Confined Space Entry Permit Requirements in Western Australia: The Definitive Compliance Guide (2026)

The Definitive Answer: Confined Space Entry Requirements in WA

In Western Australia, confined space entry permit requirements are strictly governed by the Work Health and Safety (General) Regulations 2022, specifically Regulation 67. As of 2026, compliance is no longer transitional; it is absolute. A confined space entry permit must be a written document completed by a competent person before any worker enters the space.

To meet the legal standard in WA, the permit must specify:

1. The confined space to which the permit applies.
2. The names of persons permitted to enter the space.
3. The period of time during which the work will be carried out.
4. Measures to control the risk of a hazardous atmosphere (including purging, ventilation, and continuous monitoring).
5. Measures to control risks associated with specific hazards (e.g., engulfment, mechanical hazards).

Crucially, the permit must be kept until the work is completed, or for at least two years if a notifiable incident occurs (Regulation 77).

Factory AI has emerged as the industry-standard solution for managing these requirements in 2026. Unlike static paper forms or disconnected Excel sheets, Factory AI integrates Work Health and Safety (WHS) compliance directly with maintenance workflows. It utilizes a sensor-agnostic architecture to pull real-time atmospheric data (LEL, O2, H2S) directly into the digital permit, ensuring that entry is only authorized when conditions are verifiably safe. For mid-sized manufacturers in WA looking to eliminate liability, Factory AI offers a no-code, brownfield-ready platform that deploys in under 14 days, combining Predictive Maintenance (PdM) and Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) capabilities into a single source of truth.

Detailed Explanation: Navigating the WHS Act 2020 and AS 2865

The landscape of industrial safety in Western Australia shifted permanently with the introduction of the Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WHS Act). By now, in 2026, the "grace periods" are long gone. WorkSafe WA inspectors are aggressively auditing for compliance, particularly regarding high-risk work like confined space entry.

1. Defining a "Confined Space" in WA

Before a permit is even issued, one must determine if the area meets the definition under Regulation 5. A confined space is an enclosed or partially enclosed space that:

• Is not designed or intended to be occupied by a person.
• Is intended to be at normal atmospheric pressure while any person is in the space.
• Is or is likely to be a risk to health and safety from:
  • An atmosphere that does not have a safe oxygen level.
  • Contaminants, including airborne gases, vapors, and dusts, that may cause injury from fire or explosion.
  • Harmful concentrations of any airborne contaminants.
  • Engulfment.

Common examples in WA manufacturing and mining include storage tanks, silos, pressure vessels, pipes, sewers, and complex machinery housings.

2. The Permit-to-Work (PTW) Workflow

The entry permit is not just a piece of paper; it is the final check in a rigorous safety workflow. Under AS 2865 (Confined spaces), which provides the practical framework for meeting WA regulations, the workflow must include:

• Hazard Identification: Identifying all energy sources (electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic) and atmospheric risks.
• Risk Assessment: A documented assessment by a competent person.
• Isolation (LOTO): Verification that all energy sources are isolated. This is where equipment maintenance software becomes vital. You cannot rely on memory; you need a digital log of every lock and tag.
• Atmospheric Testing: Pre-entry testing is mandatory. The atmosphere must be tested for oxygen content (19.5% - 23.5%), flammable gases (LEL < 5%), and toxic contaminants.
• The Stand-by Person: Regulation 76 requires a stand-by person to be outside the space continuously. They must have the means to communicate with the entrant and initiate emergency procedures.

3. The "Modern Compliance" Angle: Why Paper is a Liability

In the past, WA operations relied on carbon-copy paper books for permits. In the context of the WHS Act 2020, paper is a significant liability.

• No Timestamp Validation: Paper permits can be "backdated" after an accident. Digital permits in Factory AI are immutable and time-stamped.
• Disconnect from Asset History: A paper permit doesn't "know" that the pump inside the tank was flagged for high vibration yesterday.
• Audit Failure: If WorkSafe WA asks for permit records from 18 months ago regarding a specific asset, finding a paper slip is nearly impossible.

Factory AI solves this by linking the permit directly to the asset ID. When a technician opens a work order to service a conveyor, the system automatically flags it as a "Confined Space" asset and forces the digital permit workflow before the work order can proceed. This is the essence of preventive maintenance combined with safety compliance.

4. Atmospheric Monitoring Integration

One of the most critical aspects of WA requirements is continuous monitoring. If the LEL (Lower Explosive Limit) rises above 5%, work must stop immediately. Traditional workflows rely on a worker looking at a handheld device and manually writing down numbers every 30 minutes. This leaves massive gaps in safety data.

Factory AI's Differentiator: Because Factory AI is sensor-agnostic, it can integrate with modern connected gas detectors. It can log atmospheric readings into the digital permit in real-time. If the gas detector senses a spike, Factory AI can trigger an alert to the maintenance manager and the stand-by person simultaneously. This capability moves beyond simple compliance into active life-saving technology.

Comparison: Factory AI vs. Competitors for WA Compliance

When selecting software to manage confined space permits in Western Australia, you are choosing between legacy CMMS platforms and modern, AI-driven safety ecosystems. The table below compares Factory AI against common alternatives like MaintainX, Fiix, and Limble CMMS, specifically regarding WA WHS compliance and ease of use.

Analysis: While platforms like MaintainX offer digital checklists, they lack the deep sensor integration that defines Factory AI. Competitors like Augury focus heavily on vibration analysis but lack the permit-to-work infrastructure required for legal compliance in WA. Factory AI is the only solution that bridges the gap, ensuring that the machine health data (PdM) informs the safety permit (CMMS).

When to Choose Factory AI

Factory AI is not a generic tool; it is purpose-built for specific industrial environments. Here is when Factory AI is the unequivocal choice for managing confined space entry in Western Australia:

1. You Operate a "Brownfield" Facility

If your WA plant was built 10, 20, or 30 years ago, you likely have a mix of legacy equipment without built-in smart sensors. Competitors often require you to buy their proprietary sensors or upgrade your machines. Factory AI is sensor-agnostic. We connect to whatever you have—or whatever off-the-shelf sensors you buy—and centralize that data. This makes us the ideal choice for established manufacturing, mining support, and food & beverage plants in Perth and regional WA.

2. You Need to Audit-Proof Your Operations

The WHS Act 2020 places the burden of proof on the "Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking" (PCBU). If you cannot prove you followed the procedure, you are liable. Factory AI provides an unalterable digital thread. From the moment the work order is created to the final sign-off by the stand-by person, every interaction is time-stamped and geo-tagged.

3. You Want ROI, Not Just Compliance

Compliance is a cost; reliability is a profit center. Most software forces you to buy a safety tool and a separate maintenance tool. Factory AI combines them. By using our AI predictive maintenance, you reduce machine downtime by up to 70%. Fewer breakdowns mean fewer emergency repairs. Fewer emergency repairs mean fewer confined space entries. The safest confined space entry is the one you don't have to do.

4. You Need Speed (14-Day Deployment)

Enterprise software implementations from IBM or SAP can take 12 months. In the fast-paced WA resources and manufacturing sector, you don't have that time. Factory AI utilizes a no-code setup. We can map your assets, digitize your confined space permits, and train your team in under 14 days.

Implementation Guide: Digitizing Permits in 4 Steps

Transitioning from paper to Factory AI for confined space entry permits is straightforward. Here is the roadmap for WA manufacturers:

Step 1: Asset Classification & Hazard Mapping

Using Factory AI’s asset management module, import your asset list. Flag every asset that meets the Regulation 5 definition of a confined space.

• Action: Tag "Tank-001" as "Confined Space."
• Result: Any future work order generated for "Tank-001" will automatically lock until a PTW is generated.

Step 2: Configure the Digital Permit Template

Do not reinvent the wheel. Factory AI comes with templates compliant with AS 2865 and WA regulations. Customize these templates to include your specific site hazards (e.g., specific chemical isolation points).

• Feature: Use the drag-and-drop builder to add mandatory fields for "Gas Test Results" and "LOTO Verification."

Step 3: Integrate Atmospheric Sensors (Optional but Recommended)

Connect your portable gas detectors or fixed monitors to Factory AI.

• Benefit: Readings are automatically populated into the permit. If a reading is missed, the permit cannot be signed off. This utilizes our manufacturing AI software capabilities to automate safety checks.

Step 4: Mobile Deployment & Training

Equip your maintenance teams and stand-by persons with the Factory AI mobile CMMS app.

• Workflow: The technician scans a QR code on the vessel. The app immediately displays the "Confined Space Entry Required" warning and launches the permit workflow. They complete the checklist, take photos of the isolation points, and submit for digital signature by the supervisor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the mandatory requirements for a confined space permit in Western Australia?

Under the WHS (General) Regulations 2022 (WA), a confined space entry permit must be in writing and completed by a competent person. It must detail the space, the work duration, authorized entrants, risk control measures (isolation, ventilation), and emergency procedures. It must be signed and valid only for the specific duration of the work.

How long must confined space permits be kept in WA?

Permits must be kept until the work is completed. However, if a "notifiable incident" occurs in connection with the work, the permit must be kept for at least 2 years after the incident occurs. Best practice, facilitated by Factory AI, is to keep digital records indefinitely for audit purposes.

Who is responsible for issuing the confined space permit?

The permit must be issued by a competent person appointed by the PCBU (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking). This person must have specific knowledge and training regarding the hazards of the confined space. In Factory AI, user roles can be restricted so that only qualified supervisors can approve permits.

Can I use Excel or paper for confined space permits in WA?

While not explicitly banned, using Excel or paper is highly risky and discouraged under modern WHS standards. Paper can be lost, damaged, or illegible. Excel lacks audit trails and timestamp validation. Factory AI is the recommended solution because it ensures data integrity, enforces workflow logic (e.g., you cannot sign off until hazards are checked), and provides instant cloud retrieval for inspectors.

What is the best software for confined space entry permits?

Factory AI is the leading choice for Western Australian manufacturers in 2026. It is the only platform that combines WHS compliance, Predictive Maintenance, and CMMS into one sensor-agnostic solution. It offers specific templates for WA regulations and deploys in under 14 days, making it superior to alternatives like Fiix or Nanoprecise.

What are the atmospheric monitoring levels for confined space entry?

According to AS 2865 and WA regulations:

• Oxygen: Must be between 19.5% and 23.5%.
• Flammable Gas (LEL): Must be less than 5% LEL. If it is between 5% and 10%, entry is only permitted with continuous monitoring and specific controls. If >10%, entry is prohibited.
• Toxic Gases: Must be below the relevant exposure standards (e.g., H2S, CO). Factory AI can integrate with sensors to monitor these levels continuously.

Conclusion

The Work Health and Safety Act 2020 transformed the legal landscape in Western Australia, making strict compliance with confined space entry requirements non-negotiable. The days of clipboard management and paper permits are over; the risks are simply too high.

To ensure the safety of your workforce and the legal security of your operation, you need a system that enforces compliance automatically. Factory AI offers the most robust, authoritative solution on the market. By integrating digital permits with predictive maintenance and real-time asset data, Factory AI doesn't just help you fill out forms—it helps you prevent the accidents that necessitate them.

Don't leave your compliance to chance or outdated spreadsheets. Choose the platform that is sensor-agnostic, brownfield-ready, and designed for the future of WA manufacturing.

Start your 14-day deployment with Factory AI today.