Confined Spaces

A confined space is an enclosed or partially enclosed space that is not designed for continuous occupancy and can pose serious risks — from an unsafe atmosphere, engulfment, or restricted entry and exit. More than any other area of farm safety, confined spaces require strict compliance with the law. 

On dairy farms, confined spaces include milk vats and silos, grain silos, mixing wagons, tanks, some effluent pits, wells, and other enclosed or partially enclosed spaces. 

Watch out

By law, the person conducting the business at any workplace with an area defined as a confined space has serious safety management obligations. No one should enter a confined space until the required controls are in place.

What a farm must have in place 

Before any entry, a farm should: 

  • identify and record its confined spaces in a register 
  • complete a risk assessment for each space 
  • use an entry permit system 
  • test the atmosphere before and during entry 
  • have rescue arrangements ready 

The confined space step-by-step should be used in the induction of new employees and relevant contractors. Two maintained codes set out the detailed requirements: WorkSafe Victoria's compliance code: confined spaces and Safe Work Australia's model code of practice: confined spaces

Common questions

What is a confined space on a dairy farm?

An enclosed or partially enclosed space not designed for continuous occupancy — for example milk vats and silos, grain silos, mixing wagons, tanks, some effluent pits and wells. 

Why are confined spaces so dangerous

They can hold unsafe atmospheres, carry a risk of engulfment, and have restricted entry and exit that makes rescue difficult. They also carry specific, serious legal duties for the person conducting the business. 

 

What must a farm do before anyone enters a confined space?

Identify and register its confined spaces, complete a risk assessment, use an entry permit system, test the atmosphere, and have rescue arrangements in place before entry. 

Do contractors need to follow the confined space procedures?

Yes. Relevant contractors should be taken through the confined space step-by-step as part of their induction before any work begins.