Entry into Enclosed Space

Categoy: Especial Articles
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04 June 2016

Enclosed spaces is that tanks, holds, anywhere which has hazard for human nature. Prior to enclosed space entry, ‘’Safety First’’ shall be carried out definitely. All of checklists, orders, regulations are requlated to protect the people’s life. Before enclosed space entry, seafarers should be acted by taking procedures into account, and enclosed space entry permit should be confirmed after meeting the conditions by responsible officers and master. All steps must be applied and checked.

– Gas-free test must be carried out
– Measure the ratio of oxygen
– If ratio analysis is not as must be, wait for conditions as per the regulations
– Keep the ventilation process until result of measurements are up to scratch
– Check and report the all steps

Some of the requirements as mentioned and many steps take aim at safety. Innumerable seafarers, surveyors, stevedors and related people have died in enclosed spaces, and IMO focused on new regulations.

Enclosed space can define as any confined area where there is restricted ventilation condition and entry or exit. Small openings are difficult to move and restricted ventilation condition allows short term work inside for clean up, maintenance, inspection etc.

Air contains 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen and 1% other gasses. Oxygen ratio shall be tested between 19.5% to 23.5% maximum. Oxygen deficiency can be caused fire, chemical or biological reactions.

-International Convention of Safety of Life At Sea (SOLAS)
-International Convention On Standarts of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) for Seafarers, 1978, amended by the 2010 Manila Amendments
-International Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and for Pollution

Prevention (International Safety Management (ISM) Code) – SOLAS Chapter IX relevant international regulations with Enclosed Space Entry.Paris and Tokyo Mou collabrate work and announce Concentrated Inspection Campaign(*) which is focused enclosed space entry in 2016.

Following elements are basic preventions to not be experienced an accident;
-Atmoshpere tested and space must be clean
-Continuous ventilation (not with pure oxygen)
-Check the ship’s plan
-Check the use of communication equipment
-Take into account enclosed space entry and hot work procedures
-Knowledge in first aid and rescue techniques
-Safe ladders and platforms
-Training for rescue and using PPE

Indian Ocean Mou expressed the most significant deficiencies about enclosed space entry;

-Training in the use of equipment by the crew members responsible for testing the athmosphere in enclosed spaces
-Crew members responsible for enclosed space emergency duties
-Availability of the training manual on board and its contents complete and customized to the ship
-Participation of the ship’s crew in an enclosed space entry and rescue drill on board the ship at least once every two months in accordance with Solas Chapter III,Regualtion 19.3.3
-Outcome of the enclosed space entry and rescue drill replica watches and compliance with the requirements of Solas Chapter III,Regulation 19.3.6.

*-Concentrated Inspection Campaign focus on specific areas where high levels of deficiencies have been encountered PSCOs, or where new convention requirements have recently entered into force.Campaigns take place yearly over a period of 3 months (September-November) and recombined with a regular inspection. (www.parismou.org)