Latest news
Work in Confined Spaces
Standards Australia’s Committee for Work in Confined Spaces (SF-037) is currently undertaking a revision of AS/NZS 2865, Safe Working in a confined space and has recently met to discuss the comments received during the public review period.
A criticism of the current standard has been the difficulty in using the definition of a confined space. It has become clear that a major factor in deciding whether a space is a confined space or not, is whether the atmosphere can be controlled. The definition now clearly reflects this factor.
Some spaces will always be a confined space. Other spaces can be significantly altered as a result of the work to be performed and may no longer be a confined space. As the work progresses, the space may revert to being a confined space.
Training requirements for confined space entry has also been reviewed. The emphasis is now on role-based training and setting competencies for each role in an entry team. In order for a specific role to be classed as competent, knowledge of the role requirements must be demonstrated. When the required competence can no longer be demonstrated, retraining becomes necessary.
This Standard is expected to be published in the last quarter of 2006.
To stay up to date and view a full list of drafts for comment visit www.standards.org.au
Standards Australia’s project managers’ facilitate committees comprised of experts representing a broad cross section of industry and the community, such as governments, industry bodies, trade and professional associations, academia and consumer groups.
Standards Australia is recognized by the government as Australia’s peak standards body. It develops Australian Standards of public benefit and national interest and supports excellence in design and innovation.