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Knowing the difference between confined spaces and restricted spaces is important for keeping everyone safe. Both can be risky, but they’re treated very differently when it comes to safety rules and legal compliance. Let’s break it down.

What Is a Confined Space?

A confined space is a space that:

• Is enclosed or partially enclosed: Think of tanks, silos, pits, or pipes.
• It isn’t meant for people to be in generally: It’s built for storing stuff, not for humans to work or stay in.
• Has serious risks inside, such as:
  • Not enough or too much oxygen 
  • Dangerous gases or fumes that can cause you to lose consciousness or suffocate.
  • Risk of fire or explosions from the gases or fumes.
  • Risk of being engulfed/drowned or trapped by materials, whether they are free flowing solids or liquids.

Once a space is a confined space, it stays a confined space unless all these risks are completely removed—permanently! Temporary fixes, like extra ventilation or gas testing, don’t change its classification, they are simply controls you put in place to protect yourself if you have to enter it.

Safety Steps for Confined Spaces:

Because confined spaces are very high-risk, there are strict rules which are set out in the industry standard AS 2865:

• Permit to Work: A written permit must be filled out before starting work.
• Rescue Plan: You need a plan for getting workers out safely in case something goes wrong.
• Testing the Air: Check for oxygen levels, gases, or other dangers before going in, and once entry occurs you must monitor the atmosphere for any changes.
• A Stand-By Person: Someone must stay at the entrance to monitor and communicate, this is the most experienced person and they are in control.
• Special Training: Everyone working in or around the confined space, especially the stand by person, must have proper training such as NZQA unit standards 18426, 17599, and 25510.
  There may also be others, depending on the risks associated with the space such as 25044 and 3058
  
  If you need to get some of this training, remember that if you are a HazardCo member you get 10% off training courses with our partners BeSafe Training and Safety N Action.

What Is a Restricted Space?

A restricted space is less dangerous but still has risks. It’s an area that:

• Is tricky to get in and out of: It has small or awkward entry points.
• Isn’t big enough: There’s not enough room for someone to work comfortably.
• Might have other hazards, like asbestos dust, mould etc.

While restricted spaces aren’t always as risky as confined spaces, it’s still important to assess the situation carefully and take the right precautions for what you’re doing as they can present challenges and risks like slips/trips and body strain.

Key Difference

The big difference is that confined spaces are always classified as confined spaces, even when “controlled” for an entry, as their risks can’t be permanently removed. Restricted spaces don’t have the same risks related to air quality and risks of engulfment as confined spaces do. Confined spaces always need a Permit to Work system and a rescue plan in place.

Need Help?

If you’re a HazardCo member and you’re unsure about a space on your site, we’re here to help. Our qualified H&S advisors can give you advice specific to your situation.

Call us on 0800 555 339 or visit www.hazardco.com for more information.