Confined Spaces

Confined spaces are considered to be high risk due to the known dangers that can be identified within the space. The definition of a confined space, as per Australian Standard AS2865 – 2009 Confined Spaces, is an enclosed or partially enclosed space that is not intended or designed primarily for human occupancy, within which there is a risk of one or more of the following:

• An oxygen concentration outside the safe oxygen range;
• A concentration of airborne contaminant that may cause impairment, loss of consciousness or asphyxiation;
• A concentration of flammable airborne contaminant that may cause injury from fire or explosion; and/or
• Engulfment in a stored free-flowing solid or a rising level of liquid that may cause suffocation or drowning.

Confined spaces are required to be recorded and managed through the use of a confined spaces register and updated by a health and safety professional trained in this field, as per current OH&S legislation. Controls for a confined space can include signage, entry permits, relevant training provided by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and administrative controls.

Prensa has an experienced and qualified team of consultants who are able to identify confined spaces within a site and provide advice and recommendations tailored to individual sites and large portfolios in how these confined spaces are to be managed.