OHS practices - Situations

Confined spaces

A confined space is an enclosed or partially enclosed space that is at atmospheric pressure during occupancy and is not intended or designed primarily as a place of work.

At any time it may have an atmosphere with potentially harmful contaminants, and/or unsafe levels of oxygen or stored substances that may cause engulfment.

Electricians may find themselves working in confined spaces such as:

• switchboards
• trenches
• roof spaces.

When working in a confined space there is a potential increase in risk of injury from:

• noise
• fumes, gases or oxygen depletion
• high or low temperatures
• manual handling and slips, trips and falls.

If you are working in a confined space, you must:

• place a stand-by-person outside the confined space
• erect signs that show entry is only permitted after signing the entry permit
• ensure the area is well ventilated
• where required use provided personal protective, rescue, first-aid and fire suppression equipment and have appropriate training
• use supplied safety harnesses and safety or rescue lines where there is a danger of falling during the ascent or descent to access the confined space.