Work in an area that may have a contaminated or flammable atmosphere Baseline Safety Standards

Work in an area that may have a contaminated or flammable atmosphere

Minimum Requirements
Permit
Pre-Start Toolbox talk Respiratory Crystalline Silica Permit
Competencies
Required licences (applicable to activity) Construction HSE Induction
Risk Management
Risk register review SWMS Site Induction Rescue Plan
PPE Mandatory
PPE Additional

Atmospheres with insufficient oxygen, flammable gases and combustible or hazardous dusts which can pose an immediate threat to life
Context

Tasks performed in environments where the air may contain hazardous substances, such as toxic gases, vapors, dusts, or flammable materials, posing significant risks to workers' health and safety

Process
Step 1 Pre-construction planning

The risks arising from work activities within contaminated or flammable atmospheres are to be identified, assessed, and controlled in the Project Risk Register, in accordance with the hierarchy of controls.

Step 2 Subcontractor engagement

Identify and engage competent contractor to undertake activities. Subcontractors MUST submit an activity specific SWMS which identifies the specific hazards associated with the activity and provide current competencies of supervisors and workers for approval prior to commencing works..

Step 3 Pre-activity review

Proposed methodology to be reviewed by Project Team and assess for need to conduct activity specific High Risk Workshop. (If required) High Risk Workshop to be conducted with contractor undertaking activity and Baseline Project Team. Methodology, competencies and timing MUST be confirmed and agreed with all stakeholders

Step 4 Work activity approval

Prior to working in an area that may have a contaminated or flammable atmosphere MUST be submitted by the subcontractor supervisor and approved by the Baseline site manager. 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.

Step 5 Work activity monitoring

Baseline site manager / supervisor MUST monitor the area that may have a contaminated or flammable atmosphere (from outside the area) until the work activity has been completed. A Task Observation should be conducted by a Baseline Project Team member to record the works being carried out as per approved SWMS.

The Subcontractor Supervisor MUST be present at all times to ensure the work is being carried out as per the agreed SWMS

Step 6 Completion of work activity

At the end of the activity the subcontractor supervisor MUST confirm the area has been vacated by all team members, has been made safe, and has been closed off to prevent unauthorised entry. The Baseline site manager / supervisor MUST confirm the area is vacated, area has been made safe and closed if required.

Controls

Atmospheres with insufficient oxygen, flammable gases and combustible or hazardous dusts which can pose an immediate threat to life

Elimination Physically remove the hazard

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

Substitution Replace the hazard

Organise work methods to minimise time spent inside the flammable or contaminated area

Isolation Isolate people from the hazard

Flammable or contaminated area entry points are to be signposted and barricaded off to prevent unauthorised entry.

  • All energy sources are to be controlled and locked out prior to entry into a flammable or contaminated area.

  • Ignition sources are to be removed where a flammable atmosphere exists.

Engineering Replace the hazard

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

  • Devices used for flammable or contaminated area work are to be tested, calibrated or maintained in accordance with the Inspection and Test Schedule, or manufacturer’s requirements. This includes, but is not limited to, gas monitors, communication devices, respiratory protection, purging and / or ventilation equipment, lighting and access and egress equipment ie. Tripods, harnesses and retrieval systems.

Administration Change the way people work

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

  • A Respiratory Crystalline Silica Permit and a reviewed and accepted SWMS is to be in place before work commences.

  • An Emergency Procedure and Rescue plan must be in place prior to persons entering the flammable or contaminated area.

PPE Protect the worker with PPE

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

Notes

Fire protection systems and equipment are to be identified and recorded on the Inspection, Test and Maintenance Register, and verified as being tested and maintained in accordance with the Inspection and Test Schedule

Qualifications and Competency

Licences as required for work activity
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