By selecting UK flag, you have now set your site language to English. If you'd like to change your language preference again, simply click on one of the other flags.

Close

こちら Japan flag を選択して頂くと、言語設定が日本語に切り替わります。設定変更後は以下の機能が利用可能です。

  • 日本語版ウェブサイトへのクイックアクセスが可能となり、日本語の刊行物をご覧頂けます。

  • 日本語版が閲覧可能な刊行物や記事については、日本語が優先表示されます。表示言語については Japan flag をご参照下さい。

閉じる 言語設定を切り替えたい場合には、国旗のマークをクリックして下さい。

By selecting Japan flag, you have now set your language to Japanese. This has several benefits, including:

  • Providing quick access to our Japan page, which collates all our Japanese content in one place.

  • Ensures that content is presented to you in Japanese first, if we have an article, publication or webpage available in Japanese. Look out for the Japan flag indicators across the site.

Close If you’d like to change your language preferences again, simply click on one of the other flags.

点击选择 China flag,可将网站语言设置为中文。这能帮助您:

  • 快速访问我们的中国区页面,该页面将有网站内容的中文汇总。

  • 在我们的文章、出版物或者网页有中文版本提供的情况下,确保首先向您展示的是中文版本的内容。您可关注站点上的 China flag 按键。

关闭 点击任意其他国旗,可切换您的语言偏好。

By selecting China flag, you have now set your language to Chinese. This has several benefits, including:

  • Providing quick access to our China page, which collates all our Chinese content in one place.

  • Ensures that content is presented to you in Chinese first, if we have an article, publication or webpage available in Chinese. Look out for the China flag indicators across the site.

Close If you’d like to change your language preferences again, simply click on one of the other flags.

North has merged with Standard Club to form NorthStandard.
Find out more about NorthStandard here or continue on this site to access information and resources.

Spreading Culture

Also available in these languages

Add
PDF

Enclosed spaces continue to kill.

It is concerning that despite the high-profile campaigns to tackle enclosed spaces and dangerous atmospheres, fatal incidents keep happening.

The circumstances surrounding these incidents vary and the reasons behind them are undoubtedly complex. It may be because the space was not considered to be dangerous or that the dangers were known but entry still went ahead.

Such incidents can be prevented by a competent and motivated crew supported by sensible safety management systems existing in a mature safety culture. But what about those who visit the vessel and do not share the same values?

Shore-based workers can fall victim to the dangers of enclosed spaces on board a vessel. It is therefore vital that the crew lead by example and not relax their standards to those of visiting third parties.

Spreading safety culture

Visitors to the vessel should be supervised at all times and be prevented from accessing areas where a dangerous atmosphere might have developed. Stevedores and any other shore workers should not be permitted to enter cargo holds without express permission from the officer in charge. Observant and vigilant deck rounds by crew will help identify any unsafe practices and prevent persons accessing unauthorised areas.

Visitors to the vessel should be in no doubt that unsafe working will not be tolerated. Providing safety instruction to visitors upon boarding sets the tone and shows them the expectations of the ship towards operational safety.

When working with surveyors or other contractors who require entry into a space with a potentially dangerous atmosphere, make sure all parties are involved and engaged in the toolbox talk.

Author: David Patterson
Loss Prevention Executive

Welcome to

We've merged with Standard Club to form NorthStandard, this means a new name and look for us, and even better service, support, and cover for you.

You can find out more about NorthStandard on our new website here. As part of the NorthStandard Group, please continue to use nepia.com for your industry news, publications and expertise as well as club rules and contacts.