Source: https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/compliance-code-confined-spaces-key-changes
Timestamp: 2019-04-21 20:18:56
Document Index: 361030700

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 1', 'art 1', 'art 2', 'art 3', 'art 3', 'art 3', 'art 3']

Compliance code: Confined spaces - Key changes - WorkSafe
A guide to explain the changes between the new and old Confined spaces compliance code.
A guide to the key changes
The Confined spaces compliance code, 2018 came into effect on 15 March 2018. It replaces the Confined spaces compliance code, 2008. The new code is based on the old code and is designed to:
New references to relevant legislation when legal duties apply.
Additional cross-references to make related information easier to find in the code.
The full definition of a 'confined space' under regulation 5 of the OHS Regulations has been added under the subheading 'What is a confined space?'
All duty holders are outlined with a summary of their primary duties under the OHS Act and the OHS Regulations.
New information about the risk management process.
Information about consultation has been broadened and moved to appear earlier in Part 1 of the new code. This section now clearly sets out an employer's legal duties to conduct consultation with employees and health and safety representatives (HSRs) on matters of health or safety.
The 'Information, instruction and training' section has moved from the end of the old code to appear in Part 1 of the new code. This section has expanded to explain the employer duties for providing information, instruction, training and supervision to employees, including additional information about duties under the OHS Act and OHS Regulations that did not appear in the old code.
The information under ‘How to determine a space is a confined space’ has been rearranged so it’s easier to read. A new flow chart and practical examples have been included to simplify the process of working out if your situation fits the OHS Regulations definition of a confined space.
Code of practice 2008
how to determine whether a space is a confined space
who has duties?
Part 2 – Duties of designers, manufacturers and suppliers
A new section for suppliers to explain how to comply with the supplier duty under regulation 53 of the OHS Regulations to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that plant, before it is supplied, has been designed and manufactured in accordance with the OHS Regulations.
eliminating or reducing the need to enter the space
Part 3.1 – Duties of employers – Hazard identification
a new breakout box to remind employers of their duties to consult with employees and HSRs on health or safety matters
information on generic hazard identification has been moved from the end of this Part to the beginning
fire and explosion information has been revised to more directly set out an employer’s duties in relation to these risks. The definition of ‘lower explosive limit’ has also been added
hazards that identify a regulated confined space
restricted means of entry or exit
harmful atmospheric contaminants
other hazards associated with confined spaces
additional physiological and psychological demands of working in a confined space
generic hazard identification
hazards associated with the nature of work in a confined space
Part 3.2 – Duties of employers – Assessing risks
A new breakout box to remind employers of their duties to consult with employees and HSRs on health or safety matters.
Information about testing the atmosphere has been moved to this section from the ‘Specific risk control duties’ part of the old code. This section explains the locations in a confined space that should be tested and when tests should be carried out.
Part 3.3 – Duties of employers – Risk control: General duty
A new paragraph about an employer’s duties to consult with employees and HSRs on matters related to health or safety.
Information about maintaining, monitoring and reviewing risk controls has been moved from the end of the ‘Specific risk control duties’ part in the old code to appear earlier in the new code. This information has also been expanded to more clearly set out the duties under regulation 62 of the OHS Regulations in relation to reviewing risk control measures.
general risk control duty
eliminating the need to enter the space
the level of oxygen and atmospheric contaminants
work done outside the confined space
the means of entry and exit
the type of emergency procedures required
determining risk control measures
eliminating the need for entering the space
the nature of the confined space
maintaining risk controls
review of risk controls
Part 3.4 – Duties of employers – Risk control: Specific duties
A new paragraph on the isolation of plant and services to reflect regulation 57 of the OHS Regulations.
Additional explanatory information on exposure standards under the ‘Ensuring a safe atmosphere’ heading.
Information about respiratory protective equipment (RPE) has been revised to more clearly reflect an employer’s or self-employed person’s duties to provide RPE in certain situations.
A new table sets out the considerations for employers when they are planning emergency procedures.
entry to and exit from the confined space
communication and initiation of emergency procedures
what must be achieved
ability to initiate appropriate emergency procedures
planning, establishment and rehearsal of emergency, rescue and first aid procedures
entrance and exit size to enable rescue
isolation of plant and services
methods of isolation from materials, contaminants or conditions
methods of isolation from the activation or energising of plant or services
ensuring a safe atmosphere
entry to and exit from a confined space
planning and establishment of emergency rescue and first aid procedures
rehearsal and implementation of emergency procedures
Appendix B – Definitions has been removed from the new code.
Appendix B – Examples of incidents in confined spaces’ has been revised to provide more context on why it is important to be aware of the types of incidents that have occurred, and to replace the welding incident example with two more up to date examples.
A new ‘Appendix D – Sample confined space entry permit’ has been included to assist duty holders in developing entry permits that cover all the necessary information for their circumstances.
Appendix C – Consultation
Appendix D – Examples of confined space incidents
Appendix E – Confined spaces definition template
Appendix B – Examples of incidents in confined spaces
Appendix C – Confined spaces definition template
Appendix D – Sample confined space entry permit