Confined spaces in dock work
Confined spaces can kill due to a number of causes. These include lack of oxygen, too much oxygen, build up of toxic/flammable or non-respirable gases or simply because the area fills up, during loading, for example.
- Too much oxygen, say from a leak during from stored gas bottles, can make substances normally difficult to burn highly combustible – including people
- Too little oxygen can be caused by its absorption by a cargo; rusting, decomposition or rotting of cargo or during gas cutting/welding
- Toxic or flammable gases can build up during decomposition of coal, fishmeal, bark and other cargoes; inadequate cleaning procedures; leaking packages; leaking hoses/pipes, welding and vehicle exhaust fumes
- Freight containers can be confined spaces if inadequately ventilated after fumigation or because of leaking packages.
Merely removing hatch coverings will not provide adequate ventilation if the gases are heavier than air.
Safety precautions include:
- Positive ventilation of the confined space
- Measurement of oxygen or gas concentrations
- Controlled access using permit to work systems
- Use of respiratory equipment
- Arrangements for rescue.
