Confined Space Rope Access (Combined) SWMS

Confined space rope access combines two independently high-risk activities — entry to a confined space and work on a rope-access fall-protection system — into a single task, typically the inspection, cleaning or repair of a tank, silo, shaft or vessel interior reached on rope. It is high risk construction work under the NSW WHS Regulation 2025 because the work is carried out in a confined space and involves a risk of a person falling more than 2 m (s291), so a SWMS is mandatory under s299, and a confined space entry permit is required under Part 4.3. The defining problem is the rescue: a casualty suspended on rope inside a confined space presents an atmospheric emergency and a suspension emergency at the same time, and a standard rope rescue or a standard confined-space rescue alone cannot resolve it. Suspension trauma can render a motionless casualty unconscious in minutes, while an oxygen-deficient or toxic atmosphere can disable a rescuer who enters unprotected. The SWMS therefore builds the combined rescue plan first and works backwards: dual-rope systems to AS/NZS 4488, confined space entry to AS 2865, continuous atmospheric monitoring, edge management and a rescue team able to recover a suspended casualty from within the space without a second entry victim. SafeWork NSW is the regulator, and the document treats rescue capability — not access — as the gate that decides whether the work proceeds.

Hazards identified

7 hazards covered, sorted by priority.

Control measures

Hierarchy-of-controls order: elimination → substitution → isolation → engineering → administrative → PPE.

1. 1Elimination — Carry out the inspection or task from outside the space using remote cameras, poles or robotic crawlers wherever the work can be achieved without entry
2. 2Substitution — Substitute a fixed work platform or scaffold inside the space for rope suspension where the geometry allows, removing the suspension-rescue problem
3. 3Engineering — Independent dual-rope system (working line and backup) to AS/NZS 4488 with edge protection at every rub point
4. 4Engineering — Continuous multi-gas atmospheric monitoring with audible alarm and forced mechanical ventilation throughout entry
5. 5Engineering — Pre-rigged rescue and retrieval system capable of recovering a suspended casualty from within the space
6. 6Administrative — Confined space entry permit, atmospheric test and a combined rope-and-confined-space rescue plan rehearsed before entry
7. 7Administrative — Trained standby attendant maintaining voice and visual contact and controlling the permit
8. 8Administrative — Isolation and lockout of all inlets, agitators and energy sources before entry
9. 9PPE — Full-body rope-access harness with suspension-relief straps, helmet and air-supplied or escape respiratory protection matched to the atmosphere
10. 10PPE — Gloves, eye protection and intrinsically safe equipment where a flammable atmosphere is possible

Applicable Codes of Practice

High-Risk Construction Work triggered

Worked example

At 6:30 am, a two-person rope-access crew from Apex Access prepares to inspect the internal shell of a 20 m grain silo. The supervisor runs the combined rescue rehearsal before anyone descends: the standby attendant practises hauling a weighted dummy back up the rope and out the top hatch, because a casualty here is both suspended and inside a confined space. The silo is isolated and locked out, the atmosphere is tested — oxygen low from residual grain — and forced ventilation runs until the multi-gas monitor clears and continues alarming-live throughout. The technician descends on an independent dual-rope system, edge protection set where the ropes pass the steel hatch lip, suspension-relief straps clipped ready. Mid-inspection the gas monitor trends down on oxygen again; the technician ascends immediately on the call, ventilation is increased, and entry resumes only when readings hold. Tools are tethered so nothing drops on the attendant. The permit is closed out only when the technician is clear of the space and de-rigged.

Related legislation

• WHS Act 2011 (model)
• WHS Regulation 2025
• Confined Spaces Code of Practice
• AS/NZS 4488 Industrial rope access systems

Frequently asked questions