In collaboration with

Southfield Agencies, Inc.

Entry in
Enclosed Spaces
 Introduction to Enclosed Space

• Enclosed spaces on ships are areas not designed

for continuous worker occupancy and may have

limited openings for entry and exit or inadequate

ventilation.

• These spaces can become dangerous due to the

presence of toxic or flammable gases, vapors, or a

 Introduction to Enclosed Space

• Enclosed spaces on ships are areas not designed

for continuous worker occupancy and may have

limited openings for entry and exit or inadequate

ventilation.
 Introduction to Enclosed Space

• Enclosed spaces on ships are areas not designed

for continuous worker occupancy and may have

limited openings for entry and exit or inadequate

ventilation.
 Introduction to Enclosed Space

• Enclosed spaces on ships are areas not designed

for continuous worker occupancy and may have

limited openings for entry and exit or inadequate

ventilation.
 Introduction to Enclosed Space

• Enclosed spaces on ships are areas not designed

for continuous worker occupancy and may have

limited openings for entry and exit or inadequate

ventilation.
 Introduction to Enclosed Space

• Enclosed spaces on ships are areas not designed

for continuous worker occupancy and may have

limited openings for entry and exit or inadequate

ventilation.
 Introduction to Enclosed Space

• Enclosed spaces on ships are areas not designed

for continuous worker occupancy and may have

limited openings for entry and exit or inadequate

ventilation.
 Introduction to Enclosed Space

• Enclosed spaces on ships are areas not designed

for continuous worker occupancy and may have

limited openings for entry and exit or inadequate

ventilation.
 Introduction to Enclosed Space

• Enclosed spaces on ships are areas not designed

for continuous worker occupancy and may have

limited openings for entry and exit or inadequate

ventilation.
Introduction to Enclosed Space

• Some spaces may only be dangerous

intermittently, depending on the cargo or work

being carried out.

• It is essential to take precautions and conduct risk

assessments before entering any enclosed space

on a ship.
 Potential Risk and Identification

• Any space on board a ship can pose risks, and if in doubt, it should be treated as

potentially enclosed.

• Enclosed spaces can change over time, and the migration of gases from one

space to another can make them dangerous.

• Leaks between spaces should be considered in risk assessments.

• Fumigants can cause incidents outside of enclosed spaces due to gas migration.
 Register and
Precautions
• Ships should maintain a register of

enclosed spaces that seafarers may

enter, including their characteristics,

potential hazards, and ventilation

information.
Register and Precautions
• Entrances to unattended enclosed spaces should

be locked or secured, and hatches to readily

accessible spaces should be marked as dangerous.

• Before entering any potentially enclosed space,

precautions such as reviewing the register,

assessing the space, preparing and venting it, and

testing the atmosphere should be taken.

 Register and
Precautions
• A permit to work system and agreed-

upon procedures for entry and

emergencies should be in place.

 Duties and Responsibilities

• A competent person should assess the likelihood of a

dangerous atmosphere in an enclosed space, while an

authorized officer ensures the space is safe for entry.

• The authorized officer decides the procedures based on

the risk assessment, considering immediate and future

risks to health and life.

Duties and Responsibilities
• On-board training should be provided to all crew

members, covering the vessel's register of enclosed

spaces, hazard identification, risk reduction measures,

testing procedures, safe entry, and recognizing adverse

health effects.

• Shore-side personnel entering enclosed spaces should

comply with Confined Spaces Regulations and have

Precautions before Entry

• Before entering any potentially enclosed space, the

ship's register should be reviewed, and an assessment

should be made by a competent person.

• Potential hazards should be identified, and the space

should be prepared, vented, and secured.

Precautions before Entry

• The atmosphere of the space should be tested, and a

permit to work system with gas measurements should

be used.

• Procedures for preparation, entry, and emergency

situations should be agreed upon.

Addtl Reqs for Unsafe Atmosphere

• If the atmosphere in a space is or could be unsafe,

additional requirements must be followed, including

the use of appropriate breathing apparatus.

• Carrying a personal atmosphere-monitoring device is

recommended, but it does not substitute pre-entry

Addtl Reqs for Unsafe Atmosphere

• Factors such as previous cargo, ventilation, coating,

corrosion, and adjacent spaces should be considered

in the assessment.

• The competent person and authorized officer play

crucial roles in ensuring safety during entry into

Potential Hazards: O2 Deficiency
• Oxygen content in enclosed spaces may be reduced

due to rusting, oxygen-absorbing chemicals, or

displacement by volatile cargoes or inert gases.

• An oxygen-deficient atmosphere can be hazardous

and increase the risk of fire or explosion.

• Examples of cargoes that may absorb oxygen include

grain, oilseeds, wood, fish, and metal wastes.

Potential Hazards: O2 Enriched
• An oxygen-enriched atmosphere can be caused by

leaks, improper valve closure, excessive oxygen use

in welding or flame cutting, or poor ventilation.

• Oxygen-enhanced atmospheres are highly flammable

and increase the risk of fire or explosion.

• It is important to detect and address oxygen-enriched

atmospheres before entering enclosed spaces.

Potential Hazards: Toxic Substance
• Hydrocarbon gases present in fuel or cargo tanks can

be flammable and toxic.

• Leakage of cargo can lead to the presence of

hydrocarbon gases or vapors in adjacent spaces.

• Some oil cargoes contain toxic components such as

benzene and hydrogen sulfide.

• Other substances carried in bulk, liquid, gas, or

Potential Hazards: Flammable
Substances
• Tanks that have contained oil products or chemical or

gas cargoes may still contain flammable vapors.

• Adjacent spaces like cofferdams or fuel treatment

rooms may also contain flammable vapors due to

leakage.

• Precautions should be taken to prevent ignition

sources and ensure safe entry into these spaces.

Potential Hazards: Flammable
Substances
• Harmful substances can enter the body through inhalation or

skin absorption.

• Some cargoes can be irritants or corrosive to the skin.

• Disturbance of rust, scale, or sludge residues can release

toxic or flammable gases.

• Chemical cleaning, painting, or repair of tank coatings may

release solvent vapors.

Preparation for Entry

• Prior to entry, the enclosed space

should be depressurized,

ventilated, and tested to remove

harmful gases and ensure sufficient

Preparation for Entry

• Openings should be closed and

secured to prevent the ingress of

dangerous substances.
Preparation for Entry

• Cleaning out sludge, scale, or

deposits may release gases and

require precautions.
Preparation for Entry

• Compressed oxygen should not

be used for ventilation.

• Cleaning out sludge, scale, or

deposits may release gases and

Testing the Atmosphere of the
Space
• Ships are required to carry atmosphere-testing

equipment capable of measuring oxygen,

flammable gases, hydrogen sulfide, and

carbon monoxide.

• Testing should be carried out by competent

personnel using properly calibrated equipment.

Testing the Atmosphere of the
Space
• Remote testing is preferred, but if not possible,

assume the atmosphere is hazardous until

proven otherwise.

• Personal monitoring equipment is not sufficient

for determining the safety of an enclosed

space.
Testing for Oxygen Deficiency, Flammable
Gases, and Toxic Gases
• Oxygen levels should be at least 20% by

volume before entry is permitted.

• Combustible gas indicators can detect

flammable gases and vapors, but care should

be taken with hydrogen and methane.

Testing for Oxygen Deficiency, Flammable
Gases, and Toxic Gases
• Specialized equipment and trained personnel

are needed to test for toxic gases, comparing

readings with workplace exposure limits.

• Regular testing should be conducted when

opening enclosed spaces due to potential

Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs)
• Workplace exposure limits provide guidance

on the level of exposure to toxic substances in

the workplace.

• These limits are given in international industry

safety guides and are sometimes known as

Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs)
• The Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

provides guidance on workplace exposure

limits in their document EH40, which can be

found on the HSE website.

• It is important to know the specific chemical

being tested in order to use the equipment

Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs)

• Not all chemicals can be tested using the

same means, so tests for specific toxic

contaminants should be undertaken based on

the nature of the previous contents of the

space.
Minimum Conditions for Entry into
Enclosed Spaces
• The oxygen content in the space should be at

least 20% by volume.

• The flammable gas content should be nil,

although up to 1% of the lower flammable limit

(LFL) may be acceptable in conjunction with a

20% oxygen level.

Minimum Conditions for Entry into
Enclosed Spaces
• The carbon monoxide (CO) content should be

less than 100 ppm short-term exposure limit

(STEL) and 20 ppm time weighted.

• The hydrogen sulphide content should be less

than 10 ppm STEL and 5 ppm time weighted.

• Toxic gases should be less than 50% of the

workplace exposure limit (WEL).

Safety Precautions Before Entry
• Adequate illumination should be provided in the

space and its access areas.

• No source of ignition should be taken or put into

the space unless it is deemed safe to do so.

• A rescue plan should be in place, and rescue

and resuscitation equipment should be

positioned ready for use at the entrance to the

Safety Precautions Before Entry
• Breathing equipment may be bulky and limit

movement, so it should be established that

entry with breathing apparatus is possible.

• Lifelines should be long enough and firmly

attached to the harness, but easily detachable if

needed.
Safety Precautions Before Entry
• An agreed and tested system of communication

should be established between those inside the

space and the attendant at the entrance, as well as

between the attendant and the officer on watch.

• At least one competent person should be stationed

at the entrance as an attendant while the space is

Safety Precautions Before Entry
• An agreed and tested system of communication

should be established between those inside the

space and the attendant at the entrance, as well as

between the attendant and the officer on watch.

• At least one competent person should be stationed

at the entrance as an attendant while the space is

Procedures and Arrangements During
Entry
• Ventilation should continue during the period that

the space is occupied and during any temporary

breaks.

• The atmosphere should be periodically tested and

recorded while the space is occupied, and

personnel should leave if there is any deterioration

of the conditions.
Procedures and Arrangements During
Entry
• If a personal gas detector gives an alarm,

everybody should leave the space immediately.

• If unforeseen difficulties or hazards develop, work

in the space should be stopped, and everyone

should leave for re-assessment.

• In case of any adverse effects on personnel, they

should signal the attendant and immediately leave

Procedures and Arrangements During
Entry
• In case of an emergency, the general (or crew)

alarm should be sounded for immediate backup to

the rescue team, and the attendant should not enter

the space.

• If air is supplied through an airline, the air supply

should be checked immediately to ensure correct

Procedures and Arrangements During
Entry
• In case of an emergency, the general (or crew)

alarm should be sounded for immediate backup to

the rescue team, and the attendant should not enter

the space.

• If air is supplied through an airline, the air supply

should be checked immediately to ensure correct

Breathing Apparatus and Air
Supply
• In stressful or difficult conditions, the breathing rate

may exceed the normal rate of 40 liters per minute.

• The supply of air from outside the space should be

continuous and available only to those working in

the space.

• Pipelines or hoses supplying air should be placed

in a way that prevents damage or distortion that

Breathing Apparatus and Air
Supply
• Air pumped into pipelines or

reserve bottles must be filtered

and as fresh as possible.

• Pipelines or hoses used to supply

air should be blown through to

remove moisture and freshen the

air before connecting to breathing

Breathing Apparatus and Air
Supply
• Air pumped into pipelines or

reserve bottles must be filtered

and as fresh as possible.

• Pipelines or hoses used to supply

air should be blown through to

remove moisture and freshen the

air before connecting to breathing

Breathing Apparatus and Air
Supply
• The engineer of the watch should

be informed when the air supply

is from a compressor in a

machinery space to avoid

shutting it down prematurely.

Proper Use of Breathing Apparatus
• Everyone likely to use breathing apparatus

must receive proper instruction from a

competent person.

• The authorized officer and the person

entering the space should undertake a full

pre-wearing check and follow the

manufacturer's instructions for donning the

Proper Use of Breathing Apparatus

• Key checks include ensuring sufficient clean

air at the correct pressure, proper functioning

of low-pressure alarms, and a correct fit of the

face mask to prevent the ingress of oxygen-

deficient air or toxic vapors.

Proper Use of Breathing Apparatus

• Users should be aware of whether their air

supply may be shared with another person

and that such procedures should only be

used in extreme emergencies.

Proper Use of Breathing Apparatus
• Users should keep a self-contained

supply for use in case of a failure of

the continuous supply from outside

the space.
Maintenance of Equipment
• All breathing apparatus, rescue

harnesses, lifelines, and

resuscitation equipment should be

properly maintained, periodically

inspected, and checked for correct

operation by a competent person.

Maintenance of Equipment
• Equipment for testing the

atmosphere in enclosed spaces

should be kept in good working

order, regularly serviced, and

calibrated according to

manufacturers' recommendations.
Maintenance of Equipment
• A record of inspections and checks should

be kept for all equipment used in or in

connection with entry into enclosed spaces

or for use in emergencies.

• Breathing apparatus should be inspected for

correct operation before and after use.

Preparation for an Emergency
• Safety drills for entry into and rescue from

enclosed spaces should be carried out every

two months.

• Drills should include checking and using

personal protective equipment,

communication equipment, instruments for

measuring the atmosphere, and rescue

Preparation for an Emergency
• First aid and resuscitation techniques should also be

included in the drills.

• A rescue plan should be in place for every entry to an

enclosed space, with suitable rescue equipment

available and roles allocated in case of an emergency.

• The depth, volume, access way size, distance of the

casualty, and available resources should be considered

when selecting rescue equipment.

Emergency Rescue Arrangements
• No one should attempt a rescue without taking suitable

precautions for their own safety.

• The general alarm should be sounded in case of an

emergency to ensure immediate back-up for the rescue

team.

• The attendant should not enter the space but remain

outside to ensure the safety of those entering for the

rescue.
Emergency Rescue Arrangements
• Once help has arrived, the situation should be

evaluated, and the rescue plan should be put into

effect.

• The first priority upon reaching the casualty is to check

the air supply, and if possible, remove them from the

enclosed space quickly.

• Self-contained breathing apparatus should be worn

during the rescue, and the emergency escape

Emergency Rescue Arrangements
• The area adjacent to the

space of entry should be

hazard-free and cordoned

off for safety.

Electrical Safety
• Seafarers should be aware of electrical hazards and follow

proper procedures when working with or near electrical

equipment.

• They must use insulated tools, wear appropriate protective

gear, and avoid working on live electrical circuits.

• Regular inspections and maintenance of electrical systems

Hazardous Materials Handling
• Seafarers may come into contact with hazardous

materials, such as chemicals and fuels, while working on

ships.

• They should receive training on proper handling, storage,

and disposal of hazardous materials.

• Personal protective equipment, such as protective suits

and respirators, should be worn when dealing with

 Emergency Preparedness
• Seafarers should be familiar with emergency procedures

and know how to respond in various emergency

situations.

• This includes knowing how to operate life-saving

equipment, such as lifeboats and life rafts.

• Regular drills and training sessions are conducted to

ensure readiness and effective response during

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