Sch 3National standards for confined spaces

Schedule 3—National standards for confined spaces

 

Division 1—Preliminary

Note: Under subsection 109(1) of the Act, if the Minister approves a code of practice for confined spaces, it can be used to provide practical guidance to operators.

1  Objects of Schedule 3

  The object of this Schedule is to minimise risks to the health of persons working in confined spaces on prescribed ships or prescribed units.

2  Definitions for Schedule 3

 (1) In this Schedule:

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 the person 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 one 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, gas or biological matter or another 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.