concerned to note a heightened frequency of incidents resulting
in the death of both crewmembers and visitors as a consequence
of entry into enclosed spaces, or through the release of noxious
gases in enclosed spaces. These include:
Spain, April 2008
The cargo receiver’s surveyor died on board after entering an
untested hold via an opened access hatch. The incident occurred
despite the surveyor having been strictly advised by the chief
officer and another crewmember to remain out of the holds
until clearance was obtained.
Indonesia, June 2008
Two shore-based contractors boarded the ship with the
intention of removing sludge from a tank. Unknown to the crew,
they gained access to the tank. They were not using breathing
apparatus, had not taken any measures to determine the
composition of the atmosphere within the tank, and they were
overcome by fumes and died. It is likely that one of the
contractors entered the space in an attempt to rescue his
colleague.
USA, June 2008
A bulk carrier was discharging a coal cargo in Mobile, Alabama,
when a stevedore entered the hold via an ‘Australian ladder’.
The bottom of the ladder compartment was blocked by coal and
it was later determined that the oxygen level was well below
normal. The stevedore died. A crewmember, using only basic
equipment, was lucky to escape with his own life after he had
courageously, but recklessly, entered the area in the hope of
helping the stevedore. It was later determined that the stevedore
had fallen and broken his neck as a result of losing
consciousness.
Members are encouraged to ensure that there is an onboard
system which ensures that all shore-based personnel are aware
that they must not enter an enclosed space without prior
permission of the master. Rigorous enforcement of the ship’s
ISPS system should ensure that the business of all visitors to the
vessel is known and understood by the ship’s senior officers.
Enclosed space entry system
The basic minimum standard for entry is contained in the 2007
edition of the MCA publication The Code of Safe Working
Practices for Merchant Seamen. A more thorough system is
explained below, which is usually seen on tanker vessels but
Example – a blank form is shown
continued over
could be adopted on any type of vessel. It encourages safe
enclosed space entry for all concerned.
1 Issuing permit
At the space to be entered carry out the required testing and
other procedures to complete an ‘entry permit for enclosed
spaces’, which must then be signed by the responsible officer
who carried out the checks and the team leader of the work
team, who must be present to witness the tests being carried
out. The permit, which must be completed in ink and not on the
computer, is finally approved by the master who appends his
signature to it. Until this is done, no person, visitor or crew
member, may enter the enclosed space.
This permit to work is then posted in a perspex holder for all
to see until revoked, when it is filed.
No initial permit should be valid longer than four
hours. It can be extended a further four hours butthe space must be re-tested in order for the extension to be
permitted. Permits should not be made for any longer period
because, even under proper ventilation, gas concentrations in a
space may change rapidly.
2 Location entry tags
After the main permit has been displayed, and prior to entry into any
space under that permit, a local ‘enclosed space entry permit’ plastic
tag for each location that is covered by the main permit to work
should be made. Each of these tags is then tied on to the entrance
of the permitted spaces whilst the work is carried out. Permit details
are marked on the tag using permanent ink. The tag is filed with the
permit, for at least one year, when the permit expires.
Initially the tag is valid for four hours and can be extended by four
more hours if required.
Plastic enclosed space entry tags ID entry tags for personnel
3 ID entry tags
Each man on board has a permanent plastic yellow tag and visitor
tags are also provided. Anybody entering an enclosed space must
first hang their tag on the board at the entrance of the space with
the entry permit. Only when all tags are removed, including the entry
permit, can the lid/hatch be closed.
This procedure may seem time consuming but it is very risk averse
and ensures good safety measures are in place for all enclosed space
entries on board ship. It ensures that the level of oxygen, toxic and
flammable vapours has been tested before entry. It ensures
continuous monitoring thereafter because Permits are only issued
for four hour periods. With constant monitoring maintained, safety
is enhanced for all personnel.
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