What must a Queensland confined space entry permit cover?

Start with the risk assessment, not the permit

Under the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011, a business must have a competent person assess the risks of a confined space, and the assessment must be recorded in writing. It must consider whether the work can be done without entering the space, the nature of the space, any change in oxygen or airborne contaminants, the work method and the emergency and rescue procedures needed.

WorkSafe Queensland's definition includes three conditions: the space is enclosed or partly enclosed and not primarily designed for people to occupy; it is at normal atmospheric pressure while occupied; and its atmosphere, contaminants or engulfment create, or are likely to create, a risk. Some excavations, pipes and crawl spaces may qualify, so assess the actual space.

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What the permit must state

The regulation sets out what a confined space entry permit must contain. When the work is finished, all workers must leave the space and the competent person must complete the acknowledgement.

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Communication, signs and emergencies sit around the permit

Before a worker enters, the business must provide a system of work with continuous communication from outside the space and monitoring of conditions by a standby person in the vicinity who observes the work if practicable.

Signs must identify the space and tell workers not to enter without a permit. They must be clear, next to each entry and in place before, during and while preparing for and completing the work. The business must also establish first aid and rescue procedures and practise them as necessary. Take the technical detail from your risk assessment and the confined spaces code of practice, not from a permit form.

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Permit planning sheet you can adapt

This sheet is our suggested layout, not a mandated statutory form. It does not authorise entry and does not replace a competent person's risk assessment or your rescue arrangements. Replace every square bracket.

CONFINED SPACE ENTRY PERMIT PLANNING SHEET
(Planning aid only. Not an authorisation.)

Job and site: [address]
Confined space: [description and exact location]
Written risk assessment: [reference, date, competent person]
Can the work be done without entering? [yes / no, reason]

Work to be done: [description]
People permitted to enter: [names]
Period of work: from [time and date] to [time and date]
Control measures taken from the risk assessment: [list each one]
Communication from outside: [method]
Standby person: [name]
Signs at each entry: [in place yes / no]
First aid and rescue arrangements: [reference to your procedures]

Permit completed by (competent person): [name, date, time]

COMPLETION
Work completed and all persons have left the space: [yes]
Acknowledged by (competent person): [name, date, time]

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What this guide leaves out

It does not give gas limits, a standard permit length or technical rescue methods. Those come from your risk assessment, the current regulation and qualified advice for the space in front of you.

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Common questions

Where is a confined space permit required?

In Queensland, a permit is required before a business directs a worker to enter a confined space to carry out work. The confined space rules apply to spaces that are entered, intended or likely to be entered, or could be entered inadvertently by any person. Check each space against the definition and your written risk assessment.[2][1]

What is the maximum time that a confined space permit is valid for?

Section 67 requires the permit to state the period during which the work will be carried out. Set and check that period through the competent person and the job risk assessment; do not assume that a generic template authorises entry for a fixed number of hours.[2]