Phone (02) 4964 9406
Mobile 0405 758 535
Email training@allclass.net.au
Address 10 Kilcoy Drive, Tomago NSW 2322
Image: Unsplash
Many Australian workplaces have confined spaces, like pits, drains, and voids. Due to inadequate ventilation, these areas can quickly become hazardous due to the emergence of harmful atmospheres and airborne contaminants. The dangers aren't always obvious and vary between each confined space, depending on the workplace or environmental conditions.
While training isn’t mandatory for every team member who works in a confined space, it is highly recommended in order to work safely and efficiently. WHS officers should be professionally trained to approve confined space working permits for the appropriate team members and minimise the risks involved.
As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), we urge all team members who work in confined spaces to seek training to minimise risks and work safely. Here, we share a quick guide to confined space work and training requirements so you can make an informed decision about your work.
A confined space is an enclosed or partially enclosed space that is not designed to be occupied by a person (it is not intended to be at normal atmospheric pressure for people in the space) or is likely to be a risk to health and safety due to unsafe oxygen levels, contaminants (e.g. airborne gases, vapours and dust) and engulfment.
The risks of working in a confined space include:
Examples of confined spaces include tanks, vats, pipes, flues and chimneys, underground sewers, wells, and shafts. On the other hand, places intended for human occupancy, like mine shafts, are not considered confined spaces.
No, you do not need a licence to enter and work in a confined space. However, all workers need a permit to enter the space issued by a trained, competent person on the team, e.g. your workplace’s WHS officer. The permit must state:
While you do not need a licence to work in confined spaces, WHS Regulations require all workers to be given suitable information, training and instruction on various topics.
With this in mind, it is recommended that all workers who intend to work in confined spaces receive professional training from an RTO.
No, confined space training is not necessarily required annually. The frequency of retraining and refresher training sessions depends on the workplace, i.e. how often workers are required to complete work in confined spaces.
We recommend completing a refresher course once every two years (according to SafeWork NSW, training records must be kept for at least two years). Workers and supervisors alike must have suitable information, training and instruction, so they can understand the hazards and controls associated with working in confined spaces, as well as:
All Class Training is an RTO based in Tomago, just outside the Newcastle CBD in NSW.
Our training is delivered through classroom activities, student discussions and presentations alongside practical components in a purpose-built, simulated working environment. You (or your team) can work with specialist equipment under the supervision of our certified trainers and learn to work safely in confined spaces.
Your competence will be assessed through observation, oral and/or written assessments, and practical exercises. Upon completing this convenient half-day course, you will receive tickets for ‘RIIWHS202E - Enter and Work in Confined Space’ and ‘MSMWHS217 - Gas Test Atmospheres’, which we recommend refreshing every 24 months.
View our course calendar and contact us at (02) 4964 9406 to book your training today.
