Confined Spaces Risk Control Measures Quiz

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What must be done if the hazards, tasks or circumstances in confined spaces are different?

A risk assessment must be carried out on individual confined spaces.

What can be used as a record of the risk assessment?

A confined space entry permit.

What is the hierarchy of control measures for managing certain risks?

It ranks control measures from the highest level of protection and reliability to the lowest.

What must be done if eliminating the hazards and associated risks is not reasonably practicable?

The risk must be minimised by one or more of the following: substitution, isolation, engineering controls. Signup and view all the answers

What must a PCBU consider when managing risks associated with a confined space?

All relevant matters, including whether the work can be carried out without entering the confined space, the nature of the confined space, the work to be carried out, and the type of emergency procedures required. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first question that should be asked when managing risks associated with a confined space?

Whether the work can be carried out without entering the confined space. Signup and view all the answers

What are some examples of how work could be carried out without entering a confined space?

Installing fixed or temporary cleaning devices, using remote cameras or mirrors for inspection, using remotely operated devices to clear blockages, and retrieving objects with tools on strings or poles. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the concentration of oxygen or airborne contaminants in a confined space?

It is a significant contributor to the risk of working in a confined space. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of air monitoring in confined spaces and when is it necessary to conduct it?

The purpose of air monitoring in confined spaces is to determine the airborne concentration of substances and ensure that the air is safe to breathe. It is necessary to conduct air monitoring when it is uncertain whether the airborne concentration exceeds the relevant exposure standard or to determine whether there is a risk to health. Signup and view all the answers

Who should carry out air monitoring in confined spaces and what equipment should they use?

Air monitoring in confined spaces should be carried out by a competent person using a suitable, correctly calibrated gas detector. Signup and view all the answers

Why should a person's senses never be used to determine if the air in a confined space is safe?

Many toxic or flammable gases and unsafe oxygen levels cannot be detected using one's senses. Signup and view all the answers

What factors should be considered when conducting atmospheric testing in confined spaces and how should it be carried out?

Each part of the confined space should be tested, side to side and top to bottom, using a sufficient number of points to accurately reflect areas of the space that are likely to be accessed. Lighter gases may be vented into the breathing zone of the person conducting the tests. Some gases may be dissolved in liquids and released when the liquid is disturbed or a crust over the liquid is broken, so it may be necessary to agitate liquids before monitoring. Signup and view all the answers

What factors should be considered when undertaking a risk assessment to determine the risks requiring control in a confined space?

The risk of engulfment of a person, the number of persons occupying the space, the soundness and security of the overall structure and the need for lighting and visibility, the identity and nature of the substances last contained in the confined space, any risk control measures needed to bring the confined space to atmospheric pressure, the number of persons required outside the space, risks associated with other hazards, such as noise or electricity, arrangements for emergency response, etc. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of atmospheric testing and monitoring in a confined space?

To determine appropriate control measures for confined spaces. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Code of Practice mentioned in the text?

Code of Practice: How to manage work health and safety risks. Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the additional risk control measures that may be needed in a confined space?

To maintain equipment essential for the task being undertaken within the confined space, to provide continuous communication with the persons within the confined space, and to properly initiate emergency response procedures; prohibiting hot work in adjacent areas; prohibiting smoking and naked flames within the confined space and adjacent areas; avoiding contamination of breathing air from operations or sources outside the confined space; prohibiting movement of equipment in adjacent areas, for example forklifts; prohibiting spark-generating equipment, clothing and footwear. Signup and view all the answers

What is a confined space entry permit and what is its purpose?

A confined space entry permit is a formal check to ensure all elements of a safe system of work are in place before people are allowed to enter the confined space. Its purpose is to ensure the PCBU has checked and authorized the entry to the confined space and it is safe to proceed. Signup and view all the answers

Who can issue a confined space entry permit and what qualifications are required?

A competent person can issue a confined space entry permit, and they must have acquired through training, qualification, or experience the knowledge and skills to carry out the task. Signup and view all the answers

What information must be included in a confined space entry permit?

The permit must specify the confined space to which it relates, record the names of persons permitted to enter the confined space and the period of time that the work in the space will be carried out, set out risk control measures based on the risk assessment, and contain space for an acknowledgement that work in the confined space has been completed and all persons have left the space. Signup and view all the answers

How long must a copy of a confined space entry permit be kept, and why?

A copy of the permit must be kept at least until the work is completed or, if a notifiable incident occurs, for at least two years after the confined space work to which the permit relates is completed. This is to ensure that there is a record of the safety measures taken and the persons who entered the confined space. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of conducting a risk assessment for confined spaces and who should conduct it?

The purpose of conducting a risk assessment for confined spaces is to assess health and safety risks associated with the identified hazards. It must be conducted by a competent person and be recorded in writing. Signup and view all the answers

When is a risk assessment not required for hazards with well established control measures?

If after identifying a hazard you already know the risk and how to control it effectively, a risk assessment is not required. Signup and view all the answers

What are some circumstances where a risk assessment for hazards is necessary?

A risk assessment for hazards is necessary to identify which workers are at risk of exposure, determine what sources and processes are causing the risk, identify if and what kind of control measures should be implemented, and check the effectiveness of existing control measures. Signup and view all the answers

What must a PCBU take into account to manage risk and ensure a risk assessment is carried out by a competent person for confined spaces?

To manage risk and ensure a risk assessment is carried out by a competent person for confined spaces, a PCBU must take into account all relevant matters, including whether the work can be carried out without the need to enter the confined space, the nature of the confined space, if the hazard is associated with the concentration of oxygen or the concentration of airborne contaminants in the confined space, any change that may occur in that concentration, the work required to be carried out in the confined space, the range of methods by which the work can be carried out and the proposed method of working, and the type of emergency procedures, including rescue procedures, required. Signup and view all the answers

What are the specific risk control measures for managing risks in confined spaces according to the WHS Regulation?

The specific risk control measures for managing risks in confined spaces according to the WHS Regulation include ensuring a safe level of oxygen in the atmosphere of the space, purging or ventilating any contaminant, using gas mixture with oxygen concentration not exceeding 21%, and conducting air monitoring. Signup and view all the answers

What are the specific control measures for risks associated with work in confined spaces in certain circumstances according to the WHS Regulation?

The specific control measures for risks associated with work in confined spaces in certain circumstances according to the WHS Regulation include not introducing ignition sources, ensuring the concentration of flammable gas is less than 5% of the LEL, eliminating risks associated with the introduction of any substance or condition into the space, and implementing a system of work with communication with the worker from outside the space and monitoring of conditions within the space by a stand-by person. Signup and view all the answers

What should work processes in confined spaces aim to achieve according to the text?

Work processes in confined spaces should aim to minimise the release of harmful airborne contaminants into the space, reduce the time spent in the space or the number of people entering the space, and eliminate the risk of engulfment. Signup and view all the answers

What should be considered when using PPE in confined spaces according to the text?

When using PPE in confined spaces, risks associated with the weight or discomfort of protective clothing and hearing protection should be considered. Signup and view all the answers

What are some potential hazards to workers entering or exiting a confined space located near footpaths or roads?

Traffic hazards, as there is potential for workers to be struck and injured by vehicle traffic. Signup and view all the answers

What additional physiological and psychological demands may be imposed on workers when working in a confined space?

Additional physiological and psychological demands may include a worker's physical ability, ability to work in a restrictive space (such as claustrophobia), and ability to wear the required PPE (such as respirators). Signup and view all the answers

What information can a risk assessment help determine in regards to confined spaces?

A risk assessment can help determine the severity of a risk, the effectiveness of any existing control measures, what action should be taken to control the risk, and how urgently the action needs to be taken. Signup and view all the answers

What is the hierarchy of control measures and when should it be applied?

The hierarchy ranks control measures from the highest level of protection and reliability to the lowest. It should be applied when managing certain risks, but can be applied to any risk. Signup and view all the answers

What are the four types of control measures that can be used to minimise risk in confined spaces?

The four types of control measures are: elimination, substitution, isolation, and engineering controls. If risk remains, administrative controls and personal protective equipment (PPE) must be used. Signup and view all the answers

What are some hazards to consider when working outside a confined space?

The hazards to consider when working outside a confined space include the risk of falling in vertical openings, traffic hazards, contamination of the atmosphere, and potential for fire or explosion. Signup and view all the answers

What additional physiological and psychological demands may be imposed on workers in a confined space?

Working in a confined space may impose additional physiological and psychological demands over and above those encountered in a normal working environment. Consideration should be given to a worker’s physical ability, ability to work in a restrictive space (for example claustrophobia), and ability to wear the PPE required to do the work (for example respirators). Signup and view all the answers

When is a single risk assessment for a class of confined spaces appropriate?

A single risk assessment may be carried out for a class of confined spaces only if all of the hazards, tasks, and circumstances covered by the risk assessment are the same. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a confined space entry permit?

A confined space entry permit may be used as a record of the risk assessment for the confined space, and to ensure that all necessary precautions have been taken before entry. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of conducting a risk assessment for confined spaces?

A risk assessment involves considering what could happen if someone is exposed to a hazard and the likelihood of it happening. A risk assessment can help determine how severe a risk is, whether any existing control measures are effective, what action should be taken to control the risk, and how urgently the action needs to be taken. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a confined space risk assessment and who should conduct it?

The purpose of a confined space risk assessment is to identify and manage risks associated with hazards in the confined space. A competent person must conduct the risk assessment. Signup and view all the answers

What must a PCBU take into account when managing risks associated with a confined space?

To manage risk and ensure a risk assessment is carried out by a competent person, a PCBU must take into account factors such as the nature of the confined space, the work required to be carried out, and the type of emergency procedures required. Signup and view all the answers

What circumstances would require a formal risk assessment for a hazard, even if control measures are already established?

If the hazard poses an unknown risk or if the effectiveness of existing control measures is uncertain, a formal risk assessment may be necessary. Signup and view all the answers

What are some potential consequences of hazards in confined spaces, and why must control measures be established?

Hazards in confined spaces can cause harm ranging from minor discomfort to serious injury or death. Control measures must be established to manage these risks and ensure the safety of workers. Signup and view all the answers

What are some potential risk control measures that may be needed in a confined space, aside from atmospheric testing and monitoring?

Prohibiting hot work and smoking, avoiding contamination of breathing air, providing adequate PPE and emergency equipment, maintaining essential equipment within the space, and providing continuous communication with those inside the space. Signup and view all the answers

What are some factors that should be considered when determining whether purging or cleaning is necessary in a confined space?

The substances that were last contained in the space, whether hot work is necessary, and any conditions that could impede entry, exit, or task performance. Signup and view all the answers

What are some examples of hazards associated with work in confined spaces that should be considered in a risk assessment?

Engulfment of a person, exposure to hazardous substances, risks associated with other hazards like noise or electricity, and physiological and psychological demands of the task. Signup and view all the answers

What should be considered when providing instruction to personnel in a confined space, particularly for non-typical procedures and equipment use?

Adequate instruction should be given on the use and limitations of any required PPE and other equipment, as well as any required procedures that are unusual or non-typical. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a confined space entry permit and what information must it contain?

The purpose of a confined space entry permit is to ensure that all elements of a safe system of work are in place before people enter the confined space. The permit must specify the confined space, record the names of persons permitted to enter and the period of time that work will be carried out, set out risk control measures, and include details about the systems of work. Signup and view all the answers

Who can complete a confined space entry permit on behalf of a PCBU and what qualifications are required?

A competent person who has acquired through training, qualification, or experience the knowledge and skills to carry out the task can complete a confined space entry permit on behalf of a PCBU. Signup and view all the answers

How long must a copy of a confined space entry permit be kept and why?

A copy of the permit must be kept at least until the work is completed or, if a notifiable incident occurs, for at least two years after the confined space work to which the permit relates is completed. This is to ensure that there is a record of the work carried out in case of any incidents or issues that may arise. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of a confined space entry permit in ensuring safety for workers entering a confined space?

A confined space entry permit ensures that all necessary safety measures are in place before workers enter a confined space, and provides a means of communication between site management, supervisors, and those carrying out the work. It also ensures that the PCBU has checked and authorized the entry to the confined space and that it is safe to proceed. Signup and view all the answers

What should be considered when determining if work can be carried out without entering a confined space?

Whether the work can be carried out without the need to enter the confined space, the nature of the confined space, and the type of emergency procedures required. Signup and view all the answers

What are some examples of methods that could be used to carry out work without entering a confined space?

Installing fixed or temporary cleaning devices, using remote cameras or mirrors for inspection, using remotely operated rotating flail devices, vibrators, or air purgers to clear blockages, and using a hook, long-handled clasp, or magnet on a string to retrieve an object. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in managing risks associated with work in a confined space?

To eliminate the need to enter the confined space, if possible. Signup and view all the answers

What factors should be considered when conducting a risk assessment for work in a confined space?

The nature of the space, including entrances and exits, temperature, and lighting; the concentration of oxygen or airborne contaminants; and the work to be carried out in the space. Signup and view all the answers

What is the safe level of oxygen required in a confined space according to the WHS Regulation, and what should be done if this is not reasonably practicable?

The atmosphere of the confined space must have a safe level of oxygen. If this is not reasonably practicable, any worker carrying out work in a space with an oxygen level less than 19.5 per cent by volume must be provided with air supplied respiratory equipment. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to purge or ventilate any contaminant in the atmosphere of a confined space, and what gas mixture should be used for ventilation or purging?

Purging or ventilation of any contaminant in the atmosphere of the space must be carried out, so far as is reasonably practicable. The gas mixture used for ventilation or purging must not have an oxygen concentration exceeding 21 per cent by volume. Signup and view all the answers

What are the specific control measures for risks associated with the introduction of any substance or condition into a confined space from plant or services connected to the space, and what should be done before a person enters a confined space to carry out work?

Risks associated with the introduction of any substance or condition into the space from plant or services connected to the space must be eliminated so far as is reasonably practicable. A person should not enter a confined space to carry out work unless there is a system of work that includes communication with the worker from outside the space and monitoring of conditions within the space by a stand-by person in the vicinity of the space and, if practicable, observing the work being carried out. Signup and view all the answers

What should work processes aim to do when working in a confined space, and what should be considered when using PPE in a confined space?

Work processes should aim to minimise the release of harmful airborne contaminants into the space, reduce the time spent in the space or the number of people that have to enter the space, and eliminate the risk of engulfment. Any risks associated with the use of PPE in a confined space should be considered, such as the weight or discomfort of protective clothing and hearing protection. Signup and view all the answers