Confined spaces exist across many workplaces, often in places people do not immediately recognise as high risk. Tanks, pits, vessels, shafts, ducts, and similar structures may all meet the legal definition of a confined space under Australian work health and safety requirements.
Because confined space work carries serious risks, training is not optional or situational. Whether confined space entry training is required depends on the task being performed, the environment involved, and the level of exposure to confined space hazards, not on job titles or seniority.
Understanding when training is required is critical for protecting workers, maintaining compliance, and ensuring emergency situations are handled correctly.
What Is Considered a Confined Space Under WHS Regulations?
A confined space is generally defined by Safe Work Australia’s confined space guidance as a space that is:
- Enclosed or partially enclosed
- Not designed or intended for continuous occupancy
- May have a hazardous atmosphere or other serious risks to health and safety
Importantly, a confined space is typically entered at normal atmospheric pressure, which distinguishes it from pressure vessels or similar systems. However, poor ventilation, restricted entry or exit points, and the potential presence of hazardous atmospheres mean conditions can change rapidly once work begins.
Partially enclosed spaces can still be classified as confined spaces if they present risks such as oxygen deficiency, toxic gases, airborne contaminants, or difficulty exiting in an emergency. This is why confined space assessments must consider the actual environment and structure, not just how open the space appears.
When Is Confined Space Entry Training Required?
Confined space entry training is required whenever a worker’s role exposes them to confined space risks, as set out in the Model Code of Practice for confined spaces. This includes physical entry into the space, supporting roles that control access or safety systems, and emergency response responsibilities.
Below are the most common situations where training is required.
If You Are Required to Enter a Confined Space
Any person who physically enters a confined space to perform work must have completed appropriate confined space entry training prior to entry.
This applies to tasks such as inspection, cleaning, repair, installation, and maintenance. Even short-duration or infrequent tasks can expose workers to serious hazards, particularly where conditions inside the space can change without warning.
Training ensures workers understand entry procedures, hazard identification, communication requirements, and exit procedures, and can respond appropriately if conditions deteriorate.
If You Are Involved in Atmospheric Testing or Monitoring
Workers responsible for gas testing or atmospheric monitoring must be trained to correctly test, interpret, and respond to atmospheric conditions within a confined space.
This includes identifying oxygen deficiency, detecting toxic gases or fumes, and monitoring airborne gases that may accumulate due to poor ventilation. Incorrect testing or misinterpretation of results can place the entire team at risk.
Training covers the correct use of monitoring equipment, testing sequences, and the actions required if unsafe atmospheres are detected.
If You Perform Permit or Control Roles
Confined space work typically requires a permit system to manage risk. Individuals who issue permits or act in control roles must understand confined space hazards, control measures, and the conditions under which entry can proceed or must be stopped.
Permit issuers are responsible for confirming that risks have been assessed, control measures are in place, and emergency procedures are understood. This requires training that supports informed decision-making rather than reliance on assumptions or past experience.
If You Are Part of a Confined Space Rescue or Emergency Response Team
Confined space rescue is a specialised function and cannot be improvised. Workers assigned to rescue or emergency response roles must be trained in confined space rescue procedures.
This includes the use of breathing apparatus, understanding emergency procedures, coordinating team responses, and managing medical risks during rescue operations. Entering a confined space to conduct a rescue without proper training significantly increases the likelihood of further injury or fatalities.
Industries Where Confined Space Entry Training Is Commonly Required
Confined spaces are present across various industries, particularly where infrastructure, processing systems, or enclosed structures are part of normal operations.
Training is commonly required in industries such as utilities, energy and resources, manufacturing, water and wastewater, construction, and ongoing maintenance environments. However, the need for training is always determined by the site, the task, and the risks involved, not the industry label alone.
What Happens If Confined Space Work Is Performed Without Proper Training?
Performing confined space work without appropriate training increases the risk of serious injury, illness, or fatal incidents. Hazards such as toxic fumes, oxygen deficiency, fire, or restricted exits can escalate quickly if workers are unprepared.
From a compliance perspective, inadequate training exposes organisations to regulatory action, enforcement notices, and potential prosecution. It also undermines emergency response capability, as untrained personnel may not recognise warning signs or follow correct procedures during an incident. Proper training supports both worker health and wellbeing and the organisation’s broader safety and compliance responsibilities.
What Does Confined Space Entry Training Typically Cover?
Confined space entry training is designed to build knowledge, practical skills, and competency for working safely in confined environments.
Training courses typically cover:
- Identification of confined space hazards
- Risk assessment and control measures
- Permit systems and entry procedures
- Atmospheric testing and monitoring
- Use of equipment and personal protective systems
- Emergency procedures and rescue awareness
Training outcomes are assessment-based and focus on demonstrating competency, not simply attendance. This ensures workers are prepared to apply procedures correctly on site.
Confined Space Training Options
The type of confined space training required depends on the role being performed and the level of risk involved. Training should align with site conditions, task exposure, and WHS obligations.
Confined Space Entry Training
Workers who are required to physically enter confined spaces must be trained to identify hazards, follow entry and exit procedures, and work safely in enclosed or partially enclosed environments. This training supports safe confined space work where risks such as poor ventilation, hazardous atmospheres, or restricted exits may be present.
View confined space entry training
Confined Space Rescue Training
Workers involved in emergency response or rescue require additional preparation. Confined space rescue training supports competency in emergency procedures, use of breathing apparatus, and coordinated response during confined space incidents, where risks escalate rapidly.
View confined space rescue training
Confined Space Entry Refresher Training
Where workers have previously completed confined space entry training, refresher training may be required to maintain competency. This is commonly necessary when site requirements change, equipment is updated, or training currency is specified under safety systems.
View confined space entry refresher training
Selecting the appropriate training should always be based on risk exposure and assigned responsibilities, not assumptions or job titles.
How to Decide If Training Is Required on Your Site
Determining whether confined space entry training is required should involve reviewing the tasks being performed, the environments involved, and the responsibilities assigned to personnel.
If work involves entry into enclosed or partially enclosed spaces, exposure to hazardous atmospheres, or participation in permits, monitoring, or emergency response, training is likely required. These decisions should form part of a broader approach to workplace safety, compliance, and risk management.
Training Is About Avoiding Risk, Not Gaining Titles
Confined space entry training is required whenever work exposes people to confined space hazards. It is not determined by job titles, seniority, or how familiar a space may seem.
Training supports safe work practices, informed decision-making, and effective emergency response in high-risk environments. When confined space risks are present, proper preparation and competency are essential parts of responsible workplace operations.
