Confined Space SWMS
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Work in or near a confined space is high risk construction work, so a SWMS is required before it starts. A confined space is an enclosed or partly enclosed space not designed for continuous occupancy that can have a harmful atmosphere, such as a pit, tank, sewer, or pump well. The SWMS must cover atmosphere testing and monitoring, ventilation, isolation of inflows, an entry permit, a trained standby person, and a rescue plan, and it works alongside the confined space entry permit the regulations require.
What a confined space SWMS must cover
- ✓ Confirming the space is a confined space and applying the entry permit process
- ✓ Doing the work from outside the space wherever possible (hierarchy of controls)
- ✓ Testing and continuously monitoring the atmosphere before and during entry
- ✓ Ventilating the space and isolating inflows of liquid, gas, or energy
- ✓ A trained standby person outside with a rescue plan and equipment
- ✓ Only trained, authorised workers entering, under a current permit
Why confined spaces are treated so seriously
Confined spaces kill people who never planned to enter them, and then kill the workmates who go in to help without equipment. The atmosphere can have no oxygen or be full of gas, and you cannot see or smell it. That is why a confined space SWMS pairs with a permit and a rescue plan, and why "just a quick look" is never acceptable.
Common questions
▸Do I need a permit as well as a SWMS for a confined space?
Yes. The confined space entry permit and the SWMS are separate requirements that work together. The SWMS sets out the method and controls; the permit authorises the specific entry.
▸Is a trench a confined space?
Not usually on its own, but a trench or shaft deeper than 1.5 metres is its own high risk construction work category, and a trench can become a confined space if it has a harmful atmosphere. Either way, a SWMS is required.
▸Who can do confined space work?
Only workers with confined space training, under a current entry permit, with a trained standby person and a rescue plan in place.
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