Figure 1: Life boat with stokes basket and life ring buoy.
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OSHA hierarchy of controls is:
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Engineering Controls
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Administration Controls
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Personal Protective Equipment
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Personal flotation devices (PFDs) are required when there is a chance of falling into water such
as working near unguarded edges, boarding or leaving small boats, or working on
floats. [1915.73(e),
1915.77(e),
1915.71(j)(3)]
Lifesaving equipment such as life ring buoys with
ropes
and ladders must
be provided when working from floats, barges, or vessels. [1915.158(b)]
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Personal Floatation Devices (PFD) Specifications |
Potential Hazard:
- Unable to self rescue or be rescued from ladder
- Drowning
Requirements and Example Solutions:
- Personal flotation devices (PFDs) such as life preservers, life jackets, and work vests must be United States Coast Guard (USCG) approved. [1915.158(a)(1)]
- Note: PFDs designed only for recreational use must not
be used.
- PFDs must be inspected for defects before each use. [1915.158(a)(2)]
- Defective PFDs must not be used. [1915.158(a)(2)]
- PDFs should also be worn and fastened properly.
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Figure 2: Working on barge with PFDs. |
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Life Ring Buoys and Ladders Specifications |
Potential Hazard:
- Drowning
- Hypothermia (due to delayed rescue)
Requirements and Example Solutions:
- Life ring buoys (such as life rings) must be US Coast Guard
approved, be 30 inches in diameter, and have 90 feet of line attached. [1915.158(b)]
- Three life rings must be provided when work is performed on a floating vessel 200
feet or more in length. [1915.158(b)(1)]
- At least one life ring must be provided when work is performed on
a floating vessel less than 200 feet in length. [1915.158(b)(2)]
- One life ring must be provided on each staging alongside a
floating vessel. [1915.158(b)(3)]
- At least one portable or permanent ladder must be in the
vicinity of each floating vessel on which work is being performed. The
ladder must be long enough to help workers reach safety if they fall into the water. [1915.158(b)(5)]
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Figure 3: Worker holding PFD and life ring with attached rescue
line. |
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