Confined Space Emergency Rescue Plan

Confined Space Emergency Rescue Plan

Introduction

A confined space means an enclosed or partially enclosed space that:

• is not designed or intended primarily to be occupied by a person; and

• is, or is designed or intended to be, at normal atmospheric pressure while any person is in the space; and

• is or is likely to be a risk to health and safety from:

  • an atmosphere that does not have a safe oxygen level, or contaminants, including airborne gases, vapours and dust that may cause injury from fire or explosion, or

  • harmful concentrations of any airborne contaminants, or

  • engulfment

Commonly identified confined spaces can be found in vats, tanks, pits, pipes, ducts, flues, chimneys, silos, containers, pressure vessels, underground sewers, wet or dry wells, shafts, trenches, tunnels or other similar enclosed or partially enclosed structures.

(Definition: Model Code of Practice for Confined Spaces: Safe Work Australia)

Definitions

Contaminant – The presence of any dust, fume, mist, vapour, gas or other substance in liquid or solid form may be harmful to health and safety.

Competent person – is a person who has the knowledge and skills to carry out this task through training, qualification or experience.