Fresh Air in Dark Places

Enclosed space entry is a dangerous activity that can result in fatal accidents if not carried out safely. This publication is a guide to the hazards that underpin an enclosed space operation, looking at the risks of and requirements for entering confined spaces.

Enclosed space entry is a hazardous activity that results in fatal accidents each year.

It may also be known as:

• Dangerous space entry
• tank entry
• confined space entry.

Entry into an enclosed space should only be made when there are no alternative measures that could be taken, when all hazards have been assessed and dealt with and it has been verified that the space contains fresh air.

Authors’ Introduction

Foreword

Introduction

1. A Straightforward Approach

2. What is so Special about Fresh Air?

3. The Adrenalin Rush and Feeling Superhuman

4. Carbon Monoxide – A Nasty and Sinister Gas

5. A Most Unpleasant Smell

6. The Hydrocarbons

7. So Far, So Good, So What?

8. The Real World

9. Tables of Toxicity

10. The Nose is not Enough

11. Closing Summary

Bibliography

Olaf Olsen

Olaf Olsen has a Master Mariners certificate and draws on his career experience on tankers and dry cargo ships, together with considerable time in commercial ship management, in maritime education and in his work as an advisory consultant to several international maritime bodies.

Erik Olsen
Erik Olsen is a graduate in health science combining commercial management and broad maritime transport knowledge.