Carriage, Handling and Storage of Dangerous Goods along

Institutional and Capacity Building
Source: IACS Rec.No.72
VESSELS 77
When a vessel is in port, there may be a requirement to inform the port authority where and when
the hot work is carried out.
The ship’s crew should be made aware of the dangers when executing hot work. This should be
incorporated in courses on handling dangerous goods.
Hot work should be only undertaken by people who have had relevant training and who are deemed
competent for undertaking hot work.
3.3.2.5 Enclosed/Confined Spaces
Target group: All barges
RECOMMENDATION
Member Countries should ensure that safety measures are implemented onboard prior to entering
enclosed/confined spaces.
Challenge
Enclosed or confined spaces are considered a very high priority area. An enclosed or confined space
is every space onboard that allows entry and exit via limited openings, has limited or no ventilation
means and is not designed for worker occupancy. Enclosed spaces are normally closed completely and
only entered to carry out repairs such as leaks or maintenance tasks. Examples of enclosed spaces are
cargo tanks, double-bottom tanks, void spaces, cofferdams, ballast tanks and fuel tanks.
Important hazards for crewmembers when entering an enclosed space can be oxygen deficiency,
presence of flammable or explosive vapours and toxic vapours. Confined spaces may be subject to
leakage from the adjacent space. Such leakage often remains undetected because the space is not
subject to regular gas measurements and ventilation. Work in an enclosed space often causes fatalities,
severe injuries and illness as people enter an enclosed space without
proper supervision and adherence to agreed procedures.
Attempts by crewmembers to rescue colleagues in
difficulty in an enclosed space often results in
additional casualties.
References
• ISGINTT, Chapter 10; and
• IACS Rec. No. 72 (International
Association of Classification
Societies Ltd.)