The new regulation XI-1/7 Atmosphere testing instrument for enclosed spaces in the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), requires all ship to carry an appropriate portable atmosphere testing instrument or instruments that are capable of measuring concentrations of oxygen, hydrogen sulphide and carbon monoxide, flammable gases or vapours before entering enclosed spaces.
Enclosed spaces are spaces that have limited openings for entry and exit, inadequate ventilation and are not normally occupied for work. Any enclosed space may have an atmosphere which is oxygen-deficient and/or contain toxic gases or vapours that can be flammable, thus presenting danger to life.
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| Doing the proper checklist before entering an enclosed space. photo credits to www.maritimecyprus.com |
At some instances, seafarers may be called upon to enter enclosed spaces on ships like inspecting or cleaning cargo tanks, or checking crankcase and engine vital parts.
Enclosed spaces covered by the regulation include, but are not limited to, double bottoms, ballast tanks, cargo spaces, chain lockers, cargo pump-rooms, cofferdams, duct keels, void spaces, sewage tanks, fuel tanks, inter-barrier spaces, boilers, engine crankcases, engine scavenge air receivers, and adjacent connected spaces. The list is not finite, any enclosed spaces should be identified and listed according to each ship.
Same requirements apply for offshore drilling units enter into force, under amendments to the Code for the Construction and Equipment of Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (1979, 1989 and 2009 MODU Codes).
Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) also agreed to have associated guideline to facilitate the selection of portable testing instruments for enclosed spaces as required by SOLAS regulation XI-1/7 listed on MSC.1/Circ.1477.
This new regulation aimed to enhance the safety of seafarer who need to enter enclosed spaces, by requiring ships to carry portable atmosphere testing equipment on board, enters into force on 1 July 2016.
Many ships are already following this guideline even before, but maybe for some numbers of reported enclosed space accident the IMO decided to formally adopt this regulation. Which is a good thing so now everyone should follow.
Safety is essential in the nature of our work, we should cooperate and follow the right procedure. Do the proper checklist and issue right permit before entry. We should also take part in exercise and drill and serve ourselves to expand our knowledge.
What about your enclosed space story? share it in the comment below.
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