SWMS Work in A Confined Space
SWMS Work in A Confined Space
This safe work method statement is generic in nature can be used as a guide in developing your SWMS All PCBU’s when undertaking high risk construction work are to have in place
a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS). Where there are differences in the control measures to employed between your and this SWMS the higher of the two control measures are
to be implemented – this or your own SWMS. This SWMS needs to be reviewed against site conditions upon commencing work. Where site conditions prevent works to be carried out
in accordance with this SWMS than another is to be written and Site Supervisor notified.
Have workers been consulted about the SWMS? All workers are required to be consulted with regards to the SWMS and control measures contained in the
SWMS.
Person Responsible for ensuring compliance with Different PCBU’s/Employers and Contractors will encounter different High Risk activities. All
SWMS PCBU’s/Employers are responsible for reviewing this SWMS against site conditions and ensure work
occurs in accordance with the SWMS.
Person(s) Responsible (for reviewing the SWMS) PCBU’s/Employers should review this SWMS and apply the control measures outlined for the various High
Risk activities that they may undertake. Where works cannot occur in accordance with this or your own
SWMS contact is to be made with the Site Supervisor.
Work Step Hazard for Works Control Measures for the Hazards
PCBU’s Pre-Start Check at Site hazards may impair • Undertake pre-site inspection verify conditions on site will enable works to be carried out in
Site works accordance with the SWMS.
• Discuss site specific works with the Site Supervisor reviewing site signage, Safety Management
Plan, for site specific hazards
• Ensure all employees are made aware of any site specific hazards to works and this SWMS
• If SWMS are to be changed copy is to be provided to site supervisor and approval obtained
• Construction Inducted employees and contractors are only allowed to undertake construction
works
• Inspect meter box RCD and activate tripping device verifying working condition if using power
equipment
• Ensure all leads tagging & testing are up to date.
• Only certified and/or licensed personnel are to operate mobile equipment
• Only workers certified and trained to access a confined space are permitted to do so
Assess confined space Exposure to restricted
atmosphere, engulfment • Review site register if in place to identify location of confined spaces and access procedures
• Determine whether a space is a confined space using the flow chart located on the final page of
this SWMS:
1. Is the space enclosed or partially enclosed, if yes progress to the next Step 2
2. Is the space not designed or intended to be occupied by a person, if yes proceed to Step 3;
3. Is the space designed or intended to be at normal atmospheric pressure while a person is in
the space, if yes proceed to Step 4;
4. Likely to pose a risk to health and safety from one or more of the following:
a. An atmosphere that does not have a safe oxygen level
b. Contaminants, for example airborne gases, vapours, and dusts that may cause
injury from fire or explosion.
c. Harmful concentrations of any airborne contaminants
d. Engulfment e.g. any liquid (water or oil in which drowning is possible), any solid
(sand, ash, grains etc) that can flow or collapse surrounding a person cutting off
their air supply
5. If answer is yes to the above the space is considered a confined space
• Has a safe oxygen level, monitoring of the atmosphere is of a continuous nature and
visible/audible warnings are given when changes occur impacting on the safe atmosphere. This
is via a air monitoring device suitable for confined spaces
• Is free of contaminants or any airborne contaminants are below allowable exposure levels
A stand-by person must be assigned to continuously monitor the wellbeing of those in the space. This
person is to have the same training as those within the confined space and understand the works being
performed and nature of any hazardous environment they maybe exposed to.
Emergency procedures Exposure to restricted
atmosphere, engulfment Emergency procedures are to be developed for the safe extraction of workers in the space. This may
include the use of winches, warning devices, and resuscitation equipment. This will depending upon the
confined space and potential emergency identified.