Enclosed Space Entry - Shipowners

Appendices
4. In order to confirm the probable condition of the atmosphere inside the trunkway at the
time of the accident, atmospheric tests were conducted under similar conditions upon the
vessel’s next arrival at the port. The test results included a minimum oxygen reading of
1.9% and a maximum carbon dioxide reading of 10.5%.
Comments
1. The two men died when they entered a dangerous enclosed space, which was deficient in
oxygen and contained gas products of the timber cargo.
2. The Merchant Shipping (Entry into Dangerous Spaces) Regulations 1988 (as amended)
apply to UK vessels and to non-UK vessels when in a UK port. They require that entrances to
unattended dangerous spaces should be secured against entry and that procedures for safe
entry should be laid down and enforced. A conscientious regard for the training of crew and
for the strict enforcement of clearly understood procedures would probably have prevented
this accident.
3. Although it is generally known that a depletion of oxygen may occur in cargo spaces filled
with certain types of wood cargoes, the danger associated with the carriage of logs requires
increased attention.
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