Confined Space Safe Practice (IACS Rec 72)

Compiled by IACS, this publication contains detailed recommendations on all aspects of entering enclosed spaces safely. It includes risk management advice and explanation of the ‘permit to work’ system, ensuring safety issues are intercepted before tank operations take place. The guidelines are supplemented by a handy checklist that can be used on board. The book forms a common reference point for mariners on safe survey preparation and tank entry.

This publication is intended to assist Societies in developing confined space entry procedures or technical instructions for surveyors, according to a common reference standard of good practice.

The guidelines are structured in two parts. In the first part, general information concerning definitions and requirements to safely enter and work in confined spaces is summarised.

The second part helps the worker to recognise the hazards associated with confined spaces and gives detailed guidelines for safe survey preparation and entry.

A checklist for entry into confined spaces is also included.

Part 1 Confined Space Practices

Chapter 1 Definitions

1.1 Confined Space

1.2 Confined Space Entry

1.3 Competent Person

1.4 Responsible Person

1.5 Attendant (also ‘Standby Person’)

1.6 Marine Chemist

1.7 Adjacent Space

1.8 Toxic Product

1.9 Surveyor

1.10 Permit to Enter/Permit to Work (PTE/PTW)

Chapter 2 General Hazards

Chapter 3 Requirements

3.1 Training

3.2 Confined Space Entry Policy

3.3 Confined Space Entry Procedures

Chapter 4 Confined Space Entry

4.1 Testing of the Atmosphere

4.2 Preparation for Entering Confined Spaces

4.3 Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)

Part 2 Guidelines for Safe Entry of Confined Spaces

Chapter 1 General

Chapter 2 Confined Space Hazards

2.1 Hazardous Atmospheres from the Containment in the Tank

2.2 Work being Performed in a Confined Space

Chapter 3 Testing

3.1 General

3.2 Testing Instruments

Chapter 4 Ventilation

Chapter 5 Isolation of Space

Chapter 6 General and Physical Hazards

6.1 Temperature Extremes

6.2 Engulfment Hazards

6.3 Noise

6.4 Falling Objects

6.5 Slick/Wet Surfaces

Chapter 7 Guidelines for Use of Personal Gas Detectors

7.1 Function Test and Full Calibration

Chapter 8 Survey Preparations

8.1 Cleaning

8.2 Lighting

Annex Checklist for Entry into Confined Spaces

IACS

Dedicated to safe ships and clean seas, IACS makes a unique contribution to maritime safety and regulation through technical support, compliance verification and research development. More than 90% of the world’s cargo carrying tonnage is covered by the classification design, construction and through-life compliance rules and standards set but the twelve Members Societies of IACS.

IACS is a not for profit membership organisation of classification societies that establish minimum technical standards and requirements that address maritime safety and environmental protection and ensures their consistent application. It carries out this responsibility through its panels, expert groups and project teams and provides a Quality System Certification Scheme (QSCS) that its Members comply with, as an assurance of professional integrity and maintenance of high professional standards. IACS is recognized as the principle technical advisor of IMO.

http://www.iacs.org.uk/