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Entering Enclosed & Confined Spaces

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Safe Working Practices Regulations, Sections 30-32.

Many deaths have occurred in recent years when crew members have entered spaces where the air could not support life. Such spaces are likely to be short of oxygen; some may contain asphyxiating or toxic gases. This does not apply just to pumprooms or to tanks that have contained petroleum or chemicals.

Some casualties have occurred recently in cargo spaces containing, or that have contained, seemingly harmless cargoes such as steel cuttings, wood chips, tallow and even vegetables. Any confined space may be deficient in oxygen. So don't take a chance. Never enter an enclosed or confined space without the permission of the Master or a responsible officer. These persons must ensure that the space is safe to enter by testing and ventilating before entry, and by having spare breathing apparatus, safety lines and another person standing by.

A worker feeling dizzy

If, when inside a space, you feel dizzy or have difficulty breathing, get out at once. If you are on standby outside and the person inside collapses, raise the alarm immediately but do not rush in without thinking. Speed in rescue is vital, but putting a second life at risk will just add to the problems. Rescuers must wear breathing apparatus; lives have been lost when precautions were not take despite obvious danger.

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Date modified:
2010-01-19