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AS 2865 – 2009 Confined Spaces

AS 2865 – 2009 Confined Spaces

AS 2865 – 2009 Confined Spaces sets out the particular requirements and risk control measures for the safety of persons entering or conducting tasks associated with a confined space. This Standard is intended to help designers, manufacturers, suppliers, modifiers and users of confined spaces to achieve a safety outcome. It is not exhaustive in its coverage, but it is intended to cover those areas which are of particular concern in regard to confined space safety.

PREFACE

This Standard was prepared by the Joint Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand Committee SF-037, Work in Confined Spaces to supersede AS/NZS 2865:2001, Safe working in a confined space. After consultation with stakeholders in both countries, Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand decided to develop this Standard as an Australian Standard rather than an Australian/New Zealand Standard.

This Standard outlines the minimum requirements for establishing a safe system for entry and the conduct of tasks in or on a confined space. These requirements are consistent with industry best practice and are considered mandatory for reducing the risks associated with confined spaces and for establishing safe entry to them. Mandatory requirements of this Standard are highlighted in bold type and contained in boxes.

The purpose of this Standard is to provide safety requirements and procedures for persons entering and conducting tasks in a confined space. It is intended to ensure that confined spaces are made safe for those entering them, and to highlight the likely hazards associated with such spaces and the relevant risk control measures necessary to deal with these hazards.

This Standard emphasizes responsibilities for safety and sets out steps that need to be taken to eliminate or control risks that may arise during confined space operations. It also requires that all persons involved in the entry of a confined space be trained, assessed as competent, and instructed on the nature of the hazards and the risk control measures to be followed. Significant revisions in this edition of the Standard are as follows:

  • (a) The criteria that constitute a confined space have been clarified in the definition.
  • (b) Guidance diagrams have been provided for identifying a confined space.
  • (c) Recommendations for training and competency have been introduced.

This Standard covers:

SECTION 1 SCOPE AND GENERAL

  •  1.1 SCOPE
  •  1.2 OBJECTIVE
  •  1.3 APPLICATION
  •  1.4 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS
  •  1.5 DEFINITIONS

SECTION 2 PLANNING

  •  2.1 PLANNING TO MANAGE AND CONTROL CONFINED SPACES
  •  2.2 LEGAL AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
  •  2.3 ACCOUNTABILITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  •  2.4 DESIGN, MANUFACTURE, SUPPLY AND MODIFICATION
  • CONSIDERATIONS
  •  2.5 CONSULTATION
  •  2.6 TRAINING AND COMPETENCY
  •  2.7 RISK MANAGEMENT
  •  2.8 CONFINED SPACE EMERGENCIES
  •  2.9 DOCUMENTATION

SECTION 3 IMPLEMENTATION

  •  3.1 CONFINED SPACE HAZARDS
  •  3.2 IDENTIFICATION OF A CONFINED SPACE
  •  3.3 RISK ASSESSMENT
  •  3.4 RISK CONTROL MEASURES

SECTION 4 REVIEW

  •  4.1 REVIEW PROCESS
  •  4.2 CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

 

SECTION 1 SCOPE AND GENERAL

1.1 SCOPE This Standard sets out the particular requirements and risk control measures for the safety of persons entering or conducting tasks associated with a confined space. This Standard is intended to help designers, manufacturers, suppliers, modifiers and users of confined spaces to achieve a safety outcome. It is not exhaustive in its coverage, but it is intended to cover those areas which are of particular concern in regard to confined space safety.

This Standard does not cover underground mining, tunnelling, excavation work, trenching, abrasive blasting or spray painting. In such cases, other safe systems of work apply. This Standard is not intended to cover confined spaces that are not at atmospheric pressure. At pressures significantly higher or lower than the normal atmospheric pressure, expert guidance should be sought.

Many enclosed or partially enclosed spaces are not confined spaces in accordance with the definition in this Standard. Specific areas such as dangerous goods and hazardous substances storage areas are subject to their own legislation, Standards or Codes of Practice.

1.2 OBJECTIVE The objective of this Standard is to provide designers, manufacturers, suppliers, modifiers and users of plant equipment and services that contain confined spaces with the means to reduce the risks to health and safety of those working in or near confined spaces, by prescribing techniques and procedures covering entry to, and working in or on a confined space. In addition, the Standard sets out to—

  • (a) define the criteria for identifying a confined space;
  • (b) provide guidance in recognizing the hazards associated with confined spaces;
  • (c) outline the requirements for establishing a safe system for entry and the conduct of tasks in or on a confined space;
  • (d) highlight the minimum requirements that are consistent with industry best practice and are considered mandatory for reducing the risks associated with confined spaces and for establishing safe entry to confined spaces; and…

 

The full copy of AS 2865 – 2009 Confined Spaces can be purchased from SAI Global below.

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NOTE: These links were current at publishing but may have been updated. Please contact SAI Global or Standards Australia to ensure that you are purchasing the current standard.

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