Enclosed space risks continue, warns London Club

Common faults detected by inspectors included: absence of required safety equipment, emergency escape plans, continuous monitoring of the atmosphere in an enclosed space, and properly maintained oxygen/gas detection equipment.

The results highlight another example of so-called "box ticking culture" where paperwork is filled in without checking with actual conditions or thought of possible consequences, the club says in its latest bulletin.

"The club is aware of at least one case where a responsible officer faced criminal charges for allowing an operation to be conducted in an unsafe manner – despite having signed the paperwork suggesting that all necessary safety precautions were in place," the bulletin warned.

The latest bulletin is the second concerning entry into enclosed spaces since the death of a junior officer in late January. The seafarer was overcome by gases entering a cargo hold to retrieve a sample without taking appropriate measures, despite repeated warnings from his colleagues. Rendered unconscious, the officer lost his grip on a ladder and fell. Despite being rescued by crew wearing breathing apparatus, and being evacuated to hospital, the officer later died.

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