Answer SSEP Question 30

Q30. With reference to the pump room of an oil tanker describe the following with particular emphasis on safety aspects;

(a) Ventilation system.

(b) Procedure to be followed for pump room entry.

(c) Lighting system.
Answer: (a) Ventilation system.
- Cargo pump-rooms shall be mechanically ventilated and discharges from the exhaust fans shall be led to a safe place on the open deck.
- The ventilation of these rooms shall have sufficient capacity to minimize the possibility of accumulation of flammable vapour.
- The number of air changes shall be at least 20 per hour, based upon the gross volume of the space.
- The air ducts shall be arranged so that all of the space is effectively ventilated.
- The ventilation shall be of the suction type using fans of the non-sparking type.
(b) Procedure to be followed for pump room entry.
Entry Permit into Enclosed Space
- Whenever entering the pump room, "Procedures for Entry into Enclosed Spaces" must be complied with and the Master's permission must be obtained,
- The ventilation fans shall be kept running in exhaust mode for the entire duration of validity of the permit. However, the designated responsible person (duty officer or chief officer) shall monitor such pump room entries.
- All entries into the pump room shall be recorded, they shall include the names / ranks of persons and times of entry and exit. Such record shall be with the duty officer manning the Cargo Control Room (during operations) or on the Navigational Bridge (during Navigation)
Atmosphere Control
- Prior to pump room entry the space must be tested for Oxygen (at least 21%), Explosive gases (HC LEL= less than 1% LEL) and Toxic vapors (Nil). The ventilation fans shall not be stopped until all personnel have left the pump room.
Effective communication
- Regular communication checks should be made at pre-agreed intervals and failure to respond should be a cause to raise the alarm. Gas Monitoring
-At times where cargo movement within the pipelines is expected or regular personnel entry for routine inspections are expected, then such portable gas measuring instruments shall be kept in a state of readiness at the entrance of pump room, with detecting hose leading to the bottom floor.
- However, only if a fixed gas detection system is fitted, is correctly calibrated and tested regularly and can provide % LEL readings to a level of accuracy equivalent to portable gas instruments at representative locations, then such fixed equipment can be used to provide and continuously monitor the safe entry within the pump room. 
(c) Lighting system.
- Lighting in cargo pump-rooms, except emergency lighting, shall be interlocked with ventilation such that the ventilation shall be in operation when switching on the lighting.
- Failure of the ventilation system shall not cause the lighting to go out
- Skylights to cargo pump-rooms shall be of steel, shall not contain any glass and shall be capable of being closed from outside the pump-room.
- Permanent approved gas tight lighting enclosures shall be used for illuminating cargo pump-rooms.