Confined Spaces

A confined space is determined by the hazards associated with a specific set of circumstances and not just because work is performed in a small space.

Baseline Project Team MUST Identify all known Confined Spaces within construction zone. Associated risks are to be assessed by Project Team and agree controls recorded in the Project Risk Register in accordance with the hierarchy of controls.

In D&C and new build construction all confined spaces must be designed out at safety in design review

All contractors must identify any High Risk activity within their scope of work, evidence of experience carrying out this activity, provision for full time supervision, relevant licenses and competencies of supervisor and workers

All contractors are required to develop and submit, a specific safe system of work, e.g. SWMS, for this High Risk activity to the Baseline site representative for approval (7days) prior to commencing works

This MUST include an Emergency Procedure / Rescue Plan, evidence that supervisors and workers are trained in the procedure

The Baseline expectation is that our contractors will follow all safety requirements listed within our standards

Proposed methodology MUST be reviewed by Project Team and assess for need to conduct activity specific High Risk Workshop.

Note: (If required) High Risk Workshop is required to be conducted with contractor undertaking activity and Baseline Project Team.

Actions needed to make confined space safe prior to entry e.g. purging, or isolating MUST be identified and approved.

Methodology, SWMS and Confined Space licences MUST be reviewed and approved by Baseline site manager/supervisor

All workers involved in the confined space entry must be trained and competent for the works being undertaken, works MUST be supervised at all times

Activity duration MUST be confirmed and agreed with all stakeholders.

A Confined Space rescue plan must be provided and approved prior to works commencing

Prior to working in the space a Confined Space Entry Permit MUST be submitted by the subcontractor supervisor and approved by the Baseline site manager.

Any other permits e.g. Isolation, Hot Works, Work At Height, MUST be submitted, reviewed and approved.

A toolbox talk MUST be conducted by a Baseline Project Team member immediately prior to commencing works, and include all workers involved in the activity.

Note: The Confined Space Entry Permit MUST be provided by the engaged subcontractor, the Baseline site representative is ensure all permit requirements are met prior to approving works.

A task specific Confined Space rescue plan must be in place and communicated to all workers by Confined Space supervisor

Baseline site manager / supervisor MUST monitor the confined space activity (from outside the confined space) until the work activity has been completed.

A Task Observation should be conducted by a Baseline Project Team members to record the works being carried out as per approved SWMS.

The Subcontractor Supervisor MUST be present at all times to ensure the permit is being adhered to and a standby person is in place for the duration of the works.

At the end of the activity the subcontractor Confined Space supervisor MUST confirm the space has been vacated by all team members and the space has been closed off to prevent unauthorised entry.

The Baseline site manager / supervisor MUST confirm the confined space is vacated, area has been made safe and close out the confined space permit to confirm works are complete

The confined space MUST be signed as required and added to the site / client Confined Space register

A confined space is determined by the hazards associated with a specific set of circumstances and not just because work is performed in a small space.

Where possible, eliminate the need to enter the confined space through the use of plant or equipment such as long reach tools, robots, hooks or magnets.

Organise work methods to minimise time spent inside the confined space

Confined space entry points are to be signposted and barricaded off to prevent unauthorised entry.

Forced extraction ventilation is to be utilised to ventilate large spaces, tanks or vessels where required.

Confined space entrants are to be qualified and trained to National Units of Competency, including permit issuers and standby persons

Confined space SWMS should indicate the PPE required, which may include hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, respirators, harnesses or other in addition to site mandatory PPE.