Shipbreaking >> Confined or Enclosed Spaces and Other Dangerous Atmospheres

Figure 1: Enclosed space in shipbreaking operation.
Figure 1: Enclosed space in shipbreaking operation.

| Adjacent Space | Enclosed Space | Confined Space |

Workers must enter fuel and cargo tanks to survey and clean them before scrapping is started. Potential hazards include fires and explosions, falls, and hazardous atmospheres. The existence of these hazards makes it important that a Shipyard Competent Person (SCP) evaluate all spaces workers must enter to ensure safe entry and to maintain safe conditions during work. Adjacent spaces may require further evaluation because they can be impacted by work being performed in spaces next to them. [29 CFR 1915 Subpart B: 29 CFR 1915.11, 29 CFR 1915.12, 29 CFR 1915.13, 29 CFR 1915.14, 29 CFR 1915.15, 29 CFR 1915.16, Appendix A and Appendix B]

When work will take place in confined or enclosed spaces, the following operations will be conducted:

  1. Pre-entry (Planning)
  2. Initial Entry Testing
  3. Work in Confined or Enclosed Spaces