Confined Space Permits

What is this?

A Confined Space Permit is a formal safety control document required before any worker can enter a confined space. It ensures that atmospheric risks, communication methods, and emergency procedures have been assessed and controlled prior to entry.

When to use this?

Use this whenever work is scheduled to take place in a confined space (e.g., tanks, pits, trenches, pipes, or silos). The permit must be completed, authorized, and active while the work is being performed, and closed immediately upon completion.

Why this works this way

Confined space entry is one of the categories of High Risk Construction Work (HRCW) under the WHS Regulations, which is why a formal, authorised permit — not just a verbal go-ahead — is required before entry, and why the app won’t let you skip straight to “active” without gas test results and a risk assessment.

This is general information, not legal advice — confirm specific requirements with your WHS advisor or the current legislation for your jurisdiction.

Prerequisites

• Must have the Admin, Safety Manager, or Supervisor role to authorize or close permits.
• Gas test results and risk assessments must be completed prior to activation.

Step-by-Step Guide

Reviewing and Authorizing a Permit

1. Navigate to Permits > Confined Space and Select a pending permit.
2. Review the Risk Summary (Hazard Type, Risk Level, Gas Test Result).
3. Verify the Personnel assigned (Entry Authoriser, Standby Person, Entrants).
4. Check the Safety Measures (Ventilation Required, Communication Method, Continuous Monitoring, PPE Required).
5. If all controls are satisfactory, Click Activate Permit.

Closing a Permit

1. Once work is complete and all entrants have exited the confined space, open the active permit.
2. Scroll to the Close Permit section.
3. Fill in the Closure Notes (e.g., Work completed successfully, final atmospheric test results).
4. Click Close Permit.

Troubleshooting & FAQs

• Q: Can I add entrants while the permit is active? A: Standard procedure requires all entrants to be listed before authorization. Any changes to the work party may require the permit to be cancelled and re-issued.
• Q: What happens if I click Cancel? A: Cancelling a permit marks it as void. You should provide a reason in the closure notes if possible. Use this if the work is postponed or if conditions become unsafe before entry.