3.1 Prior to entering a tank, all persons who
are to be involved in the task should meet to:
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.1 define the purpose of entering the tank;
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.2 identify the steps to be taken to achieve the
purpose;
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.3 develop a plan of action; and
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.4 assign responsibilities.
3.2 The meeting should address:
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.1 scheduling of manpower – may include
the following:
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.1 authorization: the master will be ultimately
responsible for authorizing tank entry. An officer should be designated
as the responsible person with sufficient knowledge of the procedures
to be established and complied with on board, in order for ensuring
that the correct procedures are observed;
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.2 the person undertaking the testing of the atmosphere
should be trained in the use of the equipment. Only properly calibrated
equipment should be used and the manufacturers' instructions should
be strictly followed;
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.3
attendant means a person who is
suitably trained within the safety management system, maintains a
watch over those entering the tank, maintains communications with
those inside the tank and initiates the emergency procedures in the
event of an incident occurring; and
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.4
tank rescue team are any members
of the crew trained in the use of rescue and resuscitation equipment;
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.2 tank washing;
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.3 gas freeing;
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.4 testing of the tank atmosphere;
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.5 identifying and minimizing physical hazards;
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.6 listing equipment needed, i.e. safety, fire
fighting, communication, tools, escape and rescue;
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.7 advising personnel who will enter the space
of the hazards associated with the operation;
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.8 maintaining safe conditions in the tank; and
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.9 reviewing emergency procedures for rescue and
fire fighting – may include the following:
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.1 the person in charge of the rescue party should
not enter the tank, but should coordinate the rescue operation from
the tank access;
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.2 in the event that a casualty must be removed
from the tank, sufficient persons must be on deck and available to
effect proper use of the rescue equipment;
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.3 sufficient persons should be assigned to the
tank rescue team. They should be familiar with the tank arrangement
and trained in the use of the equipment and able to deliver first
aid; and
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.4 the decision to remove an injured person from
the space must be based on the relative danger of his location and
extent of his injuries, versus the danger of increasing his injuries
by movement prior to effecting first aid.