Are you unsure of your obligations in relation to offshore gas detection? Keep your eyes peeled next week for our hot-off-the-press guide which outlines the relevant regulations surrounding gas detection at sea and gives you all the advice you need to easily and cost-effectively ensure compliance.

A third of all dangerous occurrences occurring offshore relate to gas

According to the latest statistics from the Health and Safety Executive, to this day, a third of all dangerous occurrences occurring offshore relate to gas. Incidents relating to gas are a major offshore hazard due to the catastrophic consequences that tend to result; taking life and impacting the health of workers, as well as direct and indirect economic losses.

Early warning is key when it comes to the prevention of accidents involving gas and this is best achieved through the use of gas detectors in hazardous areas. The offshore accident report ‘Lessons from Past Accident Analysis’ from the European Commission, advises that a vital step in controlling major offshore hazards is the installation of, ‘state-of-the-art gas detectors in appropriate locations, extending to hazardous areas where necessary.’

Gas detection on seafaring vessels: applicable regulations

Shipping companies have a duty of care to their employees to provide a safe work environment and an obligation to ensure that crew are safe and can carry out their tasks safely. This has been reflected in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) circular MSC.1/Circ.1485, concerning the carriage and use of portable gas detectors and The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Regulation XI-1/7 for Enclosed Spaces.

Typical spaces on ships that apply include; cargo spaces; double bottoms; fuel tanks; ballast tanks; cargo pump-rooms; cargo compressor rooms; cofferdams; chain lockers; void spaces; duct keels; inter-barrier spaces; boilers; engine crankcases; engine scavenge air receivers; sewage tanks & adjacent connected spaces.

Want to know more about gas detection regulations?

Download our free guide which gives you all the advice you need to easily and cost-effectively ensure compliance with gas detection regulations.

Alternatively, feel free to contact our office and a member of our team will be happy to help.