COURSE OVERVIEW:

Welcome to the Safe Practices for Working in Confined Spaces course. This training is designed to equip you with the essential knowledge and skills required to manage the risks associated with working in confined spaces across a range of high-risk industries, including construction, maintenance, utilities, and manufacturing.

Given the severe consequences of confined space incidents—such as toxic exposure, engulfment, or oxygen deprivation—this course emphasises a proactive and methodical approach to hazard identification, risk management, and legal compliance under Australian WHS legislation.

This course begins by exploring the significance of confined space safety, drawing attention to the common incidents that occur in these environments and the contributing factors such as inadequate planning, lack of atmospheric testing, or absence of emergency protocols. Understanding the legislative context is crucial, and you will be introduced to the duties of Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBUs), workers, and supervisors under the WHS Regulation 2011.

To safely manage confined space tasks, it is vital to understand what constitutes a confined space. This section examines the legal definition and distinguishing characteristics such as limited entry and exit, the potential for hazardous atmospheres, and risks associated with engulfment or mechanical hazards. You'll also learn the difference between a true confined space and other restricted access areas.

The course then outlines key regulatory requirements and standards, including Part 4.3 of the WHS Regulations and AS 2865: Safe Working in a Confined Space. These provide the foundation for safe practices and outline the duties of care owed by employers and workers alike.

Effective hazard identification is at the core of safe confined space entry. You will learn to identify and assess a range of hazards, from oxygen-deficient environments and toxic vapours to physical, psychological, and environmental risks. This section supports you in applying a structured risk assessment process using a risk matrix and selecting control measures based on the hierarchy of controls.

Entry into any confined space must be authorised by a valid entry permit. This section details the contents and structure of confined space permits, including timeframes, task descriptions, PPE requirements, and responsibilities of both the permit issuer and permit holder.

Thorough job planning and preparation underpin every safe entry. You’ll be guided through planning entry and exit strategies, isolation procedures, and communication arrangements. The importance of preparing for environmental changes and emergency scenarios will also be highlighted.

Before entry, confined spaces must be isolated and confirmed as safe. This includes draining, purging, locking out energy sources, and verifying zero energy states. You’ll also learn about atmospheric testing—what gases to test for, how to use portable gas detectors, and when to conduct continuous monitoring.

The course covers confined space equipment including tripods, davits, SRLs, harnesses, and respiratory protective devices. You will learn how to correctly inspect, use, and store this equipment in accordance with manufacturer instructions and WHS requirements.

Clear roles and responsibilities ensure a controlled and compliant operation. This section examines the duties of entrants, standby personnel, and supervisors, including communication protocols, monitoring requirements, and maintaining oversight of the permit system.

Safe entry and exit procedures are covered in detail, along with techniques for maintaining body position and stability while working inside the space. You will also learn how to manage lighting, visibility, and safe tool usage to avoid accidents.

Emergency preparedness is critical. You will learn how to develop, implement, and practise confined space rescue plans, ensure rescue equipment is functional and accessible, and engage emergency services when necessary. Hands-on rescue techniques such as vertical retrieval using winches and simulated rescues with stretchers will be explored.

Maintaining communication between all parties is essential. This section introduces communication systems such as radios, hardlines, and hand signals, and explains how to maintain communication during routine and emergency operations. Activity logs and environmental monitoring updates also form part of this process.

Finally, the course focuses on continuous improvement. You will learn how to conduct post-entry debriefs, review incidents and near misses, and make updates to training and procedures based on lessons learned.

By the end of this course, you will have the knowledge, legal awareness, and procedural competence to perform or supervise confined space work safely and in full compliance with Australian WHS requirements, helping to protect yourself, your team, and your worksite.

Each section is complemented with examples to illustrate the concepts and techniques discussed.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:

1. Introduction to Confined Space Safety

• Importance of confined space safety in high-risk industries
• Common incidents and contributing factors
• Overview of roles and responsibilities under WHS

2. Definition and Characteristics of a Confined Space

• Legal definition as per WHS Regulation 2011
• Key features: limited access, hazardous atmosphere, engulfment risk
• Differentiating between a confined space and a restricted space

3. Confined Space Legislation and Australian Standards

• WHS Regulations – Part 4.3 (Confined Spaces)
• Overview of AS 2865: Safe Working in a Confined Space
• Codes of Practice and duty of care obligations

4. Confined Space Hazard Identification

• Atmospheric hazards
• Physical and mechanical hazards
• Psychological and environmental hazards

5. Conducting Risk Assessments and Selecting Control Measures

• Hazard identification and risk matrix application
• Implementing hierarchy of control measures
• Documenting and reviewing risk assessments regularly

6. Confined Space Entry Permits

• When and why a confined space permit is required
• Information included in a permit
• Responsibilities of the permit issuer and permit holder

7. Planning for Confined Space Work Activities

• Job planning and team communication
• Determining entry/exit points, standby arrangements, and isolation requirements
• Planning for emergencies and environmental changes

8. Isolating Confined Spaces Prior to Entry

• Lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures for mechanical and electrical systems
• Draining, purging, and cleaning of hazardous substances
• Confirming zero energy state before entry

9. Atmospheric Testing and Monitoring Procedures

• Types of gases tested
• Use of portable gas detectors and bump testing
• Continuous vs pre-entry monitoring requirements

10. Confined Space Entry Equipment and PPE

• Tripods, davits, and fall protection systems
• RPDs (Respiratory Protective Devices), personal winches, and retrieval SRLs
• Full-body harnesses and spreader bars for vertical entry

11. Correct Use and Inspection of Entry Equipment

• Pre-use inspection checklists for confined space gear
• Proper setup and anchoring of retrieval systems
• Maintenance, servicing, and storage of specialised equipment

12. Roles of Confined Space Workers

• Entrant responsibilities and communication
• Standby person duties and continuous monitoring
• Supervisor roles and control of permit and procedures

13. Entry and Exit Procedures

• Confirming permit and pre-entry checks
• Communication protocols between entrant and standby
• Managing multiple entries and re-entries safely

14. Safe Work Positioning in Confined Spaces

• Techniques for maintaining stability and safety in vertical or horizontal spaces
• Use of ropes, slings, and body positioning devices
• Managing tool use, lighting, and visibility inside the space

15. Emergency Preparedness and Rescue Planning

• Developing a confined space rescue plan
• Ensuring availability of rescue equipment and trained personnel
• Coordination with emergency services if required

16. Confined Space Entry and Rescue Techniques

• Practical entry using tripods, SRLs, and retrieval lines
• Simulated rescue using winch and stretcher systems
• Work positioning and confined space movement drills

17. Communication Systems and Procedures

• Use of radios, hardline systems, and hand signals
• Establishing communication during normal and emergency operations
• Logging activities and changes in environment

18. Continuous Improvement and Post-Work Review

• Conducting debriefings after confined space work
• Reviewing incidents, near misses, and lessons learned
• Updating procedures, training, and risk controls

COURSE DURATION:

The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.

COURSE DELIVERY:

Purchase and download course content.

ASSESSMENT:

A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.

CERTIFICATION:

Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.