MAC   SH Fact Sheet

Confined Space Safety on Commercial Fishing Vessels

Confined spaces pose serious hazards to workers on commercial fishing
vessels when not properly identified, tested and ventilated.  

	

Both OSHA and the U.S. Coast Guard have regulations which apply to
different activities in the fishing industry.  These activities would
include the maintenance, cleaning, repair, alteration or overhaul of a
vessel either at sea, dockside or in a shipyard.  Generally, anything
that relates to the harvesting of fish or the normal operation of the
vessel is governed by the U.S. Coast Guard. OSHA regulates activities
within 3 nautical miles of the coast line, except for the Gulf of
Florida, Texas and Puerto Rico where the territorial waters extend for 3
marine leagues (approximately 9 nautical miles).  

Figure   SEQ Figure \* ARABIC  1 Ventilation hoses to provide air and
exhaust toxic vapors during confined space entry.

Confined Space Hazards on Vessels

The three main atmospheric hazards which may be encountered in a
confined/enclosed space are low or high oxygen levels, toxic gasses or
vapors, and a flammable atmosphere. The only way to ensure that these
spaces are safe to enter is to have the atmosphere tested prior to
entry.   

These Confined Space Hazards are found on your Vessel:

Oxygen Levels: Oxygen levels which are too low (<19.5%) can cause an
initial loss of awareness and can lead to suffocation resulting in
death. Oxygen levels greater than 22% can cause a fire hazard by
allowing a fire to burn at a faster than normal rate. 

Toxic chemicals: a chemical that can be harmful or lethal to a person if
that person is exposed to the chemical in sufficient concentrations or
for a prolonged duration.  

Explosive atmospheres: a flammable or explosive atmosphere can result
when gasses or liquids are present in sufficient concentrations and can
be ignited by an ignition source (spark). 

Confined Spaces and Potential Hazards:

Figure   SEQ Figure \* ARABIC  2  A shipboard confined space undergoing
repair. Note the foam insulation which can present a fire hazard.

Safe Confined Space Entry Practices:

A Shipyard Competent Person or Marine Chemist must evaluate any confined
space to be entered in accordance with OSHA requirements.

All spaces must be tested using properly calibrated instrumentation
prior to entry.  

Prior to hot work on any space that has contained fuel or oil, or
adjacent space, be sure it has been tested by a Marine Chemist.

Based on the results of the testing, entry requirements will be posted.
Ventilation, respirators, or protective suits may be required.

Ventilation is normally the best way to remove toxic vapors and supply
clean air to a confined space.  Be sure properly working ventilation is
available.

Be aware of what you are bringing into a confined space.  Paints or
chemicals in a confined space may cause the atmosphere to become toxic. 

Never bring portable internal combustion engines into a confined space.
This could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

The tank watch should never enter a space to attempt a rescue.  A high
percentage of confined space fatalities are employees attempting to
rescue a co-worker who has become incapacitated in a confined space.

In the event of an emergency, be sure a plan is in place to contact
emergency services.  Make sure the local rescue services are aware of
your confined space activity so they are prepared.  The plan is outlined
in   HYPERLINK
"https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARD
S&p_id=10337"  29 CFR 1915, Subpart P. 

Remove all gas hoses from the space when not in use and during breaks
and lunch periods.  All gas hoses must be tested to ensure they are not
leaking prior to confined space entry.

Definitions

A Shipyard Competent Person (  HYPERLINK
"https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARD
S&p_id=10215"  29 CFR 1915.7 ) is designated by the employer (shipyard
or vessel owner) and undergoes training which generally consists of a
three day course to understand how to test the atmosphere, use the
proper instrumentation, maintain proper records and understand when a
Certified Marine Chemist is required. 

A Certified Marine Chemist can permit entry and hot work in any space by
issuing a Marine Chemist Certificate stating the conditions under which
entry and the work can be conducted safely along with providing
instructions for the competent person to maintain the certificate. 

A Confined Space would include any space or void with limited access for
entry and exit access, which, by its design and confined nature, can
readily create or aggravate a hazardous condition. (  HYPERLINK
"https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARD
S&p_id=10212"  29 CFR 1915.4(p )).   

An Enclosed Space means any space, other than a confined space, which is
enclosed by bulkheads and overheads.  (  HYPERLINK
"https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARD
S&p_id=10212"  29 CFR 1915.4(q )).  This would include cargo holds,
tanks, quarters and machinery and boiler spaces.   

To Obtain Professional Assistance for Confined Space Testing: 

www.MarineChemist . org

  HYPERLINK "http://www.aiha.org"  www.aiha.org 

http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/shipyard/index.html

Local Safety Suppliers or Consultants

This is one in a series of informational fact sheets highlighting OSHA
programs, policies or standards.  It does not impose any new compliance
requirements.  For a comprehensive list of compliance requirements of
OSHA standards or regulations, refer to Title 29 of the Code of Federal
Regulations.  This information will be made available to sensory
impaired individuals upon request.  The voice phone is (202) 693-1999;
teletypewriter (TTY) number: (877) 889-5627.

