Ship Repair >> Confined or Enclosed Spaces and Other Dangerous Atmospheres

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Figure 1: Confined or Enclosed Spaces
Figure 1: Confined or Enclosed Spaces: Adjacent Space, Enclosed Space, and Confined Space.
Enclosed Space Confined Space Adjacent Space Confined Space

Adjacent Space, Enclosed Space and Confined Space

Confined and enclosed space operations have a greater likelihood of causing fatalities, severe injuries, and illnesses than any other type of shipyard work. Hazards include fires and explosions, falls, and hazardous atmospheres. Because of these hazards, it is important that the shipyard have a Shipyard Competent Person (SCP) evaluate required spaces to ensure safe entry and to maintain safe conditions during work. This industry is unique in that adjacent spaces can be impacted by work taking place next to them; therefore, they may require further evaluation. [29 CFR 1915 Subpart B]

Operations involving these spaces include the following:

  1. Pre-Entry (Planning)
  2. Initial Entry Testing
  3. Work

Test Yourself: This interactive enhancement helps users to identify the kinds of spaces on a ship, and the standards or best practices that apply to the repair work being performed in them.