trained and equipped to do so and another standby person is in place. Untrained rescuers entering confined spaces is a leading cause of multiple fatalities. The standby person should raise the alarm and activate the rescue plan.
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