Enclosed Space Entry - Shipowners
Enclosed Space Entry - Shipowners
Enclosed Space Entry - Shipowners
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Appendix 1 The following case studies have been issued by the MAIB<br />
Case Study 1<br />
A 12,000 gross registered tonnage foreign flagged Ro-Ro cargo vessel, operated by British<br />
Officers, was on passage to the UK. The vessel's fuel oil was found to contain water and<br />
during the search to find the cause, tanks were opened and inspected. The Chief Engineer<br />
carrying out the inspection was found by a watchkeeper with his legs protruding out of a tank<br />
manhole. He was removed from the tank and First Aid was carried out immediately, but<br />
without success. The pathologist who carried out the post mortem, confirmed the cause of<br />
death was due to lack of oxygen and exposure to oil fumes.<br />
Observations<br />
1. No forced ventilation of the tanks was used.<br />
2. No test on the tank atmosphere was made, as the oxygen meter's battery was flat.<br />
3. No other person was in attendance at the tank entrance.<br />
4. Breathing apparatus was not made available.<br />
Comment<br />
1. There have been many similar accidents, one was reported in the MAIB Summary of<br />
Investigations 3/93 publication, page 2. For those who have not seen the guidance<br />
regarding safe entry into spaces it is contained in the following:<br />
– The “Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seamen1 ” (1991 Edition),<br />
Chapter 10 – Entering <strong>Enclosed</strong> or Confined <strong>Space</strong>s;<br />
– A MARITIME SAFETY CARD published by the International Maritime Organization which<br />
sets out basic precautions on tank entry and provides a safety check list.<br />
2. It is disturbing that officers who should be aware of the requirements for safe entry to<br />
spaces do not carry out basic checks and take the necessary precautions.<br />
3. For UK vessels the legislation contained in the Merchant Shipping (<strong>Entry</strong> into Dangerous<br />
<strong>Space</strong>s) Regulations 1988 as amended, would apply.<br />
1 Please note that since this case study has been published, the information on ‘Entering <strong>Enclosed</strong> or Confined <strong>Space</strong>s’ can now<br />
be found in Chapter 17 of the 2004 consolidated version of the ‘Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seaman’<br />
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