Underground Confined Space Entry — Safe Work Method Statement

Entry into underground confined spaces is one of the most comprehensively regulated activities under Australian WHS law. The model WHS Regulations (Part 4.3) impose specific mandatory requirements on the PCBU before any worker enters a confined space: a confined space entry permit must be issued, atmospheric testing must be completed, isolation of all energy sources must be verified, and a rescue plan with dedicated rescue equipment and a standby person must be in place. A SWMS is required in addition to the entry permit wherever confined space entry occurs on a construction site.

A confined space is defined under the WHS Regulations as an enclosed or partially enclosed space that is not designed or intended primarily as a place of work, is at risk of containing a hazardous atmosphere, and has restricted means of entry or exit. Underground pits, manholes, service chambers, and vaults typically meet all three criteria. The hazardous atmosphere risk is the defining danger — oxygen deficiency (below 19.5%), oxygen enrichment (above 23.5%), flammable gas or vapour above 5% of the lower explosive limit, or toxic contaminants above workplace exposure standards can all be immediately life-threatening and can develop without warning.

There are no specific licences required solely for confined space entry work, but workers must be trained and assessed as competent in accordance with the WHS Regulations, and the confined space entry permit must be authorised by a competent person. Gas detection equipment must be calibrated and bump-tested before each entry, and must be rated to detect oxygen levels, combustible gases, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen sulphide as a minimum. Supplied air breathing apparatus (SABA) or SCBA must be available for emergency rescue and should be considered for any entry where the atmosphere cannot be verified as safe.

Customise this template by documenting the specific confined space identifier, the energy isolation and lock-out/tag-out procedure, the atmospheric monitoring readings and action levels, the rescue equipment provided, and the standby person's name and qualifications. The entry permit must be attached to the SWMS and both documents retained on site.

This SWMS applies in all Australian jurisdictions. Victorian users should reference OHS Regulations 2017 Part 5.3 and the WorkSafe Victoria compliance code on confined spaces.