Barge
Cleaning Operations
» Dry Bulk Cargo Barges
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Figure 1: Bulk material in barge. |
Dry bulk cargo barge cleaning is the process of
removing residual cargo and cleaning the spaces (such as hoppers or
holds) and/or tanks on the barge in order to load a new
or different cargo, inspect, or repair. Cleaning may be conducted on a barge while at a pier,
in a drydock, while beached, or at anchor.
The cleaning process
normally includes:
Each of these steps include many of the same
hazards. These hazards should be evaluated throughout the barge
cleaning process.
Typical cargoes carried by dry bulk cargo barges
include:
- Grain and grain products
- Coal
- Petroleum coke
- Fertilizer
- Scrap metal
- Ores
- Aggregate (rock, cement, sand, gravel)
Cleaning typically consists of:
- Mechanical (such as front-end loaders, cranes,
buckets, and vacuums) or manual (such as push brooms,
wheelbarrows, buckets, shovels) removal of residual cargo,
- Washing of holds and/or tanks with hoses, and
- Removal of wash water with pumps and/or
siphons.
Note: Confined space entry is one of the leading
hazards associated with barge cleaning. Review the
Ship Repair: Confined/Enclosed Spaces and Other Dangerous Atmospheres
chapter for information on how to protect workers from this hazard. |
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Step 1:
Pre-Planning and Preparing
to Clean |
Includes securing the barge, ballasting if required, identification and confirmation of cargo.
The following safety and
health information should be reviewed:
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Figure 2: Barge with covers.
Figure 3: Barge with covers.
Figure 4: Barge covers stacked on barge. |
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Step 2:
Setup for Cleaning
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Includes setting up cleaning equipment,
opening covers and/or manholes, visually inspecting spaces (such
as hoppers or holds) from the outside, and providing adequate access.
The following safety and
health information should be reviewed:
Additional Resources:
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1918 Subpart E,
Opening and Closing Hatches. Note: This reference is for informational purposes
only and is not required in Shipyard Employment.
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1918.65,
Mechanically-powered vehicles used aboard vessels. Note: This
reference is for informational purposes only and is not required in
Shipyard Employment.
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Figure 5: Barge with work barge along side.
Figure 6: Working barge with vacuum bottles.
Figure 7: Scrap in barge hold. |
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Step 3: Cleaning |
Includes mechanical and manual removal of residual
cargo and washing barge cargo hold, and sampling of wash water, as
required by permit. When operating equipment with internal
combustion engines, it is important to maintain adequate
ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide build-up.
The following safety and
health information should be reviewed:
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Figure 10: Front-end loader in barge hold.
Figure 8: Bulk material in barge hold.
Figure 9: Brooms and hoses in barge hold. |
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Step 4: Completion |
Includes final inspection, equipment removal, closing up the barge
and de-ballasting.
The following safety and
health information should be reviewed:
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Figure 11: Hold after barge cleaning is completed.
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