Underground Confined Space Entry — Safe Work Method Statement
Safe Work Method Statement for entry into underground confined spaces including pits, manholes, service chambers, underground tanks and below-ground vaults. Applicable where space has restricted entry/egress and may have a hazardous atmosphere.
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Entry into underground confined spaces is one of the most comprehensively regulated activities under Australian WHS law. The model WHS Regulations (Part 4.3) impose specific mandatory requirements on the PCBU before any worker enters a confined space: a confined space entry permit must be issued, atmospheric testing must be completed, isolation of all energy sources must be verified, and a rescue plan with dedicated rescue equipment and a standby person must be in place. A SWMS is required in addition to the entry permit wherever confined space entry occurs on a construction site.
A confined space is defined under the WHS Regulations as an enclosed or partially enclosed space that is not designed or intended primarily as a place of work, is at risk of containing a hazardous atmosphere, and has restricted means of entry or exit. Underground pits, manholes, service chambers, and vaults typically meet all three criteria. The hazardous atmosphere risk is the defining danger — oxygen deficiency (below 19.5%), oxygen enrichment (above 23.5%), flammable gas or vapour above 5% of the lower explosive limit, or toxic contaminants above workplace exposure standards can all be immediately life-threatening and can develop without warning.
There are no specific licences required solely for confined space entry work, but workers must be trained and assessed as competent in accordance with the WHS Regulations, and the confined space entry permit must be authorised by a competent person. Gas detection equipment must be calibrated and bump-tested before each entry, and must be rated to detect oxygen levels, combustible gases, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen sulphide as a minimum. Supplied air breathing apparatus (SABA) or SCBA must be available for emergency rescue and should be considered for any entry where the atmosphere cannot be verified as safe.
Customise this template by documenting the specific confined space identifier, the energy isolation and lock-out/tag-out procedure, the atmospheric monitoring readings and action levels, the rescue equipment provided, and the standby person's name and qualifications. The entry permit must be attached to the SWMS and both documents retained on site.
This SWMS applies in all Australian jurisdictions. Victorian users should reference OHS Regulations 2017 Part 5.3 and the WorkSafe Victoria compliance code on confined spaces.
Personal Protective Equipment
High Risk Construction Work Types
- •Work in a confined space
- •In or near a shaft or trench with a depth greater than 1.5 metres, or a tunnel
Risk Assessment
1.Confined space identification and permit preparation
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry into confined space without permit | Catastrophic | Confined space entry permit completed before entry. Permit to include atmosphere testing results, hazard identification, emergency plan and attendant assignment. Permit signed by supervisor. All entrants sign permit. | Low | Site Supervisor |
| Hazardous atmosphere not identified before entry | Catastrophic | Atmosphere testing with calibrated 4-gas monitor before and during entry: O₂ 19.5–23.5%, CO <25 ppm, H₂S <10 ppm, LEL <10%. Results recorded on permit. Continuous monitoring by entrant during work. | Low | Competent Person / Entrant |
2.Isolation of energy sources and services
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inrush of water, gas or liquids into confined space | Catastrophic | Isolate all inlets and outlets. LOTO applied to all isolation points. Blanked off where required. Drain and purge space before entry. Confirm isolation before permitting entry. | Low | Site Supervisor / Licensed Electrician |
3.Ventilation and atmospheric control
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oxygen deficiency or accumulation of toxic/flammable gases | Catastrophic | Forced ventilation using clean air supply before and during entry. Ventilation to achieve minimum 10 air changes per hour. Exhaust pointed away from work area. Do not use oxygen to purge — fresh air only. | Moderate | Site Supervisor / Attendant |
4.Entry and work in confined space
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Worker incapacitated and unable to self-rescue | Catastrophic | Trained attendant stationed at entry point for duration of work. Entrant wears full-body harness attached to retrieval line on tripod. Communication maintained with entrant at all times. Attendant has rescue equipment ready. No attendant to enter — summon emergency services if entrant incapacitated. | Moderate | Attendant / Entrant |
| Gas alarm during work in confined space | Catastrophic | Gas alarm = immediate evacuation without delay. Entrant exits via retrieval line if necessary. Attendant not to enter. Emergency services contacted. Space re-tested before re-entry. | Low | Entrant / Attendant |
Relevant Codes of Practice
Worker Acknowledgement
By signing below, I confirm that I have read, understood and agree to comply with this Safe Work Method Statement.