Dangerous (Enclosed) Spaces v2

This LET supersedes the previous Confined

Notes for Guidance spaces LET issued in Q3 2015.

What the Engagement Pack includes Who is to be Engaged?

Vessel crews and all those who are involved in marine operations.
• Key points the supervisor should cover in their discussion
• Questions the supervisor can ask the group
Where?
• Risk Level icons to allow the supervisor to label risk situations Engagement should be carried out in a quiet room/area to avoid
disturbance. For example, the vessel’s office, mess room, or quiet
Purpose of the Engagement Pack area in a workshop would be suitable.
To help supervisors provide their staff with a platform to have a
meaningful safety discussion and encourage sharing of When to hold the Engagement
experiences and discussions around their learning outcomes. Choose a time that is suitable for all staff. This should be when
they are alert and most likely to contribute to the discussion. This
Using the Engagement Pack will help in absorbing and retaining the information for much
This pack has been designed for use by a supervisor in front of a longer.
group of no more than 10 people. The pack should be placed on a
table with the pictures facing the group and the notes facing the
This Engagement Pack IS NOT to be used for skills
supervisor. Use practical demonstration where possible. The notes
training or a task requiring a licenced operator. This IS
are memory joggers to highlight key points and should not be read
NOT a tool box talk. This is an opportunity for staff on
word for word.
board to talk about safety without feeling rushed to
commence their work. The rate of learning is more
Preparing for an Engagement Session
important than completing the pack so allow two or more
Before beginning the session the supervisor should familiarise
sessions if necessary.
themselves with the content and its purpose. Make sure there is
enough space for the staff to interact with each other.

Dangerous (Enclosed) Spaces v2– March 2019 Health, Safety, Security and Environment
Unchanged Reality (Pre Read)

Dangerous (Enclosed) Spaces v2– March 2019 Health, Safety, Security and Environment
Unchanged Reality (Pre Read)

The main issues:

Key message: Our fellow seafarers are still
dying in dangerous (enclosed) spaces. Why?
• Unplanned and poorly executed rescue attempts
• Failure to recognise dangerous (enclosed) spaces and ALL Discussion points:
hazards associated with them
1. Why?
• Lack of understanding of or non-compliance with company
procedures and industry standards
• Acting on emotion and instinct and disregarding knowledge
and training
• Incorrect use of critical safety equipment 
• Lack of Intervention - letting your colleagues put themselves in
danger
• Failure to consider alternative options before entering a
confined space - Do you really need to enter?

• Each element will be covered in this LET

Dangerous (Enclosed) Spaces v2– March 2019 Health, Safety, Security and Environment
Emergency Response and Rescue

Dangerous (Enclosed) Spaces v2– March 2019 Health, Safety, Security and Environment
Emergency Response and Rescue

The main issue:

• 60% of the deaths in dangerous (enclosed) spaces, come from
Key message: Don’t follow your heart follow
unplanned rescues based on emotion and instinct where your head.
appropriate  precautions were not taken. 
Discussion points:
• People believe: “It  won’t happen to me”. IT WILL! 
1. What percentage of deaths in enclosed spaces occurred after
• Crew members too often stood by and watched their colleagues rescue attempts?
rush to their death.
2. What are the first things you should do in case of an enclosed
• Ineffective exercise planning scenarios – ensure ALL enclosed  space emergency?
spaces are regularly exercised. 3. How would you react if your friend is trapped in dangerous
Always pay special attention to the following: (enclosed) space?
4. How can we make our emergency rescue drills more realistic?
• Emergency rescue plan available, robust and
regularly exercised 
• Consider incorporation of learning elements into exercises.
• Ensure standby rescue equipment and personnel are always
available at the entrance during such activities
• Ensure correct equipment is used during rescue operations. 
• Evaluate the drill to identify improvements. 

Dangerous (Enclosed) Spaces v2– March 2019 Health, Safety, Security and Environment
Identifying Dangerous (Enclosed) Spaces

Dangerous (Enclosed) Spaces v2– March 2019 Health, Safety, Security and Environment
 Identifying Dangerous (Enclosed) Spaces

The main issue: Key message: Dangerous (Enclosed) spaces

Correct identification of Dangerous (Enclosed) spaces. may not be obvious.
• A space which has any of the following characteristics: 
• limited openings for entry and exit;  Discussion points:
• inadequate ventilation; and  1. What are the key characteristics of an enclosed space?

• is not designed for continuous worker occupancy,  2. Show/demonstrate the location of all enclosed spaces on-board
your ship. Remember some enclosed spaces are not obvious.
The list includes, but is not limited to, cargo spaces, double bottoms, fuel
tanks, ballast tanks, cargo pump-rooms, cargo compressor rooms,
cofferdams, chain lockers, void spaces, duct keels, inter-barrier spaces,
boilers, engine crankcases, engine scavenge air receivers, sewage tanks,
adjacent connected spaces. , paint stores , battery lockers, mast housing.
 This list is not exhaustive,  a ship specific list should be produced  to identify
all  enclosed spaces.

Always pay special attention to the following:

• A dangerous enclosed space is not always obvious and may include
areas  on the main deck that are usually considered safe.
• Changes in the environment of a space can make it dangerous
(enclosed) space (e.g. failed fixed ventilation, day-to-day activities which
involve chemicals, etc.)                                          

Dangerous (Enclosed) Spaces v2– March 2019 Health, Safety, Security and Environment
Identifying Hazards of Dangerous (Enclosed) Spaces

Dangerous (Enclosed) Spaces v2– March 2019 Health, Safety, Security and Environment
Identifying Hazards of Dangerous (Enclosed) Spaces

The main issue:

• Example of some hazards - lack/excess of oxygen, hazardous Key message: Dangerous (enclosed) spaces
vapours, leakage of hazardous material from adjacent space,
hazards may not be obvious.
insufficient / no ventilation, restricted space, slippery surfaces,
inadequate lighting, falling from height, etc. The list is not
exhaustive. Discussion points:
• Lack of awareness on the hazards of what is being carried on- 1. Identify the hazards associated with dangerous (enclosed)
spaces? 
board
2. What are the dangers of the hazardous substances on your ship?
• Understanding of  dangerous gases (H2S,CO, CO2, Inert Gas,
3. Where would you find this information? 
Nitrogen, benzene, mercaptans, etc.)
• Atmospheric testing not conducted correctly, and personal
monitors not worn.

Always pay special attention to the following:

• Indication of  oxygen deficiency: decay of organic matter (timber,
vegetable oils, etc.), rust, etc.
• Refer to accurate and updated MSDS (Material Safety Data
Sheet). 
• Ensure atmospheric testing is conducted correctly.
• Atmospheric testing equipment and personal monitors should be
serviced and calibrated in line with the manufacturer's guidelines. 
• Personal monitors to be worn at all times.

Dangerous (Enclosed) Spaces v2– March 2019 Health, Safety, Security and Environment
Procedures and Training

Dangerous (Enclosed) Spaces v2– March 2019 Health, Safety, Security and Environment
 Procedures and Training

The main issue:

Key message: Know your dangerous
• Safety Management System  (SMS) not understood or followed
(enclosed) space procedures and always
• Permit to work system not understood and followed
follow them… No matter what !
• Risk assessments not completed , understood or followed.
• Drills needs to be  conducted  regularly and effectively
Discussion points:
1. Why do people not follow procedures?
• Physical barriers (tags, signage, etc.) not used
2. Each person to write down three controls from your Safety
• Gas  tests not conducted correctly and monitors not used.
Management System or permit to work for Enclosed dangerous
• Procedures not followed due to pressure to get the job completed space entry
quickly 3. Where can you find procedure and training
• Ineffective supervision information/guidance?
4. What emergency rescue equipment should be standing by?  
Always pay special attention to the following:
• Identification of the hazards likely to be faced during entry into
enclosed spaces (dangerous gases, breakdown in communications,
poor lighting, etc.); Complete a full risk assessment and ensure all
parties involved are briefed
• Ensure adequate and appropriate level of supervision 
• Changes to the environment
• Recognition of the signs of adverse health effects caused by
exposure to hazards during entry.

Dangerous (Enclosed) Spaces v2– March 2019 Health, Safety, Security and Environment
Intervention / Behaviors

Dangerous (Enclosed) Spaces v2– March 2019 Health, Safety, Security and Environment
 Intervention / Behaviors

The main issue:

• Lack of effective intervention Key message: Safety has no hierarchy or
nationality
• Failure to establish one team mentality on-board
• Hierarchy on-board Discussion points:
• Different nationalities - cultural background 1. How can nationality or hierarchy differences affect
• Communication – language barrier positive interventions?
• Lack of support in speaking up 2. What situations or factors would stop you intervening?
Always pay special attention to the following: 3. How far would you go to stop your colleague rushing
into a confined space?
• Don’t be afraid to completely stop the job
• Everybody on-board is a leader and should lead by example no
matter what rank
• Always speak up when you feel that something is wrong
• If you do not understand don’t be afraid to seek clarification.
• Consider signage in a language that can be understood by all
• Intervention can be difficult so consider practicing your  skills and
techniques  

Dangerous (Enclosed) Spaces v2– March 2019 Health, Safety, Security and Environment
Family

Remember
YOUR FAMILY NEEDS YOU

Dangerous (Enclosed) Spaces v2– March 2019 Health, Safety, Security and Environment
Family

Notes:
Key message: Remember you do not have a
• Get people to think about their families
• Also think about their circle of friends and close extended
spare of yourself for your family
families as not everyone might have immediate family
Discussion points:
1. Why are we important to our family and friends?
2. How can we set good examples of safety for our colleagues so
that we can all go back safely to our families?

Dangerous (Enclosed) Spaces v2– March 2019 Health, Safety, Security and Environment