Figure 1:
"Safe" set-up for cold work. |
After the spaces are evaluated by the Shipyard Competent
Person (SCP), Certified Marine Chemist (CMC), or Certified Industrial
Hygienist (CIH), decisions must be made that determine the personnel, equipment, and materials required for the cleaning and cold work. In
addition, a hazard assessment must be conducted for selecting appropriate PPE.
[1915.152(b)]
Cleaning and cold work exposes workers to potentially
hazardous atmospheres, as well as the following hazards:
Note: Confined space entry is one of the leading
hazards associated with barge cleaning. Review the
Shipbuilding: Confined/Enclosed Spaces and Other Dangerous Atmospheres
chapter for information on how to protect workers from this hazard.
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Fire and Explosion
in Cleaning |
Potential Hazards:
Fire and explosions may be caused by:
- Flammable and combustible cleaning
solvents such as Methyl Ethyl
Ketone (MEK), mineral spirits, and diesel fuel/oil
- Liquids with high flash points
(greater than 100º F) applied as a fine mist
- Airborne particulate or dust
- Hydrogen gas generated during cleaning processes
- Painting. See
Painting [1915.35]
Requirements and Example Solutions:
-
When shipyard operations are capable of producing
flammable/combustible
atmospheres:
- Welding,
cutting, or heating is not permitted on the opposite side of tank shells, decks,
overheads and bulk heads where flammable solvents are being used.
Direct penetrations or heat transfer may present a fire hazard. [1915
Subpart P]
- Personnel using fire fighting equipment must be instructed in
anticipated fire hazards and how to use the equipment. [1915
Subpart P]
- Spills of solvents must be cleaned up immediately. [1915.13(b)(5)]
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Figure 2: Improper practice: Worker covered with flammable oil.
Figure 3: Warning Sign is posted to alert workers of the fire and explosion hazard of painting.
Figure 4: Ventilation equipment used to maintain safe conditions for entry.
Figure
5: Worker testing space to see that safe conditions are maintained during cleaning.
Figure 6: Fire extinguishers located near cleaning operations. |
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Excessive Noise in
Cleaning |
Potential Hazards:
Use of high-pressure cleaning equipment may produce high levels of
noise, which could lead to permanent hearing loss. Excessive exposures
necessitate a hearing conservation program. Examples include:
- Use of high-pressure water and steam guns
- Use of vacuums and pumps
- Use of compressed air for cleaning
Requirements and Example Solutions:
Additional Resources:
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Figure 13: Workers exposed to noise from pressure washing.
Figure 14: Workers wearing ear muffs for protection from
excessive noise.
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Limited Access
in Shipyard Employment
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Potential Hazards:
When working in confined or enclosed spaces, egress may be blocked by:
- Improperly located equipment
- Ventilation ducts and hoses running through the opening
Requirements and Example Solutions:
- When employees work in confined or enclosed spaces with limited
access, the access must not be blocked or impeded by ventilation
ducts, hoses, or other equipment. [1915.76(b)(2)]
- More than one means of access must be provided where practical. [1915.76(b)(1)]
- Additional openings should be considered for ducts, hoses, and other
equipment.
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Figure 15: Improper practice: Confined space
access hole blocked by ventilation hoses.
Figure 16: Flat ventilation hose used to allow room for access. |
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Slips and Trips in
Cleaning |
Potential Hazards:
Workers performing cleaning and cold work operations are exposed
to slippery working surfaces and tripping hazards. This places
workers at risk of:
- Slipping off oily and greasy ladders
- Slipping and falling on oily decks
- Tripping over equipment, hoses, and vessel structures
- Slipping on freshly painted surfaces
Requirements and Example Solutions:
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Figure 17: Improper practice:
Hoses and welding leads present
tripping hazard.
Figure 18: Temporary lighting reduces tripping hazards.
Figure 19: Tripping hazards eliminated by raised walkway. |
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Fall Hazards
During Cleaning Operations and Chemical Removal
|
Potential Hazards:
Fall hazards are a leading cause of shipyard fatalities.
Shipyard employees are often required to work in dangerous
environments that may include fall hazards. Accidents involving
elevation equipment such as ladders, scaffolds, and aerial lifts are often serious,
even fatal.
High-Pressure Cleaning
- Surges from drops in pressure in the hose line may throw a
worker from the work surface
- Cleaning can create static electricity. This may shock the
worker and result in a fall.
Deck Openings and Edges
- Falls from deck openings
- Falls into open holes
Scaffolds
- Falls from ladders
- Falls from scaffolds
- Falls from aerial lifts
Requirements and Example Solutions:
In Shipyard Employment, guardrails or other appropriate fall protection must be
used when working from elevations 5 feet above solid surfaces.
[1915.77(c)]
High-Pressure Cleaning
Guarding of Deck Openings and Edges
- Openings and deck edges must be guarded. [1915.73]
- Flush manholes and other small openings must be guarded after opening. [1915.73(b)]
- Fall protection (harness with lanyard) must be used during the installation of guards on large openings and deck
edges. [1915.73(d)]
- Openings must be guarded or planked when floor plates or gratings
(such as bilges, engine rooms,
pump rooms, machinery spaces) are removed . [1915.73(f)]
Fall Protection for Work from Scaffolds
and Ladders
- Guardrails or other appropriate fall protection must be
used when working on scaffolds elevations 5 feet above solid
surfaces or over water. [1915.71(j)]
- Fall protection must be used during the installation of
guardrails on
scaffolds. [1915.73(d)]
- Personal fall protection (such as harness and lanyard)
must be worn when working from aerial lifts. [1910.67(c)(2)(v)]
- Defective ladders must not be used and must be removed
immediately. [1915.72(a)(1)]
- Portable ladders must be secured and extend 3 feet above
the landing surface. [1915.72(a)(3)]
- For additional information on Ladders, see the Shipyard
Ladders
module.
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Figure 20: Improper practice: Deck openings and holes create a
significant fall hazard.
Figure 21: Improper practice: Workers exposed to falls
from ladder and scaffold.
Figure 22: Workers protected at deck edge by guardrail.
Figure 23: Deck opening protected with guard.
Figure 24: Workers protected from falls while erecting scaffold. |
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Maritime Labor/Industry Recommendations
|
- It is recommended that personal fall protection including
lanyards and harnesses be used and secured during installation
of guardrails as well as erection and dismantling of scaffolds.
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| Work Environment
Temperature Related Hazards in Shipyard Employment |
Potential Hazards:
Extreme environmental hazards include temperature, humidity, and
a lack of air
movement within the work area. A combination of PPE
use, heat-producing equipment, work activity, and environmental conditions
can cause temperature-related illnesses.
Heat related illnesses include:
- Heat Stress
- Heat Stroke
- Heat Cramps
- Dehydration
Cold related illnesses include:
Additional Resources:
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Figure 25: Workers in protective suits are at higher risk of heat stress. |
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Maritime Labor/Industry Recommendations
|
Example Solutions:
The following are recommended for heat related
illnesses:
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Take frequent breaks.
- Use a cooling vest.
- Take breaks in shaded or cooled areas.
- Use ventilation.
- Reduce the inner temperature of work spaces by using water
sprinklers on outside metal surfaces.
- Conduct awareness training.
It is recommended that the following be implemented
to prevent cold related illnesses:
- Wear appropriate insulated PPE.
- Use warming areas for breaks.
- Conduct awareness training.
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| High-Pressure
Hazards in Cleaning Operations and Chemical Removal |
Potential Hazards:
The use of high-pressure cleaning equipment may expose the
operator and other workers in the area to the following hazards:
-
Contact with high-pressure steam, water, or air streams from cleaning
equipment
-
Contact by uncontrolled high-pressure hoses
-
Contact with steam, water, or air leaks in the high-pressure
equipment
Injuries associated with these hazards include:
-
Loss of body parts such as fingers, hands, etc.
-
Lacerations
-
Burns
-
Loss of sight
Requirements and Example Solutions:
- Steam guns must be insulated to prevent heat burns to the
operator. [1915.33(e)]
- Appropriate PPE shall be used. [1915.152]
- Access to the area should be controlled.
- Hoses and connections should be inspected before use.
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Figure 26: Workers exposed to hazards of high
pressure water.
Figure 27: Worker protected by PPE from high pressure hazards.
Figure 28: Hoses and connections should be inspected. |
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Shipyard Electrical
Shock Hazards
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Maritime Labor/Industry Recommendations
|
- All electrical tools or equipment should undergo a visual
inspection before use.
- All portable electric hand tools and temporary lighting
systems should use Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI).
- Electrical tools and equipment should correspond with the
requirements of the job.
- Electrical equipment and tools should be used with proper
circuit protection for the voltage and amperage used.
- Only qualified electricians should attempt repair of
electrical tools and equipment in use.
- A Ground Assurance Program should be in place for all
electrical tools and equipment used including:
- Records of tools inspected and repaired.
- Records of electrical boxes inspected and repaired.
- Records of electrical extension cords inspected and
repaired.
- Recall of records of the above.
- If GFCIs are not used, the requirements of the Ground Assurance Program should be performed on a
regular basis.
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