You are to enter an enclosed space as part of a small team to undertake some cleaning. How will you ensure that the operation continues in a safe manner? Select the ONE correct answer:
All of us entering the space, as well as the attendant at the entrance, must remain alert and watch for any changes in circumstances that may render the space unsafe.
We must check the Enclosed Space Entry permit to see that the Responsible Person has approved the space for a long enough period of time to allow us to complete the cleaning.
We should take to each other the whole time, so that we will always know that everyone is OK.
One team member should be assigned to perform attendant duties immediately inside the space.
Who can test the atmosphere in an enclosed space for the purposes of authorising entry? Select the ONE correct answer:
Only a person trained in the use of the equipment and listed as an Approved Operator (or similar) under a ship’s SMS.
Anyone who can operate the test equipment and is available at the time entry is required.
Only the person who will be entering the space first.
When entry into an enclosed space is about to take place, what information should the Officer on Watch be given? Select all answers that you think apply:
Why must a check be made to ensure that all rags and other small items of gear have been removed from an enclosed space on completion? Select the ONE best answer:
Because, if missed, they may later be drawn into a pump or valve and damage or block it with serious consequences.
Because the Boatswain is responsible for ensuring that all small gear is returned after use.
Because it is in the Chief Officer’s instructions.
Because if anything like that is found during tank or hold inspection, the surveyor might report it.
Entry into an unsafe or suspect atmosphere should be considered as what kind of event? Select the ONE correct answer:
You are engaged in cleaning out an oil sludge storage tank that has been previously tested and approved for unprotected entry and for which a valid enclosed space entry permit exists. While you are working, you begin to smell cargo vapours. Which of the procedures listed below should be followed? Select all answers that you think apply:
Further tests should be made.
The attendant should be sent to get the Duty Engineer.
All personnel in the space should put on filter masks and continue working.
An additional portable ventilation fan should be connected.
Breathing apparatus should be inspected and tested periodically, as per the company maintenance schedule. When else should it be tested for correct operation? Select the ONE correct answer:
2-4 days prior to arrival in port.
When it has been in use in an enclosed space for more than 1 hour.
When it has been in use for any routine or emergency task where it may have been submerged in water or exposed to water spray.
Which of the following are standard procedures to observe before entry to an enclosed space? Select all answers that you think apply:
When is an enclosed space considered safe and fit for unprotected entry? Select the ONE correct answer:
Only when it has been tested and certified as “gas free” by a competent person and approved for entry.
When cleaning has finished and the compartment has been rinsed with fresh water.
When it smells OK from the deck hatch.
When somebody else has already gone inside without a gas mask.
Some cargoes are “carcinogenic”. What does this mean? Select the ONE correct answer:
They can generate cancer.
They can induce vomiting.
They will cause 3rd degree burns.
They will cause temporary blindness.
You are to test the atmosphere in a tank prior to entry for cleaning and maintenance purposes. Where will you take the readings? Select the ONE correct answer:
At multiple levels and in different sections of the space, through the various lids and vents, to increase the possibility of detecting pockets of gas that might remain in less well ventilated areas.
At the bottom of the space, immediately below the access hatch, because toxic vapours are all heavier than air and will sink to the bottom and this is the most likely location for registering any dangerous readings.
At the top of the space, immediately inside the access hatch, because toxic vapours are all lighter than air and will rise to the top and this is the most likely location for registering any dangerous readings.
The term “lock out, tag out” refers to which ONE of the following:
The securing and labelling of equipment against inadvertent use.
Restrictions on personnel against entering certain areas of the vessel.
The automatic closing of the appropriate valves and other controls by an actuator system in a cargo or ballast pipeline arrangement.
The part of a risk analysis where the Responsible Person goes around and places a blue tag on the valves and controls to be secured.
You are assisting outside an enclosed space. A maintenance crew are inside and are using air-line breathing apparatus, supplied from a compressor located on deck close to the manhole cover access. The compressor has an emergency supply in a cylinder connected via a manifold. The compressor suddenly stops. You switch over to the emergency supply straight away, but what should the team inside the space do? Select the ONE correct answer:
They should immediately stop work and exit the space.
They should finish their assigned work as quickly as possible.
Each person inside should take a deep breath, remove their face mask and make their way to the exit.
They should check the local pressure gauge and estimate how much longer they can remain inside the space.
Cargo tank 3 centre has been cleaned and is scheduled for inspection and mopping. You are the Responsible Person. When will you test the atmosphere in the tank? Select all answers that you think apply:
You are the designated attendant at the top of a tank. Three crew members are inside overhauling a faulty pump. You see one man collapse and hear the other two shouting. What are you going to do? Select the ONE correct answer:
I will sound the alarm immediately, report the situation to the Responsible Person and assist the rescue team once they have arrived.
I will immediately put a breathing apparatus on and go inside the space and see if I can help the collapsed man.
I will go inside and pull the collapsed man out, because getting him into fresh air quickly could be critical.
I will sound the alarm, then enter the enclosed space and supervise preparations to evacuate the casualty, because the rescue team will bring the stretcher as soon as they are assembled.
I will immediately run to the bridge, raise the alarm and then wait there until the Master arrives to take charge.
What is the normal oxygen content in fresh air (by volume)? Select the ONE correct answer:
You are the Responsible Person for a maintenance inspection in a ship’s side ballast tank. The after access manhole has been removed but the compartment is still very dark. How might you safely improve the situation? Select all answers that you think apply:
Issue a flare for the entry team to place and light in the bottom of the space.
Switch-off lighting in other areas.
According to this module, what is the normal oxygen content (by volume) in fresh air? Select the ONE correct answer:
What can be used to ensure that no items relevant to the task have been missed during the planning stage? Select the ONE best answer:
A crew member doing some cleaning in the bottom a cargo tank reports smelling fumes. What should happen? Select all answers that you think apply:
You are assigned as the attendant at the entrance to 3 starboard double bottom ballast tank, inside which the Chief Officer and Cadet are carrying out an inspection. What do you understand you are permitted to do? Select the ONE best answer:
I cannot be assigned to other duties while I am attendant and must remain at the entrance to the space while it is occupied.
I must stay at the entrance until it is time for lunch.
I was working in the starboard lifeboat before the Chief Officer called me for the attendant’s duty If the 3rd Officer tells me to go back to the starboard lifeboat then I should go, because that was my original job for the day.
Provided I have radio contact with the Cadet inside the tank, it is alright to leave the entrance and carry on working elsewhere on the deck.
If the attendant hears a low level audible alarm whistle from a self-contained breathing apparatus coming from inside an enclosed space, what should they do? Select the ONE correct answer:
Look for the user moving towards the exit and assist them once they emerge.
Immediately sound the emergency alarm.
Take another fully-charged set inside for the user.
Take another fully-charged set inside for the user.
Lower a full cylinder into the space for the user and wait to pull the empty one out, so it can be re-charged.
You are to assist in “securing” a cargo tank after a cleaning squad have been inside. All personnel and small gear are accounted for and the space is not to be re-entered. Another crew member is returning the safety and working equipment to storage and the Responsible Person is taking care of notifications, documentation and the removal of isolation-tags and notices in the control room. What should you do at or near the tank itself? Select all answers that you think apply:
Which of the following are properties of hydrocarbon gas? Select all answers that you think apply:
To ensure an enclosed space entry operation continues in a safe manner, which of the following conditions should be met? Select the ONE best answer:
Those who enter the space and also the attendant should remain alert and watch for any changes in circumstances that may render the space unsafe.
The Responsible Person should issue a permit with much longer than enough approval time to allow the planned task to be completed.
The crewmembers that enter the space should maintain verbal contact with each other continuously.
If hot work is to be performed in the middle of a bulkhead between two tanks, what atmosphere tests should be performed prior to commencement of the work? Select all answers that you think apply:
If an air-line is being fed from a compressor in the machinery space, who should be informed? Select the ONE best option:
The Engineer on Watch, so that the compressor is not shut-down until the work is completed.
The Officer on Watch on the bridge, so that this can be noted in the ship’s log.
The Master, because they are in overall charge.
What are the employer’s legal obligations in respect of the provision of training on entry into enclosed spaces? Select the ONE correct answer:
They must provide the necessary training, instruction and information to employees in order to ensure that the regulations pertaining to entry into enclosed spaces are complied with.
They must provide training, instruction and information on entry into enclosed and confined spaces only if a request comes from the Safety Committee of a ship through the Master.
They must provide general safety manuals, CD’s and videos that could include some basic guidelines on entry into enclosed spaces.
The Employer is not actually legally required to provide any training at all.
If a small crack on a bracket in the middle of a bulkhead between two tanks is to be welded, what atmosphere tests should be performed before starting the work? Select all answers that you think apply:
You are engaged in cleaning out an oil sludge storage tank that has been previously tested and approved for unprotected entry and for which a valid enclosed space entry permit exists. While you are working, you begin to smell cargo vapours. Which of the procedures listed below should be followed? Select all answers that you think apply:
How is the attendant assigned to enclosed space entry to be employed? Select the ONE correct answer:
The attendant must not be assigned to other duties and must remain at the entrance to the space while it is occupied.
Provided they pass on the duties to someone else, they can go elsewhere and it is not necessary to tell anyone that the attendant has changed.
If a Junior Officer tells him to do a new job somewhere else and that it is OK to leave, he must follow the new instructions.
Provided the attendant has radio contact with the persons inside the enclosed space, it is alright to leave the access and perform duties elsewhere.
If the conditions at the exact job location within an enclosed space cannot be properly assessed, what should be done? Select the ONE correct answer:
Assessment and planning should be done to allow an initial entry and then further planning will be done once the necessary information has been obtained from inside the space.
Assessment and planning should be done as far as is possible and those entering the space should then use their judgement when deciding whether to continue with the job straight away.
The Responsible Person should just enter the space and do a quick risk assessment, so that he can present all the necessary information to the planning team.
Similar information should be drawn from previous enclosed space operations, in order to complete the planning beforehand in one meeting.
According to IMO requirements, what is the minimum steady reading that must be obtained on an oxygen analyser before unprotected entry into an enclosed space can be permitted? Select the ONE correct answer:
You are the attendant at the entrance to an enclosed cargo hold. Why must you “tally”, or check the crew off as they exit the space after finishing their work inside? Select the ONE correct answer:
To see if anyone is missing and therefore still inside the space.
To record the names for the Chief Officer’s work records and overtime sheets.
Because the Chief Officer’s instructions always list that as one of the duties of the attendant.
Because the attendant is responsible for all the equipment inside the hold and I need to know the number of flashlights, personal meters and safety helmets that have been used.
Because the attendant is the responsible person for a hold entry and should check his squad are all present and correct before he dismisses them.
You are working in a tank that has been previously tested and approved for entry and for which a valid enclosed space entry permit exists. While you are working, you begin to smell cargo vapours. Which of the procedures listed below should be followed? Select all answers that you think apply:
Further tests should be made.
The attendant should be sent to get the Chief Officer.
All personnel in the space should put on filter masks and continue working.
The attendant should be instructed to increase the ventilation.
Which one of the following substances is toxic and is released from vegetable fish and animal oils during interaction with sea water? Select the ONE correct answer:
Which of the following are standard procedures to observe before entry to an enclosed space? Select all answers that you think apply:
If the compressor feeding an air-line breathing apparatus fails and the emergency supply is engaged, what should the wearer immediately do? Select the ONE correct answer:
Stop work and immediately exit the space.
Finish the assigned work as quickly as possible.
Take a deep breath, remove the face mask and climb out of the space.
Check the pressure gauge and estimate how much longer they can remain inside the space.
When should testing be carried out on the atmosphere in an enclosed space listed for entry? Select all answers that you think apply:
If unforeseen difficulties or hazards develop, what should happen? Select all answers that you think apply:
For enclosed space entry, what is the definition of a “Responsible Person”? Select the ONE correct answer:
A person authorized to permit entry into an enclosed space and having sufficient knowledge of the procedures to be established and complied with on-board, in order to ensure that the space is safe for entry.
A Junior Officer assisting the vessel’s Safety Officer by reporting all activity related to a specific task within an enclosed space, having been briefed with the required information for that purpose.
A Superintendent contracted by the company to organise all safety-related activities on-board the ship, having received the required specialised training and possessing the necessary qualifications to allow him to accurately communicate information relating to enclosed space entry to the company Operations Manager.
Who is permitted to test the atmosphere in an enclosed space for the purposes of authorising entry? Select the ONE correct answer:
Only a person trained in the use of the equipment and listed as an Approved Operator.
Anyone who can operate the test equipment and is available at the time entry is required.
Only the person who will be entering the space first.
You are working in a tank that has been previously tested and approved for entry and for which a valid enclosed space entry permit exists. While you are working, you begin to smell cargo vapours. Which of the procedures listed below should be followed? Select all answers that you think apply:
When it is required to gas free a cargo tank on an oil tanker after washing, the space is first purged down with inert gas to reduce the hydrocarbon content to 2 % or less by volume. Why is this done? Select the ONE correct answer:
So that, during subsequent gas freeing, no part of the tank atmosphere is brought within the flammable range.
Because gas freeing will then not take so long.
Because the toxic vapours cannot be removed by gas freeing alone.
What does the term “lock out and tag out” refer to? Select the ONE correct answer:
The securing and labelling of equipment against inadvertent use.
Restrictions on personnel against entering certain compartments and spaces on the vessel without the appropriate personal security tag.
The removal of locking devices and withdrawal of advisory notices from valves and switches that had earlier been secured against inadvertent use during an enclosed space entry operation.
The part of a risk analysis where the Competent Person identifies the valves and switches to be secured by placing a red tag on them.
Which one of the following is an acceptable definition of an enclosed space? Select the ONE correct answer:
A space which has limited openings for entry and exit, or inadequate ventilation or is not designed for continuous worker occupancy.
A space or void enclosed by bulkheads and an overhead which, by its design and access points, reduced the hazard exposure of any person entering, or working within that space.
Any space which is enclosed by bulkheads and decks.
Assessment has revealed that the atmosphere in an enclosed space is unsafe but immediate entry is considered necessary. What should those who enter the space be wearing? Select the ONE correct answer:
Nothing additional, but they should minimize their time inside.
Where there is minimal risk to the life or health of a person entering an enclosed space, what type of procedures will be initialled and followed? Select the ONE best answer:
Routine safety and documentation procedures.
Further procedures and certain additional precautions that will continue to monitor and safeguard personnel.
More particular, highly controlled procedures.
A storeroom is normally continuously ventilated but it suffers an electrical failure and the ventilation fan has been stopped for 3 hours. How would you now consider that storeroom? Select the ONE correct answer:
As dangerous. It must be treated as an enclosed space for the purpose of entry procedures.
It should be alright for entry (3 hours is not that long).
There is no problem. It is only a storeroom.
So long as the electrical failure has been rectified, there is no outstanding problem and entry is permitted.
How do the IMO define an enclosed space? Select the ONE best answer:
A space with limited openings for entry and exit, or inadequate ventilation or that is not designed for continuous worker occupancy.
A space or void enclosed by bulkheads and an overhead closure which, by its design and limited number of access points, reduces the hazard exposure of any person entering, or working within that space.
A space with limited access, subject to continuous ventilation, which is routinely and regularly entered but for which a permit to work has been issued under the International Safety Management System.
Which of the following is the definition of a gas free compartment? Select the ONE best answer:
One that is in a suitable and safe condition, such that sufficient fresh air has been introduced into it to lower the level of any flammable, toxic or inert gas to that required for a specified purpose.
One that is listed on a permit which confirms that the atmosphere contained therein has flammability, toxicity and oxygen readings above the corresponding minimum recommended levels listed in the Safety Management System.
One that is believed to be in an acceptable condition suitable for an intended task, based on the visual inspection by a designated responsible person.
One which the Chief Officer has verbally confirmed to be safe for entry based on his experience and knowledge.
You are in charge of a team that must enter an enclosed space to rescue a man who has collapsed inside. What is your main priority? Select the one best answer:
To ensure that adequate precautions have been taken to protect the rescue team, thereby preventing additional casualties.
To get to the casualty as soon as possible and evacuate them to fresh air, even if it means entering without full safety equipment.
To ensure an assistant records all times and other details for the purposes of completing the report required under the Safety Management System.
To collect and prepare an appropriate range of safety equipment at the entrance to the space, so that whatever is needed can be passed inside without further delay.
A cleaning and repair job is to be done in a tank. The tank is heavily framed, of an awkward shape, with several distinct sections and built over and around a number of other storage tanks. Access lids and ventilation pipes are all at the forward end of the tank. How can it be ensured that the conditions in the area of the repair are fully checked? Select the ONE correct answer:
Assess and plan for an initial entry, carry out further assessment within the space and then plan the entry for the repair on the basis of the additional information obtained.
Assess and plan as far as possible and then brief those entering the space for the repair to use their judgement when they get to the after end of the tank.
Enter the tank and take a quick look round to get an overall picture of the general conditions inside the space and plan the subsequent entry and repair job on that basis.
Look back in the records and find a report from a similar repair in the past. If it was more-or-less the same situation, base all planning on that.
You are the attendant at the entrance hatch to a tank where three men, wearing self-contained breathing apparatus, are working inside. You hear the low level audible alarm whistle from one of the sets. What are you going to do? Select the ONE correct answer:
Look for the user moving immediately towards the exit and assist them once they emerge.
Immediately sound the emergency alarm.
Try and establish which set it is that is sounding the alarm, by shouting to, or otherwise communicating with, those inside.
Take another fully-charged set inside for the user.
Lower a full cylinder into the space for the user and wait to pull the empty one out, so it can be re-charged.
You are the Responsible Person for a maintenance inspection in a ship’s side ballast tank. The after access manhole has been removed but the compartment is still very dark. How might you safely improve the situation? Select all answers that you think apply:
What should be the main priority of those who enter an enclosed space to carry out a rescue? Select the ONE best answer:
Ensure that adequate precautions have been taken to protect the rescue team, thereby preventing additional casualties.
Get to the casualty as soon as possible and evacuate them to fresh air, even if it means entering without breathing apparatus and other safety equipment.
Ensure the full circumstances of the case are properly documented and reported, in order to demonstrate compliance with company requirements.
Prepare a range of safety equipment, in order to be prepared for any type of situation encountered once the rescue team has entered the space.
Which of the following options might cause a lack of oxygen in an enclosed space? Select all answers that you think apply:
What is the first step in any potentially hazardous work task on-board? Select the ONE correct answer:
Filling out the permits to work.
Taking equipment required for the job into the space.
A planning meeting to discuss how to carry out the repair.
A crew-member is to be sent into an enclosed space to remove remaining sludge deposits from between the frames. Fumes are present. Which of the following could the crew member use? Select all answers that you think apply:
If the minimum safe complement of personal oxygen monitors on a vessel is three and two are sent ashore for repair, what options are available to the ship’s personnel to ensure safety continues to be observed? Select all answers that you think apply:
Which ONE of the following is a correct statement?
Personal monitors only provide a warning against oxygen deficiency and hydrocarbon concentrations when there is a change in conditions in the immediate vicinity of the wearer.
Personal monitors provide a warning against oxygen deficiency and hydrocarbon concentrations throughout an enclosed space in which the wearer is working.
Personal monitors are an acceptable alternative to a remote analyser in determining if an enclosed space is safe to enter in an unprotected condition.
Personal monitors are now replacing remote reading meters as the standard equipment for determining the oxygen deficiency and hydrocarbon concentration within the atmospheres contained in enclosed spaces prior to entry.
Can a combustible gas detector be used to detect a gas other than the standard gas on which it is calibrated? Select the ONE best answer:
Yes, but only for a limited range of similar gases and reference must be made to the calibration curves supplied with the meter.
No, but if fitted with a special additional filter, certain non-toxic gases may register and readings may be interpolated using the vapour density of the gas.
Which of the following items would be part of “securing” after entry into an enclosed space is completed and all personnel have safely exited? Select all answers that you think apply:
What is the biggest hazard associated with entry into an enclosed space? Select the ONE correct answer:
The potentially harmful atmosphere inside.
Inadequate illumination inside the space.
Improper access arrangements.
The Competent Person’s signature is missing from the entry permit.
In respect of training on entry enclosed spaces, which of the following is the employer required to do? Select the ONE best answer:
Provide any necessary training, instruction and information to employees in order to ensure, that the regulations pertaining to entry into enclosed spaces are complied with.
Provide training, instruction and information on entry into enclosed spaces only if requested by the employee.
Provide general safety manuals, CD’s and videos, that may include some basic guidelines on entry into enclosed spaces.
The Employer is not required to provide any training at all.
In relation to entry into an enclosed space, what is “approved equipment”? Select the ONE best answer:
Equipment of a design tested and approved by an appropriate authority for use in a specified hazardous environment.
Equipment issued with the approval and authority of the Chief Officer.
Monitors and other test equipment that have been examined and tested within the previous 3 months.
Apparatus that has been supplied by an approved safety company.
A “Competent Person” should have which of the following?
Sufficient theoretical knowledge and practical experience to make an informed assessment of the likelihood of a dangerous atmosphere being present or subsequently arising in the space.
Minimum qualifications as a Junior Deck Officer, with additional attendance at an approved safety course and experience of at least three enclosed space entry operations.
Seagoing experience appropriate to the vessel’s trading pattern and experience ashore as a superintendent, safety inspector, dockyard manager or repair specialist.
You are the Responsible Person for a tank entry operation, where those working inside are being supplied with air from a compressor in the machinery space. Who will you advise of this arrangement and why? There is one correct answer for “who”, and one correct answer for “why”. Select the TWO correct answers:
The Officer on Watch on the bridge.
What is the main hazard associated with entry into an enclosed space? Select the ONE best answer:
The potentially hazardous atmosphere inside.
The possible loss of communication with those outside the space.
Unsafe access arrangements that could lead to a slip, trip or fall.
The Responsible Person’s signature is missing from the entry permit.
If a lifeline is to be used, which one of the following is an essential feature? Select the ONE best answer:
That it can be easily detached by the wearer, in the event that it becomes tangled.
That it is long enough to go to the bottom of the enclosed space and back up again.
That it is strong enough to support the weight of the wearer plus all the equipment in use inside the space.
That it is of a high visibility colour.
You are to be part of a two-man team to enter an enclosed lower deck in the forecastle head. You are to wear self-contained breathing apparatus and the Responsible Person has decided that a lifeline is to be used. What must you ensure you can do with that lifeline? Select the ONE best answer:
That I can easily detach it, if it becomes tangled on the steps or other fittings in the forecastle.
I should estimate the distance that the team is to enter the space and ensure that we carry twice that amount of line in with us, so that if it becomes tangled at the bottom, we can still get back to the entrance.
I should check the label on the lifeline to ensure that the breaking strain is adequate to support the weight of my colleague, together with the breathing apparatus and other equipment he is wearing.
I should verify that the colour coding on the end of the lifeline conforms to the requirements of the company Safety Management System, indicating that it is suitable for use in a storeroom area.
How should you, as an employee, approach safety training on-board? Select all answers that you think apply:
Why is it necessary to “tally”, or check personnel as they exit an enclosed space? Select the ONE best answer:
To see if anyone is missing and therefore still inside the space.
To record that they have been involved in that task for work records and overtime sheets.
Because that is one of the duties of the attendant as listed in the Chief Officer’s instructions.
To ensure that the right number of flashlights, test meters and other safety items is returned after use.
You are to assist in “securing” a cargo tank after a cleaning squad have been inside. All personnel and small gear are accounted for and the space is not to be re-entered. Another crew member is returning the safety and working equipment to storage and the Responsible Person is taking care of notifications, documentation and the removal of isolation-tags and notices in the control room. What should you do at or near the tank itself? Select all answers that you think apply:
What preventative measures might be taken to prevent a valve being opened by mistake while entry into an enclosed space is taking place? Select all answers that you think apply:
Which of the following options might cause a lack of oxygen in an enclosed space? Select all answers that you think apply:
Which instrument gives readouts of gas concentration in terms of the Lower Flammable Limit? Select the ONE correct answer:
A combustible gas indicator.
In what parts of an enclosed space should the atmosphere be tested prior to entry? Select the ONE correct answer:
At multiple levels and in different sections of the space, to increase the possibility of detecting pockets of gas that might remain in less well ventilated areas.
At the bottom of the space, immediately below the access hatch, because toxic vapours are all heavier than air and will sink to the bottom.
At the top of the space, immediately inside the access hatch, because toxic vapours are all lighter than air and will rise to the top.
You are the Responsible Person for a cleaning job in a cargo tank. Why must you check around inside the space once cleaning is completed? Select the ONE best answer:
To check that no rags, flashlights, lines, clothing or other equipment has been left inside, where it could later be drawn into a pump or valve and damage or block it with serious consequences.
Because I have to make sure that all small gear that has been used in the operation is returned to the locker.
Because if anything like that is found during tank or hold inspection, the surveyor might report it.
How can illumination safely be provided or improved in a confined space? Select all answers that you think apply: