Personal Safety, PPE and Safe Working Practices on Tankers
This domain tests personal protection, atmosphere testing, permit-controlled work and safe access on tankers. The exam expects you to select the right equipment and explain why engineering and procedural controls come before PPE.
PPE and equipment
PPE includes chemical-resistant suits, gloves, eye protection, safety helmets, boots, life jackets and harnesses. Breathing apparatus is used for unknown or toxic atmospheres; an escape set is only for escape, not entry. Gas detectors must be calibrated and bump-tested. Cryogenic gloves and face protection are needed for liquefied gas.
Safe working
Risk assessment, permits, isolation, ventilation and standby personnel control enclosed spaces, pump rooms, working aloft and overside work. Test the atmosphere before entry and during the job. Never use a filter mask in an unknown atmosphere. Manual handling, noise and heat stress also require controls.
Worked example
A pump room needs inspection. Before entry, isolate and ventilate, test for oxygen, hydrocarbon and toxic gas, issue an enclosed-space permit, post a standby man and use breathing apparatus if the atmosphere is not proven safe. Reasoning: pump rooms can accumulate hydrocarbon vapour and are oxygen-deficient; testing and ventilation must come before entry, and an escape set is not entry protection.
Traps that cost marks
Using PPE as a substitute for isolation or ventilation; confusing an escape set with SCBA; entering with a filter mask in an unknown atmosphere; skipping atmosphere retesting during the job; ignoring cryogenic PPE for LNG/LPG.