Working in Confined Spaces: A Guide to Safety, Compliance and Confidence in NSW and Victoria
Confined space work is an essential part of operations across construction, utilities, manufacturing, and maintenance industries. From stormwater pits and tanks to silos and crawl spaces, these areas often house critical infrastructure. But working in confined spaces carries serious risks if not managed properly.
For businesses in New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria, understanding your responsibilities, and how to meet them safely, is more than a compliance requirement. It’s a commitment to your team’s wellbeing.
Whether you’re a safety manager, tradesperson, or site supervisor, this guide will help you approach confined space work with clarity and confidence.
What Is a Confined Space?
According to SafeWork NSW and WorkSafe Victoria, a confined space is an enclosed or partially enclosed area that:
- Is not designed for continuous human occupancy
- Has limited means of entry or exit
- May contain harmful substances, low oxygen, or engulfment risks
Common examples include:
- Stormwater drains
- Storage tanks
- Sewers and manholes
- Pits and ducts
- Crawl spaces in buildings
While these environments might seem routine, the conditions inside can change rapidly, making the right training and preparation critical.
Why Confined Spaces Are High-Risk
The risks of working in confined spaces are well documented. Incidents can escalate quickly due to:
- Oxygen deficiency or toxic atmosphere
- Flammable or explosive gases
- Engulfment by liquids or granular materials
- Limited visibility or escape routes
- Sudden changes in environmental conditions
These hazards are not always obvious and may not present until after entry, highlighting the importance of proactive planning.
Who Has Legal Responsibilities?
Under NSW’s Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017 and Victoria’s Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017, all persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) must:
- Identify confined spaces in the workplace
- Eliminate or minimise risks as far as reasonably practicable
- Provide workers with adequate information, instruction and training
- Ensure safe systems of work and emergency procedures are in place
Workers also have responsibilities to follow procedures, wear required PPE, and report hazards or incidents.
Key Safety Steps When Working in Confined Spaces
Here’s how to approach confined space work the right way, aligned with guidelines from SafeWork NSW, WorkSafe Victoria, and Safe Work Australia.
1. Conduct a Risk Assessment
Start by identifying the space, the hazards present, and who might be affected. Assess the likelihood and consequence of each risk.
2. Implement a Confined Space Permit System
Permit systems are legally required for confined space entry in many situations. A permit outlines what work will be done, how risks will be controlled, and who is authorised to enter.
3. Test the Atmosphere
Before and during entry, test for oxygen levels, toxic gases, and flammable vapours using properly calibrated equipment. In NSW and Victoria, this is a non-negotiable step.
4. Ensure Adequate Ventilation
Ventilation may be natural or mechanical, depending on the space. Proper airflow reduces harmful contaminants and maintains breathable air.
5. Train Your Team
All workers involved must receive confined space training appropriate to their role, including standby personnel, entry supervisors, and emergency responders.
6. Have an Emergency Plan in Place
Emergency response procedures must be tailored to each confined space and practised regularly. In both NSW and Victoria, relying solely on external services like fire rescue is not considered sufficient.
Local Support: NSW and Victoria-Specific Resources
Both states provide detailed guidance and resources:
- SafeWork NSW offers the Confined Spaces Code of Practice, which outlines employer duties, hazard controls, and risk assessment procedures.
- WorkSafe Victoria provides Confined Spaces Safety Basics and practical tools to help businesses meet their legal obligations.
These resources are free to access and updated regularly in line with current legislation.
Final Word: Safer Confined Space Work Starts with Preparation
Working in confined spaces doesn’t have to be dangerous. With the right systems, training, and culture in place, businesses in NSW and Victoria can meet compliance standards while keeping workers safe.
Investing in proper risk assessments, training, and emergency planning isn’t just ticking a box, it’s protecting lives and reputations.
Whether you’re assessing a confined space for the first time or refining your safety processes, there’s never a wrong time to improve how your organisation manages confined space work.
Need support with confined space audits, training, or compliance in NSW or Victoria? Reach out to qualified height safety and risk management specialists who understand the local regulations and industry standards.
