Enclosed Space Entry - Shipowners

4) Is there sufficient rescue and resuscitation equipment available at the enclosed
space entrance?
If personnel in an enclosed space come into difficulties and require rescue, this has to be
carried out as quickly as possible. Survival times in an oxygen deficient or gaseous
atmosphere is very limited.
In particular, on tankers and other vessels carrying flammable products, all equipment should be
of an approved type (and where necessary certified spark proof) and to speed up a rescue it is
good practice to place the safety equipment at the entrance to the space. This should include:
■ SCBA (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus) with a fully charged spare cylinder.
■ Lifeline and rescue harness. The lifeline should be of an adequate length and strength
and be detachable in case of entanglement.
■ Torches.
■ Stretcher.
■ Gas analysers, oxygen meter.
■ Resuscitation equipment (Figure 6).
■ Means of hoisting up an incapacitated person, e.g. stretcher (Figure 6).
Figure 6: Emergency equipment placed at the entrance to enclosed space
Enclosed space entry procedures
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