Enclosed Space Entry - Shipowners

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1) Is the space thoroughly ventilated? Where possible, prior to the space being entered, all accesses should be opened with at least one entrance opened at each end of the relevant space. Ventilation should be commenced for a minimum of 24 hours prior to entry. Ventilation can be carried out in the following ways, although it is preferable to use mechanical forms: a) At sea / in port – This would normally involve natural ventilation unless the vessel is equipped with portable mechanical blowers or fans. Natural ventilation can be assisted by using sails or cowls to direct the air flow into the space. b) At a shipyard – In normal circumstances this would involve forced ventilation using portable mechanical blowers or fans provided by the shipyard. It is important to continue ventilation until the enclosed entry is fully completed. If the ventilation system fails, all persons in the enclosed space must evacuate immediately. 2) Has the atmosphere been tested and found safe? Before entry, the atmosphere of the space must be tested using suitable instruments. Under normal circumstances, this would include an Oxygen Analyser and a Combustible Gas Meter which measures the Lower Explosive Limit (Lower Flammable Limit) of gas in air mixtures. When particularly toxic cargoes have been carried such as Benzene, specific testing should be carried out (refer to IMO Resolution A.864 (20) in Appendix 2). Testing the atmosphere should only be performed by personnel who are fully trained in the use of the instruments. The manufacturer’s instructions should be strictly adhered to. It is important to note that the “IMO Resolution A.864 (20), Recommendations For Entering Enclosed Spaces Aboard Ships” states that for entry purposes, steady readings of 21% oxygen by volume by oxygen content meter is required. It is often assumed that by deballasting a tank, a full air change is consequently introduced but this procedure does not guarantee a safe atmosphere and testing is still required. An empty ballast tank could be oxygen deficient due to the rusting process in the structure. 6
Combustible gas detectors are not usually designed to measure levels of oxygen as they detect the amount of flammable gas in air of an inert atmosphere. Ideally, a “multi-meter” should be used when testing for oxygen, hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and sulphur dioxide. The atmosphere analysing equipment should be tested first and calibrated in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations. Whilst the enclosed space entry is taking place, oxygen levels should be regularly tested and where appropriate at different height levels to ensure a safe environment in all areas. Forced ventilation must be stopped during testing. Figure 3: Testing the atmosphere of the enclosed space Enclosed space entry procedures 7
Page 1: Enclosed Space Entry
Page 4 and 5: Introduction The Club has recently
Page 6 and 7: Enclosed Space Entry Procedures The
Page 10 and 11: 3) Is the space prepared for entry?
Page 12 and 13: 5) Is there a suitably experienced
Page 14 and 15: Figure 8: ELSA sets in use Figure 9
Page 16 and 17: 9) Breathing apparatus I. All crew
Page 18 and 19: Training and Enclosed Entry Emergen
Page 20 and 21: Acknowledgments BW TECHNOLOGIES BW
Page 22 and 23: Case Study 2 A small coaster was at
Page 24 and 25: Case Study 3 A single-hold general
Page 26 and 27: Appendix 2 IMO Resolution A.864 (20
Page 28 and 29: 5 GENERAL PRECAUTIONS 5.1 The maste
Page 30 and 31: 7 PRECAUTIONS DURING ENTRY 7.1 The
Page 32 and 33: 9.4 Oxygen-depleting cargoes and ma
Page 34 and 35: Appendix 3 Example of an Enclosed S
Page 36 and 37: Section 3 - Breathing apparatus and
Page 38: Notes 36

Enclosed Space Entry - Shipowners

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