A Master's Guide to Enclosed Space Entry

The Standard Club, Charles Taylor & Co Limited, London, 2012. 40 p.The challenge of entering enclosed spaces safely is a subject that has
Tragically been with the industry for many decades. It is not known exactly
How many seafarers, shoreside workers, surveyors and stevedores have died
In enclosed spaces on ships and offshore units, but it is estimated that there
Are dozens of fatalities every year.It is imperative that those who join the industry learn at an early stage of the
Dangers of entering into enclosed spaces. Seafarers must realise how unsafe
It can be to go ill-prepared into an enclosed space to assist a colleague or
Carry out some task. No enclosed space should be entered without
Proper precautions. Doing so puts lives at risk, and this means that
Training is essential.This guide is intended to assist seafarers to enter enclosed spaces safely.
Its Contents may highlight shortfalls in individual company procedures in
Equipment and training and in onboard practices.Investigations into many casualties have shown that accidents onboard
Ship are in most cases caused by an insufficient knowledge of, or
Disregard for, the right precautions rather than a lack of guidance.Safety management system
Enclosed space hazards
Risk assessment
Entry procedures
Duties and responsibilities
Securing the space for entry
Entilation
Testing the atmosphere
Entry and rescue equipment
Entry permit
Completion and permit closure
Rescue from an enclosed space
TrainingAppendix – Checklist
Appendix – Enclosed spaces access log
Appendix – Safety signage