Product Overview

Summary: This Working in Confined Spaces Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, step‑by‑step framework for planning, entering, working in, and exiting confined spaces safely. It helps Australian businesses control high‑risk hazards such as atmospheric contamination and engulfment, while demonstrating compliance with WHS legislation and Codes of Practice.

Working in confined spaces is a recognised high‑risk activity under Australian WHS law, with the potential for multiple fatalities in a single incident if not managed correctly. This Safe Operating Procedure sets out a practical, easy‑to‑follow process for identifying confined spaces, planning work, issuing permits, controlling hazards, and managing emergencies. It is designed specifically for Australian workplaces across construction, utilities, manufacturing, mining, agriculture, and facilities management, where tanks, pits, vaults, silos, sewers and similar spaces are routinely accessed.

By implementing this SOP, your organisation gains a consistent, defensible method for managing confined space work from start to finish. It helps you standardise risk assessments, atmospheric testing, isolation and lockout, standby and communication arrangements, and rescue planning. This reduces reliance on informal practices, supports worker training and competency, and provides documentary evidence that your business is meeting its duty of care. The result is safer entries, fewer near‑misses, and a clear paper trail that can withstand scrutiny from regulators, clients, and internal audits.

Key Benefits

• Ensure compliance with Australian WHS legislation and the Confined Spaces Code of Practice.
• Reduce the risk of fatalities and serious injuries from atmospheric hazards, engulfment and entrapment.
• Standardise confined space entry permits, risk assessments and authorisation processes across all sites.
• Improve worker competency through clear, step‑by‑step guidance on roles, responsibilities and safe work methods.
• Demonstrate due diligence to regulators, clients and insurers through robust documentation and record‑keeping.

Who is this for?

• WHS Managers
• Site Supervisors
• Confined Space Entry Workers
• Permit Issuers and Controllers
• Safety Officers
• Maintenance Planners
• Facilities Managers
• Construction Project Managers
• Operations Managers
• Emergency Response Team Leaders

Hazards Addressed

• Oxygen-deficient or oxygen-enriched atmospheres
• Toxic or flammable gases, vapours and fumes
• Engulfment in free‑flowing solids or liquids
• Entrapment due to configuration of the space or inwardly opening access
• Mechanical hazards from moving parts, agitators or conveyors
• Energised services such as electricity, steam, hydraulics or pneumatics
• Heat stress and thermal extremes within confined spaces
• Noise and poor visibility affecting communication and situational awareness
• Psychological stress, claustrophobia and fatigue in enclosed environments
• Inadequate or failed rescue arrangements leading to multiple casualties

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Identification of Confined Spaces
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 4.0 Pre‑Entry Planning and Risk Assessment
• 5.0 Confined Space Entry Permit Process
• 6.0 Isolation, Lockout and Tagout Requirements
• 7.0 Atmospheric Testing, Monitoring and Ventilation
• 8.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Equipment Requirements
• 9.0 Entry, Work and Exit Procedures
• 10.0 Standby Person, Communication and Supervision Arrangements
• 11.0 Emergency Response and Rescue Procedures
• 12.0 Training, Induction and Competency Verification
• 13.0 Housekeeping, Reinstatement and Post‑Entry Review
• 14.0 Record‑Keeping, Auditing and Continuous Improvement

Legislation & References

• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Confined Spaces
• Model Work Health and Safety Regulations – Part 4.3 Confined Spaces
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth and harmonised jurisdictions)
• AS 2865: Confined spaces
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
• AS/NZS 1716: Respiratory protective devices
• AS 1891 series: Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices
• AS/NZS ISO 45001: Occupational health and safety management systems