Confined Space Entry and Rescue SWMS

Product Overview

This SWMS covers confined space entry and rescue activities, including planning, isolation, atmospheric preparation, entry, work, emergency response and close-out. It supports planning and risk management for hazardous atmospheres, engulfment, plant movement, restricted access, rescue arrangements and communication.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes task-specific risk controls for:

• Plan the work and assess the confined space
• Establish the work zone and control access
• Isolate plant, services, pressure and product sources
• Prepare ventilation and test the atmosphere before entry
• Issue permits and brief the work crew
• Set up rescue and retrieval arrangements
• Manage entry, exit and communication
• Carry out cleaning, maintenance, drilling or mechanical work
• Manage hot work and emergency or alarm responses
• Close out the space and demobilise arrangements

Who is this for?

Suitable for contractors, workers, supervisors and businesses carrying out confined space entry, associated work and rescue activities.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

The template includes references relevant to the documented work, including:

• Applicable Commonwealth, state or territory WHS/OHS legislation and regulations, including duties to manage risks, provide information, training, supervision and safe systems of work.
• Model Code of Practice: Confined Spaces (Safe Work Australia, November 2024), as adopted or otherwise applicable in the relevant jurisdiction; model Codes do not automatically have legal effect in every jurisdiction.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risks of Plant in the Workplace, as adopted or otherwise applicable in the relevant jurisdiction.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces, as adopted or otherwise applicable in the relevant jurisdiction.
• Model Code of Practice: Welding Processes, as adopted or otherwise applicable in the relevant jurisdiction; use hot-work controls for welding ignition sources and flammable materials.
• AS/NZS 2865:2009 Confined spaces.
• AS 1674 series Safety in welding and allied processes.
• AS/NZS 1715 Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment; AS/NZS 1716 Respiratory protective devices.
• AS/NZS 1891 series Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices; AS/NZS 5532 Manufacturing requirements for single-point anchor device used for harness-based work systems.

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Standard SWMS Features (Click to Expand)

• Task-specific job steps, hazards and control measures
• Initial and residual risk ratings
• Assigned responsible persons for each job step
• Plant, equipment and PPE requirements where applicable
• Permits, qualifications and high-risk construction work details where applicable
• Worker consultation, sign-off and review sections