Procedure for working in an enclosed space in a cargo ship
An Enclosed Space is defined as a space that has the following characteristics, where is an unsafe oxygen level and/or toxic gas or other vapor,
limited openings for entry and exit,
unfavorable natural ventilation, and not designated for continuous worker occupancy. It would include Oil and water tanks, Closed cargo holds, Cofferdams, Duct keels, Void spaces, Pump rooms in Oil tankers and the like.
Works In Cargo And Ballast Tanks
The shipboard safety management rules requirements for Enclosed Spaces Entry must be complied with in all respects when the crew must work in cargo or ballast tanks.
The initial entry must be made by a responsible officer to carry out further testing before allowing the crew to enter the tank. During the time the crew is working in the tank, a Responsible Officer must be in attendance.
When any cleaning, repairs, or maintenance work has been carried out in a cargo or ballast tank, space must be carefully inspected by a responsible Officer after all work is completed. He is to ensure that all tools, equipment, materials, and debris have been removed and that no damage has been caused to coatings and fittings.
Permit To Enter
Entry is only permitted when the atmosphere has been proved to contain
Oxygen content 21% by volume
Hydrocarbon vapor concentration less than 1% LEL
No toxic or other contaminants
Always keep adequate lighting
Masters permission
The Master should ensure the Chief Engineer or Chief Officer complete a checklist for Enclosed Space Entry Permit as follows:
Have valves on all pipelines serving the space been secured to prevent their accidental opening?
Has the space been cleaned?
Has the space been thoroughly ventilated?
Pre-entry atmosphere tests: Oxygen:
% vol, Hydrocarbon: % LEL, Toxic Gas: Yes / No
Have arrangements been made for frequent atmosphere checks during the occupation and work breaks?
Have arrangements been made for continuous ventilation during the occupation and work breaks?
Is adequate illumination provided?
Is a rescue and resuscitation equipment available for immediate use by the entrance to space?
Has a responsible person been designated to standby the entrance to space?
Has the officer of the watch been advised of the planned entry?
Has a system of communication between the person at the entrance and those entering been agreed & tested?
Are emergency and evacuation procedures established and understood?
Is there a system for keeping track of and recording who is in the space?
Is all equipment used of an approved type?
Confirm oxygen level prior entry
Always keep rescue equipment ready
Pre-Entry Checks (to be completed by team leader entering the enclosed space):
All above pre-entry precautions have been taken.
I am aware that space must be evacuated immediately in case of ventilation or atmosphere test failure.
I have agreed to the communication procedure.
I have agreed to a reporting interval ------of mins.
Emergency and evacuation procedures have been agreed upon and are understood.
Note: EEBD should not be used in place of the SCBA, in an emergency condition.
Closing Procedure: After confirming all is secured, and all persons who had been entered the enclosed space are evacuated, the master should enter the time of closure of permit and retain onboard for onboard filing purpose.
Permits duration of the validity :
The Entry permit should be issued immediately before the work is to be performed.
The duration of their validity should not exceed 24 hrs.
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