Shipyard Confined and Enclosed Spaces

Test in order: oxygen, flammability, toxicity

A competent person visually inspects and tests spaces before entry, in this order: oxygen, flammability, toxicity.

Ventilation is provided to bring conditions within limits. Exceptions to the entry ban are emergency rescue or short entry to install ventilation, with continuous monitoring, respirators and PPE (and, for flammables, no ignition sources and an atmosphere kept at or above the UEL).

Reference: 29 CFR 1915.12 · 29 CFR 1915.12(a) · 29 CFR 1915.12(b) · 29 CFR 1915.12(c)

Training, getting out and rescue

• Each entrant is trained to perform all required duties safely, and to: recognize the characteristics of the confined space; anticipate and be aware of the hazards that may be faced during entry; recognize the adverse health effects exposure may cause; understand the physical signs and reactions related to exposure; know what PPE is needed for safe entry and exit; use PPE; and, where necessary, be aware of the presence and proper use of barriers. Training is given before the entrant begins the work and whenever a change in operations or in the employee's duties presents a hazard the employee has not previously been trained on. Training is certified with name, certifier and date.
• Get out of the space whenever the employer orders evacuation, an evacuation alarm sounds, or you perceive you are in danger.
• The employer has a shipyard rescue team or an outside team that responds promptly. In-house teams are trained and equipped, practice at least once every 12 months (an actual rescue during that period replaces the drill for that type of rescue), and have a member current in first aid and CPR.
• Employers sharing spaces exchange hazard, safety and emergency information.

Reference: 29 CFR 1915.12(d) · 29 CFR 1915.12(e) · 29 CFR 1915.12(f) · 29 CFR 1915.12(d)(2) · 29 CFR 1915.12(d)(4)(ii) · 29 CFR 1915.12(e)(1)(iii)

Cleaning and cold work

In spaces that held bulk flammable, combustible, toxic, corrosive or irritating materials:

• Remove liquid residues as thoroughly as practicable before cleaning or cold work, without spilling into the water or work area.
• A competent person tests before and as often as necessary during the work. Continuous ventilation keeps flammable vapor below 10% of the LEL and toxics within PELs and below IDLH.
• Test ventilation discharge areas; if exhaust vapors collect at hazardous levels, stop work in that area until they clear.
• Use only explosion-proof, self-contained portable lamps or other electric equipment approved by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) for the hazardous location until the space is certified Safe for Workers. Post no-ignition signs at entrances, adjacent spaces and open areas nearby.
• Bond or ground air-moving equipment; fans have non-sparking blades and ducts are non-sparking.

Reference: 29 CFR 1915.13(b) · 29 CFR 1915.13(a) · 29 CFR 1915.13(b)(9)

Hot work certificates

• Hot work in, on or immediately adjacent to spaces that contain or have contained combustible or flammable liquids or gases, fuel tanks, or connected pipelines and fittings requires testing and certification Safe for Hot Work by a Marine Chemist or U.S. Coast Guard authorized person (with a limited exception for certain vessels and spaces 25 feet or more away).
• That certificate is posted near the work while it is in progress and kept on file at least three months after completion.
• Hot work in or on the following spaces, or their adjacent spaces, is not permitted until a competent person tests them and finds no flammable vapors at or above 10% of the LEL: dry cargo holds; the bilges; engine room and boiler spaces that do not need a Marine Chemist or Coast Guard authorized person certificate; vessels and vessel sections that do not need one because of the 25-foot exception; and land-side confined and enclosed spaces or other dangerous atmospheres not covered by the certificate rule.

Reference: 29 CFR 1915.14 · 29 CFR 1915.14(a)(1) · 29 CFR 1915.14(a)(1)(i) · 29 CFR 1915.14(b)(1)(iii) · 29 CFR 1915.14(b)(1)(iv) · 29 CFR 1915.14(b)(1)(v)

Maintaining safe conditions

• Pipelines that could carry hazardous materials into a certified space are disconnected, blanked off or positively blocked.
• When a change could alter conditions in a tested space, such as opening a manhole or adjusting a valve, work stops until the space is inspected and retested.
• The competent person keeps testing and inspecting as often as necessary to maintain safe conditions. If certified conditions are lost, work stops until a Marine Chemist or Coast Guard authorized person retests and issues a new certificate.
• Signs and labels are presented so all employees can perceive and understand them.

Reference: 29 CFR 1915.15 · 29 CFR 1915.16 · 29 CFR 1915.15(b) · 29 CFR 1915.15(d)