Occupational Health & Safety Corporate Standard
Topic:
CONFINED SPACES MANAGEMENT
Corporate Standard
Confined Spaces Management
Contents Scope...............................................................................................................2 Purpose ...........................................................................................................2 Definitions ........................................................................................................2 Hazards / Background .....................................................................................3 Specific Requirements .....................................................................................3 References ......................................................................................................9 Attachments .....................................................................................................9
Uncontrolled if Printed Topic:
Confined Spaces Management
Date Issued
March 2008
Version No:
1.0
Date of Revision:
March 2010
Document Location
G:\Human Resources\07 OH&S\5. Works Management & Procurement\PTW & High Risk Activities\Confined Spaces\Confined Space Management Corporate Standard.doc
Signature:
Date Signed: Page 1 of 11
Occupational Health & Safety Corporate Standard
Topic:
CONFINED SPACES MANAGEMENT
SCOPE This corporate standard applies to all entries and work activities in confined spaces, located within a BAC controlled area.
PURPOSE To define the principles and minimum requirements for managing confined space entry hazards and the processes by which entry and work is controlled.
DEFINITIONS Atmospheric Monitoring – The continuous measurement of oxygen concentration or selected atmospheric contaminants over an uninterrupted duration of time. Atmospheric Testing – The testing of oxygen concentration or atmospheric contaminants which is not continuous. Competent Person – A person who has, through a combination of training, education and experience, acquired knowledge and skills enabling that person to perform correctly the specified task. Confined Space – An enclosed or partially enclosed space which is not intended or designed primarily for human occupancy within which there is a risk of: i. an oxygen concentration outside the safe oxygen range; ii. a concentration of airborne contaminant which may cause impairment, loss of consciousness or asphyxiation; iii. a concentration of flammable airborne contaminant which may cause injury from fire or explosion; or iv. engulfment in a stored free flowing solid or a rising level of liquid which may cause suffocation or drowning. Contaminant – Any dust, fume, mist, vapour, biological matter, gas or other substance in liquid or solid form, the presence of which may be harmful to persons. Engulfment – The immersion or envelopment of a person by a solid or liquid, (which may include grain, sugar, flour, sand, coal, fertilizer and other substances in a powder or granular form).
Uncontrolled if Printed Topic:
Confined Spaces Management
Date Issued
March 2008
Version No:
1.0
Date of Revision:
March 2010
Document Location
G:\Human Resources\07 OH&S\5. Works Management & Procurement\PTW & High Risk Activities\Confined Spaces\Confined Space Management Corporate Standard.doc
Signature:
Date Signed: Page 2 of 11
Occupational Health & Safety Corporate Standard
Topic:
CONFINED SPACES MANAGEMENT
Entry (to a confined space) – When a person’s head or upper body is within the boundary of the confined space. Note: Inserting an arm for the purpose of atmospheric testing, turning of a valve, reaching an internal mechanism, etc is not considered an entry to a confined space. Stand-by person – A competent person assigned to remain outside of, and in close proximity to, the confined space and capable of: • being in continuous communication with and, if practical, to observe those inside; • where necessary, initiate emergency response procedures; and • operate and monitor equipment used to ensure safety during entry and work in the confined space.
HAZARDS / BACKGROUND Entry and work within confined spaces has historically presented specific hazards that cause significant injuries and loss of life in a range of Australian industries. This is mainly due to a lack of understanding of the range of hazards that may be presented by confined spaces and the use of inappropriate entry and work controls regarding these locations which inherently present atmospheric or engulfment risks. BAC recognise that they have a number of confined spaces under their control and as such, aim to provide proactive means of controlling confined space risk and meeting the intent of prescriptive confined space obligations.
SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS Design Issues Where possible during the planning of new facilities, procurement of new plant or modification of existing BAC assets, spaces are to be designed in a way that ensures they are not confined spaces or that ensures they do not require entry for maintenance, cleaning or other purposes. Where the provision and use of confined spaces is unavoidable as part of BAC facilities, AS/NZS 2865: Confined spaces requirements are to be complied with and specifications such as the following are to be ensured as part of any design, installation or plant modification: • adequate and convenient means of entry and exit for personnel, inclusive of any additional space that may be foreseen as being required due to the potential need of personnel to be wearing specific personal protective equipment and clothing; Uncontrolled if Printed Topic:
Confined Spaces Management
Date Issued
March 2008
Version No:
1.0
Date of Revision:
March 2010
Document Location
G:\Human Resources\07 OH&S\5. Works Management & Procurement\PTW & High Risk Activities\Confined Spaces\Confined Space Management Corporate Standard.doc
Signature:
Date Signed: Page 3 of 11
Occupational Health & Safety Corporate Standard
Topic: • • • • • •
•
• •
CONFINED SPACES MANAGEMENT outlets and external facilities for cleaning are to be provided to eliminate or minimise the requirement to enter the space; ventilation facilities to avoid build-up of contaminants or combustible atmospheres; a housing or facility that enables a confined space access hatch or door to be locked in the open position; provisions for persons to access and work in comfortable positions or postures, fixed ladders, platforms and walkways complying with AS 1657: Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders – Design, construction and installation; illumination complying with AS 1680.1: Interior and workplace lighting – General principles and recommendations or AS/NZS 2381.1: Electrical equipment for explosive gas atmospheres – Selection, installation and maintenance – General requirements which will be sufficient to enable safe entry, conduct of work and egress; signs complying with AS 1319: Safety signs for the occupational environment at each entry to the confined space that identify the space and provide warning against entry by persons other than those authorised to enter (refer also to Confined Space Labels and Registers, following); outlets and effective methods for isolating energy sources from outside of the confined space; and drain valves or other means of isolation in pipe work from outside of the confined space to reduce the risk of possible pressurisation and confined space atmospheric contamination.
Confined Space Identification / Categorisation Confined spaces are to be identified and categorised by competent personnel. The identification and categorisation is to be undertaken in a documented manner, as per the requirements detailed within: • Guide to Identifying & Categorising Confined Spaces, refer to the High Risk Activities Guideline; and • the Confined Space Identification / Categorisation Record. The category of a confined space (be it 1, 2 or 3) is to be used as an easy to identify indicator. It highlights to those involved with the confined space what minimum standard entry controls relate to that space. Minimum standard entry controls are those that must be adopted as a minimum requirement for tasks such as entry, inspection, measurement or any basic task that cannot change the atmospheric or engulfment hazards relating to the space.
Uncontrolled if Printed Topic:
Confined Spaces Management
Date Issued
March 2008
Version No:
1.0
Date of Revision:
March 2010
Document Location
G:\Human Resources\07 OH&S\5. Works Management & Procurement\PTW & High Risk Activities\Confined Spaces\Confined Space Management Corporate Standard.doc
Signature:
Date Signed: Page 4 of 11
Occupational Health & Safety Corporate Standard
Topic:
CONFINED SPACES MANAGEMENT
The minimum standard entry controls are listed below. Category 1 2
3
Minimum Standard Entry Controls • a pre-entry / initial entry atmospheric test • pre-entry venting / opening to ensure a safe atmosphere • a pre-entry / initial entry atmospheric test • a stand-by person to be in constant communication at all times personnel are within the space • pre-entry venting and continuous extraction / purging to ensure a safe atmosphere • a pre-entry atmospheric test and continuous atmospheric monitoring at all times personnel are within the space • a stand-by person to be in constant communication at all times personnel are within the space • provision of retrieval / rescue equipment at the immediate confined space location
However, where specific work activities are undertaken within confined spaces, additional controls as identified in pre-entry planning and assessment, will also need to be implemented. Confined Space Signs and Registers All confined spaces should be clearly labelled with signs marked as shown:
In addition to the above signage, additional labelling, indicating the identified BAC category of the confined space is to be positioned on or adjacent to the confined space sign. A Confined Space Register, refer to Attachment 1 for an extract of the blank register, is to be compiled for all BAC controlled confined spaces. This register should be readily accessible to all personnel involved with confined space entry, including contracted personnel. When a new confined space is identified, a space is no longer under BAC control or a space becomes eliminated through re-design, etc, the register is to be updated by the Occupational Health and Safety Manager or specified designate.
Uncontrolled if Printed
Topic:
Confined Spaces Management
Date Issued
March 2008
Version No:
1.0
Date of Revision:
March 2010
Document Location
G:\Human Resources\07 OH&S\5. Works Management & Procurement\PTW & High Risk Activities\Confined Spaces\Confined Space Management Corporate Standard.doc
Signature:
Date Signed: Page 5 of 11
Occupational Health & Safety Corporate Standard
Topic:
CONFINED SPACES MANAGEMENT
Confined Space Training and Competency Only those BAC personnel or contractors who have been trained in accordance with AS/NZS 2865: Confined spaces, are to enter or work within confined spaces, supervise entry or work tasks, or carry out stand-by person roles. This competency training is to be provided by an accredited confined space training provider as evidenced by a current certificate of competency. In addition to the above confined space competency training, BAC may also provide the following training to familiarise BAC personnel with BAC confined space requirements where deemed necessary: • confined space system awareness training sessions on an as needed basis; • breathing apparatus competency training; • atmospheric testing / monitoring device training; and • energy isolation awareness training. Records of confined space competency certification, attendance at BAC confined space awareness sessions or other specialised equipment item training, are to be maintained and readily accessible. Entry and Work Within Confined Spaces A Confined Space Risk Assessment & Entry Permit is to be documented prior to any entry into a confined space. As part of pre-planning and completing the above form to ensure safe confined space entry and work, BAC personnel or contractors are to consider the following: • the minimum standard entry controls for the confined space category; • identified hazards relating to that confined space; • the nature of entry and work activities to be undertaken within the space; • energy isolation requirements and safeguards; • ventilation, purging or extraction requirements; • atmospheric testing and monitoring requirements; • the need for stand-by personnel and means for safe communication; • the need to plan for retrieval / rescue contingencies; and • personal protective equipment requirements. To ensure the above items are adequately planned for and implemented, BAC personnel are to enter and work within confined spaces as per the requirements within the Confined Space Entry and Work Procedure.
Uncontrolled if Printed Topic:
Confined Spaces Management
Date Issued
March 2008
Version No:
1.0
Date of Revision:
March 2010
Document Location
G:\Human Resources\07 OH&S\5. Works Management & Procurement\PTW & High Risk Activities\Confined Spaces\Confined Space Management Corporate Standard.doc
Signature:
Date Signed: Page 6 of 11
Occupational Health & Safety Corporate Standard
Topic:
CONFINED SPACES MANAGEMENT
CONTRACTOR MANAGEMENT Contract Documentation & Provision of Information As part of establishing contractual arrangements for contractors to enter and perform work within BAC controlled confined spaces, BAC is to provide the following information to contractors as appropriate for the scope of the work: • this Confined Spaces Management Corporate Standard; • access to the Confined Space Register; • access to a copy of the Confined Space Risk Assessment & Entry Permit Form; • access to necessary drawings, plans / maps relating to confined space locations; and • the identity of relevant BAC personnel who may authorise confined space entry. As part of OH&S related documentation typically requested of contractors procured to undertake work for BAC, contractors are to provide the following details with respect to confined space entry and work: • content confirming that all personnel involved with confined space entry or work have been trained in accordance with AS/NZS 2865: Confined spaces as evidenced by a current certificate of competency (including competencies with respect to equipment or rescue apparatus); • content confirming that all equipment, atmospheric testing devices, retrieval items, etc have been adequately maintained, tested and calibrated; • content confirming that all personnel involved with the confined space entry or work are aware of the intended scope of work, nature of the confined spaces and BAC’s confined space entry and work expectations; and • content relating to specific confined space methods of work that will be undertaken. Entry and Work Within Confined Spaces Contractors must obtain BAC access authority prior to entering or working within a confined space. This authority is to be recorded within the Confined Space Risk Assessment & Entry Permit Form once the contractor has completed relevant pre-entry planning. The identity of the BAC person responsible for authorising such access is to be communicated to the contractor prior to entry preparations or work commencing. Following confined space entry or work, completed Confined Space Risk Assessment & Entry Permit documentation is to be returned to BAC confined space authorising personnel.
Uncontrolled if Printed Topic:
Confined Spaces Management
Date Issued
March 2008
Version No:
1.0
Date of Revision:
March 2010
Document Location
G:\Human Resources\07 OH&S\5. Works Management & Procurement\PTW & High Risk Activities\Confined Spaces\Confined Space Management Corporate Standard.doc
Signature:
Date Signed: Page 7 of 11
Occupational Health & Safety Corporate Standard
Topic:
CONFINED SPACES MANAGEMENT
RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES BAC Management • Ensure adequate resources (time, equipment, personnel) are allocated for the effective implementation of this Corporate Standard. Occupational Health and Safety Manager • Maintain the currency and accuracy of this Corporate Standard, reflective of legislative requirements and BAC needs. • Review performance of BAC and contracted personnel with respect to this Corporate Standard. • Ensure adequate training is afforded and maintained for BAC personnel involved with confined space entry. • Maintain an accurate Confined Space Register. • Ensure adequate contract management arrangements, including the provision of confined space information, are in place for contracted activities involving confined spaces. Permit Authorisers • Review the planning component of Confined Space Risk Assessment & Entry Permits. • Authorise the commencement of confined space entry / work in accordance with the Permit Request. Work Coordinators • Coordinate confined space entry / work in accordance with Risk Assessment & Entry Permit requirements. • Implement all planned and necessary controls to ensure safe entry / work. • Monitor confined space hazards and control methods throughout the entry / work. • Ensure that only trained / competent personnel who have been instructed about the confined space entry / work and safety requirements enter and sign in/out of confined spaces. Entry Personnel • Enter / work within confined spaces as per Risk Assessment & Entry Permit requirements, confined space procedural requirements and the instructions of Work Coordinators. Stand-by Personnel • Fulfil confined space stand-by functions as defined, inclusive of maintaining communication with entry personnel, monitoring of entry controls and relevant rescue / retrieval response requirements.
Uncontrolled if Printed
Topic:
Confined Spaces Management
Date Issued
March 2008
Version No:
1.0
Date of Revision:
March 2010
Document Location
G:\Human Resources\07 OH&S\5. Works Management & Procurement\PTW & High Risk Activities\Confined Spaces\Confined Space Management Corporate Standard.doc
Signature:
Date Signed: Page 8 of 11
Occupational Health & Safety Corporate Standard
Topic:
CONFINED SPACES MANAGEMENT
REVIEW The content of this Corporate Standard, inclusive of referenced attachments, records and forms, is to be reviewed at a period not exceeding two years from the issue date. This review is to be undertaken to ensure that the content is still relevant with respect to legislative requirements and BAC’s management of confined space entry hazards. It is to be coordinated by the Occupational Health and Safety Manager or specified designate, and involve BAC confined space entry personnel.
REFERENCES AS/NZS 2865: Confined spaces AS 1657: Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders – Design, construction and installation AS 1680.1: Interior and workplace lighting – General principles and recommendations AS/NZS 2381.1: Electrical equipment for explosive gas atmospheres – Selection, installation and maintenance – General requirements AS 1319: Safety signs for the occupational environment Confined Space Identification / Categorisation Record Confined Space Register Confined Space Risk Assessment & Entry Permit Form Confined Space Entry and Work Procedure High Risk Activities Guideline
ATTACHMENTS 1.
Confined Space Register Extract
Uncontrolled if Printed Topic:
Confined Spaces Management
Date Issued
March 2008
Version No:
1.0
Date of Revision:
March 2010
Document Location
G:\Human Resources\07 OH&S\5. Works Management & Procurement\PTW & High Risk Activities\Confined Spaces\Confined Space Management Corporate Standard.doc
Signature:
Date Signed: Page 9 of 11
Occupational Health & Safety Corporate Standard
Topic:
CONFINED SPACES MANAGEMENT
Attachment 1 - Confined Space Register Extract
Note: This is an extract only, simply to provide context to the reader with respect to the layout of the Confined Space Register. Throughout BAC, excel spreadsheets or similar registers may be used as a means of actually registering the confined space information.
Uncontrolled if Printed Topic:
Confined Spaces Management
Date Issued
March 2008
Version No:
1.0
Date of Revision:
March 2010
Document Location
G:\Human Resources\07 OH&S\5. Works Management & Procurement\PTW & High Risk Activities\Confined Spaces\Confined Space Management Corporate Standard.doc
Signature:
Date Signed: Page 10 of 11
Occupational Health & Safety Corporate Standard
Topic:
CONFINED SPACES MANAGEMENT
AMMENDMENT SHEET RECORD
Issue
Rev
Date
Initiator
Reason
Section
Summary of Amendments
HARDCOPY DISTRIBUTION RECORD
Location of Controlled Hard Copy
Copy No.
Uncontrolled if Printed Topic:
Confined Spaces Management
Date Issued
March 2008
Version No:
1.0
Date of Revision:
March 2010
Document Location
G:\Human Resources\07 OH&S\5. Works Management & Procurement\PTW & High Risk Activities\Confined Spaces\Confined Space Management Corporate Standard.doc
Signature:
Date Signed: Page 11 of 11
