Do I need a SWMS for all confined space entry?

SWMS are required for all high-risk construction work under safety laws in every state and territory. High risk construction work can include work in a confined space. First we must classify the task as construction work.

Construction work is typically defined as “work performed in connection with the construction, alteration, conversion, fitting out, commissioning, renovation, refurbishment, decommissioning, or demolition of any building or structure, or any similar activity.”

Work where you enter a confined space to undertake a routine inspection, sampling or cleaning, outside of construction project is not defined as high-risk construction work.

A permit to work is always required under the law for confined space entry and this usually requires the provision of a work procedure which for non-routine tasks will likely be a SWMS or JSA (is there a difference between a SWMS/JSA – see our previous article here. )

In summary;

·         If your confined space entry is not part of construction work and is routine work with a work procedure, and you complete a permit to work for entry, then you do not require a SWMS.

·         If it is non-routine work then you require a permit and evidence of work procedure, which may be a SWMS.

·         If it is part of construction work then yes a SWMS, in compliance with state regulations, is required.

Note: the regulations require addition controls for confined space entry not covered by this article.