Description

Confined Space Safe Practice (IACS Rec 72)  

Confined Space Safe Practice (Rec 72) is a practical guide to safer confined space entry onboard ships, covering PPE, atmosphere testing, ventilation, permit-to-work systems, and the procedures needed to reduce risk before entry into enclosed spaces.

Confined Space Safe Practice (Rec 72) is a detailed confined space entry guide designed to support safer entry into enclosed spaces onboard ships. It explains the core precautions required before entry, including atmosphere testing, personal protective equipment, permit-to-work procedures, hazard awareness, and safe entry policies.

The publication also covers ventilation, isolation of space, testing instruments, personal gas detectors, survey preparation, tank cleaning, and lighting. It ends with a practical onboard checklist to help ensure that essential safety steps are completed before confined space entry.

Why Confined Space Safe Practice (Rec 72) Matters

Confined space entry remains one of the highest-risk shipboard activities because hazards are not always visible. Unsafe atmospheres, toxic products, poor ventilation, engulfment risks, and physical hazards can quickly become fatal if entry is not properly controlled. This guide helps turn confined space entry into a structured, controlled safety process.

It is especially useful because it defines key roles such as the competent person, responsible person, attendant, surveyor, and permit-to-enter / permit-to-work framework, giving crews and survey personnel a clearer operational reference for safer entry planning.

For stronger internal linking, this title should connect to closely related safety resources such as Fresh Air in Dark Places, Personal Injury Prevention: A Guide to Good Practice, Safety and Health at Sea – 2nd Edition Book, Shipboard Safety Officer Notes, and International Medical Guide for Ships Book, 3rd Edition.

Who Should Read Confined Space Safe Practice (Rec 72)?

This book is ideal for mariners, safety officers, surveyors, officers, technical personnel, and anyone responsible for enclosed space entry procedures or onboard risk controls.

Whether used as a working reference, training support guide, or safety management aid, it provides a practical foundation for improving confined space entry procedures onboard.

This guide is a valuable safety resource for controlling one of the most dangerous shipboard activities. Combining hazard awareness, testing procedures, permit-to-work discipline, and practical checklists, it helps crews and survey personnel reduce risk and improve confined space entry safety.

Contents Listing:  

Part 1 Confined Space Practices  

1 Definitions  

1.1 Confined Space  

1.2 Confined Space Entry  

1.3 Competent Person  

1.4 Responsible Person  

1.5 Attendant (also ‘Standby Person’)  

1.6 Marine Chemist  

1.7 Adjacent Space  

1.8 Toxic Product  

1.9 Surveyor  

1.10 Permit to Enter/Permit to Work (PTE/PTW)  

2 General Hazards  

 3 Requirements  

3.1 Training  

3.2 Confined Space Entry Policy  

3.3 Confined Space Entry Procedures  

 4 Confined Space Entry  

4.1 Testing of the Atmosphere  

4.2 Preparation for Entering Confined Spaces  

4.3 Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)  

Part 2 Guidelines for Safe Entry of Confined Spaces  

 1 General  

2 Confined Space Hazards  

2.1 Hazardous Atmospheres from the Containment in the Tank  

2.2 Work being Performed in a Confined Space  

3 Testing  

3.1 General  

3.2 Testing Instruments  

4 Ventilation  

5 Isolation of Space  

 6 General and Physical Hazards  

6.1 Temperature Extremes  

6.2 Engulfment Hazards  

6.3 Noise  

6.4 Falling Objects  

6.5 Slick/Wet Surfaces  

7 Guidelines for Use of Personal Gas Detectors  

7.1 Function Test and Full Calibration  

 8 Survey Preparations  

8.1 Cleaning  

8.2 Lighting  

Annex Checklist for Entry into Confined Spaces  

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Confined Space Safe Practice (Rec 72) used for?

It is used to support safer confined space entry by explaining hazards, atmosphere testing, PPE, ventilation, and permit-to-work procedures.

Does it cover gas testing and atmosphere checks?

Yes, it includes guidance on testing the atmosphere, testing instruments, and the use of personal gas detectors.

Who should read this book?

It is suitable for mariners, surveyors, safety officers, and personnel responsible for enclosed space entry procedures onboard.

Does it include a checklist?

Yes, it concludes with a practical checklist for entry into confined spaces.

Is it relevant for survey preparation?

Yes, it includes guidance on survey preparation, tank cleaning, and lighting before entry.