The London P&I Club has published new safety poster to highlight how important is to know the equipment for atmospheric testing when entering Enclosed Spaces.
On 1 January 2015 amendments to SOLAS regulation III/19 Emergency training and drills entered into force, requiring that each enclosed space entry and rescue drill, which is to be conducted at two-monthly intervals, shall include checking and use of instruments for measuring the atmosphere in enclosed spaces.
At MSC 94, an amendment to SOLAS XI-1 was made, introducing a new chapter 7. This chapter requires an atmosphere testing instrument for enclosed spaces. The amendment enters into force on July 2016, and requires the following:
- Every ship to which chapter I applies shall carry an appropriate portable atmosphere testing instrument or instruments
- As a minimum, these shall be capable of measuring concentrations of oxygen, flammable gases or vapors, hydrogen sulphide and carbon monoxide prior to entry into enclosed spaces
- Suitable means shall be provided for the calibration of all such instruments. This implies that calibration shall be done in accordance with makers instructions and recorded.
The Club draws the attention to
Testing – Test equipment routinely in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions. Check regularly for signs of damage and that calibration certificates remain valid.
Understanding – Users of testing equipment should fully understand how their equipment operates. Ensure manufacturer’s instructions are available and fully understood
Training – Ensure ship’s crews are trained in the use of the particular equipment they are expected to use. Particularly where ships have equipment of differing types in service.
London P&I Club’s safety posters are available in PDF format here or in hard copy by writing to [email protected]
dear sir
may add C to T U T.
calibration by competent authority/person is an inseparable part of gas detection equipments.
rgds
capt samadi