XIII

TESTING OF HAZARDOUS ATMOSPHERES

1. Oxygen analyzers?
There are oxygen analyzers without batteries and they are relatively insensitive. Other types of
analysers include the polarographic and paramagnetic-type instruments. These are much more
sensitive and require batteries.

It should be noted that batteries should never be changed in a gas dangerous zone.
Such instruments have dual scales, each having a separate function. For example:—
• Scale 1 — oxygen deficiency in air — zero to 25 per cent oxygen
by volume;
• Scale 2 — oxygen in nitrogen — zero to 1 per cent oxygen by volume

These instruments should be regularly spanned (calibrated) with fresh air (21 per cent
oxygen) and test-nitrogen (a virtual zero per cent oxygen content). Liquid
contamination, pressure or temperature effects may result in drifting of instrument
response.

2. Combustible gas indicator, Gascope?

Catalytic instruments

Such instruments are designed principally to indicate flammability but are also used to
detect the presence of small concentrations of gases in air.
The meter scale commonly reads from zero per cent to 100 per cent of the lower
flammable limit (LFL). On instruments having a dual range, a second scale indicates
zero to 10 per cent of the LFL. Instruments of this type contain batteries which must
be checked prior to use and it is a recommended practice to check the instrument
using a calibration gas at frequent intervals.

Non-catalytic heated filament gas indicators

Since the action of the catalytic gas indicator depends upon combustion with air, it
cannot be used for inerted atmospheres because of oxygen deficiency. Instruments
suitable for such use, while operating on a similar Wheatstone Bridge principle,
contain a filament sensitive to variations in heat conductivity of the sample which
varies with its hydrocarbon content. Such meters usually register over the range 0 to
25 per cent hydrocarbon vapour by volume and are useful for monitoring inerting
operations.

3. Explosimeter, Catalytic sensor instruments, infrared sensor instruments?

Where void spaces are inerted continuously with nitrogen, the catalytic type will not
function and an infra-red analyser is often provided as the central multi-point
instrument.

4. Fired gas detector?

5. Toxicity detectors, Drager Pumps and tubes, Portables instrument

multigases detectors?

Toxic gas detectors usually operate on the principle of absorption of the toxic gas in
a chemical tube which results in a colour change. Immediately prior to use, the ends are broken
from a sealed glass tube. This is inserted into the bellows unit and a sample aspirated
through it. The reaction between the gas being sampled and the chemical contained
in the tube causes a colour change. Usually, readings are taken from the length of the
colour stain against an indicator scale marked on the tube. These are most often expressed in
parts per million (ppm). When using this type of instrument, it is important to aspirate the bulb
correctly if reliable results are to be obtained. Normally, the bellows are compressed and the
unbroken tube inserted. By this means the instrument is checked for leaks prior to breaking the
tube. If found to be faulty, it should be replaced.
This type of instrument can also be used to good effect during gassing-up operations
when changing from one cargo to another. By using tubes suitable to detect trace
amounts of the previous cargo, a careful estimation can be made regarding a suitable
cut-off point for the operation.

In addition to the fixed gas detection system, every ship must have at least two sets
of portable gas detection equipment adapted to the cargoes listed in the Fitness
Certificate.

6. Zero, Span, check and calibration for all portable and fixed gas analyzers?
SPAN-A vapour sample of known composition and concentration used to calibrate gas detection
equipment.
Instrumentation, as sophisticated as it can be, is only accurate if properly calibrated.
Calibration can be done on board by the crew, using calibration instruments, or it can
be done by service engineers carrying their own calibration instruments. Calibration
instruments must be calibrated at regular intervals in specialised facilities and carry a
calibration certificate.

7. Entry into enclosed spaces, policy precautions, procedures, equipment,

entry permit?
Because of the danger of hazardous atmospheres, an enclosed space should only be
entered when it is essential to do so. At such times a permit to work should be issued
and this should be specific as to date, time and space concerned and list the
precautions to be taken.

Particular hazards atmospheres can include:—

• Amounts of hydrocarbon gas
• Trace amounts of toxic gas
• The intrusion of inert gas, and
• Oxygen deficiency (often caused by the rusting process in unventilated tanks)

For those special cases where tank entry is required, every ship and terminal should
have procedures for safe entry and these should be written into operating manuals. Generally,
entry into enclosed spaces should only be permitted when the atmosphere
has been declared gas-free and fit for entry by a responsible officer.

GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Do not enter an enclosed space unless authorised by the
master or a responsible officer and only after all the appropriate safety checks listed
opposite have been carried out.
The atmosphere in any enclosed space may be incapable of
supporting human life. It may be lacking in oxygen content
or contain flammable or toxic gases. This also applies to
tanks which have been inerted.
The master or a responsible officer should ensure that it is
safe to enter an enclosed space by:
ensuring that the space has been thoroughly
ventilated by natural or mechanical means;
testing the atmosphere of the space at different levels
.1
for oxygen deficiency and harmful vapour where
suitable instruments are available; and
requiring breathing apparatus to be worn by all
.2 persons entering the space where there is any doubt
.3 as to the adequacy of ventilation or testing before
entry.
Protective equipment and clothing
It is important that all those entering an enclosed space wear
suitable clothing and that they make use of protective
equipment which may be provided on board for their safety.
Access ladders and surfaces within the space may be slippery and suitable footwear should be
worn. Safety helmets
protect against falling objects and, in a confined space,
against bumps. Loose clothing, which is likely to catch on
obstructions should be avoided. Additionally precautions are
necessary where there is a risk of contact with harmful
chemicals. Safety harnesses, belts and lifelines should be
worn and used where there is any danger of falling from a
height.

8. Ship’s work permits?

While a ship is alongside, only under exceptional and well-controlled circumstances
should any hot work (including the use of power tools) be undertaken, either on board
or within the vicinity of the ship. In the unlikely event that such work must be carried
out, the most stringent safety precautions and procedures should be drawn up and
rigidly adhered to.
To cover these and similar circumstances, a Permit to Work system should be in place.
In the event that hot or cold work becomes necessary when a ship is alongside, a
Work Permit should be agreed between the ship, the terminal and, where necessary,
the port authority. The Work Permit should cover a limited period and the terms and
conditions for which it is issued should be rigidly enforced.