The COP must set out how significant risks are identified and assessed in terms of the risk assessment process referred to in paragraph 7, and how it will be addressed. The COP must cover at least the aspects set out below:
| 8.1. | Identification and register of confined spaces |
The COP should ensure that:
| 8.1.1. | Confined spaces are identified by a competent person through the mine’s risk management process and access into the confined space shall be physically restricted using barriers to prevent unauthorised entry whenever possible. |
| 8.1.1.1. | The risk assessment should cover the following (but not limited to): |
| (a) | The health and safety risks associated with entering and working in a confined space; |
| (b) | The reportable accident on fined space; |
| (c) | The risk assessment must at least consider and record the following information: |
| (i) | Hazards anticipated to be harmful to employee’s health as well as those to be flammable, explosive and those that require monitoring. |
| (ii) | Any potential risk of engulfment. |
| (iii) | How the work itself may change or deteriorate workplace conditions. |
| (iv) | Ventilation requirements for the duration of work inside the confined space. |
| (v) | Any other control measures required for entry and work in a confined space. |
| (vi) | Any other information critical to the health and safety of the employees entering and working in a confined space. |
| 8.1.2. | All confined spaces are recorded in a register; |
| 8.1.3. | A confined space risk assessment should be conducted before any work or entry is conducted; |
| 8.1.4. | A site-specific procedure is developed and implemented to ensure safe confined space entry and work; |
| 8.1.5. | Appropriate signage shall be posted at each entry point denoting that a permit is required prior to entry. Where signage is impractical other means of communication need to be used; and |
| 8.1.6. | All employees potentially involved in confined space entry or work are aware of the procedure and the register and are conversant with the contents and requirements thereof. |
| 8.2. | Appointments, roles and responsibilities |
The COP should ensure that the following is clearly defined:
| 8.2.1.1. | A manager is appointed in writing to take accountability for all confined space entry or work on the mine; |
| 8.2.1.2. | A supervisor is appointed in writing to oversee specific confined space entry or work; |
| 8.2.1.3. | A person qualified in occupational hygiene techniques to measure levels of exposure to hazards is appointed in writing to test the atmosphere before and during confined space entry or work; |
| 8.2.1.4. | A confined space attendant/standby person shall be appointed in writing for every confined space entry or work; and |
| 8.2.1.5. | All other employees involved with confined space work. |
| 8.2.2. | Roles and responsibilities (see Annexure 1, for information purposes) |
| 8.2.2.1. | The COP should ensure that all the roles and responsibilities are clearly defined in relation to confined space/s. |
| 8.2.2.2. | All other employees involved with confined space work shall be trained of their roles and responsibilities, hazards that they will be exposed too in a confined space and record shall be kept thereof. |
The COP should ensure that:
| 8.3.1. | No person enters a confined space or work inside a confined space without implementing a confined space procedure in relation to any relevant confined space risks, that render that work safe and without risk to health. |
| 8.3.2. | While planning activities requiring a potential entry in a confined space, alternative and safer methods shall always be considered. Whenever management discretion exists, the key principles guiding the application of the hierarchy of control shall be used to scrutinize the risk assessment process and explore all alternatives to avoid the need of having personnel enter confined spaces. |
| 8.3.3. | The hierarchy of control is applied when considering the control of confined space hazards, first considering elimination, engineering controls and administrative controls before resorting to personal protective equipment. |
| 8.3.4. | In managing risks associated with a confined space, all relevant matters must be considered, including: |
| 8.3.4.1. | Whether the work can be carried out without the need to enter the confined space; |
| 8.3.4.2. | The nature of a confined space; |
| 8.3.4.3. | The hazards associated with any airborne contaminant or unsafe level of oxygen; |
| 8.3.4.4. | If the work has to be carried out in the confined space: |
| (a) | The range of methods by which the work can be carried out; and |
| (b) | A task specific confined space rescue plan is developed and authorised by the person responsible. |
The COP should ensure that:
| 8.4.1. | No employer must allow or direct a worker to enter a confined space to carry out work unless a confined space entry permit for the work has been issued. The permit process must include the following elements: |
| 8.4.1.1. | A risk assessment, including the need for a competent person monitoring identified hazards, concentrations of flammable and explosive substances; |
| 8.4.1.2. | Specify the work to be performed in the confined space; |
| 8.4.1.3. | Isolation procedures for airborne pollutants and other energy sources; |
| 8.4.1.4. | The requirement for control measures; |
| 8.4.1.5. | The sign-in and sign-out of all persons entering the confined space; |
| 8.4.1.6. | Display of the permit; |
| 8.4.1.7. | Communication equipment; |
| 8.4.1.8. | Safety specification of equipment to be taken into the confined space; |
| 8.4.1.10. | Rescue plan and equipment; |
| 8.4.1.11. | Standby person/Control Attendant; and |
| 8.4.1.12. | A completion procedure. |
| 8.5. | Energy isolation and lockout |
The COP should ensure that:
| 8.5.1. | All energy sources are identified and physically isolated or locked out before entry or work in the confined space is allowed; |
| 8.5.2. | harmful materials and airborne pollutants are identified and confirmed ‘not present’ before entry; |
| 8.5.3. | confined spaces surfaces are cleared prior to entry to remove materials that may fall on, or create a harmful atmosphere for personnel; and |
| 8.5.4. | Only intrinsically safe equipment is used inside confined spaces where flammable or potentially explosive atmospheres are likely. In certain confined spaces (e.g. inside metal tanks) suitable precautions to prevent electric shock must include the use of extra low voltage equipment (typically less than 25 V) and, where necessary, residual current devices. |
The COP should ensure that:
| 8.6.1. | The atmosphere inside a confined space is safe and without risk to health as far as reasonable practicable before entry into and work inside a confined space is allowed. |
| 8.6.2. | Measures are implemented to ensure that a health and safe atmosphere is maintained throughout the entire period of confined space work. |
| 8.6.3. | The concentration of any harmful hazard/s identified in the atmosphere of the confined space is less than 5% of its lower explosive limit (LEL), so far as is reasonably practicable. If it is not reasonably practicable, and the concentration of any harmful hazard/s identified in the atmosphere of the confined space: |
| (a) | Is equal to or greater than 5% but less than 10% of its LEL—the employer must ensure that any worker is immediately removed from the space unless a suitably calibrated, continuous-monitoring flammable gas detector is used in the confined space; or |
| (b) | Is equal to or greater than 10% of its LEL—the employer must ensure that any worker is immediately removed from the confined space. |
| 8.6.4. | Where a flammable atmosphere may exist in a confined space and there is a risk of fire and explosion, all ignition sources in the vicinity must be controlled. |
| 8.7. | Atmosphere testing and monitoring |
The COP should ensure that:
| 8.7.1. | The atmosphere inside a confined space is tested prior to entering for relevant harmful,flammable substances and oxygen content. The testing may require specialized instrumentation to checking all extremities of the confined space without physically getting into the confined space (telescopic rod, vacuum pump, probe/hose). |
| 8.7.2. | Atmospheric monitoring is conducted by a competent person. |
| 8.7.3. | Monitoring requirements, e.g. frequency, are detailed on the confined space entry permit. |
| 8.7.4. | Atmospheric monitoring results are recorded on the confined space entry permit and be available at the entry point to the confined space. |
| 8.7.5. | If atmospheric monitoring cannot confirm a safe environment prior to entry, then personnel must not enter the confined space until further controls are implemented and the working atmosphere becoming safe for entry and work. |
| 8.7.6. | Atmospheric testing equipment have a current and valid calibration certificate. A bump test should be conducted before each day’s use in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. |
| 8.8.1. | The COP should ensure that where the risk assessment has identified the need for ventilation, then this must be covered by a documented procedure approved by a 12.1 Appointee. |
| 8.8.2. | If the maintenance of a safe oxygen level in a confined space is dependent on mechanical ventilation, equipment shall: |
| (a) | Be continuously monitored while the confined space is occupied; and |
| (b) | Have the control (include remote power supply) clearly identified, tagged and manned to guard against unauthorised interference. |
| 8.9. | Standby person/control attendant |
The COP should ensure that a standby person/control attendant is utilised for Confined Space work.
| 8.9.1. | The standby person/control attendant must: |
| 8.9.1.1. | Be trained and competent to undertake standby duties; |
| 8.9.1.2. | Be present at the entry/exit point at all times while personnel are in the confined space; |
| 8.9.1.3. | Not engage in any other work activity or task; |
| 8.9.1.4. | Control and record the movement of personnel into and exiting the confined space; |
| 8.9.1.5. | Be able to communicate with personnel inside the confined space and with key/rescue personnel at all times; |
| 8.9.1.6. | Not enter the confined space, even in an emergency; and |
| 8.9.1.7. | Knowledgeable about the rescue plan. |
| 8.10. | Personal protective equipment |
The COP should ensure that:
| 8.10.1. | Where it is not reasonably practicable to ensure the confined space contains a safe oxygen level, or safe levels of airborne contaminants, the employer shall ensure that: |
| (a) | Every person required to enter the confined space is provided with: |
| (i) | Appropriate respiratory protective equipment (RPE) which would render sufficient protection against the contaminant encountered. |
| (ii) | Where there is the risk of asphyxiation, the entrants are provided with self-contained breathing apparatus. Space other personal protective equipment to protect them from any other health or safety hazards which may be encountered in the confined space. |
| (b) | Where employees are required to make use of full body harnesses when working inside a confined space, lifelines must be attached to the harnesses and should run back to a point outside the confined space. |
The COP should ensure that:
| 8.11.1. | The employer shall ensure that a system of work is provided that would: |
| 8.11.2. | Enable adequate and effective communication: |
| (a) | Between involved role players outside the confined space; |
| (b) | Between those inside the confined space; |
| (c) | Between those inside the confined space and those outside; and |
| (d) | To summon help in case of an emergency. |
| 8.12. | Entry and exit procedures |
The COP should ensure that:
| 8.12.1. | The employer shall ensure that a system of work is provided that would keep formal record of confined space entry and exit. |
| 8.13. | Signs and barricading |
The COP should ensure that:
| 8.13.1. | The employer shall ensure that before any work in relation to a confined space starts, a system of work is provided that would ensure that the space is properly barricaded and appropriate signage posted. |
The COP should ensure that:
| 8.14.1. | All employees involved with any work or responsibility in relation to a confined space, directly and indirectly, are made conversant with all requirements in terms of safe entry and work inside the confined space. |
| 8.14.2. | The training provided to relevant workers must be role based and cover appropriate information: |
| (a) | Each person’s specific roles and responsibilities in relation to the confined space; |
| (b) | The nature of all hazards associated with a confined space; |
| (c) | The need for, and appropriate use of, risk control measures; |
| (d) | The selection, use, fit, testing and storage of any personal protective equipment; |
| (e) | The contents of any relevant confined space entry permit, and |
| (f) | Emergency and rescue procedures. |
| 8.15. | Maintenance of control measures |
The COP should ensure that:
| 8.15.1. | The employer shall ensure that a system of work is provided for the inspection and maintenance of control measures as an integral part of the safe system of work. Maintenance may involve visual checks, inspections, testing of equipment, preventative maintenance and remedial work. Equipment that should be regularly inspected include: |
| (a) | Atmospheric testing and sampling equipment; |
| (b) | Personal protective equipment including respirators; |
| (c) | Ventilation equipment; |
| (d) | Safety harness and lines; and |
| (e) | emergency and rescue equipment. |
| 8.16. | Confined space rescue plan |
The COP should ensure that:
| 8.16.1. | A task specific Confined Space Rescue Plan are developed by competent personnel that identifies the methods by which a rescue will be initiated, and personnel will be extracted from the Confined Space in the event of an emergency. |
| 8.16.2. | The plan must include details of the specific equipment required to be in place prior to entry and the location / number of rescue personnel to be available. |
| 8.16.3. | Rescuers shall be trained, fit to carry out their task and capable of using any equipment provided for rescue, e.g. breathing apparatus, lifelines, fire-fighting equipment. |
The COP should ensure that:
| 8.17.1. | Every employee required to enter or work in a confined space is assessed and declared medically fit by an occupational medical practitioner, specifically for work in a confined space. The occupational medical practitioner shall take into account all potential hazards such as physical, chemical and psychological stresses (not limited to) associated with work in a confined space. |
The COP should ensure that any confined space related documents/records are kept at the mine and made readily available.
The COP should ensure that:
| 8.19.1. | The mine’s confined space procedure, risk assessment, entry permit and control measures are review and if necessary revise at appropriate intervals: |
| (a) | When there is any reason to believe that entry and work is not safe; |
| (b) | Any facet of the system is not applicable any more; |
| (c) | Control measures do not minimise the risk as far as is reasonably practicable; |
| (d) | Before a change at the workplace that is likely to give rise to a new or different health and safety risk that the control measure may not effectively control; |
| (e) | If a new hazard or risk is identified; |
| (f) | If the results of consultation indicate that a review is necessary; |
| (g) | If a health and safety representative requests a review; |
| (h) | After an incident occurred, and |
| (i) | At least every 24 months. |
