Enclosed Spaces Flashcards
What are the characteristics of an enclosed space?
An area with limited openings for entry and exit.
An area with inadequate ventilation.
An area not designed for continuous worker occupancy
(An enclosed space may have an atmosphere with a deficiency in oxygen and/or contain flammable and toxic gases or vapours).
What should the considered in the risk assessment?
To ensure safety, a competent person should always make a preliminary assessment of any potential hazards in the space. He or she must consider factors such as cargo carried and ventilation. Entrance and exit points, etc.
The preliminary assessment should help determine the presence of an oxygen deficiency, flammable, or toxic atmosphere.
What authorisation is required prior to entry into an enclosed space?
No person should open or enter an Enclosed Space unless authorized by the Master.
Entry into enclosed spaces must be planned, permits must be used, and checklists completed.
The permit must be issued by the Master or nominated responsible person and must be completed by the person entering the space.
What are the general precautions taken when entering an enclosed space?
Hazards have been identified and as far as possible they have been isolated or made safe.
The Space has been thoroughly ventilated.
* As per SOLAS, ‘a steady reading of at least 20.8% oxygen by volume should be obtained before entry.
The atmosphere in space has been tested.
The space is secured for entry and properly illuminated.
System of communication has been agreed on and tested.
Someone has been put on watch at the entrance to the space the whole time someone is inside.
The rescue and safety equipment have all been put near the entrance and a rescue agreement/ plan has been put in place.
What testing is carried out prior to enclosed spaced entry?
This should be carried out with properly calibrated equipment by a person trained with such equipment.
Testing should be carried out before anyone enters and whilst inside.
For entry purposes, steady reading of the following should be obtained:
1) 20.8% oxygen (SOLAS) by volume.
2) Toxic gases (Carbon Monoxide and Hydrogen Sulphide) - (EH40) – Long exposure limits / 2 as per COSWP.
3) No more than 1% of lower flammable limit (LFL).
Pockets of gas or oxygen deficiency can exist.
What precautions should be made prior to entry into an enclosed space?
The space shall be adequately illuminated.
No source of ignition shall be taken or put into the space unless the authorised officer is satisfied it is safe to do so.
A rescue plan shall be put in place.
A work permit and risk assessment must have been carried out.
All rescue and resuscitation equipment shall be placed at the entrance, with a minimum requirement of:
* BA set with fully charged spare cylinders.
* Lifeline and rescue harness.
* Torches or lamps.
* A means of hoisting an incapacitated person from the confined space.
At least one person shall be posted at the entrance of the enclosed space while occupied and must hold communication with the personnel inside as well as the bridge, they shall also keep a record of entrance timings and the number of personnel inside. Reporting to each party frequently.
What precautions should be made during entry into an enclosed space?
The atmosphere must be tested frequently whilst the space is occupied.
Appropriate PPE must be worn.
Ventilation should continue throughout.
In the event of an emergency, under NO circumstances should the attending crew member enter the space before help arrives.
If entering a space where the atmosphere may be unsafe:
* Only enter if there is no alternative.
* Only enter for essential operation, the safety of life or the ship.
* BA set must be worn.
