What atmospheric tests are required before confined space entry?

Before entering a confined space, atmospheric testing must confirm safe levels for oxygen (O₂, between 19.5% and 23.5%), flammable gases (LEL, below 5% of the lower explosive limit), carbon monoxide (CO, below 30 ppm TWA), and hydrogen sulphide (H₂S, below 10 ppm TWA). Additional gases may need to be tested depending on the space and the work being performed (e.g. nitrogen dioxide, ammonia, chlorine). Testing must be conducted from outside the space before entry, using calibrated instruments operated by a competent person. Continuous atmospheric monitoring during the work is required where there is a risk of the atmosphere changing.

Who can issue a confined space permit?

A confined space entry permit must be issued by a competent person who has the knowledge, training and experience to assess the risks of the confined space and verify that all controls are in place. Under Australian WHS Regulations, the PCBU (person conducting a business or undertaking) must ensure the permit system is established and maintained. Typically, the permit issuer is a site supervisor, safety officer or person specifically trained and authorised to issue confined space permits. The entry supervisor (who may be the same person) oversees the entry and ensures the permit conditions are maintained throughout the work.

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Free confined space entry permit (PDF-ready). Atmospheric testing, gas results, standby person, rescue gear, ventilation and isolation. Download free.

Last updated: 2026-02-21

Jarrod Milford

Commercial Director

Updated 21 February 2026

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What is a confined space entry permit?

A confined space entry permit is a formal authorisation document used to confirm that all safety controls are in place before workers enter a confined space. Under Australian WHS Regulations, a confined space is an enclosed or partially enclosed area not designed or intended for continuous human occupancy, with limited or restricted entry and exit, and where there may be a hazardous atmosphere, risk of engulfment, or other danger to health and safety. The permit records the space details, reason for entry, personnel (entrants, standby person, entry supervisor), pre-entry checklist covering isolation, ventilation, atmospheric testing, rescue plan and communication, atmospheric monitoring results, and is formally closed out when all entrants have exited and the space is secured.

Benefits of using this confined space entry permit

Systematic risk control: confirm every critical safety control is in place before anyone enters the space.
Regulatory compliance: meet WHS Regulation requirements for confined space entry permits and demonstrate due diligence.
Atmospheric safety: the permit prompts mandatory gas testing and recording of results before and during entry.
Rescue readiness: verify that a rescue plan, trained standby person and rescue equipment are in place before entry.
Accountability: the permit records who issued it, who entered, and who is standing by, creating clear lines of responsibility.
Audit trail: a completed and closed-out permit provides documented evidence for safety audits and incident investigations.

Benefits of digitising forms in MapTrack

When you move your permits from paper to MapTrack, you get:

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Automatically get alerts when faults are identified.
Link every form digitally as a PDF to the relevant asset, location or person.
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Build conditional logic (show or hide questions based on answers).
Take pictures or attach photos. Not possible with a paper-based form.
Electronic signatures.
Edit forms later without reprinting.
Restrict permissions (who can view, complete or approve).
Build forms with AI (describe what you need and MapTrack suggests the form).
Escalate critical hazards instantly to safety managers via push notification.
Maintain an auditable safety register that satisfies WHS regulator requests.
Correlate incident trends across sites with built-in safety analytics.

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What to include in a confined space entry permit

This confined space entry permit covers 8 key areas:

Permit details: permit number, date, valid from/to, site or location.
Confined space details: space name/ID, type, reason for entry, estimated duration.
Personnel: entrant names, standby person, entry supervisor.
Pre-entry checklist (P/F/N/A): risk assessment completed, SWMS reviewed, space isolated (mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic), lockout/tagout verified, space cleaned/purged, ventilation in place, atmospheric testing completed, communication system established, rescue plan in place, rescue equipment available (tripod, winch, harness, breathing apparatus), signage and barriers in place, emergency contacts displayed, all entrants briefed.
Atmospheric monitoring table: time, O₂%, LEL%, CO ppm, H₂S ppm, other, tested by.
Continuous monitoring: yes/no indicator.
Entry authorisation: permit issuer, entry supervisor, standby person signatures.
Permit close-out: all personnel exited, space secured, permit cancelled, signed off.

How to use this confined space entry permit

Complete the permit details - permit number, date, validity period, site and confined space identification.
List all personnel - entrants, standby person and entry supervisor.
Work through the pre-entry checklist. Confirm isolation, ventilation, atmospheric testing, rescue plan and communication. Mark Pass, Fail or N/A for each item. Do not authorise entry if any critical item fails.
Conduct atmospheric testing and record results in the monitoring table. Confirm all readings are within safe limits before entry.
The permit issuer, entry supervisor and standby person sign to authorise entry.
When the work is complete, close out the permit - confirm all personnel have exited, the space is secured, and sign off.

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How often should you complete this permit?

A new confined space entry permit must be issued for each entry or re-entry into a confined space. The permit is valid only for the duration, space and scope of work described. A new permit is required when the task changes, when conditions change (e.g. atmospheric readings deteriorate), when personnel change, or at the start of each new shift. If entrants exit the space and conditions may have changed, atmospheric testing must be repeated and a new permit issued before re-entry. The permit should be closed out as soon as all entrants have exited and the space is secured. Never allow entry on an expired or closed permit.

Frequently asked questions

What is a confined space entry permit?: A confined space entry permit is a formal document that authorises specific workers to enter a confined space after confirming that all safety controls - atmospheric testing, isolation, ventilation, rescue plan and communication - are in place. Under Australian WHS Regulations, a confined space is an enclosed or partially enclosed area that is not designed for continuous human occupancy, has limited entry and exit, and may have a hazardous atmosphere, engulfment risk or other danger. The permit records the space details, personnel (entrants, standby person, entry supervisor), pre-entry checklist, atmospheric monitoring results, and is formally closed out when all entrants have exited and the space is secured.
What atmospheric tests are required before confined space entry?: Before entering a confined space, atmospheric testing must confirm safe levels for oxygen (O₂, between 19.5% and 23.5%), flammable gases (LEL, below 5% of the lower explosive limit), carbon monoxide (CO, below 30 ppm TWA), and hydrogen sulphide (H₂S, below 10 ppm TWA). Additional gases may need to be tested depending on the space and the work being performed (e.g. nitrogen dioxide, ammonia, chlorine). Testing must be conducted from outside the space before entry, using calibrated instruments operated by a competent person. Continuous atmospheric monitoring during the work is required where there is a risk of the atmosphere changing.
Who can issue a confined space permit?: A confined space entry permit must be issued by a competent person who has the knowledge, training and experience to assess the risks of the confined space and verify that all controls are in place. Under Australian WHS Regulations, the PCBU (person conducting a business or undertaking) must ensure the permit system is established and maintained. Typically, the permit issuer is a site supervisor, safety officer or person specifically trained and authorised to issue confined space permits. The entry supervisor (who may be the same person) oversees the entry and ensures the permit conditions are maintained throughout the work.

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