Free confined space entry permit
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Free confined space entry permit (PDF-ready). Atmospheric testing, gas results, standby person, rescue gear, ventilation and isolation. Download free.
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See the first part of the confined space entry permit below. Download the full version above.
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.
Confined space incidents are among the most dangerous workplace events in Australia because conditions can change rapidly and rescue is inherently difficult. A well-completed permit ensures that every critical safety control has been verified before any person enters the space, and that a clear rescue plan is in place if something goes wrong. Safe Work Australia data shows that confined space fatalities often involve would-be rescuers who enter without proper preparation, reinforcing the need for a rigorous, documented permit process before every entry.
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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:
- Field users can easily scan a QR code to complete a form on mobile. Unlimited users.
- Automatically get alerts when faults are identified.
- Link every form digitally as a PDF to the relevant asset, location or person.
- Receive a digital PDF copy with every submission to your email.
- Ability to share forms digitally.
- 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.: Assign a unique permit number for traceability. Record the exact start and finish times the permit is valid for. Identify the confined space by name, asset ID or location reference so there is no ambiguity about which space is being entered.
- List all personnel - entrants, standby person and entry supervisor.: Record the full name and role of every person involved. The standby person must remain at the entry point for the entire duration and must not enter the space. The entry supervisor is responsible for cancelling the permit if conditions change.
- 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.: Verify that all mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic energy sources are isolated and locked out. Confirm ventilation is running and effective. Check that rescue equipment is staged at the entry point and the communication system has been tested between the entrant and standby person.
- Conduct atmospheric testing and record results in the monitoring table. Confirm all readings are within safe limits before entry.: Use a calibrated four-gas detector to test oxygen, LEL, CO and H2S from outside the space before anyone enters. Record each reading with the time, location within the space and the name of the tester. Continuous monitoring is required if the atmosphere may change during the work.
- The permit issuer, entry supervisor and standby person sign to authorise entry.: Each signature confirms that the signatory has personally verified the controls relevant to their role. The permit issuer confirms all pre-entry conditions are met. Do not allow entry until all required signatures are obtained.
- When the work is complete, close out the permit - confirm all personnel have exited, the space is secured, and sign off.: Conduct a head count to confirm every entrant has exited the space. Remove all tools and equipment. Replace covers, guards or barriers. Cancel the permit with signatures and time, then file the closed permit for audit records.
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Back to download formHow 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.
Under WHS Regulations 2011 (Chapter 4, Part 4.3) and AS 2865, the PCBU must ensure that a confined space entry permit system is established and maintained for every confined space under their control. Safe Work Australia's Code of Practice for Confined Spaces recommends that permits be reviewed at minimum every eight hours for ongoing work, and that atmospheric monitoring records be retained alongside each permit. Organisations operating across multiple sites should standardise their permit format and review cycle to ensure consistency and audit readiness.
Frequently asked questions
Applicable regulatory standards
This template aligns with the following regulations and standards:
- AS 2865 - Confined spaces
- WHS Regulations 2011 - Chapter 4, Part 4.3 (confined spaces)
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146 - Permit-required confined spaces
- Safe Work Australia Code of Practice: Confined spaces
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