Maritime Questions › Enclosed Space Entry

What is the single most repeated causal factor across multiple-fatality enclosed space incidents investigated by MAIB and other accident investigation bodies?

Q: Under MSC.581(110), what is the maximum acceptable CO2 reading (by volume) before an enclosed space can be considered safe for entry?

Less than 0.5% by volume (5,000 ppm) Para. 7.4 sets the CO2 exposure limit at below 0.5% by volume (5,000 ppm) before entry; if this is not achieved, the space remains unsafe. CO2 is now explicitly addressed as a major asphyxiation hazard alongside oxygen depletion.

A. An untrained, unprotected person entering the space to rescue the first casualty, and becoming a second (or third) casualty in the same atmosphere

B. Lack of lighting inside the space

C. Incorrect labelling of the space

D. Faulty rescue harnesses

Under MSC.581(110), what is the maximum acceptable CO2 reading (by volume) before an enclosed space can be considered safe for entry?

A. Less than 0.5% by volume (5,000 ppm)

B. Less than 2% by volume

C. Less than 21% by volume

D. There is no specific CO2 limit, only an oxygen limit

Under the revised recommendations, is single-person entry into an enclosed space ever permitted?

A. No — the company must ensure single-person entry into an enclosed space is not permitted

B. Yes, provided the person carries a personal gas detector

C. Yes, for spaces that have previously tested safe within the last 24 hours

D. Yes, but only for spaces below 5 metres in depth

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