- A rescue harness at the bottom platform, with rescue line ready-rigged through a suitable lead block and shackle at the top of the pump room.
- Atmosphere testing equipment at the top of the pump room.
5.6 Personal Protective Equipment
- At least one ELSA shall always be permanently positioned at the bottom of the pump room and shall be checked to ensure it is fully charged on the first entry.
5.6.1 All personnel entering pumproom shall be equipped with a personal oxygen monitor. Where sour crude, chemicals or other toxic products have been carried, appropriate toxic gas monitors should also be carried.
6. Pumproom Entry Permit
6.1 It is a fundamental policy that no person may authorise his own entry into a pumproom. Such an act is strictly forbidden.
6.2 The Pumproom Entry Permit is valid only when it is fully completed and signed. It is only to be used for entering a pumproom for the purposes of monitoring, inspection, lubrication and minor adjustments – It is not a permit to work. The ‘Pump room Entry Permit’ comprises of two pages:
6.3 Page 1 – completed by the designated Officer in Charge. It comprises a single Section and relates to the pre-entry checks to be undertaken; the recording of the initial gas tests and a record of the results of subsequent atmosphere re-test.
6.4 Page 2 – completed by a number of personnel. It covers any special conditions identified for the pumproom entry, the authorisation allowing the entry, the verification by those entering the pumproom that they are satisfied with the conditions and precautions taken for their safe entry and finally a section which records the cancellation of the permit.
6.5 Distribution
6.5.1 Original copy shall be kept in the CCR (or on the Bridge, as applicable) for the duration of entry and then retained on file for review, as verification of vessel’s pumproom entry procedures.
6.5.2 A duplicate of the permit shall be posted at the pumproom entrance, in a plastic wallet.
7. Personnel Entry to the Pumproom
7.1 Prior to each entry and after each exit, the personnel entering shall inform the Officer of the Watch. Entry (names and times) shall be recorded in the Enclosed Space Entry Log. In port, these entries may alternatively be recorded in the Port logbook.
7.2 In port, the OOW shall check the fixed gas detection readings before the person enters. If the fixed gas detection system is not operational, hydrocarbon gas measurements should be taken using portable equipment, prior to each entry.
7.3 It is very important that personnel accessing the pumproom ensure that the “sentry” gate is always left in the correct position.
7.4 If a person has to work underneath the pumproom bottom plating (i.e. in the bilge areas) then a second person should be in attendance above the plates to provide safety coverage.
7.5 Pumps and lines requiring work should be drained (not into the bilges) if there is a possibility of product leakage. If cargo or gas leakage does occur in the pumproom, then the space must be immediately evacuated and full re-entry procedures instigated.
8. Cold and hot Work
8.1 A separate Cold and/or Hot Work permit is required for any work planned in enclosed spaces.
8.2 These permits can only be issued after the enclosed space entry permit has been issued and a responsible officer has carried out a close-up inspection of the intended work area and assessed it as safe to carry out the intended cold work. They are interactive with the enclosed space entry permit and are automatically cancelled if the latter becomes invalid for any reason.
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