How
are Confined Spaces treated on Ships?
How are Confined Spaces
treated on Ships? I know nothing of marine safety, only that what little
legislation I've seen exempts ships and docks in general terms, but ships and
crews must face the same hazards as land based confined spaces.
This question was prompted by watching a TV programme called 'Mighty Ships' which showed a new Norwegian cruise ship, in it, an engineer was seen inspecting ballast tanks below the water line, he was alone (apart from the film crew!) he did not have any equipment other than a torch. There was only one entrance and that was tight - not really big enough for a BA set, so why if it was such a new ship was the entrance hole not bigger too?
This question was prompted by watching a TV programme called 'Mighty Ships' which showed a new Norwegian cruise ship, in it, an engineer was seen inspecting ballast tanks below the water line, he was alone (apart from the film crew!) he did not have any equipment other than a torch. There was only one entrance and that was tight - not really big enough for a BA set, so why if it was such a new ship was the entrance hole not bigger too?
As far as i know the hazards and the
risks associated with entry into a confined space whether on board ship or on
land doesn't differ the slightest. There may be slight differences between
country to country's Act and regulations on the procedures and permit requirements
for a confined space. So how to treat entering a confined space? Firstly follow
the statutory requirements of the country where the ship is berthed, or docked
unless you are in international water either underway or cruising.Ensure a
thorough inspections is carried out for presence of O2, H2S, N2O, CO, and VOCs.
Provides for illuminations, ventilations and LOTO where spadings are crried out
to all inlets and outlets valves using appropriately rated blinds.De-energized
all electrical power associated with the confined space (LOTO). Prior to
entering a standby person manned at the entry point and if necessary a team of
rescuer. Use SCBA only when it is necessary because it poses more risk than
benefits. Oxygen content at all time in the CS must not be less than 19.5
percent and not exceeding 32.5percent. Comply to all other requirements related
to the task intended. Eg. Hot work, working at height etc inside the confined
space. Lastly do not enter alone.
.Safe Working in
Confined Spaces;
Size of openings to enable safe access to and egress from confined
spaces
93 Experience has shown that the minimum size of an opening to allow access
with full rescue facilities including self-contained breathing apparatus is 575 mm
diameter. This size should normally be used for new plant, although the openings
for some confined spaces may need to be larger depending on the circumstances,
for example, to take account of a fully equipped employee, or the nature of the
opening
.
94 Existing plant may have narrower openings. It will therefore be necessary
to check that a person wearing suitable equipment can safely and readily pass
through such openings. Choice of airline breathing apparatus in such cases offers
a more compact alternative to bulkier self-contained apparatus. Examples of plant
where there are narrower openings include rail tank wagons and tank containers
where an opening of 500 mm diameter is common, and in road tankers where
the recognised size is 410 mm. Even smaller openings can be found in the highly
specialised nature of access to certain parts of aircraft, such as to fuel tanks in
wings. Precautions need to take account of such special cases.
95 The size and number of access and egress points should be assessed
individually dependent upon the activities being carried out and the number of
people involved. Large-scale evacuations may need larger routes and openings to
prevent them becoming bottlenecks. Top openings to vessels, tanks etc should
be avoided due to difficulty of access and rescue. Bottom or low manholes are
preferable and may need access platforms. There may be occasions when access
and egress is so tortuous, for example, in the double bottom of a ship, that
temporary openings may be needed.
So 575mm is seen as the minimum dimension for UK applications. As the access point will have a fixed dimension then we must also consider the physical build of those who we select to enter, work in and leave the confined space.
Size of openings to enable safe access to and egress from confined
spaces
93 Experience has shown that the minimum size of an opening to allow access
with full rescue facilities including self-contained breathing apparatus is 575 mm
diameter. This size should normally be used for new plant, although the openings
for some confined spaces may need to be larger depending on the circumstances,
for example, to take account of a fully equipped employee, or the nature of the
opening
.
94 Existing plant may have narrower openings. It will therefore be necessary
to check that a person wearing suitable equipment can safely and readily pass
through such openings. Choice of airline breathing apparatus in such cases offers
a more compact alternative to bulkier self-contained apparatus. Examples of plant
where there are narrower openings include rail tank wagons and tank containers
where an opening of 500 mm diameter is common, and in road tankers where
the recognised size is 410 mm. Even smaller openings can be found in the highly
specialised nature of access to certain parts of aircraft, such as to fuel tanks in
wings. Precautions need to take account of such special cases.
95 The size and number of access and egress points should be assessed
individually dependent upon the activities being carried out and the number of
people involved. Large-scale evacuations may need larger routes and openings to
prevent them becoming bottlenecks. Top openings to vessels, tanks etc should
be avoided due to difficulty of access and rescue. Bottom or low manholes are
preferable and may need access platforms. There may be occasions when access
and egress is so tortuous, for example, in the double bottom of a ship, that
temporary openings may be needed.
So 575mm is seen as the minimum dimension for UK applications. As the access point will have a fixed dimension then we must also consider the physical build of those who we select to enter, work in and leave the confined space.
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