small enough to be placed onto a casualty’s chest on a stretcher to ensure a constant supply of air throughout the rescue. But how many ships have one? There is no legislation from the IMO requiring this essential equipment.
TRIPODS
For a vertical access point, these are essential in retrieving a casualty yet again not many ships have one or have training in their use. All too often ships are reliant on an improvised cargo residue hoist rather than a dedicated rescue device. On a very recent casualty involving a well-known British company, all they had was a length of rope. No training, no rescue equipment, and no hope for the two casualties. I suggest no safety culture in the office ashore either.
Tripods have self supporting anchors and often if there is insufficient space above an entry point, the winch arrangement can be disconnected from the tripod and an eye bolt or a strop above the entry point can be used. Quadpods are stronger and more versatile than tripods. The fourth leg allows them to straddle manholes and also gives them more stability on a rolling deck. A typical one is light with aluminium legs and a SWL of around 300Kg. Again, in standard use ashore in industry.
TRAINING
Finally and most important, on the majority of dry cargo ships, those entering the tanks have to rely on crew who have had no formal training to rescue them and those directing the attempt also having had no formal training in enclosed space rescue management. There are many courses available and in occupations ashore where personnel are working regularly with such spaces, training in entry, rescue management and rescue is mandatory. No reputable land based company would consider anyone entering such spaces without this training being in place.
SPECIFIC TRAINING
Although required in many industries ashore, formal training in enclosed space entry and rescue is as yet not required for seamen on ships other than tankers and chemical carriers. Yet the Marine Accident Investigators’ International Forum have found that over 75% of deaths in these spaces occurred on ships that were not tankers or chemical carriers.
In their findings, which will not come as any surprise to those at sea, they list amongst the areas of concern;
1. lack of knowledge, training and understanding of the dangers of entering enclosed spaces.
2. Personal protective Equipment or rescue equipment not being used, not available of appropriate type, improperly used, or in disrepair.
This means that any ability and knowledge for this has to be taught on board often by those with no experience either.
MRSL, formally Mines Rescue Marine have specialised solely in Marine entry and rescue for several years and have devised a series of courses as follows;
Low Risk
Confined Space Target Audience
Aimed at persons who may be lone workers. Objectives
• Prepare to work safely in low risk confined spaces
• Enter and exit confined spaces safely
• Use equipment and tools safely and in accordance with manufacturers’ specifications
• Follow procedures and work safely
• Deal with emergencies
MEDIUM Risk Confined Space Target Audience
Aimed at persons who may be involved in confined spaces with difficult entry / exit, may need to use monitoring equipment and escape breathing apparatus.
HIGH Risk
Confined Space Target Audience
Aimed at persons who may be involved in confined spaces which involves difficult entry / exit, and wearing of self-contained open circuit breathing apparatus when work is being carried out within the confined space
Emergency Rescue & Recovery of casualties from a confined space Target Audience
Aimed at persons who have been trained to work in high risk confined spaces, and who may form part of a team of rescue workers who may need to enter and assist persons to exit the confined space in the event of an emergency.
Managing
Confined Spaces Target Audience
Supervisory staff, key permit/ safe systems of work personnel or anyone who needs an appreciation of safe entry into confined spaces.
Objectives
• To give candidates knowledge of risk assessments, safe systems and categorisation of confined spaces.
The Report • March 2017 • Issue 79 | 57
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