Why do you need it?
A confined space has limited or restricted means for entry or exit and is not designed for continuous occupancy. Confined spaces are present in a wide variety of workplaces including construction, manufacturing, transport and agriculture.
Confined spaces include, but are not limited to:
- tanks
- vessels
- silos
- storage bins
- hoppers
- vaults
- pits
- manholes
- tunnels
- equipment housings
- ductwork and
- pipelines.
Danger can arise in confined spaces due to:
- lack of oxygen
- the build-up of poisonous gas, fumes or vapour
- liquids and solids which can suddenly fill the space or release gas into it when disturbed
- fire and explosions
- high dust levels
- hot conditions
- physical space limitation.
Working in confined spaces is subject to legislation in each state, Model Work Health and Safety Regulations Safe Work Australia, Part 4.3 – Confined Spaces apply only to those confined spaces that are entered by, intended or likely to be entered by, or could inadvertently be entered by any person. Risk assessment and safe systems of work are key in the management of these risks.
The employer or person in control of the workplace is required to ensure that your workers are fit to work in these environments and are able to escape safely if they need to. Australian Standard AS 2865-2009 outlines risk management strategies and recommends medical assessment for fitness to work in confined spaces.
How does it work?
Medical Assessment
Workplace health and safety legislation demands that health and safety issues are managed and this includes fitness for duty in particular environments.
While it is not a prescribed requirement you should ensure that your workers are fit to work in confirned spaces and are able to escape safely by having workers complete a medical assessment.
What is involved?
- Health questionnaire including questions about psychological issues such as claustrophobia
- Height, weight, body mass index, waist and hip measurement
- Blood pressure
- Vision screening for near and distance
- Standard urine test for protein and sugar
- Lung function baseline
- Hearing test baseline
- Specific confined space related questions
- Respirator fit questions
The intent of this medical is to determine if a worker is ft to undertake the duties required in a confined space, using required risk management strategies including PPE and the likelihood of sudden incapacity requiring rescue is low.
These assessments can be conducted, in our clinics, via our network providers or at your site for the convenience of your organisation and your employees.
FAQs
A confined space includes any enclosed or partially enclosed space that:
- is not designed or intended primarily to be occupied by a person
- is, or is designed or intended to be, at normal atmospheric pressure while a person is in the space
- is or is likely to be a risk because of the atmosphere, contaminants or engulfment.
examples of confined spaces that may be found on a construction site include some types of excavations or trenches, drainage or sewerage pipes, and crawl spaces.
A variety of hazards can be present in confined spaces. Our team offer services including:
- Occupational hygiene monitoring
- Education regarding hazards
- Qualitative or quantitative respirator fit testing
