When do I need a confined space SWMS template?

When the work is in or near a confined space — tanks, pits, silos, ducts, arrestors. That is HRCW. A permit and a gas tester are controls inside the SWMS, not a replacement for it.

Is a confined space SWMS free to generate?

Trial generate and PDF, no card. This grease-arrestor example is a layout. A grain silo is a different atmosphere and a different rescue.

Can a maintenance JSA cover tank entry?

No. Low-risk plant greasing on the floor can be a JSA. Entry into the arrestor, tank or pit is confined space — use this SWMS, not the maintenance JSA.

NSW, VIC, QLD, WA — same rules?

HRCW confined space is recognised across those states. Citations: WHS Act/Regulation, or Victoria’s OHS Act 2004 and OHS Regulations 2017. Training and permit systems still sit with the PCBU.

Confined Space SWMS Template Australia | Permit & Atmosphere

Underground grease arrestor behind a restaurant laneway. Empty, inspect baffles, put the lid back. Night works so the kitchen is off. Not a grain silo, not a sewer tunnel.

Job / task: Empty and inspect an underground grease arrestor pit
Site: Restaurant laneway, Northbridge WA 6003
Document: SWMS · HRCW: confined space · example only
PPE: Hard hat, hi-vis, steel-caps, gloves, glasses, gas detector, harness / retrieval as the permit says

Example layout. Standby stays at the lid — they do not enter to “help”. Floor-level maintenance that never enters: maintenance JSA.

Step	Hazards	Controls	5×5 risk
1. Isolate kitchen inlets, open the lid, gas-test, issue the permit Responsible: Permit issuer / supervisor	H2S / LEL / oxygen-deficient atmosphere Inlet flow from a late clean-down Laneway traffic over an open pit	Test at multiple depths; don’t enter on a “it smells fine”; continuous monitoring Written isolation with the kitchen; lock the inlet if you can Barricade the pit; spotter for cars	InitialL4×C5 = 20 Critical ResidualL2×C5 = 10 High
2. Enter with retrieval, ventilate, standby person at the lid Responsible: Entrant / standby	Collapse / medical event with no retrieval Standby leaving “for a minute” Slip on grease in the pit	Harness and retrieval as the permit; standby does not enter Forced ventilation; abort at alarm Boots with grip; limit time in the pit	InitialL3×C5 = 15 High ResidualL2×C5 = 10 High
3. Pump residual, inspect baffles, don’t dry-scrape unknown linings Responsible: Entrant	Splash of contaminated liquor to eyes and skin Disturbing ACM or old coatings in an older pit Tools dropped onto the worker from the lid	Face protection; gloves; wash-up after If the lining looks like cement sheet or lagging — get out and treat as asbestos until cleared Tools on a lanyard; nothing loose at the lid	InitialL3×C4 = 12 High ResidualL2×C4 = 8 Medium
4. Exit, close the permit, decontaminate, refit the lid Responsible: Supervisor	Permit left open, someone re-enters later Contaminated boots into the restaurant Lid not seated — next vehicle drops a wheel	Close and file the permit; lid on before anyone leaves Wash boots and gear in the laneway, not the kitchen Confirm the cover is seated and the barricade comes down last	InitialL3×C4 = 12 High ResidualL1×C4 = 4 Low

Confined space SWMS template Australia

Permit, atmosphere, standby

Filled example: grease arrestor pit, Northbridge WA

Frequently asked questions

Generate a confined space SWMS for this pit