Effective signage is critical for ensuring safety in and around confined spaces. This article outlines the general requirements and considerations for signposting confined spaces in Australia, referencing relevant standards and guidelines from Safe Work Australia and other technical sources. We note the information supplied in this article is general in nature and specific considerations may be appropriate to the individual confined space at your site.
Compliance with Regulations and Standards
Adhering to applicable Work Health and Safety Regulations and Australian Standards is fundamental to ensuring the safety of workers in confined spaces and ensuring risks of entry are minimised. Regulations provide a comprehensive framework for managing the risks associated with confined spaces however sometime limit the detailed requirements particularly around signs. Additionally, Australian Standard AS 2865:2009 – Confined Spaces offers some guidance on confined space safety, including the importance of effective signage. Furthermore, Safe Work Australia’s “Confined Spaces Code of Practice” and other State based Codes of Practice provide detailed recommendations, particularly regarding the necessity of appropriate signage to warn and inform workers about the dangers of confined spaces.
Visibility and Legibility
The visibility and legibility of signs are critical factors in ensuring they effectively communicate the necessary warnings and instructions. Where practicable, signs for confined spaces should be at least 600mm x 450mm in size to ensure they are visible from a distance. Smaller signs may be used if the space is not accessible to members of the public and the signs remain legible from the expected approach distance. The main heading text on these signs should be at least 50mm high, while subtext should be at least 25mm high. A white background with black or red text is recommended to ensure high contrast and readability. Danger signs, in particular, should feature a red background with white text to signify the severity of the hazard. Clear, bold sans-serif fonts such as Arial or Helvetica are advised to enhance readability. These recommendations align with AS 1319-1994 (Safety Signs for the Occupational Environment).
Hazard Identification
Accurate hazard identification is important to assist workers undertake a preliminary assessment of confined space risks. We note that this does not eliminate the need for further assessment prior to entry.
While it is conceivable that one confined space may have multiple hazards, signs should clearly indicate primary high risk hazards associated with the confined space using appropriate symbols and text. For example, a sign might read “DANGER – CONFINED SPACE – TOXIC GASES.” Such clarity is important for immediate hazard recognition but does not replace a Confined Space Entry Permit. AS 1319-1994 and Safe Work Australia’s “Confined Spaces Code of Practice” (or other State based Codes) provide guidelines for effectively communicating these hazards through signage.
According to AS 2865:2009, the standard emphasises that signage must:
- Warn against unauthorised entry – Signs should clearly indicate that unauthorised entry is prohibited and that only authorised personnel with appropriate permits may enter.
- Identify hazards – The specific hazards associated with the confined space must be identified on the signage. This includes, but is not limited to, toxic gases, flammable atmospheres, and oxygen deficiency.
- Use of symbols – Standardised symbols should be used to enhance the recognition of hazards. Symbols should comply with AS 1319-1994 for safety signs.
- Be clearly visible – Signs should be placed at all entrances to the confined space and should be visible while the space is accessible.
For each identified hazard, you should consider using distinct and standardised symbols along with brief text descriptions. According to AS 1319-1994 (Safety Signs for the Occupational Environment) and ISO 7010 (Graphical symbols — Safety colours and safety signs), the following examples illustrate how multiple hazards can be effectively communicated:
- Toxic Gases – Skull and crossbones symbol with the text “TOXIC GASES.”
- Flammable Atmosphere – Flame symbol with the text “FLAMMABLE.”
- Oxygen Deficiency – Exclamation mark symbol with the text “OXYGEN DEFICIENCY.”
- Engulfment Hazard – Exclamation mark symbol with the text “ENGULFMENT RISK.”
These standardised symbols and brief text descriptions help ensure quick comprehension of the hazards.
Additionally, the signage should provide essential information on the required personal protective equipment (PPE) necessary for safe entry, without excessive detail. For example, a clear and concise sign could read:
“DANGER – CONFINED SPACE MULTIPLE HAZARDS: TOXIC GASES, FLAMMABLE ATMOSPHERE, OXYGEN DEFICIENCY, ENGULFMENT RISK AUTHORISED PERSONNEL ONLY – PERMIT REQUIRED PPE REQUIRED: RESPIRATOR, FLAME-RESISTANT CLOTHING, OXYGEN MONITOR, HARNESS”
This format ensures that the signage is not cluttered, while still providing critical information to workers. By using standardised symbols and concise text, the signs remain clear and effective, ensuring that workers are fully aware of the multiple dangers they might encounter in the confined space and the necessary precautions they must take. This approach balances comprehensiveness with readability, maintaining safety without overwhelming the reader.
Access Restrictions
It is critical to restrict access to confined spaces to authorised personnel only. Signage should prominently state “DANGER – CONFINED SPACE – AUTHORISED PERSONNEL ONLY” to prevent unauthorised entry. Additionally, signs should consider specifying requirements such as “PERMIT REQUIRED” and list necessary personal protective equipment (PPE). These specifications help ensure that only trained and properly equipped individuals enter confined spaces.
If the confined space is in a public area, to cater to the general public, who may not be familiar with technical symbols and language, use simple, clear warnings and emergency instructions. For example:
- DANGER – KEEP OUT
- NO ENTRY – AUTHORISED PERSONNEL ONLY
- RISK OF DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY
- EMERGENCY CONTACT: CALL 000
Of course it goes without saying that confined spaces in public areas must be adequately secured to prevent inadvertent entry.
Warning and Danger Symbols
Using standardised warning and danger symbols enhances the effectiveness of safety signage. For instance, the skull and crossbones symbol is universally recognized as an indication of toxic hazards. Adhering to ISO 7010 (Graphical symbols — Safety colours and safety signs) ensures that symbols used on signage are universally understood, thereby reducing the risk of misinterpretation.
Emergency Information
Providing clear emergency information on signage is essential for ensuring quick and effective responses in case of an incident. Signs should include instructions such as “IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, CALL 000” and emergency contact numbers in bold text at the bottom. This information helps workers take immediate and appropriate action in an emergency. AS 3745-2010 (Planning for emergencies in facilities) offers guidelines for including emergency information on safety signage.
Instructions for Entry
Clear instructions for entry should be prominently displayed on confined space signage. This might include pre-entry checks and procedures, such as “CHECK GAS LEVELS” and “VENTILATE BEFORE ENTRY.” Using bullet points can help present this information clearly and concisely. Safe Work Australia’s “Confined Spaces Code of Practice” provides guidance on what information should be included in these instructions.
Language and Pictograms
To ensure that all workers understand the hazards and necessary precautions, signage should use universally recognised pictograms. Additionally, if the workforce includes non-English speakers, bilingual signs should be considered based on the demographics of the workforce. ISO 7010 (Graphical symbols — Safety colours and safety signs) provides standards for the use of pictograms on safety signage.
Durability
Durability is a key consideration for safety signage, particularly in environments where signs may be exposed to harsh conditions. Signs should be made of durable materials such as aluminum or rigid plastic, which are resistant to weather and chemicals. AS 2700-2011 (Colour Standards for General Purposes) offers guidelines for ensuring the durability and effectiveness of safety signage.
Location
Proper placement of signage is critical to ensuring it is seen and heeded. Signs should be placed at all entry points to confined spaces. Additionally, for larger confined spaces, additional signage should be placed at regular intervals to ensure visibility from all approaches. Safe Work Australia’s “Confined Spaces Code of Practice” provides recommendations on the strategic placement of safety signs.
Illumination
Ensuring that signs are adequately illuminated, especially in low-light conditions, is vital for maintaining their visibility and effectiveness. Reflective materials can be used to enhance the visibility of signs in low-light or variable light conditions.
Regular Maintenance
Regular inspection and maintenance of safety signage are essential to ensure they remain clear and effective. Signs should be inspected periodically, and any damaged or faded signs should be promptly replaced. This practice ensures that signage continues to meet safety standards and effectively communicates hazards to workers. AS 1319-1994 (Safety Signs for the Occupational Environment) provides guidelines for the maintenance of safety signs.
Consistency at your sites
Using standardised signs across all sites is crucial to avoid confusion and ensure consistent hazard communication. This practice helps workers quickly recognise and understand the signage, regardless of the specific location.
Date of Last Inspection
Including the date of the last inspection and the next due date on signage can help ensure that signs are regularly checked and updated. This practice contributes to maintaining the effectiveness and compliance of safety signage.
Signs and Barricades
Obviously, before any work in relation to a confined space starts, signs and barricades must be erected to prevent entry of persons not involved in the work. Signs must warn against entry by people other than those who are listed on the confined space entry permit and must be placed at each entrance to the confined space. Signs must be in place while the confined space is accessible, including when preparing to work in the space, during work in the space, and when packing up on completion of the work.
Signposting alone should not be relied on to prevent unauthorised entry to a potential confined space. Security devices, such as locks and fixed barriers, should be installed.
Conclusions
Effective confined space signage must balance clarity and comprehensiveness to ensure the safety of both workers and the general public. By clearly identifying hazards and restricting access through standardised symbols, concise text, and simple warnings, signage can effectively communicate the necessary precautions. Effective placement, visibility, and regular maintenance of signs further enhance their effectiveness. Combining clear warnings for the public with detailed instructions for authorised personnel can ensures that everyone understands the risks and requirements, thereby mitigating unauthorised entry and promoting a safe working environment.
If you need some specific guidance on your confined space safety signage or confined space audits, contact Safetysure at 1300 087 888.
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