AS 2865-1995

Provides guidance in eliminating or minimizing the need to enter confined spaces and in avoiding exposure to hazards which may be experienced where entry to a confined space is necessary. Includes Sections dealing with risk identification and assessment, monitoring prior to entry, education and training as well as rescue and first-aid. Appendices provide additional guidance for cleaning and precautions needed when undertaking hot work. A sample entry permit and risk assessment are provided, as is a typical check list.

This Standard sets out the particular requirements and procedures for designers, manufacturers, suppliers, modifiers, employers, persons in control and employees to ensure the health and safety of any persons required to enter or work in a confined space. For the purpose of this Standard, a person whose upper body or head is within a confined space is considered to have entered the confined space.NOTE: This is not intended to prevent a person from inserting their hand or arm while holding a test instrument or probe into a confined space as part of the evaluation prior to entry.Requirements and procedures for ensuring general occupational health and safety, for example, welding safety and prevention of slips and falls, are dealt with in other Standards and regulations rather than being specifically addressed in this Standard. It should be noted that a confined space may exacerbate other hazards, for example, noise or heat stress.This Standard is framed to help designers, manufacturers, suppliers, modifiers and users where confined spaces are involved to achieve a high safety standard. It is not exhaustive in its coverage, but it is intended to cover those areas which are of particular concern in the workplace. It will be necessary for persons who require further information to research various other legislation, standards, codes and guidance notes.This Standard is not intended to cover situations which are not at atmospheric pressure, such as work in decompression chambers. At pressures significantly higher or lower than the normal atmospheric pressure, expert guidance should be sought.Specific workplaces, for example, dangerous goods storage areas, may be subject to other standards, regulations or codes of practice.

First published as AS 2865-1986.
Second edition 1995.