Key Takeaways
- Confined space training is critical for safe entry, hazard identification, and emergency response.
- Lives are lost every year due to insufficient training in confined space rescue protocols.
- Essential for industries such as mining, construction, utilities, and the fire sector.
- Quality training covers everything from conducting gas testing to breathing apparatus use.
- A confined space ticket is more than a compliance checkbox—it could be a life-saving qualification.
The silent danger of confined spaces
Confined spaces are among the most dangerous areas on any worksite — not because they look risky, but because they often don’t. In one tragic case, a South Australian farmer entered a grain bin to clear a blockage. He became trapped in the grain and could not be rescued in time. This incident is a powerful reminder that confined space risks aren’t always visible, and even the most routine tasks can quickly become life-threatening.
Even simple tasks can turn deadly without the proper training and control measures in place. It reinforces why proper confined space training is essential — not just for compliance, but for making sure workers understand the risks, know how to manage them, and can respond if something goes wrong.
WHS legislation defines a confined space as an enclosed or partially enclosed area not designed for continuous occupancy, has limited access, and carries serious risks, such as toxic gases, low oxygen, or engulfment.
What confined space training involves and why it matters
Confined space training is more than a regulatory requirement; it’s essential for preparing workers to recognise and respond to some of the most dangerous conditions on-site. These environments can change rapidly and leave very little room for error. That’s why a quality, nationally recognised training course focuses on practical skills as much as theoretical knowledge.
Core components typically include:
- Risk assessment: Identifying hazards and assessing the level of risk before entry
- Entry protocols: Understanding permits, signage, communication and monitoring procedures
- Emergency procedures: Planning for rescue operations and knowing how to act under pressure
- Use of breathing apparatus and PPE: Correct selection, fitting and use of safety gear
- Gas testing training: Detecting hazardous atmospheres and controlling airflow
These components aren’t just taught in theory — hands-on training is essential to ensure workers can apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios. It’s not only about protecting personal safety, but also about creating a safer, more prepared worksite for everyone.
Real-world applications: How confined space training saves lives
In June 2025, Queensland fire and rescue crews carried out a high-risk confined space rescue after a worker became trapped in a silo filled with urea. Specialised teams secured the man in a harness while slowly releasing the material from below. As the urea was lowered to waist level, crews used buckets to carefully remove the remaining substance. This detail-oriented, time-critical operation relied on confined space and vertical rescue training to prevent tragedy.
This is just one example of how proper training can mean the difference between life and death. In emergencies involving toxic gases, collapses or limited oxygen, there’s no time to second-guess. Trained workers understand how to assess the situation, respond under pressure, and support professional rescue efforts without putting themselves or others at greater risk. Without the training, skill and ability to respond under pressure, the outcome could have been fatal.
When workers are trained, they don’t just follow procedures — they act with purpose. And that can save lives.
Confined space rescue: what every worker needs to know
When an incident occurs in a confined space, every minute matters. Oxygen levels can drop rapidly, toxic gases may build up, and engulfment risks can escalate in seconds. A fast, coordinated response is the difference between a rescue and a recovery.
Trained personnel are critical in these situations. They understand how to act without hesitation, avoid worsening the situation, and support emergency services when they arrive. Their ability to follow practised procedures protects not only the trapped worker but everyone else on site.
Successful outcomes also depend on strong collaboration between site workers who work safely in confined spaces and specialist rescue teams, including fire and emergency services. Everyone needs to know their role and act as part of a coordinated effort.
The chain of survival in a confined space rescue:
- Recognise the danger: Take early signs seriously (e.g. gas smells, worker silence, visible distress).
- Raise the alarm: Act immediately to trigger the emergency response.
- Isolate the area: Prevent further entry and eliminate nearby hazards.
- Activate emergency response: Alert trained personnel and prepare for rescue.
- Execute rescue: Use proper PPE and follow established rescue procedures.
- Provide medical support: Treat the worker and conduct a team debrief.
Every minute counts. A clear, trained response can mean the difference between life and death.
“You can’t fake it in a confined space. When something goes wrong, it’s the training that kicks in, not guesswork.” – Wayne Hooper, Lead Trainer and Subject Matter Expert
Gas testing and breathing apparatus: life-saving tools, not just equipment
Confined spaces often contain invisible hazards like methane, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulphide and low oxygen levels. These gases can’t be seen or smelled, making proper gas testing essential before anyone enters.
Breathing apparatus isn’t optional when air quality is compromised. In emergencies like gas leaks or sudden oxygen loss, trained workers must act fast using self-contained or airline systems.
It’s not enough to know what the gear is for — workers need practical, hands-on training to build real confidence and competence. When something goes wrong, that preparation can save lives.
Getting your confined space ticket: what to expect
A confined space ticket certifies that a worker is trained and competent to safely enter, work in, and exit confined spaces while managing the associated risks. This qualification is a legal requirement across many high-risk industries, including construction, mining, civil works and utilities.
At Link Resources, confined space training courses are delivered through nationally recognised units of competency.
The standard Confined Space Entry Course includes:
- RIIWHS202E – Enter and work in confined spaces
- MSMPER205 – Enter confined space
- MSMWHS217 – Gas test atmospheres
- MSMPER200 – Work in accordance with an issued permit
This confined space entry course covers hazard analysis, permit systems, atmospheric testing, PPE use, and safe entry/exit procedures. For those working in environments where respiratory hazards are present, Confined Space Entry with Breathing Apparatus includes all of the above, plus an additional unit:
- MSMWHS216 – Operate breathing apparatus
This extra unit equips workers to safely use self-contained or airline breathing apparatus in confined or hazardous atmospheres — essential for emergency response and high-risk tasks.
Who needs confined space training—and why it’s not just for tradies
Undertaking confined space courses and training is essential across industries like construction, mining, water and sewage, oil and gas, and emergency services. It’s not just for those entering the space — supervisors, spotters and standby personnel must also be trained.
If you’re involved in planning, overseeing or performing confined space work, proper training isn’t optional; it’s necessary for safety and compliance.
The role of confined space training in emergency planning
Confined space training plays a significant role in emergency preparedness and legal compliance. WHS regulations require every confined space entry to have a documented emergency response plan. Training ensures workers understand their responsibilities and can act quickly if things go wrong. Courses cover not just hazard awareness, but also how to respond in real time — including communication, evacuation procedures and rescue techniques.
This training supports broader WHS systems and ensures teams are prepared to lead until emergency services arrive. Effective coordination with fire brigades and paramedics starts with confident, well-trained personnel on site.
FAQ: Confined space training at a glance
What qualifies as a confined space in Australia?
A confined space is an enclosed or partially enclosed area not designed for continuous occupancy, with limited entry/exit points and potential hazards like toxic gases, low oxygen, or engulfment.
Is a confined space ticket mandatory?
Yes. Under WHS laws, anyone entering, working in, or supervising confined space tasks must hold the relevant nationally recognised training. Upon successful completion, learners will be able to identify confined space hazards, follow entry procedures, undertake gas testing, use appropriate PPE, and respond to emergencies in line with legal and site requirements.
How long does the training take?
Most entry-level courses take 1–2 days. Refresher courses and advanced modules may vary in length.
Can I do confined space training online?
Due to the hands-on nature of the training, it must be completed face-to-face to meet competency requirements.
What’s the difference between entry-level and advanced confined training courses?
Entry-level courses cover the basics: safe entry procedures, identifying confined space hazards, how to undertake gas testing, and working under a permit system. Advanced courses go further, including the use of breathing apparatus and confined space rescue techniques for higher-risk situations.
Make training the first response, not the last resort
Confined space work is risky, and things don’t always go to plan. That’s why training shouldn’t be treated as a formality. It’s not just about ticking a box, it’s about ensuring everyone knows what to do when something goes wrong.
Accidents happen, even on well-run sites. But when people are adequately trained, they react faster, think clearly and work together to keep each other safe. The best time to prepare for an emergency is before it happens, and that starts with making training a priority, not an afterthought.
Start your confined space training with Link Resources
Ready to take the first step toward a safer worksite? Link Resources offers nationally recognised confined space training with upcoming courses across multiple locations.
You can complete standalone units or bundle your training with gas testing, breathing apparatus, or rescue modules, which is ideal for high-risk or multi-task roles.
We also offer group bookings and on-site delivery, making it easy to train your whole team in one go.
