Enclosed Space

Question 1

Enclosed space procedure

Answer 1

• Identify tank and work to be done
• Check SMS
• Inform bridge and engineers of work to be done day before and day of (ensure with the bridge that the draining of tank will not affect stability)
• PPE
• Sound tank, drain tank, sound tank
• LOTO
• Authorised person observes a crew member open the hatch covers, opening every other bolt and loosening the rest to crack it open with bump tested and calibrated gas meter at opening.
• Cordon off & Ventilate for 24 hours or until space is deemed safe by the authorised person & competent person
• In this time - toolbox talk and enclosed space rescue drill, check equipment and prepare crew.
• Conduct PTW and RA (3 copies of PTW, bridge, workspace and safety officer)
• Check space is safe to enter by lowering bump tested & calibrated gas meter to bottom of tank slowly, stopping atleast 3 times.
• Rescue equipment must also be with the standby attendant - tripod, EEBD, BA, Neil Robertson stretcher, rescue harness (better if already wearing harness)
• Team enters space with standby attendant outside tank to keep a line of communication between tank and ECR/bridge. Standby attendant must not leave the entry point of the tank and must keep track of the status of the crew inside. Bridge & ECR must be informed of entry & exit of persons from enclosed space. This will be logged in the logbooks.
• (Work is done)
• Ensure all tools and equipment are taken from inside the tank using a checklist. Seal tank, put tank back in service and close permit + inform everyone that it is done.

Question 2

What does the gas meter measure and what are the exposure limits?
Where else could I find guidance on these limits?

Answer 2

Oxygen (O2) 20.9%
Carbon monoxide (CO) <20ppm
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) <5ppm
Flammable gases lower explosive limit (LEL) <1%

HSE EH40 - workplace exposure limits (WELs)

Question 3

What defines an enclosed space

Answer 3

A space which is not designed for continuous worker occupancy, has inadequate ventilation and has limited openings

Examples: tanks, crankcase, chain locker, scrubber tower, azipod, CO2 room, paint locker.

Question 4

What is an EEBD?

Answer 4

• Emergency Escape Breathing Device
• Used to allow personnel to escape from a tank (not suitable for entry or rescue)
• Should last minimum of 10 mins