You will be required to comply with this code if
you intend to operate a business which requires your employees to work in
confined spaces, or if you intend to design, manufacture or supply plant or
structures that include or are intended to include a confined space. A confined
space is an enclosed or partially enclosed space that is not designed or
intended primarily to be occupied by a person and could pose a risk to health
and safety as a result of:
- an
atmosphere that does not have a safe oxygen level
- contaminants,
including airborne gases, vapours and dusts, that may cause injury in the
event of fire or explosion
- harmful
concentrations of any airborne contaminants
- engulfment
Confined spaces are commonly found in vats, tanks,
pits, pipes, ducts, flues, chimneys, silos, containers, pressure vessels,
underground sewers, wet or dry wells, shafts, trenches, tunnels, or other
similar enclosed or partially enclosed structures.
This Code of Practice is a Compliance Code.
Compliance Codes are made to provide practical guidance to persons who have
occupational health and safety duties or obligations. Compliance with this Code
of Practice is not mandatory. Failure to comply with a Compliance Code does not
give rise to civil or criminal liability. However, meeting the requirements of
a Compliance Code means that you have fulfilled your occupational health and
safety duties and obligations.
If you intend to conduct a
business or undertaking that involve confined spaces you must ensure, so far as
is reasonably practicable, that workers or other persons are not exposed to
health and safety risks arising from the business or undertaking.
The Code sets out requirements for specific
controls measures including communications and safety monitoring, signs,
isolation of connected plant and services, and controls to maintain a safe
atmosphere within the confined space to reduce risk to the health of your
employees, and meet your occupational health and safety obligations.
Please consult the Contact Officer for more information
and to ascertain the level of compliance (if any) that may be required.
