INGENIEUR
INGENIEUR
Oil and gas platform
scope needs to be endorsed by OSR Certified Inspector . iv . Though Air Change in sample is achieved , personnel involved in the Welding job still require to don the Personal Protective Equipment for Welding ( e . g . Welding Face Shield , Respirator , Protective Clothing , Welding Glove , Protective Boots ). v . Depending on the confined space residue ( e . g . radioactive , mercury , etc .), some owner will require additional testing to determine the risk and take necessary precaution if required prior to entry .
In terms of Administrative Controls , the Industry Code of Practice for Safe Working in Confined Space 2010 did spell out multiple controls . It is important to have a comprehensive procedure describing the steps taken for safe job execution , example Atmospheric Gas Test ( hold point & frequency ), Permit to Work and Self Health Declaration . In all jobs , the most crucial is the people element . Thus , Supervision and Training ought to be sufficient for CSE crew ( Entry Supervisor , Authorised Gas Tester , Permit Issuer , Authorised Entrants & Stand-by Person ) and their competency validated . Other admin aspect such as housekeeping , equipment maintenance , monitoring , signage , lighting and communication should be in place .
In order to better protect the CSE authorised entrants and address gaps in Engineering Control and Administrative Control , a certain degree of PPE from head-to-toe are required depending on the nature of job and the risk within the confined space , particularly breathing protective gear . The type of Breathing Apparatus ( self-contained / airline ) or Respirator ( including cartridge ) will depend on the gas test result , as the level of protection need to be on par with the risk exposed to safeguard the confined spaced entry personnel . The general concern working in confined spaced is the lack of oxygen or the inhalation of harmful gases .
On top of that , the Industry Code of Practice do mention about “ Evacuation , Rescue and First Aid procedures ”. For all high-risk activities , it is crucial to possess an Emergency Plan as part of mitigation . During any emergency rescue , PPE equipped with Breathing Apparatus ( airsupplied / self-containing ) will be the best option . Emergency Rescue Teams required to be trained for prompt response , and conduct CSE Rescue Drill on a regular basis at the work location . If the confined spaced contained exposure to hazardous medium , Decontamination Station needs to be set-up . Proper line of communication needs to be established , and other rescue tools such as standby stretcher at the work site .
In conclusion , working in confined space environment is hazardous to the crew and precaution ought to the taken seriously . For instance , Atmospheric Gas Test done by authorised gas tester , and portable gas detector must be available for continuous monitoring . Also , all crew need to be accounted for by the Entry Supervisor and the confined space entry point ( e . g . manhole ) to be covered when leaving the worksite . After work is completed , it is important to perform thorough housekeeping and reinstate the system back to the original condition before handover to owner . With adequate controls established , the risks of CSE can be managed safely .
60 VOL 96 OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2023