RA 16 June 2010 – One of a series of Steamship Mutual Loss Prevention Bulletins produced by the Ship Safety Trust Page 1 of 2 For further information please contact the Loss Prevention Department, Steamship Insurance Management Services Ltd., Tel: +44 20 7247 5490; Email: loss.prevention@simsl.com Web: www.simsl.com/loss-prevention-and-safety-training.html The Dangers of Confined Spaces The Dangers of Confined SpacesThe Dangers of Confined Spaces The Dangers of Confined Spaces Introduction IntroductionIntroduction Introduction The Managers’ review of major claims incurred in 2009 shows that as in previous years the greatest number of these concerned crew. The majority of crew claims involved either loss of life or personal injury, and most frequently occurred when work was being undertaken in confined spaces. The risks associated with such operations should be well known since much has been written about the dangers. To control the risks, pursuant to the ISM Code, Safety Management Systems contain detailed procedures on the subject of entry to confined spaces. Yet, despite these measures lives continue to be lost unnecessarily and so there is clearly need for continued loss prevention focus on this issue. A Confined Space A Confined SpaceA Confined Space A Confined Space and its and its and its and its Atmo AtmoAtmo Atmosphere spheresphere sphere Confined spaces on a ship are those which, because of their configuration, hinder the access of crew, and which present dangers because of the potential for an unsafe atmosphere within them. This can arise because the atmosphere is either oxygen deficient or because of the presence of gases or vapours hazardous to human health. Frequently, unsafe atmospheres have no detectable odours present, making them all the more difficult to identify. It is therefore of paramount importance that before entry into any confined space is permitted, it should be thoroughly ventilated and the atmosphere checked ether by a competent person on board, or by a chemist to determine the oxygen level present and that it is free from toxic gases before crew entry is permitted. The space should also remain well ventilated and lit throughout the period when crew are within it. Oxygen deficient atmospheres are the leading cause of fatalities occurring within confined spaces. Normal atmospheric conditions have an oxygen content of approximately 21%. An oxygen deficient atmosphere is one in which the oxygen content is less than 19.5%. Lack of adequate ventilation is the primary cause of most hazardous atmospheres within confined spaces. Oxygen within a space may be depleted by a variety of causes; for example displacement by the introduction of inert gases such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen, argon, or by the ship’s inert gas or fire fighting systems. Oxygen within a confined space can also be consumed by corroding metal, the effects of drying paint or other coatings, and combustion or bacterial activity . RA 16 June 2010 – One of a series of Steamship Mutual Loss Prevention Bulletins produced by the Ship Safety Trust Page 2 of 2 For further information please contact the Loss Prevention Department, Steamship Insurance Management Services Ltd., Tel: +44 20 7247 5490; Email: loss.prevention@simsl.com Web: www.simsl.com/loss-prevention-and-safety-training.html No crew member should ever be allowed to enter a confined space before the atmosphere within it has been tested, re-checked as necessary after corrective action, and the r