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Posted By Hareti
Hello,
I am trying to find information on the equipment used for testing the atmosphere of confined spaces before entry by personnel. I am talking about a marine environment, so the confined spaces would be fuel, ballast and water tanks. Specifically, I want to find out what certification the equipment needs for it to be accepted for use. I have plenty of examples of gas monitoring devices but there must be minimum standards required for them to be accepted for use on a ship.
I have searched both the MCA and IMO websites but I find them very convoluted and any mention of testing is in very vague language. Could anyone point me to where I can read up on how these devices are regulated and what certification I should be looking for?
Thanks
Gareth
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Posted By Colin Reeves It is not overly helpful, but the Code of Safe Working Practices refers (Chapter 17) http://www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/coswp.pdfBeware, the new MCA website is horrendously slow! Colin
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Posted By ianmilne69
Hi,
I'm sure you checked the confined space regs so wont go over that. And I'm sure you know that ships will fill any tank with goods not just what it was originally designed for. The normal problems are lack of oxygen (rust and slime eat it), previous chemicals from previous journeys etc.
Standard portable gas detectors have 3 x cells (or four) and do these checks; Flammable, Oxygen and Carbon monoxide (and perhaps CO2 or a special cell). The 3 x usually work for most scenarios.
If you know a specific chemical is there, then you need to get hold of a chart from the manufacturer as against using their chemist helpline (not helpful after 17:00pm usually). This will tell you if the standard cells will work or needs resetting.
To reset, you may need to 'play' with the calibration settings to achieve required detection (unless you know how so best left to the service agents who charge to do it and resetting it). On top of that, you may need to calibrate six monthly or annually dependant on use (cells go out of date as well).
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Rank: Guest
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Posted By Hareti
Thanks Colin and Ian,
Ihave read the COSWP but it is not very helpful where the actual equipment is concerend. All it says is that you shouldn't use the personal gas testers that you wear to test the atmosphere before entering the confined space.
I assume there must be devices specifically designed for this pre entry test, incorporating a pump and long sampling tube. I have come across a few of this type but they are only for testing the lower explosive limit of the atmosphere using a hot filament. Still, there is not much said about certification in the literature. This is what I am interested in. I want to make sure the equipment on board will be accepted by any inspectors.
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Posted By NSO
In the past I have used the services of the Mines Rescue and found them to be extemely knowledgeable. I'm sure other organisations can offer similar services.
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Rank: Guest
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Posted By NSO
In the past I have used the services of the Mines Rescue and found them to be extemely knowledgeable. I'm sure other organisations can offer similar services.
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Rank: Guest
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Posted By NSO
In the past I have used the services of the Mines Rescue and found them to be extemely knowledgeable. I'm sure other organisations can offer similar services.
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Rank: Guest
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Posted By Colin Reeves
Hareti
You should contact manufacturers of units. I will send you one by e-mail (not sure if a link here is allowable!
Colin
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