Free confined space risk assessment

• The MapTrack confined space risk assessment contains 17 checks across 3 sections. Sections covered: Atmospheric Hazards, Physical Hazards, Biological Hazards.
• Confined space identification: space name, asset ID, type (tank, pit, sewer, vessel, silo, duct), location and physical dimensions.
• Assessment details: date, competent assessor name, qualifications, scope of work to be performed inside the space.
• Previous entry history: records of prior entries, known hazards, previous atmospheric test results and any incidents.

Learn more about compliance and inspections in MapTrack.

• Systematic hazard identification: work through every confined space hazard category so that nothing is overlooked before entry begins.
• Regulatory compliance: meet the mandatory risk assessment requirement under WHS Regulations 2017 Part 4.3 and align with AS 2865:2009.
• Evidence-based permits: the completed risk assessment provides the justification for every control listed on the entry permit.
• Rescue planning foundation: identify the specific rescue scenarios that could arise and ensure the rescue plan addresses each one.
• Competency record: document the competent person who conducted the assessment and the information they relied on.
• Continuous improvement: reviewing completed assessments over time reveals recurring hazards and helps refine standard operating procedures for frequently entered spaces.

• Confined space identification: space name, asset ID, type (tank, pit, sewer, vessel, silo, duct), location and physical dimensions.
• Assessment details: date, competent assessor name, qualifications, scope of work to be performed inside the space.
• Previous entry history: records of prior entries, known hazards, previous atmospheric test results and any incidents.
• Atmospheric hazards: potential for oxygen deficiency or enrichment, flammable gases or vapours (LEL), toxic gases (CO, H2S, NH3, SO2), airborne dust or particulates.
• Physical hazards: engulfment risk from stored materials, entrapment from internal configuration, mechanical or electrical energy sources, temperature extremes, noise, poor lighting.
• Biological hazards: bacterial or viral contamination, vermin, sewage or organic decomposition.
• Risk rating matrix: likelihood and consequence assessment for each hazard before and after controls are applied.
• Control measures: elimination, substitution, isolation, engineering controls (ventilation, lighting), administrative controls (permits, procedures, training), PPE selection.
• Atmospheric monitoring plan: pre-entry testing requirements, continuous monitoring during entry, alarm set points, gas detector calibration status.
• Rescue plan summary: rescue method (self-rescue, non-entry rescue, entry rescue), rescue equipment, trained rescue personnel, communication with standby person.
• Sign-off: assessor signature, date, review date, and any conditions or limitations.

1. Gather information about the confined space before visiting the site.

   Review drawings, specifications, previous risk assessments, maintenance records, atmospheric test history and any incident reports for the space. Identify what the space normally contains, what processes connect to it and what residues may remain. This desktop review ensures the site inspection is targeted and thorough.

2. Inspect the confined space and its surroundings to identify all hazards.

   Visit the space and examine the entry and exit points, internal configuration, connected pipework, adjacent processes, ventilation openings and the surrounding environment. Look for evidence of residues, corrosion, biological growth, vermin, standing water and restricted movement. Record every hazard observed.

3. Assess the risk for each hazard using a likelihood and consequence matrix.

   For each hazard, evaluate the likelihood of harm occurring (rare, unlikely, possible, likely, almost certain) and the potential consequence (insignificant, minor, moderate, major, catastrophic). Multiply or cross-reference to produce a risk rating. This pre-control rating establishes the baseline risk.

4. Determine control measures for each hazard following the hierarchy of controls.

   Prioritise elimination (can the work be done without entry?), then substitution, isolation, engineering controls (forced ventilation, lighting, mechanical retrieval), administrative controls (permits, procedures, competent persons, time limits) and PPE. Record each control and the responsible person. Re-rate the risk with controls in place to confirm it is reduced so far as reasonably practicable.

5. Define the atmospheric monitoring and rescue plan based on the identified hazards.

   Specify which gases must be tested, the acceptable ranges (e.g. O2 19.5 to 23.5%, LEL below 5%, CO below 30 ppm, H2S below 10 ppm), whether continuous monitoring is required, and the alarm set points. Document the rescue method, equipment, personnel and communication protocol. The rescue plan must address every foreseeable rescue scenario identified in the assessment.

6. Sign off the assessment and communicate findings to all personnel involved in the entry.

   The competent assessor signs the completed risk assessment with the date and any review conditions. Brief the entry supervisor, entrants and standby person on the identified hazards, controls, monitoring requirements and rescue plan before issuing the entry permit. Attach the risk assessment to the entry permit as a supporting document.

Practical answers about the form, record keeping and using MapTrack.

This form is a starting point. Check the current requirements that apply to your equipment, work and location. The form alone does not establish compliance.

• AS 2865:2009 - Confined spaces
• WHS Regulations 2017 Chapter 4 Part 4.3 - Confined spaces
• WHS Act 2011 s 19 - Primary duty of care
• AS/NZS ISO 31000:2018 - Risk management guidelines

• Model WHS Regulations (Safe Work Australia)
• Model Work Health and Safety Act (Safe Work Australia)
• ISO 31000:2018, Risk management guidelines (ISO catalogue)

MapTrack publishes this template. The linked authorities publish their own guidance; they haven't endorsed this form.

• Confined space entry permit
• Risk assessment template
• Site induction (contractor) checklist
• Safety inspection checklist
• Toolbox talk template
• Incident report form
• Gas detector calibration log
• Compliance and inspections
• Safety compliance
• Pricing