Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00405:body:0:p7
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00405
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 15310–18115

test will not cause a confined space to be declassified. For a confined space to be declassified as a non-confined space, it needs to have undergone sufficient changes in structure and use to eliminate all inherent hazards that define a confined space.
The following flowchart will help to determine whether a space is a 'confined space' for purposes of the WHS Regulations.
Appendix A provides examples to illustrate how a confined space is determined.

2.  ROLE OF DESIGNERS, MANUFACTURERS AND SUPPLIERS
The design, manufacture or modification of any plant or structure that includes a confined space can significantly affect the risks associated with confined spaces. Thoughtful design can eliminate the need to enter a confined space or eliminate the risk of inadvertent entry. The design stage should consider the whole life cycle of the plant or structure, from manufacture and use through to demolition and disposal.

    2.1         Eliminating or minimising the need to enter a confined space

Regulation 64: A designer, manufacturer, importer or supplier of a plant or structure, and a person who installs or constructs a plant or structure must eliminate the need to enter a confined space and eliminate the risk of inadvertent entry. If this is not reasonably practicable, then:
    * the need for any person enter the space must be minimised so far as is reasonably practicable
    * the space must be designed with a safe means of entry and exit, and
    * the risk to the health and safety of any person who enters the space must be eliminated
      or minimised as far as is reasonably practicable.
The following features should be incorporated in the design and manufacturing stages:
    * provision of outlets and facilities for cleaning, to eliminate the need for entry
    * use of lining materials that are durable, require minimal cleaning and do not react with materials contained in the confined space
    * design of the structure and mechanical parts to provide for safe and easy maintenance,
      to reduce the need for persons to enter.

    2.2         Entry and exit
If it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate the need to enter the confined space or the risk
of inadvertent entry, then any risk associated with entry to and exit from the space must be minimised. Entry to and exit from a confined space is safer when openings (access points)
are large and located in a position that allows for persons and equipment to pass easily
through them.
Where relevant, the following features should be incorporated at the design, manufacture
and installation stages:
    * Access points (including those within the confined space, through divisions, partitions or obstructions) should be large enough to allow people wearing the necessary protective clothing and equipment to