Confined Space Entry on Vessels

Date: 2025-09-04

Duration: [DURATION] minutes

Presenter: [PRESENTER NAME]

Location: [LOCATION]

Objective

To ensure all personnel understand and follow the correct safety procedures for confined space entry on vessels, minimizing risks and preventing accidents.

Introduction

Confined space entry on vessels presents significant hazards due to the potential for dangerous atmospheres, engulfment, and other risks. This toolbox talk will cover the essential safety procedures to be followed before, during, and after entering a confined space to ensure the safety of all personnel involved.

Key Points

• Hazard Assessment: Before entering any confined space, a trained and experienced person must identify and evaluate all existing and potential hazards within the confined space, including activities both inside and outside the space. This assessment must be documented in writing. The assessment shall consider the hazards that may exist due to the design, construction, location, use or contents of the confined space; and the hazards that may develop while work is done inside the confined space. [12] [10]
• Entry Permit System: An entry permit is an administrative tool used to document the completion of a hazard and risk assessment for each confined space entry. A permit is required for confined spaces where the hazard and risk assessment determined that the measures to control the risk involve atmospheric monitoring, isolation, lockout, ventilation, safeguarding devices, or respiratory protection. The entry permit should be posted at the confined space and remain so until the work is completed. [3] [3] [9]
• Atmospheric Testing: The air within the confined space should be tested from outside the confined space before entry. Care should be taken to ensure that air is tested throughout the confined space - side-to-side and top to bottom. Continuous monitoring should be considered in situations where a worker is in a space where atmospheric conditions have the potential to change. The sampling should show that the oxygen content is within safe limits (19.5% - 23%), and a hazardous atmosphere (toxic gases, flammable atmosphere) is not present. [12] [6] [12]
• Ventilation: If a concentration of a toxic, flammable or explosive substance is present or an oxygen enrichment or deficiency exists in a hazardous confined space, ensure that the hazardous confined space is purged and ventilated before a worker is required or permitted to enter the space, so that any hazard associated with a toxic, flammable or explosive substance is reduced to the extent that is possible or eliminated, and an oxygen content of between 19.5% and 23% is assured; and continuously ventilated while the worker occupies the hazardous confined space, to maintain a safe atmosphere. [6]
• Standby Person/Attendant: At least one other worker, the attendant (also known as the safety watch or standby), is posted outside the confined space and continuously monitors the workers inside the confined space. The attendant remains outside the confined space and does no other work which may interfere with their primary duty of monitoring the workers inside the confined space. The attendant maintains constant two-way communication with the workers in the confined space and orders the immediate evacuation if a potential hazard, not already controlled for, is detected. [9] [1] [1] [1]
• Emergency Rescue Plan: A detailed plan for emergency response to an injury or other emergency within the confined space should be described in detail in the confined space hazard assessment and control program. Rescue personnel who are qualified in confined spaces rescue procedures should be available immediately nearby the confined space to provide emergency assistance if needed. The rescue personnel should be familiar with the structural design of the confined space. [1] [1]

Hazard Identification

Before starting any work, it's important to understand the potential hazards we might face. Confined spaces can be dangerous if we don't take the right precautions.

• Oxygen Deficiency: Asphyxiation, loss of consciousness, death.
• Toxic Gases (e.g., Hydrogen Sulfide): Poisoning, respiratory failure, death. [13]
• Flammable Atmospheres: Explosions, fire, burns. [13] [10]
• Engulfment: Suffocation, crushing injuries, death. [5]
• Physical Hazards (e.g., moving parts, sharp edges): Cuts, lacerations, crushing injuries.
• Heat Stress: Heat exhaustion, heat stroke, loss of consciousness. [5]

Control Measures

• Implement a Confined Space Entry Program: Develop and implement a written confined space entry program that includes hazard assessments, safe work procedures, and emergency rescue plans. [4]
• Complete an Entry Permit: Ensure a confined space entry permit is completed, reviewed, and signed off by a competent person before entry. The permit should detail the hazards, control measures, and emergency procedures. [2]
• Isolate and Lockout/Tagout: Isolate the confined space from all potential hazards, such as pipelines, machinery, and electrical sources. Use lockout/tagout procedures to prevent accidental activation or release of hazardous materials. [5] [13]
• Ventilate the Space: Purge and ventilate the confined space to remove hazardous atmospheres and ensure an adequate supply of fresh air. Continuously monitor the air quality during entry. [6]
• Use Continuous Gas Monitoring: Continuously monitor the atmosphere inside the confined space for oxygen levels, flammable gases, and toxic substances. Ensure the monitoring equipment is calibrated and in good working order. [2]
• Provide and Use Appropriate PPE: Ensure all entrants wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators, harnesses, and protective clothing. Inspect PPE before each use. [10]

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

• Respirator: A properly fitted respirator protects against hazardous airborne contaminants. Ensure the respirator is appropriate for the specific hazards identified in the confined space. Inspect before each use and replace cartridges/filters as needed. [10]
• Harness and Lifeline: A safety harness with a lifeline allows for non-entry rescue. Ensure the harness fits properly and the lifeline is securely attached to a retrieval system outside the confined space. [11]
• Protective Clothing: Wear appropriate protective clothing to prevent skin contact with hazardous substances, such as chemical-resistant suits, gloves, and boots.
• Eye Protection: Safety glasses or goggles should be worn at all times to protect eyes from splashes, fumes, or dust.

Real-World Example or Case Study

A worker entered a tank on a vessel without proper ventilation and atmospheric testing. The worker was overcome by toxic fumes and collapsed. The standby person, without wearing proper respiratory protection, entered the tank to rescue the worker and was also overcome by the fumes. Both workers died. This tragedy highlights the importance of following all confined space entry procedures, including atmospheric testing, ventilation, and the use of appropriate PPE by both entrants and rescuers.

Group Discussion

Discuss the following questions:

1. What are some specific confined spaces on this vessel?
2. What are the potential hazards associated with each of these spaces?
3. What improvements can we make to our confined space entry procedures?

Emergency Procedures

1. Immediately evacuate the confined space if an alarm is activated or if any hazardous conditions are detected. [7]
2. Initiate rescue procedures immediately if a worker becomes incapacitated or is unable to exit the confined space on their own. [1]
3. Contact emergency services (e.g., fire department) for assistance with rescue operations. [2]
4. Provide first aid and CPR to injured workers, if trained and safe to do so. [8]

Questions and Answers

Now, let's take a few minutes to answer any questions you may have about confined space entry procedures.

• Q: What should I do if the gas monitor alarm goes off inside the confined space?

A: Immediately evacuate the confined space and notify the supervisor. Do not re-enter until the atmosphere has been re-tested and the hazard has been controlled.

• Q: Can I enter a confined space if the entry permit is not completed?

A: No, entry is strictly prohibited without a completed and signed entry permit.

• Q: What training is required for confined space entry?

A: All personnel entering confined spaces must be trained in hazard recognition, atmospheric testing, use of PPE, and emergency procedures.

Summary

Recap of main points:

• Always conduct a thorough hazard assessment before entering any confined space.
• Ensure a valid entry permit is in place and all control measures are implemented.
• Continuously monitor the atmosphere and use appropriate PPE.
• Know the emergency procedures and be prepared to evacuate immediately if necessary.

Action Items

Specific actions participants should take:

1. Review the vessel's confined space entry program.
2. Participate in confined space entry training.
3. Inspect and maintain your PPE regularly.

Remember: Confined Space Entry: Plan, Prepare, Protect, and Prevent!

Report all hazards, near-misses, and incidents to your supervisor immediately.

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