Enclosed Spaces

Risk of asphyxiation during enclosed space entry.

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Guiding Principles

Conduct risk assessment and identify if additional permits to work are required, specific to the space to be entered and the intended purpose.
‍Pocket Safety Guide: Confined Spaces
Supplement permit controls with point-of-entry signage, and person-in-tank register.
‍Example cargo tank entry permit form
Implement barriers for unattended space entry points, or space required to be tested, to prevent uncontrolled access.
‍Example enclosed space entry permit to work form
Implement enhanced controls for vessels fitted with nitrogen inert gas systems.
‍IMO Res.A.1050 (27): Revised recommendations for entering enclosed spaces aboard ships
Train crew at least every two months on enclosed space entry – correct procedures for entry, and contingency procedures in case of rescue.
Supplement practical training with Learning Engagement Tools.
‍Learning Engagement Tool
Conduct a reflective learning exercise.
‍Reflective Learning Library
Give specific focus during company audits and periodical risk assessment reviews.
Interview crew on their understanding of controls.
Learn from industry case studies.
‍Lessons Learnt: Enclosed Space Fatality
Arrange third party safety inspections.

Resources

Incident Prevention

Witherby

Pocket Safety Guide: Confined Spaces

This guide shows the procedures to be followed if it becomes necessary to enter confined or enclosed spaces, particularly where there is a risk of noxious fumes.

Guidance

Download

Incident Prevention

Example cargo tank entry permit form

Tools

Download

Incident Prevention

Example enclosed space entry permit to work form

Tools

Download

Incident Prevention

International Maritime Organization

IMO Res.A.1050 (27): Revised recommendations for entering enclosed spaces aboard ships

The recommendations have been expanded, and include additional guidance on training and on safety management, more examples of potential enclosed spaces, and greater emphasis on assuming spaces are unsafe to enter until proved otherwise.

Guidance

Link

Incident Prevention

Shell

Learning Engagement Tool

A library of Learning Engagement Tool (LET) themes to be facilitated on board in small groups of about five people. This tool helps to discuss key issues relating to each theme and how to prevent similar incidents from happening.

Guidance

Link

Incident Prevention

Shell

Reflective Learning Library

A library of reflective learning themes that provide an opportunity to reflect on the causes of incidents in order to gain a deeper behavioural understanding on learning using the structured reflective learning concept.

Guidance

Link

Incident Prevention

UKP&I Club

Lessons Learnt: Enclosed Space Fatality

On a loaded bulk carrier, a bulkhead stool void space was due for periodical internal inspection. The chief officer instructed the bosun to open the main deck lid to the vertical access trunk and place a small ventilation fan over the opening. In the meantime, he completed a permit to work...