James_henton Lloyd - Entry Exit

Lloyds Register: Marine Training Services

Enclosed Space Entry, Occupation and Exit James Henton Position: Survey Procedures Manager & IACS Survey Panel Representative Lloyds Register Department: Classification The Nautical Institute/Mines Rescue Marine Seminar


Aims

The aims of this session are to:

Discuss the inevitable compromises between opening size and structural integrity

Discuss the access to spaces which are often only opened for survey and repair, and access to the working areas within them


Access To the space manholes/hatches/temporary

arrangements In the space lightening

holes/cutouts/staging/rafting Hazards (permanent) piping runs/cable

runs/hangers/structural stiffening or features Hazards (temporary) ventilation blowers on

manholes/vent tubes/welding and cutting cables/lighting cables/lights/arc strikes/burners behind bulkheads etc


The size of openings to and within Enclosed Spaces

Always a trade off, the larger the access and internal openings, the more affected will be the local and global strength of the ship

Therefore policy has always been to use the smallest practicable opening

Larger openings can always be considered, but these will have significant cost (and weight) implications

The number and size of hatchways and other access openings are to be kept to the minimum consistent with the satisfactory operation of the ship (Rule)


Minimum opening size Minimum opening size is normally 600mm x 600mm

(for spaces such as boilers this might be less)

In certain locations this is to be 600mm x 800mm

On smaller ships, smaller openings may be approved by the Flag, if the ability to traverse such an opening or to remove an injured person can be proved

It should also be noted that other features, such as piping runs, ladder siting, temporary forced ventilation, welding/gas cables and internal structure may further constrict the usable opening


Minimum opening size The minimum clear opening of 600mm x 600mm

may have corner radii up to 100mm maximum. The clear opening is specified in IMO MSC/Circ.686 to keep the opening fit for passage of personnel wearing a breathing apparatus. In such a case where as a consequence of structural analysis of a given design the stress is to be reduced around the opening, it is considered appropriate to take measures to reduce the stress such as making the opening larger with increased radii, e.g. 600 x 800 with 300 mm radii, in which a clear opening of 600 x 600 mm with corner radii up to 100mm maximum fits.


SOLAS Ch II-1Reg 3-6 defines access requirements for tankers and bulk carriers:

Gives the overall requirement, the Technical Provisions are in IMO Resolution MSC 158(78)

Requires a Ship Structure Access Manual for access to all spaces

Criteria for any opening size change is easy evacuation of an injured person on a stretcher (easy not defined)

IACS have produced Unified Interpretation UI SC 191, which interprets both SOLAS and the IMO Resolution


Access and egress to and from the space

Limited openings characteristic Keep it clear from obstructions Boilers/pressure vessels access when

warm Handholds in way of access points! Ventilation hose or chutes to be routed

through other opening or removed when entering/ exiting the space

Use inclined ladders or vertical ones in offset arrangement


Access to working area within the enclosed/confined space

Scaffolding should be erected by competent authorised personnel

Regularly inspected during use (unauthorized modifications/damage)

Adequate handrails, two runs at 500/1000 mm Planks secured independently at both ends Ladders preferred to be inclined or vertical

staggered, secured at both ends Gap between planks and structure in way 250-300 mm Bamboo scaffolding/staging acceptable?



Hanging staging should be erected to equivalent standards to scaffolds

Supports should be positively secured to structure

Chain cable handrails are not adequate

Wire bindings of staging beware Burning damage to planks Debris resting on staging



Portable ladders Secured at both ends Provided with handholds on top Extended ladders are not

suitable/safe Vertical height of less than 6 meters If more vertical span, intermediate

platforms to be provided


Access to working area within the enclosed/confined space Rope access ONLY for those specifically trained

and authorised Independent Rope Access Trade

Association (IRATA) or equivalent Rafting Clearance between water and lower

end of transverse webs > 1.5 m Only when pumping is stopped and

secured (and sea state acceptable) Never climb up structure



Rafting Raft built with drums and poles are NOT acceptable Maximum allowable fluctuation of the water level is 0.5 m Lifejacket MUST be used. NEVER stay in the raft while ballasting or de-ballasting NEVER climb the tank structure while rafting



Movable platforms or mechanical devices

Cherry pickers in dry cargo holds They should be in good condition Suitable maintenance records Check Safety devices BEFORE using

it Dead man lowering systems


Questions?

James Henton

Survey Procedures Manager, Lloyds Register

[email protected]

Enclosed Space Entry, Occupation and ExitAimsAccessThe size of openings to and within Enclosed SpacesMinimum opening sizeMinimum opening sizeSOLASAccess and egress to and from the spaceAccess to working area within the enclosed/confined spaceAccess to working area within the enclosed/confined spaceAccess to working area within the enclosed/confined spaceAccess to working area within the enclosed/confined spaceAccess to working area within the enclosed/confined spaceAccess to working area within the enclosed/confined spaceQuestions?

Documents

James_henton Lloyd - Entry Exit