Recurring enclosed space incidents serve as a stark reminder that entry into such spaces without proper training or following procedures can result in seafarers being killed or seriously injured. Far too often, we also see that seafarers who die in enclosed spaces do so in the course of attempting to rescue fellow crew members.
Spotting a pattern
The Republic of the Marshall Island (RMI) continues to publish new Marine Safety Advisories warning that accidents in enclosed spaces remains one of the most common causes of work-related fatalities onboard ships.
According to the flag state’s records, six seafarers died in four enclosed space entry incidents onboard RMI-flagged ships during 2018-2019. Both tankers and bulk carriers have experienced such incidents and it is not only the seafarers’ lives that are at stake. In 2020, two seafarers and three shore personnel died in enclosed space entry incidents on RMI-flagged ships. Two incidents involved shore personnel entering cargo holds without a prior permission from the ship’s crew.
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding enclosed space entry incidents have shown that there are some repeating patterns with regard to how these accidents continue to occur in the same way and in the same locations onboard ship. Some of the similarities noted by the RMI are:
- a lack of awareness of the dangers of enclosed spaces and entry into such spaces without taking precautions;
- failure to notify senior crewmembers of the need/intention to enter an enclosed space;
- senior crew members failing to ensure that ships’ safety procedures are followed prior to directing junior crew members to enter an enclosed space;
- entry into enclosed spaces by shore personnel without prior notification and without permission or assistance from the ship’s crew; and
- would-be rescuers acting on instinct and emotion rather than knowledge and training.
As highlighted by the RMI, these incidents serve as a stark reminder that failure to observe and understand simple enclosed space entry procedures can result in seafarers being killed or seriously injured. They are also reminders that a well-intentioned seafarer who enters an enclosed space to assist a fellow crewmember is likely to become a victim requiring assistance, as well as delay a proper rescue operation and increase the potential for additional deaths.
Dangerous enclosed spaces may not be easily identifiable
An enclosed, or confined, space is normally defined as one that:
- has limited openings for entry and exit;
- has inadequate ventilation; and
- is not designed for continuous worker occupancy.
Any enclosed space deprived of regular and constant ventilation may become a ‘dangerous space’. Such spaces may have atmospheres deficient in oxygen, and/or contain flammable or toxic fumes, gases or vapours, thus presenting a major risk to health or life for anyone entering the enclosed space.
However, while cargo tanks, double bottoms, fuel tanks, ballast tanks, cofferdams, void spaces, etc. are the type of spaces that immediately spring to mind when thinking about enclosed spaces onboard ships, it is important to emphasise that not all dangerous enclosed spaces are easily identifiable.
- Some enclosed spaces are dangerous only temporarily, perhaps due to the type of cargo carried or the work undertaken, e.g. a compartment during spray painting. Cargo under fumigation can also be a source of toxic gases.
- Spaces may become dangerous even if they are not enclosed on all sides. Ships’ cargo holds, for example, may have open tops but the nature of the cargo carried can make the atmosphere in the lower hold dangerous. Often apparently harmless cargoes such as wood chips, wood pellets or pulp wood can be the cause of such accidents.
- Fumes and gases in paint/chemical lockers and battery rooms can make these spaces dangerous, despite being arranged with ordinary openings/doors for entry and exit. Due consideration should also be taken of the possibility of an oxygen deficient atmosphere when entering CO2 rooms.
- If there is an unexpected reduction in, or loss of, ventilation in spaces usually ventilated by whatever means, such spaces should be considered as dangerous.
Read the complete set of recommendations here.
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Source: Gard
