INSTRUCTIONS FOR USING THE RISK ASSESSMENT FORM

1. Envisage the task in hand and identify the hazards associated with carrying out the task. These hazards are to be listed
and addressed individually in the risk assessment form.

2. Once the hazard has been identified, based on the combination of the likelihood and severity/consequence of the
hazard, the risk evaluation score is to be assigned using the risk evaluation matrix on the last page. For example, a
hazard which has a likelihood of ‘unlikely’ and a severity/consequence of “harmful”, the risk evaluation score would be
(moderate risk).

3. With the determination of the risk evaluation score, using the recommended response table on the last page,
appropriate action is to be planned and implemented.

4. Using the above example of a risk evaluation score of 4 (moderate risk), appropriate controls must be applied to the risk
and these must be listed out accordingly in the form along with the person responsible for applying the control and the
completion date.

5. Once the controls have been applied, the risk must be reassessed as a whole taking into account the applied controls
and once again using the risk evaluation matrix on the last page, a residual score must be obtained.

6. If the residual risk on reassessment is ‘Trivial’ or ‘Tolerable’ (scores 1 and 2), then no additional controls are required and
only effective monitoring of the task to ensure compliance with procedures is necessary.

7. However, if the reassessment of the risk again is ‘Moderate’, ‘Substantial’ or ‘Intolerable’ and yields a score higher than
2, it implies that the applied controls are not sufficient to address the associated hazards and therefore do not bring the
risk to a safe level. This would require additional controls to be applied and steps 4 and 5 to be followed once again.

8. This process would continue until the residual risk is eventually brought down to an acceptable level (scores 1 or 2).

9. Effective supervision of the task to be carried out is necessary to ensure that there are no unauthorized and unsafe
diversions which could effectively change the entire risk assessment therefore making it inappropriate for the current
task.

This form is for guidance purposes only and does not replace any company procedures or applicable statutory regulations.

The Shipowners’ Protection Limited | Registered in England No 02067444 | For and on behalf of
The Shipowners’ Mutual Protection and Indemnity Association (Luxembourg)
16, Rue Notre-Dame | L–2240 Luxembourg | Incorporated in Luxembourg | RC Luxembourg B14228
1
 VESSEL NAME: ACTIVITY: Entry into enclosed spaces PERSONNEL INVOLVED IN THE TASK:
Master, all officers and crew
HAZARD POTENTIAL HAZARDS RISK POSSIBLE CONTROL MEASURES ACTION RESIDUAL RISK
CATEGORY IDENTIFIED EVALUATION REQUIRED SCORE
PERSON DATE
SCORE (including existing & proposed) RESPONSIBLE COMPLETED (Refer page 9)
(Refer page 9)
Failure to correctly identify an Likely (3) x  o entry to be permitted into an enclosed
N Master, all officers and Unlikely (2) x
enclosed space. Harmful (2) = 6 space unless the prescribed enclosed space crew. Slightly Harmful (1)
Substantial entry procedures are followed and a permit = 2 Tolerable
(example only) to work issued. This must include a formal (example only)
risk assessment to identify potential hazards
and risk mitigation methods to control them
accordingly.

It is recommended that all potential enclosed

spaces on board each fleet vessel must
be identified and marked accordingly at
Injury/fatality to person

entry points. This is not a set list as some

spaces may become enclosed or otherwise
hazardous depending on the circumstances
and so assessments should be carried out
periodically.

It must be kept in mind that a toxic

atmosphere can exist in all enclosed spaces
(on all vessel types - not necessarily on
tankers) including but not restricted to
cargo spaces, double bottoms, fuel tanks,
ballast tanks, cargo pump-rooms cargo
compressor rooms, cofferdams, chain
lockers, void spaces, duct keels inter-barrier
spaces, boilers, engine crankcases, engine
scavenge air receivers, sewage tanks, and
adjacent connected spaces. Methane gas is
predominant on cargo vessels carrying coal
in bulk. Enclosed entry procedures must
be carried out for all personnel entering an
enclosed space on board and not only limited
to ship’s personnel.

The Shipowners’ Protection Limited | Registered in England No 02067444 | For and on behalf of This form is for guidance purposes only and does not replace
The Shipowners’ Mutual Protection and Indemnity Association (Luxembourg) any company procedures or applicable statutory regulations.
16, Rue Notre-Dame | L–2240 Luxembourg | Incorporated in Luxembourg | RC Luxembourg B14228
2
 Tank atmosphere not conducive (To be assessed and  If a crew member is not comfortable with Master, all officers and (To be assessed and
to man entry. completed) the atmosphere, they must be made aware crew. completed)
they have the right to refuse entry into the
enclosed space entry.
If hot work or other tasks are to be performed
within an enclosed space, an additional
permit to work must be issued to supplement
the enclosed space entry permit.

Enclosed space entry procedures to include

but are not limited to:
• Atmosphere testing
-This must be done prior to entry and
ideally witnessed by more than one
Injury/fatality to person

responsible person.
-Ventilation must be stopped for at least
ten minutes prior to atmosphere testing
to allow the atmosphere to settle down.
-Atmosphere tests to include testing
for Oxygen content, Hyrdocarbon (HC)
vapour concentration and that no other
toxic contaminants present in line with
industry best practices and applicable
regulations
-Due consideration must be given to
pockets of HC gas that may exist in
corners and/or may be regenerated
when sludge is disturbed.
-Atmosphere must be retested if there
are any breaks in operation and/or
ventilation.
-When entering cargo/bunker tanks, the
atmosphere of adjacent spaces must
also be tested and de-pressurized as
required to reduce chances of any inter-
tank leakage of gas.

(cont’d)

The Shipowners’ Protection Limited | Registered in England No 02067444 | For and on behalf of This form is for guidance purposes only and does not replace
The Shipowners’ Mutual Protection and Indemnity Association (Luxembourg) any company procedures or applicable statutory regulations.
16, Rue Notre-Dame | L–2240 Luxembourg | Incorporated in Luxembourg | RC Luxembourg B14228
3
 (To be assessed and • C ontinuous ventilation of the space must Master, all officers and (To be assessed and
completed) be carried out throughout the operation. crew completed)
If any breaks in ventilation, the permit
criteria must be reassessed and reissued.
Forced ventilation must be preferred over
natural.
• Atmosphere must be monitored
throughout the operation with personal
gas detectors.
• Appropriate means for controlling and
monitoring entry into the enclosed space
must be in place to prevent accidental /
Injury/fatality to person

unauthorised entry via safety notices,

mechanical barriers etc.
-Access to some enclosed spaces may be
Fall inside/into the enclosed
constricted owing to construction and
space.
hence the due consideration must be
given to assess methods for removing a
casualty as it may not be straightforward
-Open enclosed space accesses to be
protected to mitigate the possibility of
personnel from falling in.
Ingress of water/drowning of • Prior to entry into the enclosed space:
personnel. -Associated piping, cargo ventilation/
inert gas systems, electrical sources,
hydraulic systems to be isolated
(lockout/tag out) with adequate warning
signs against operation.
Rescue equipment not readily -Approved self contained positive
available. pressure breathing and resuscitation
equipment must be ready at the
entrance of the space. Air bottles must
be fully charged prior to the operation.
-Personnel entering the space must wear
appropriate protective clothing.

(cont’d)

The Shipowners’ Protection Limited | Registered in England No 02067444 | For and on behalf of This form is for guidance purposes only and does not replace
The Shipowners’ Mutual Protection and Indemnity Association (Luxembourg) any company procedures or applicable statutory regulations.
16, Rue Notre-Dame | L–2240 Luxembourg | Incorporated in Luxembourg | RC Luxembourg B14228
4
 (To be assessed and -Emergency Escape Breathing Devices Master, all officers and (To be assessed and
completed) (EEBDs) to be readily available to crew completed)
facilitate easy escape of the persons
in the enclosed space. Cannot be used
for entry into enclosed spaces - for
emergency evacuation only!
-An oxygen resuscitator to be readily
available at the entrance to the space.
-It is recommended that the persons
entering the enclosed space wear the
Injury/fatality to person

harness prior to entry to facilitate easy

rescue in case required.
-A stretcher to be readily available at the
entrance at the entrance of the space.
-All electric/electronic equipment to be
used inside the enclosed space to be
intrinsically safe and fully charged
-Lighting in the enclosed space must be
adequate. Unless hot work permit allows
the use of non-intrinsically safe lighting
, any means of illumination must be
intrinsically safe.
-A responsible person to be at the
entrance of the space at all times and in
direct contact with the personnel inside
the enclosed space and the command
centre (bridge or control room) as
appropriate.
-Frequent communication at agreed
intervals to be made with the personnel
during the operation to ensure that they
are ok.

• E
 mergency procedures including
evacuation and rescue from enclosed
spaces to be included in the company
operating procedures and discussed during
the tool box meeting prior to undertaking
the operation.
(cont’d)

The Shipowners’ Protection Limited | Registered in England No 02067444 | For and on behalf of This form is for guidance purposes only and does not replace
The Shipowners’ Mutual Protection and Indemnity Association (Luxembourg) any company procedures or applicable statutory regulations.
16, Rue Notre-Dame | L–2240 Luxembourg | Incorporated in Luxembourg | RC Luxembourg B14228
5
 (To be assessed and •  In the event of a casualty in an enclosed Master, all officers and (To be assessed and
completed) space, under no circumstance should the crew completed)
attendant nor any unauthorised personnel
enter the tank without following the
proper emergency procedures.
Lack of experience/training. •  andatory training drills (SOLAS
M
Regulation III/19) to be conducted
on board for all personnel associated
with enclosed space entry or rescue
responsibilities at least every two months.
Injury/fatality to person

These drills to include checking and use of:

-Personal protective equipment required
for entry
-Communication equipment and
procedures
-Instruments for measuring the
atmosphere in enclosed spaces.
-Rescue equipment and procedures.
-First aid and resuscitation equipment
including life saving techniques.

• E
 ntry into enclosed spaces with suspect
atmosphere must only be considered in an
emergency situation when no practical
alternative exists. Permission to do
so must be obtained from the vessel’s
owner/operator. This entry must be
carried out with special percautions
including entering personnel wearing a
breathing apparatus and a lifeline attached
to the harness. A special detailed risk
assessment needs to be carried out and
discussed with all involved.

The Shipowners’ Protection Limited | Registered in England No 02067444 | For and on behalf of This form is for guidance purposes only and does not replace
The Shipowners’ Mutual Protection and Indemnity Association (Luxembourg) any company procedures or applicable statutory regulations.
16, Rue Notre-Dame | L–2240 Luxembourg | Incorporated in Luxembourg | RC Luxembourg B14228
6
 Lack of communication. (To be assessed and • A log is to be maintained of the personnel Master, all officers and (To be assessed and
completed) entering with the timings of entry and exit crew completed)
to ensure nobody is left behind.
• Communication systems must be
intrinsically safe, fully charged and tested
and lines of communication decided.
Fire/explosions during enclosed • Any equipment being opened in an
space entry. enclosed space including pumps, valves,
pipe lines or heating coils must be
thoroughly flushed with water prior to
Injury/fatality to person

commencing of work.
• Tools must be made of spark proof material
and in case of any hammering/use of
power tools, additional safety precautions
must be made to satisfy that hydrocarbon
vapours do not exist in the vicinity.
• Tools must be lowered as far as possible,
into the enclosed space and not carried by
entering personnel to mitigate the risk of
generating sparks from dropped tools.
• Any removal of residue, sludge or sediment
from an enclosed space must require
additional and periodic atmosphere tests
as well as use of personal gas monitors.
Ventilation must be continuous.

Failure to follow pump room Cargo Pump Rooms

entry procedures.
• C
 argo pump rooms are also considered
enclosed spaces, however due to their
unique complexities, a few additional
special precautions need to be taken.

-Mechanical ventilation needs to be

continuously running throughout the
validity of the pump room permit.
-Valid pump room entry permit to be
displayed at the entrance of the pump
room.

(cont’d)

The Shipowners’ Protection Limited | Registered in England No 02067444 | For and on behalf of This form is for guidance purposes only and does not replace
The Shipowners’ Mutual Protection and Indemnity Association (Luxembourg) any company procedures or applicable statutory regulations.
16, Rue Notre-Dame | L–2240 Luxembourg | Incorporated in Luxembourg | RC Luxembourg B14228
7
 (To be assessed and -Safety equipment such as a harness Master, all officers and (To be assessed and
completed) (readily rigged to an overhead pulley and crew completed)
extending to the bottom of the pump
room), portable gas detection meter and
stretcher to be readily available at the
pump room top platform.
-Continuous monitoring of the pump
room’s atmosphere with audio-visual
alarm. System to be tested and
calibrated with appropriate span gas
prior issue of every permit.
-Separate risk assessment and risk
mitigation procedures to be adopted for
working in cargo pump rooms.
-Minimum number of persons to
undetake routine pump room rounds to
Injury/fatality to person

minimise exposure.
-Entry to be reported to the control
room/bridge and a log to be maintained
of personnel going in and out of the
pump room.

ON COMPLETION OF ENCLOSED SPACE

ENTRY
• On the completion of the enclosed space
entry, the responsible person must ensure
that all personnel have evacuated the
space and that:

-All equipment has been removed.

-Access to the space sealed.
-The permit is closed out and signed off.
-All locked, isolated or tagged out
systems are restored.
Date: Name/Rank/Sign:

The Shipowners’ Protection Limited | Registered in England No 02067444 | For and on behalf of This form is for guidance purposes only and does not replace
The Shipowners’ Mutual Protection and Indemnity Association (Luxembourg) any company procedures or applicable statutory regulations.
16, Rue Notre-Dame | L–2240 Luxembourg | Incorporated in Luxembourg | RC Luxembourg B14228
8
 RISK EVALUATION MATRIX TO OBTAIN SCORE

Severity/Consequence
Slightly Harmful Harmful Extremely harmful
(1) (2) (3)

Highly Unlikely Trivial Risk Tolerable risk Moderate Risk

(1) (Score 1) (Score 2) (Score 3)
Likelihood

Unlikely Tolerable Risk Moderate Risk Substantial Risk

(2) (Score 2) (Score 4) (Score 6)

Likely Moderate Risk Substantial Risk Intolerable risk

(3) (Score 3) (Score 6) (Score 9)

THE TABLE BELOW INDICATES THE RECOMMENDED RESPONSE IN EACH CASE.

Trivial No action is required.
Tolerable No additional controls are required.
Monitoring is required to ensure control is maintained.

Moderate Efforts are required to reduce risk.

Controls are to be implemented within a specified time.

Substantial New work not to start until risk reduced.

If work is in progress, urgent action to be taken.
Considerable resources may be required.

Intolerable Work shall not be started or continued until the risk has been reduced.
If reduction is not possible, the activity shall be prohibited.

This form is for guidance purposes only and does not replace any company procedures or applicable statutory regulations.

The Shipowners’ Protection Limited | Registered in England No 02067444 | For and on behalf of
The Shipowners’ Mutual Protection and Indemnity Association (Luxembourg)
16, Rue Notre-Dame | L–2240 Luxembourg | Incorporated in Luxembourg | RC Luxembourg B14228
9