Ventilation to Be Used Prior to Entry Sign

Ventilation to Be Used Prior to Entry Sign – MS0101

The Ventilation to Be Used Prior to Entry Sign (MS0101) is a photoluminescent ISO 7010 mandatory pictogram instructing crew to run mechanical ventilation before entering an enclosed or confined space, such as a tank, void, cofferdam, or cargo hold. Manufactured to marine-grade specifications, the sign is built to withstand the corrosive, high-humidity conditions found aboard vessels while remaining clearly legible in both daylight and low-light or emergency lighting conditions.

Confined space entry without adequate ventilation remains one of the deadliest hazards aboard ships, with oxygen-deficient or toxic atmospheres capable of incapacitating a person within seconds. The Ventilation to Be Used Prior to Entry Sign gives an unambiguous, language-independent visual instruction that reinforces the vessel’s Enclosed Space Entry Procedure and helps the Master and Chief Officer demonstrate compliance with ISM Code and SOLAS obligations during port state control and flag state inspections.

Why Face Protection Matters

While this sign addresses ventilation procedure rather than personal protective equipment, it forms part of the broader suite of mandatory procedural signage required throughout a vessel’s confined spaces, tanks, and cargo holds. Consistent, standardised signage across all mandatory-action categories – PPE, atmosphere testing, and procedural instructions – reduces confusion for multinational crews and visiting contractors, ensuring that every worker recognises the same blue-and-white mandatory action pictograms regardless of their first language. A clearly posted Ventilation to Be Used Prior to Entry Sign at every confined space entrance is a critical line of defence against fatal oxygen-deficient atmosphere incidents.

Compliance and Certification

This sign is manufactured in strict accordance with ISO 7010 pictogram standards, ensuring the mandatory action symbol is instantly recognisable across international fleets and multinational crews. Ships operating under the ISM Code are required to maintain a rigorous Enclosed Space Entry Procedure and provide appropriate confined-space signage as part of their Safety Management System, and SOLAS-regulated vessels must ensure all safety and mandatory signage remains legible and properly maintained throughout the vessel’s operational life. For further detail on SOLAS requirements, consult the IMO’s official SOLAS resource page. Fitting a compliant Ventilation to Be Used Prior to Entry Sign at every relevant confined space entrance supports your vessel’s readiness for ISM audits and Port State Control inspections.

Installation Recommendations

Install the Ventilation to Be Used Prior to Entry Sign at eye level directly on or beside every confined space hatch, tank access, void, and cofferdam entrance. Use marine-grade adhesive, rivets, or a mounting bracket suited to the substrate, and ensure the sign is positioned where it will be seen before anyone lifts the hatch or breaks the seal. Avoid locations subject to direct high-pressure washdown or excessive vibration that could loosen fixings over time, and inspect signage during routine safety rounds to confirm photoluminescent visibility remains effective in an emergency blackout scenario.

• Photoluminescent material charges under normal light and glows in low-light or blackout conditions
• ISO 7010 compliant mandatory action pictogram, internationally recognised
• Durable, corrosion- and UV-resistant construction suited to marine environments
• Available in a range of sizes and mounting options for confined space entrances
• Supports ISM Code Enclosed Space Entry Procedure and SOLAS compliance

Order the Ventilation to Be Used Prior to Entry Sign (SKU: MS0101) today to keep your vessel’s confined space entrances compliant with IMO mandatory signage requirements and to protect your crew from oxygen-deficient atmosphere hazards.

Complete your vessel’s safety signage program by browsing our Hazard Signs and Fire Fighting Signs categories for additional IMO-compliant maritime signage.