Entry to confined spaces on marine craft
Purpose
Background
Problem
Legislative requirements
Purpose
To alert owners and operators of marine craft to the dangers of entering previously sealed confined space environments prior to verifying that the atmosphere is safe for human occupation.
Background
An incident recently occurred where workers entered a previously sealed confined space within the hull of a barge to perform maintenance. Two of the workers were overcome by gas contained within the space and died. No prior testing of the atmosphere or ventilation of the space had been undertaken before entry.
Problem
Void confined space compartments within the hull of marine craft are generally sealed between maintenance periods and are rarely provided with ventilation in order to limit the effect of corrosion. When these spaces are opened for inspection or maintenance it is imperative that the atmosphere be verified as safe before entry of personnel is permitted. This can be carried out by the use of a probe connected to an intrinsically safe meter that measures the quality of the air in the structure.
During periods of closure, release of gas from applied surface coatings and decay of biological matter often takes place resulting in highly toxic atmospheric conditions. Oxidation of the hull structure (rusting) or bacterial activity may consume the oxygen leaving the atmosphere unable to support life.
Bacterial activity may also produce methane that can both displace oxygen and create an explosive atmosphere.
Legislative requirements
The Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995 through Sections 28 and 29 place an obligation on employers and self-employed persons to ensure the health and safety of their workers and themselves whilst within their workplace.
In particular Section 145 of the Workplace Health and Safety Regulation 1997 mandates the procedures that must be undertaken. These procedures are based on the Australian Standard AS 2865 1995 Safe Working in Confined Spaces, which should be consulted for a detailed description of the requirements.
Workplace Health and Safety legislation provides for severe penalties for non-compliance with obligations imposed under the Act and for breaches of sections of the Regulation.
For more detailed information on confined spaces and procedures to test the atmosphere within, refer to brochures on Working Safely in Confined Spaces and Quick Guide to Working Safely in Confined Spaces (PDF, 892 KB) or by calling 1300 369 915.
Last updated July 28, 2005