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SAFETY Monitored Confi ned-Space Entry T he cable-laying vessel GS Global Sentinel was un- dergoing repair work. Shipyard workers and mem- bers of the ship’s crew found a mysteriously high hydrogen sulfi de reading in a confi ned space on board that created a toxic environment. They could not understand why. What caused this potentially lethal scenario? After investigation and safe entry into the tank, crew- members of the vessel and shipyard workers discovered where the gas was coming from: a worker’s sandwich that had long since decayed had been left in the toxic space and was giving off hydrogen sulfi de. Had this been left as is, it could have could have killed workers or personnel in the space. Marine environments are dangerous unless a very cau- tious and compliant approach is taken to safely access them. Improper entry practices may violate laws and regu- lations established by authorities. Proper safety training, combined with proper tools, technology and safe practices, are all key to a safe work culture in a marine environment known as a most dangerous environment. A Most Dangerous Environment According to OSHA, the rate of injury in a shipyard en- vironment is twice that of the general construction indus- try. Extra care must be taken by workers, safety managers, operation personnel and emergency responders to ensure that a confi ned space is free from substances that can be deadly. The risk of confi ned-space entry injury or death on marine vessels is very real. “When you look at incident statistics, they indicate that confi ned space incidents are causing lives to be lost and work- ers to be threatened any time they’re working in and around confi ned spaces. Over the course of the last fi ve years, an average of about 92 workers annually are losing their lives in confi ned spaces,” said Guy Colonna, Manager of the NFPA’s Industrial and Chemical Engineering Division. Protecting Workers, and Ensuring Safe Sailing for the Maritime Industry. By Keith Lincoln Image above: Preparation and vigilance are everything when it comes to confi ned space entry. October 2014 20 MN MN Oct14 Layout 18-31.indd 20 9/18/2014 3:28:06 PM
