What is a confined space?

Under the model WHS Regulations (reg 5), a confined space is an enclosed or partially enclosed space that is not designed or intended primarily for human occupancy, has a restricted means of entry and exit, and is or is likely to be a risk to health and safety from an atmosphere that does not have a safe oxygen level, from a harmful concentration of an airborne contaminant or flammable gas, or from engulfment. Examples include tanks, silos, pits, sewers, pipes and ducts. A space can be a confined space even if a person can stand up or move around inside it.

Do I need a permit to enter a confined space?

Yes. Under the model WHS Regulations reg 67, a PCBU must ensure a confined space entry permit is issued before any worker enters a confined space. The permit must record the confined space, the names of workers permitted to enter, the period the permit applies, the work to be done and the measures to control risk, and it must provide for atmospheric testing. Entry without a current permit is not permitted.

What must a confined space entry permit cover?

A confined space entry permit covers the space and site, the work to be carried out, the hazards present, the atmospheric test readings and monitoring arrangements, the control measures in place (such as ventilation, purging and isolation of services), the standby person and communication, the emergency and rescue arrangements, the workers authorised to enter, the permit period, and the signatures authorising entry. These reflect the duties in model WHS Regulations regs 67-77 (Part 4.3).

Do I need a standby person for confined space entry?

Yes. The model WHS Regulations require a standby person to be stationed outside the confined space to monitor entrants and initiate emergency procedures. The standby person maintains continuous communication with the workers inside and must not enter the space to attempt a rescue unless it is safe and they are part of a planned, equipped rescue. A documented emergency and rescue plan must be in place before entry.

What atmospheric tests are required before entering a confined space?

Before entry, a competent person must test the atmosphere for oxygen, flammable gases and vapours, and any airborne contaminants relevant to the space. General action limits used to screen the atmosphere are an oxygen concentration of 19.5% to 23.5% by volume, and flammable gas or vapour at or below 5% of the lower explosive limit (% LEL). If a reading is outside the safe range, the space must be ventilated or purged and re-tested before entry. Continuous monitoring may be required while the space is occupied. Set the limits for the specific contaminants present.

Confined Space Entry Permit Builder

Build a confined space entry permit — atmosphere testing, hazards, controls, standby and rescue — under the WHS Regulations Part 4.3.

Last verified: 21 June 2026

Assemble a structured confined space entry permit: the space and work, hazards, atmospheric test readings (oxygen, flammable % LEL, toxic), control measures, standby person, rescue plan, authorised entrants and the permit period — with a built-in DO NOT ENTER check for unsafe readings — then print it or save it as a PDF. Reflects the model WHS Regulations Part 4.3 (regs 67-77); requirements vary by jurisdiction.

This builder produces a general confined space entry permit template under the model WHS Regulations Part 4.3. It is general information, not legal or safety advice, and does not replace a competent person’s risk assessment, your jurisdiction’s requirements or AS 2865. Western Australia and Victoria run their own confined spaces provisions.

Confined space and site

Identify the space, the business responsible and the permit reference.

PCBU / business carrying out the workSite / addressConfined spacePermit number

Work and permit period

Describe the work and the period this permit applies.

Work to be carried outPermit valid fromPermit valid to

Hazards identified

List the hazards in and around the space, one per line, from your risk assessment.

Atmospheric testing

Enter the readings taken by a competent person before entry. Safe ranges: oxygen 19.5–23.5%, flammable at or below 5% LEL. Leave a field blank if it has not been tested.

Oxygen (% by volume)Flammable gas/vapour (% LEL)Toxic / airborne contaminants resultTested by / instrument

The atmosphere will be continuously monitored while the space is occupied.

The atmosphere has not been fully tested. Test for oxygen, flammable gases and the contaminants relevant to this space before entry.

Control measures

List the controls in place, one per line — ventilation/purging, isolation of services, signage, PPE and access controls.

Standby person and rescue

A standby person must be stationed outside the space. Set out the emergency and rescue arrangements, one per line.

Standby personEmergency and rescue arrangements

Authorised entrants and sign-off

Only trained, authorised workers may enter. List each entrant on a line.

Authorised entrants (one per line)Permit issued / authorised by

The permit assembles below. Use Print / Save as PDF for a clean copy to sign at the entry point.

Related: WHS Quick Check and the Safety Hub.

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FairWork Mate is an independent commercial service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with the Fair Work Ombudsman, the Fair Work Commission, or any Australian Government agency. Content is general information and estimates only — not legal, financial, or tax advice. Always verify with the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or a qualified professional.

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