Product Overview

Summary: This Confined Space Awareness Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, practical framework for recognising confined spaces, understanding their risks, and applying safe entry and non‑entry controls in line with Australian WHS requirements. It helps your workers, supervisors and PCBU meet their duty of care by turning complex confined space regulations into simple, repeatable steps for planning, supervising and carrying out work safely.

Confined spaces are present in many Australian workplaces – from tanks, pits and silos to sewers, ducts and crawl spaces – and they carry a unique combination of hazards that can quickly become life‑threatening. This Confined Space Awareness Safe Operating Procedure translates legislative and code of practice requirements into a structured, easy‑to‑follow process that workers and supervisors can apply on site. It focuses on awareness and safe systems of work: identifying what is and isn’t a confined space, assessing risks, establishing controls, and understanding when a confined space permit, atmospheric testing, isolation or standby person is required.

By implementing this SOP, businesses create a consistent, defensible approach to managing confined space risks across projects, shifts and contractors. It reduces reliance on informal knowledge by clearly outlining roles and responsibilities, communication protocols, pre‑entry checks and emergency considerations. The document supports organisations to demonstrate due diligence under WHS legislation, streamline training and inductions, and reduce the likelihood of serious incidents, regulatory action and costly downtime associated with poorly managed confined space work.

Key Benefits

• Ensure consistent identification and management of confined spaces across all sites and projects.
• Reduce the risk of fatal incidents arising from atmospheric hazards, engulfment, and restricted entry or exit.
• Support compliance with Australian WHS legislation and the Confined Spaces Code of Practice.
• Standardise training and inductions by providing clear, role‑specific instructions and checklists.
• Strengthen contractor management by setting clear expectations for confined space awareness and safe work practices.

Who is this for?

• WHS Managers
• Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs)
• Site Supervisors
• Construction Project Managers
• Maintenance Supervisors
• Mechanical Fitters
• Electricians and Instrumentation Technicians
• Civil and Drainage Workers
• Water and Wastewater Operators
• Manufacturing and Processing Plant Operators
• Facilities and Asset Managers
• Confined Space Standby Personnel / Observers
• Contractor Coordinators

Hazards Addressed

• Oxygen-deficient or oxygen-enriched atmospheres
• Toxic or flammable gases, vapours and fumes
• Engulfment by liquids, grains or other free-flowing solids
• Entrapment due to inwardly converging walls or sloping floors
• Restricted entry and exit delaying escape or rescue
• Mechanical, electrical or process energy sources not properly isolated
• Noise, heat stress and poor ventilation in enclosed spaces
• Psychological stress, claustrophobia and impaired judgement in confined areas
• Communication failures between entrants, standby personnel and supervisors
• Inadequate emergency response planning and rescue capability

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and What is a Confined Space
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (PCBU, Officers, Supervisors, Workers, Contractors)
• 4.0 Identification of Confined Spaces in the Workplace
• 5.0 Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment Requirements
• 6.0 Hierarchy of Control and Confined Space Control Measures
• 7.0 Confined Space Entry Authorisation and Permit Overview
• 8.0 Pre-Entry Planning and Preparation
• 9.0 Atmospheric Testing and Monitoring – Awareness Requirements
• 10.0 Isolation, Lockout and Tagout Considerations
• 11.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Equipment Requirements
• 12.0 Roles of Standby Person / Observer and Communication Protocols
• 13.0 Safe Work Practices for Tasks in or Near Confined Spaces
• 14.0 Emergency Response, Rescue and First Aid Considerations
• 15.0 Contractor Management and Visitor Controls
• 16.0 Training, Competency and Refresher Requirements
• 17.0 Recordkeeping, Review and Continuous Improvement
• 18.0 Related Documents, Forms and Permits

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth and relevant state/territory equivalents)
• Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Cth and relevant state/territory equivalents) – Confined Spaces provisions
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Confined Spaces
• AS 2865: Confined spaces
• AS/NZS 60079.10.1: Explosive atmospheres – Classification of areas
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
• AS/NZS 2299.3: Occupational diving operations – Diving in confined spaces (where applicable)
• AS 3745: Planning for emergencies in facilities