Enclosed spaces on ships are confined areas with limited access and poor ventilation. These spaces include cargo tanks, ballast tanks, pump rooms, and void spaces. Due to their design, they can develop hazardous atmospheres with oxygen deficiency or toxic gases, making them dangerous for human entry without proper safety procedures.
Enclosed spaces pose serious atmospheric hazards. Oxygen levels can drop below safe limits of twenty point nine percent, while toxic gases like carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide can accumulate. Poor ventilation, chemical reactions, and cargo decomposition contribute to these dangerous conditions. Flammable vapors may also be present, creating explosion risks.
Ships contain numerous types of enclosed spaces, each serving specific purposes. Cargo holds store goods, ballast tanks maintain stability, and pump rooms house machinery. Double bottom spaces provide structural strength, while cofferdams act as safety barriers. Void spaces, duct keels, and chain lockers are additional examples. Despite their different functions, all these spaces share the common characteristic of limited ventilation and restricted access.