Employers

As an employer, you have a general duty to make your workplace safe, as well as the following duties in relation to confined spaces.

You must identify hazards associated with work in any confined spaces at your workplace and eliminate any risk involved

If it’s not reasonably practicable to eliminate the risk, you must reduce the risk, as far as reasonably practicable, taking into account:

• the nature of the confined space
• the oxygen level or contaminants within the space
• the work required to be done in the space
• any work done outside of the space that could increase the risk
• the entries and exits
• emergency procedures required.

You have specific obligations to:

• isolate plant and services during work in a confined space
• ensure a safe atmosphere in the confined space and provide personal protective equipment including respirators
• prevent fires or explosions and control the presence of flammable gases or vapours
• have signage and procedures for entry and exit
• put in place emergency procedures
• have entry permits
• ensure continuous communication (e.g. standby person).

Information, training and instruction must be given to employees and any standby persons in relation to work in confined spaces.

You must review (and, where necessary, revise) your risk controls if things change and your controls are no longer adequate or at the request of a health and safety representative.

You must also consult employees and health and safety representatives when identifying hazards and deciding on control measures. For more information, see consultation.

View the regulations

If your worker has a work-related injury or illness, you have duties under the Accident Compensation Act, one of which is to ensure their safe return to work. The employer's obligations include:

• appoint a return to work coordinator,
• develop and implement a return to work plan, and
• support and monitor your worker when they return to work.