The Maritime Safety Committee of IMO, at its 93rd session in May
2014, approved the new draft SOLAS regulation XI-1/7 “Atmosphere testing
instrument for enclosed spaces”, which entered into force on 1st July 2016.
The aim of this
new regulation is to protect the Seafarers who need to enter enclosed spaces,
by requiring all SOLAS vessels to carry instrument(s) that detects gases in addition to oxygen and have a suitable means of testing them all.
As per MSC.1/Circ.1477,
the portable atmosphere testing instrument(s), should be capable of
measuring and displaying concentrations of oxygen, flammable gases or
vapours, hydrogen sulphide and carbon monoxide, prior to entry into enclosed
spaces. The regulation also requires that the instrument(s) should clearly
and unambiguously show which gas or vapour it is measuring and if the
instrument is fitted with an alarm function, it should activate at the
appropriate level as determined by the flag State Administration.
Many ships are
already in compliance with the guidelines of this regulation either due to
other regulatory or operational requirements or simply to confirm with IMO
recommendations. Owners / Management / Senior officer(s) should ensure that all
persons with enclosed space entry responsibilities are made fully familiar with
the content of IMO Resolution A.1050 (27) of 2011 “Revised
Recommendations for Entering Enclosed Spaces on Board Ships”. The
objective of these recommendations is to encourage the adoption of safety
procedures aimed at preventing casualties to ships' personnel entering
enclosed spaces where there may be an oxygen-deficient, oxygen-enriched,
flammable and/or toxic atmosphere. The contents of these circulars shall be
discussed among the seafarer during bimonthly mandatory enclosed space
entry and rescue drills.
REMEMBER ENCLOSED SPACE CAN KILL.
NEVER ENTER AN ENCLOSED SPACE UNLESS YOU REALLY NEED TO.
