Confined Space and Welding/Cutting

2022 WHS (General) Regulations & 1996 OHS Regulations

Are there are substantial differences? – YES

Work in Confined Spaces

WHS Regulations – Part 4.3, R 62 to R 77

• Confined Space Risk assessment, R66 (2) (3) and Confined Space Entry permit (R67) must be done, and records kept (R77)
• Training records kept for two years : R76 (2)
• Flammable gases and vapours – allowable and actionable LEL levels, R 72 (1) & (2)
• Signage , R68 (1) & (2)

Comment

• WHS Regulations don’t  call up Australian Standard AS/NZS 2865.
• WA does not have an Approved Code of Practice for Confined Spaces.

OHS Regulations

Division 8 – R3.82 to R3.87

• R 3.85 requires compliance with AS/NZS 2865
• R 3.86 requires a person to be outside the confined space to monitor entry and exit

Welding and allied processes

WHS Regulations : Part 3.1 Managing risks to health and safety.

Welding and allied process hazards and management of risks have not been specifically included in WHS regulations and relies on the PCBU to comply with the intent of Part 3.1.

There is a WA  approved Code of Practice “Health and safety in welding-Tech note 7” which can be  referenced by PCBUs to assist in identifying hazards and mitigating risks posed by Welding and Allied Process tasks.

The Code of Practice “Health and Safety in Welding-Tech note 7″ is a detailed and extensive technical 207-page document.

OHS Regulations

Subdivision 3 — Welding and allied processes – R3.95 (Fume Extraction) , R 3.96 (Welding) which calls up AS 1674, R3.97 Protective Screens, 3.98 Flashback Arresters.

Comment

Reference to Flashback arresters appear in the Approved Code of Practice on P 14, P43, P54 “In Western Australia, the use of flashback arresters on both ends of the gas delivery hoses is mandated”