University of New South Wales - Human Resources - OHS Hazards

A "confined space", according to the OHS Regulation 2001, means an enclosed or partially enclosed space that:

(a) is not intended or designed primarily as a place of work, and

(b) is at atmospheric pressure while persons are in it, and

(c) may have an atmosphere with potentially harmful contaminants, an unsafe level of oxygen* or stored substances that may cause engulfment, and

(d) may (but need not) have restricted means of entry and exit.

Examples of confined spaces are as follows:

(a) storage tanks, tank cars, process vessels, boilers, pressure vessels, silos and other tank- like compartments,

(b) open-topped spaces such as pits or degreasers,

(c) pipes, sewers, shafts, ducts and similar structures,

(d) shipboard spaces entered through a small hatchway or access point, cargo tanks, cellular double bottom tanks, duct keels, ballast and oil tanks and void spaces (but not including dry cargo holds).

At UNSW, persons must not enter or work in or on a confined space unless authorised by an entry permit issued by Facilities Management. All work must comply with the NSW OHS Regulation 2001 (Chapter 4, Part 4.3, Division 9 - Working in Confined Spaces).

*Please Note: "safe oxygen level" means a minimum oxygen content in air of 19.5% by volume under normal atmospheric pressure and a maximum oxygen content in air of 23.5% by volume under normal atmospheric pressure.

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