Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2024C01055:front:0:p23
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2024C01055
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 56575–59482

the Minister approves a code of practice for confined spaces, it can be used to provide practical guidance to operators.

Division 1—Preliminary

4.01  Interpretation
 (1) In this Part:
 atmospheric monitoring means continuous measurement, over an uninterrupted duration of time, of:
 (a) the concentration of oxygen; or
 (b) airborne contaminants.
atmospheric testing means measurement, that is not continuous, of:
 (a) the concentration of oxygen; or
 (b) airborne contaminants.
competent person means a person who:
 (a) has, by a combination of training, education and experience, acquired knowledge and skills to enable him or her to:
 (i) make an informed assessment of the likelihood of an airborne contaminant being present or subsequently arising in a confined space; or
 (ii) correctly perform a specific task associated with a confined space; and
 (b) meets any specific requirements imposed by a State or Territory law in relation to making the assessment or performing the specific task.
confined space means an enclosed space or partially enclosed space:
 (a) that is, or is intended to be, at normal atmospheric pressure while a person is in the space; and
 (b) that is not intended or designed primarily for human occupancy; and
 (c) within which there is a risk of 1 or more of the following:
 (i) an oxygen concentration outside the safe oxygen range;
 (ii) an airborne contaminant that could cause impairment, loss of consciousness or asphyxiation;
 (iii) a flammable airborne contaminant that could cause injury from fire or explosion;
 (iv) engulfment in a stored free flowing solid or a rising level of liquid that could cause suffocation or drowning;
whether or not the space has a restricted means of entry or exit.
contaminant means a dust, fume, mist, vapour, biological matter, gas or other substance in liquid or solid form, which could be harmful to persons.
flammable airborne contaminant means a dust, fume, mist, vapour or gas present in the air at concentrations that can propagate a flame on contact with an ignition source.
hazard means a source of potential harm.
HSIS means the Hazardous Substances Information System that is published on Safe Work Australia's website.
LEL has the meaning given by regulation 4.02.
permit to work has the meaning given by regulation 4.23.
personal protective equipment means equipment used by a person for their protection, including protective clothing, safety helmets, eye and face protection, hearing protection, gloves, safety footwear, lifelines, safety harnesses, breathing apparatus and respirators.
risk assessment means the process of evaluating the possibility and consequences of injury or illness arising from exposure to an identified hazard or identified hazards.
risk control means the process of managing the elimination or minimisation of the likelihood that a substance will cause harm to health in the circumstances of