1 These Guidelines are to facilitate the selection
of a portable atmosphere testing instrument for enclosed spaces as
required by SOLAS regulation XI-1/7. They are intended to be read
in conjunction with this SOLAS regulation and the Revised recommendations
for entering enclosed spaces aboard ships (resolution A.1050(27)). They are not intended to
constitute a performance standard for such equipment.
2 It should be noted that, given a ship's specific
characteristics and operations, additional atmospheric hazards in
enclosed spaces may be present that may not be detected by the instrument
recommended to be selected by these Guidelines, and in such cases,
if known, additional appropriate instruments should be carried.
3 These Guidelines refer to the instrument that
is used to test the atmosphere in an enclosed space before entry and
at appropriate intervals thereafter until all work is completed. They
do not refer to a personal gas detector that is intended to be carried
by an individual whilst inside the enclosed space.
4 The instrument should be capable of remote sampling
and detection for all gases that it is designed for, without interference
from the atmosphere or other characteristics of the intervening space.
5 Upon activation, the instrument should perform
a "self-test" which indicates that the instrument is functioning correctly.
6 Training requirements should be considered when
selecting the instrument. Any atmosphere testing should be performed
by trained personnel.
Gases and vapours to be measured
7 The instrument should be capable of measuring
and displaying concentrations of:
8 The instrument should clearly and unambiguously
show which gas or vapour it is measuring (noting that the display
may be switchable or menu accessible).
9 If the instrument is fitted with an alarm function,
it should activate at the appropriate level as determined by the flag
State Administration
Use of the instrument for atmosphere testing of enclosed
spaces on board ships
10 The instrument should be suitably protected,
having due regard for the environment and temperatures in which it
is expected to operate.
11 The instrument should be capable of being easily
carried.
12 The instrument should be suitably protected
from the ingress of dust and water.
13 The minimum battery life of the instrument
(with fresh batteries of recommended type) should be 10 hours.
14 The instrument should be intrinsically safe.
15 The instrument display should be readable in
all lighting conditions.
16 The manufacturers' instructions should have
clearly defined calibration requirements.
17 If the instrument is fitted with an alarm or
shutdown function that activates if the manufacture's calibration
interval is exceeded, this should not stop the instrument from functioning
during actual use and the unit should not restart once the alarm or
function has been activated.
18 The instrument should be provided with a manual
that describes its features and alarms and explains how to calibrate,
operate and maintain it. The information in this manual should be
available in the working language of the ship.