Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2018L01173:body:0:p38
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2018L01173
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 98185–101026

conditions include increasing ambient temperatures, the use of oxygen-fuel torches, mobile plant, work activities in the confined space that could involve gases, or if the ship is ballasted or trimmed during the work.

7.5              Testing the atmosphere of confined spaces
Before entering or working in a confined space, the operator must ensure that the atmosphere in and near the confined space is tested by a competent person in accordance with the OHS (MI) Act.
Testing of the atmosphere must be carried out with properly calibrated equipment. The manufacturers' instructions should be strictly followed.
Initial testing should be done from the outside of the confined space and continuously monitored at regular intervals until all work is completed. Where practicable, the testing of the space should be carried out at as many different levels and areas as it is necessary to obtain a representative sample of the atmosphere in the space.
Any gas testing should be carried out with ventilation to the confined space stopped, and after conditions have stabilized, in order to obtain accurate readings.
In some cases it may be difficult to test the atmosphere throughout the confined space without entering the space (e.g. the bottom landing of a stairway) and this should be taken into account when assessing the risk to persons entering the space. The use of flexible hoses, sample probe or fixed sampling lines, which reach remote areas within the confined space, may allow for safe testing without having to enter the space.
Before entry, the operator must ensure that the space has the following readings:
       21% oxygen by volume by oxygen content meter;
       not more than 1% of lower flammable limit (LFL) on a suitably sensitive combustible gas indicator, where the preliminary assessment has determined that there is potential for flammable gases or vapours; and
       not more than 50% of the occupational exposure limit (OEL) of any toxic vapours and gases.
If there is any deterioration in the conditions, all persons should leave the space immediately.
The internal structure of the space, cargo, cargo residues and tank coatings may also result in oxygen-deficient areas, even when a confined space has been tested as being suitable for entry.

7.6              Additional requirements for entry into a confined space
If it is not reasonably practicable to ensure the confined space contains a safe oxygen level, then appropriate respiratory protective equipment must be provided.
The number of persons entering should be limited to the minimum number necessary to undertake the work.
Two air supplies should be available to the wearer of breathing apparatus, except in the case of emergency, or where this is impractical because movement in the space would be seriously impeded. A continuous supply provided