Entry permit (confined space)

An entry permit is the written authorisation issued by a competent person under WHS Regulation Part 4.3 (NSW) and equivalent Victorian OHS Regulation Part 3.4, authorising entry to a specific confined space. The permit records the risk assessment results, atmospheric test results, authorised entrants, time window, isolation and ventilation controls, PPE requirements, and rescue arrangements. One permit per space per entry: a fresh permit is required each time the space is entered, even if it’s the same space and same person.

Why a permit, not just a risk assessment:

A risk assessment identifies hazards generally; a permit authorises specific people to enter a specific space at a specific time with specific controls in place. The permit is the live record that the controls were verified before entry.

A confined space entry without a permit is a WHS Reg breach and can result in:

• Improvement / prohibition notice at WorkSafe inspection.
• Cat 2 or Cat 3 prosecution under the WHS Act.
• Workplace manslaughter prosecution if someone dies.

What goes on the entry permit (AS 2865:2009 framework):

Field	Content
Permit number	Unique tracking number
Date and time of issue	When permit takes effect
Date and time of expiry	Maximum 8-12 hours typically; shift-bounded
Space identification	Specific location, label, plan reference
Description of work	What’s being done in the space
Hazard identification	Atmospheric, physical, chemical, biological hazards
Atmospheric test results	Oxygen %, LEL %, CO ppm, H2S ppm, other gases as relevant
Re-test frequency	How often to re-test during the work (typically every 30-60 minutes)
Isolation / lockout controls	What’s been isolated; LOTO tags applied
Ventilation requirements	Mechanical extraction, supply air
PPE required	Respirator type, SCBA, harness, gloves, eye protection
Authorised entrants	Names of workers permitted to enter
Standby person	Name of standby person remaining outside
Rescue arrangements	Rescue plan, equipment, who provides it
Communication method	Radio, signal rope, line of sight
Emergency contacts	Site supervisor, 000, on-call rescue
Competent person signature	The person who issued the permit
Entrant signatures	Acknowledgment that entrants understand the permit

The “competent person” requirement:

Only a competent person can issue an entry permit. Competency typically requires:

• Formal training in confined space risk assessment (e.g. RIIWHS202 Enter and work in confined spaces, plus assessor-level training).
• Practical experience.
• Knowledge of AS 2865 and the relevant WHS regs.
• Authority to issue permits (delegated by the PCBU).

A builder issuing permits without formal training is a WHS Reg breach.

Atmospheric testing:

Before entry, test the atmosphere for:

Parameter	Threshold (typical)
Oxygen	19.5% to 23.5% (outside this range, do not enter)
LEL (Lower Explosive Limit)	< 5% (anything above requires extraction)
Carbon monoxide (CO)	< 30 ppm
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S)	< 10 ppm
Other gases	Site-specific (chemical exposure, sewage, etc.)

Use a calibrated 4-gas monitor. Re-test at least every 30-60 minutes during the work because conditions can change (e.g. work creates dust, fumes).

Common builder issues:

• No permit, just verbal “go ahead”: WHS Reg breach.
• One permit covers multiple entries over a day: not compliant; one permit per entry.
• Untrained person issues the permit: competent-person requirement breached.
• Atmospheric test relied on once at entry: conditions changed mid-work; danger missed.
• No standby person nominated: WHS Reg breach; rescue compromised.
• Permit not closed at end of work: open permit on a now-locked space is misleading for future workers.

Examples of residential confined spaces requiring permits:

• Water tank (rainwater, septic): interior cleaning, repair.
• Crawl space under floor (>1.2 m deep, restricted entry): inspection, plumbing work.
• Sub-floor pit under a deck: drainage installation.
• Stormwater pit: cleaning, repair.
• Lift shaft: any entry during construction (also AS 1735 lift codes apply).
• Sewer pit: any entry (also confined-space gas hazard).

Most residential builds have at least 1-2 confined spaces that require permits during the build.

For builders:

1. Identify confined spaces at design / pre-construction: list every space, classify under AS 2865.
2. Engage a competent person (subbie or contracted WHS adviser) for permit issuing.
3. Train all entrants in confined space entry (RIIWHS202 or equivalent).
4. Maintain 4-gas monitor on site for any confined space work: rented or owned, calibrated annually.
5. Document every permit: kept with project records for 5+ years (statutory limitation).
6. Brief subbies at engagement: any confined space work requires a permit, no exceptions.

Note: this article is general information. Confined space work has caused fatal incidents in residential building; if uncertain, engage a WHS adviser or refuse the work.

Also known as: confined space entry permit, CS permit, permit to work confined space.

Category: WHS / confined space / permit.

Related

• Confined spaces

See also

• Confined space
• Standby person

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Last updated: 2026-05-16. Verified: 2026-05-16.