South Australian Consolidated Regulations

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE REGULATIONS 1995 - REG 2.4.4

2.4.4—Control of risk

        (1)         An employer must ensure before a person enters a confined space, so far as is reasonably practicable—

            (a)         that the confined space contains a safe oxygen level; and

            (b)         that any atmospheric contaminant in the confined space is reduced to below the relevant exposure standard (taking into account NOHSC's Exposure Standards for Atmospheric Contaminants in the Occupational Environment ); and

            (c)         that the concentration of any flammable contaminant in the atmosphere of the confined space is below five per cent of its LEL; and

            (d)         that the confined space is free from extremes of temperature; and

            (e)         that appropriate steps are taken to control any risk associated with the presence of any vermin; and

            (f)         that all potentially hazardous services, including process services, normally connected to the confined space are positively isolated in order to prevent—

                  (i)         the introduction of any material, contaminant, agent or condition harmful to a person in the confined space; and

                  (ii)         the activation or energising of any equipment or service that may pose a risk to the health or safety of a person in the confined space.

        (2)         If a confined space must be cleared of contaminants in order to comply with subregulation (1), the employer must ensure—

            (a)         that the contaminants are removed with the use of a suitable purging agent; and

            (b)         that pure oxygen, or a gas mixture which has oxygen in a concentration greater than 21 per cent by volume, is not used for purging or ventilation.

        (3)         If it is not reasonably practicable to provide a safe oxygen level, or atmospheric contaminants cannot be reduced to safe levels, an employer must ensure that a person does not enter a confined space unless the person is equipped with suitable respiratory protective equipment.

        (4)         If a need to enter a confined space has been identified and appropriate risk assessment has occurred, an employer must provide and maintain equipment that is appropriate to the work to be carried out, including equipment for—

            (a)         personal protection; and

            (b)         rescue; and

            (c)         first-aid; and

            (d)         fire suppression.

        (5)         An employer must ensure, before a person enters a confined space, and while a person is within a confined space, that appropriate signs and protective barriers are erected to prevent unauthorised persons from entering the area.

        (6)         An employer must ensure that atmospheric monitoring of the confined space that is consistent with the risk assessment is carried out (if required by virtue of that assessment).