Restricted Spaces and Voids (Ceilings - Subfloors) Risk Assessment

Product Overview

This risk assessment covers entry, work and emergency arrangements for restricted spaces and voids, including ceilings and subfloors. It supports planning for access, falls, hidden services, air quality, hazardous materials, manual tasks and communication risks.

Activities & Risks Covered

This assessment addresses activities and risks including:

• Plan the work and assess conditions before entering a ceiling or subfloor area
• Access and exit through ladders, manholes, hatches, tight openings and uneven ground
• Manage fall risks from ceilings, voids, fragile surfaces, openings and service penetrations
• Identify and manage concealed wiring, fittings, plant and other services
• Assess air quality, ventilation, dust, fumes, gases and other atmospheric conditions
• Manage insulation, debris, mould, animal droppings and other contaminated materials or areas
• Move, work and handle tools or materials in tight, overhead or restricted positions
• Manage heat, lighting, wet or muddy conditions and footing in the work area
• Use and maintain tools, equipment and housekeeping arrangements within the void
• Maintain communication, worker accountability, standby arrangements and emergency response

Who is this for?

For contractors, workers, supervisors and businesses carrying out planning, access or work in ceiling, subfloor and other restricted spaces or voids.

Activities & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

The template records model guidance used to inform the documented controls. Applicable WHS/OHS laws and adopted Codes vary by state or territory, so confirm the current local requirements when tailoring the assessment:

• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Managing the work environment and facilities — 2. The work environment; p. 13.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Hazardous manual tasks — 4.1 The hierarchy of control measures; p. 31.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Confined spaces — 3.4 Assessing the risks; p. 24.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Managing electrical risks in the workplace — 2.1 Identifying the hazards; p. 14.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: How to manage and control asbestos in the workplace — 2.1. What is involved in managing risks?; p. 12.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Managing the risk of fatigue at work — Provide sufficient breaks while at work; p. 30.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Managing risks of hazardous chemicals in the workplace — 2.2 Safety Data Sheets (SDS); p. 16.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Work health and safety consultation, cooperation and coordination — 3. What is effective consultation?; p. 13.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: First aid in the workplace — 3. First aid equipment, facilities and training; p. 12.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: How to manage work health and safety risks — 3. Step 2 — How to assess risks; p. 15.

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Standard Risk Assessment Features (Click to Expand)

• Activity-specific hazard identification and control measures
• Initial and residual risk ratings
• Assigned responsible persons for each activity
• Risk matrix and assessment classification
• Review, monitoring and sign-off fields
• Site-specific customisation before use