Confined Space Entry

Confined space entry equipment

Confined-space work — tanks, silos, pits, vessels, sewers, and crawl spaces — is one of the highest-risk categories in Australian workplaces. Under the Safe Work Australia Confined Spaces Code of Practice and AS 2865, entry requires a written permit, atmospheric testing, emergency rescue plan, and specific entry-and-retrieval equipment. The kit below covers the mechanical components; atmospheric-testing gas monitors and respiratory protection are sold in the respiratory protection range.

Tripods and davit arms

• Entry tripods — three-leg aluminium frames that sit over a manhole or vertical opening. The top-pulley mounting allows a rescue winch or retrieval SRL to be rigged above the opening. Rated for vertical retrieval of a single user.
• Davit arm systems — wall-mounted or deck-socket-mounted arms for openings where a tripod won't fit (against a wall, on a platform, or on a vehicle bed). More expensive than a tripod but the only option for fixed-site or offset-opening applications.
• Quadpods — four-leg variants for heavier retrieval loads or over-the-edge extraction in unusual layouts.

Rescue winches and retrieval SRLs

• Man-rated winches — hand-crank or powered winches specifically certified for lifting personnel (not just tools). Rated for retrieval of a fallen or incapacitated worker from below.
• Retrieval SRLs — self-retracting lifelines with integrated rescue winch. Routine use as a fall-arrest device with the ability to switch to retrieval mode if the user falls or is incapacitated.
• Separate rescue systems — for higher-risk sites, a dedicated rescue SRL is rigged alongside the working line, so a standby rescuer can operate retrieval without disturbing the working system.

Entry harnesses and retrieval lanyards

Confined-space harnesses include additional rescue D-rings at the shoulders that keep the user upright during vertical retrieval — essential when extracting an unconscious worker through a narrow opening. Standard fall-arrest harnesses with only a dorsal D-ring cause the user to hang face-down, making extraction through a manhole impractical.

Atmospheric testing

Under AS 2865, the entry permit requires atmospheric testing for oxygen, flammable gases, and toxic gases before entry and continuously during entry. Four-gas monitors covering O₂, LEL, CO, and H₂S are the baseline; specific hazards (chlorine, ammonia, SO₂) require the relevant additional sensor. Not supplied with mechanical confined-space kit — see our gas-detection range.

Ventilation

Mechanical ventilation (blower + ducting) is used to introduce clean air before and during entry. Air changes reduce the risk of sudden atmospheric hazards and are often required even where initial testing shows a safe atmosphere. Electric and pneumatic blowers available.

Rescue plan

Under the Code of Practice, the rescue plan must be documented before entry — not improvised afterwards. Self-rescue (user climbs out unaided) is preferred; non-entry rescue (pulling the worker out using the retrieval system without a rescuer entering) is the next option; entry rescue is the last resort and requires a second standby crew in full PPE. Many serious confined-space incidents involve would-be rescuers dying in the same atmosphere as the original victim.

Standards & compliance

Confined-space equipment in this range meets AS 2865 (confined spaces) and the relevant parts of AS/NZS 1891 (harnesses, anchors, retrieval). Tripods and davit arms are load-tested and rated with stamped labels indicating maximum working load. Annual documented inspection by a competent person is required.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a tripod for every confined-space entry?

For any vertical-entry confined space with restricted top access, yes — the tripod or davit arm provides the overhead anchor needed for retrieval. Horizontal-entry spaces (side-door tanks, accessible tunnels) may not need an overhead system but still require an SRL or retrieval lanyard rigged to an internal anchor.

Can a standard fall-arrest harness be used for confined-space entry?

Not ideally — confined-space harnesses have shoulder rescue D-rings that keep the user upright during vertical extraction. A dorsal-only harness hangs the user face-down, making extraction through a manhole very difficult. Use a purpose-configured confined-space or rescue harness for any entry where retrieval through a narrow opening is foreseeable.

Does our crew need confined-space training?

Yes — under state WHS regulations, all confined-space entrants and standby personnel must be trained to the nationally-recognised confined-space entry unit (typically RIIWHS202D or equivalent). The permit issuer also requires training.

Do you offer trade or bulk pricing?

Yes — trade accounts receive 5% off RRP, and site-kit packages (tripod + winch + harness + gas monitor + ventilation) are available at bundle pricing. Inspection and re-certification services also available. Apply for a trade account →