The 2009 Edition for confined spaces has been released. The revised standard has a significant reformat to the structure, layout and content of the preeding 2001 edition.

Of note, is a change to the title of the standard to Australian Standard 2865 2009 - Confined Spaces. The standard is no longer a joint AS/NZ standard. The primary objective which previously read 'to eliminate or minimise the need to enter a confined’ in 2001, in summary reads ‘reducing the risks to health and safety of those working in or near confined spaces, by prescribing techniques and procedures covering entry to, and working in or on a confined space.' in the 2009 edition.

The wording of the definition of a confined space has changed with guidance diagrams included for clarification. There are options for "alternative means" in relation to the role of a standby person and an expansion of training and competency requirements.

 

In relation to confined space compliance, it is important to check first with your relevant State authority such as WorkCover or WorkSafe as applicable. The newly released standard is only one source in a spectrum of applicable references and in certain jurisdictions the legal requirements of OH&S Regulations exceed the recommendations in the revised standard.

 

Confined spaces are an area in which National OHS Commission (NOHSC) and Safe Work Australia provide clear guidance. In 1995 Australian Standards (now SIA Global) and the NOHSC declared Safe Working in a Confined Space (AS2865-1995) a 'joint standard'. This remains the only recognised ‘joint standard’ to date.

Whilst SAI Global revised the Australian Standard in 2001 and has revised it again with the newly released 2009 edition, these Standards were not 'declared' by NOHSC or Safe Work Australia and therefore AS2865-1995 remains the declared National Standard.

This Standard sets out the principles of respiratory protection, requirements and recommendations for the selection, use and maintenance of personal respiratory protective equipment in the workplace.
 

The main changes to this edition of the Standard are an increased, formalised emphasis of the risk management approach and systems management.

 
This Standard does not deal with military, diving, underwater, aviation, life support respirators or resuscitation applications for respiratory protective equipment or apparatus.

New Fire Danger Rating and public warnings have been introduced in NSW to help save lives in bush fires.

The revised fire danger rating and warning systems are aligned to the nationally-agreed Fire Danger Rating and warning systems being introduced around Australia in the wake of the Victorian 2009 bushfires.

 

A key change is a new top level category - Catastrophic (Code Red) incorporated into the Fire Danger Rating system. The Fire Danger Rating warns of the level of bush fire threat on any given day, based on the forecast weather conditions. It is an early indicator of the potential danger, should a bush fire start.

The new Catastrophic (Code Red) level indicates that when there is a forecast of Catastrophic conditions, there is a very real likelihood of major loss of life and property.

The new category will be added to the Fire Danger Meter signs strategically positioned in bushfire prone communities around the State.

The following bush fire alert messages, ranked on a sliding scale depending on the threat, have been included for public warnings.

Advice
a fire has started - there is no immediate danger;
general information to keep up to date with developments.

Watch and Act
represents a heightened level of threat.

Conditions are changing; you need to start taking action now to protect you and your family.

Emergency Warning
you are in danger and need to take action immediately.
You will be impacted by fire.

Emergency Warning is the highest and most urgent warning which will be used when there is a major risk of people being killed in a bush fire.  This message will usually be preceded by an emergency warning signal (a siren sound played on the radio or TV).

New Fire Danger Rating and public warnings have been introduced in NSW to help save lives in bush fires.

The revised fire danger rating and warning systems are aligned to the nationally-agreed Fire Danger Rating and warning systems being introduced around Australia in the wake of the Victorian 2009 bushfires.

A key change is a new Fire Danger Rating system with a new top level category - Catastrophic (Code Red) to recognise conditions with a very real likelihood of major loss of life and property.

The Fire Danger Rating warns of the level of bush fire threat on any given day, based on the forecast weather conditions. It is an early indicator of the potential danger, should a bush fire start.

The Catastrophic (Code Red) level indicates that if there is a forecast of Catastrophic conditions, there is a very real likelihood of major loss of life and property

The new category will be added to the Fire Danger Meter signs strategically positioned in bushfire prone communities around the State.

The following bush fire alert messages which are ranked on a sliding scale depending on the threat have been adopted.

Advice
a fire has started - there is no immediate danger;
general information to keep up to date with developments.

Watch and Act
represents a heightened level of threat.

Conditions are changing; you need to start taking action now to protect you and your family.

Emergency Warning
you are in danger and need to take action immediately.
You will be impacted by fire.

Emergency Warning is the highest and most urgent warning which will be used when there is a major risk of people being killed in a bush fire.  This message will usually be preceded by an emergency warning signal (a siren sound played on the radio or TV).

A new and revised edition of the 1993 Safe Work on Roofs – Part 1: Commercial and Industrial Buildings has been released to reflect current legislation and industry practices undertaken on roofs.

This Code provides guidance to all tiers of the responsible persons with practical advice on preventing injury to persons engaged in work on roofs.

The scope of the Code applies to the planning, preparation and conduct of safe work on roofs including installation, maintenance and  removal of roof coverings, and the movement of those working on roofs on commercial and industrial buildings.

The code does not apply to emergency work carried out by emergency service personnel as part of emergency procedures.

The code contains excellent guidance information drawn form a spectrum of references including WorkCover NSW, Safe Work Australia, and Australian Standards and will be a valuable reference document for both construction and maintenance organisations and emergency services alike.

The Code takes effect on 1 October 2009.

Click here to view the new and revised Code of Practice