Radio and RADAR (Radio Detecting and Ranging ) transmitters produce
electromagnetic emissions that can cause human tissue (for example, skin, organ) damage from thermal heating.
High-power radio transmitters can cause metal wires or ropes (such as crane
or derrick cable) to become electrically energized. Workers touching an energized antenna
or working in close proximity can receive an
electrical shock.
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Radio and RADAR Emissions |
Potential Hazards:
- Skin burns, organ damage, and electrical shock caused by
overexposure to radio and RADAR radiation.
- Falls from elevation caused by rotating/moving equipment.
Requirements and Example Solutions:
- No worker may be in the vicinity of radio or RADAR
emission devices unless the systems are secured or made incapable of
exposing workers to these emissions. [1915.95(a)]
- Only authorized workers (for example, RADAR or radio
repairman) are permitted to work adjacent to energized radio and
RADAR equipment.
- Radio and RADAR must be secured before other
workers can enter the area. [1915.95(a)]
- When RADAR or radio are being tested, workers must not be
in the vicinity of radio or RADAR emissions. [1915.95(b)]
- Workers should
be insulated from static electrical charges.
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Figure 1: Unless RADAR and radio systems are secured to prevent emissions, workers are exposed to skin burns, electrical shock and organ damage; also rotating equipment can cause falls or amputations. |
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Fall Hazards |
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 and scaffolds are often serious,
even fatal. Falls may occur:
- From ladders
- From scaffolds
- From open deck edges
- Into open holes
Requirements and Example Solutions:
Guarding of Deck Openings and Edges
- Deck openings and edges must be guarded. [1915.73]
- Flush manholes and other small openings must be guarded after opening. [1915.73(b)]
- During the installation of guards on large openings and deck
edges, fall protection (such as a harness with lanyard) must be used. [1915.73(d)]
- When floor plates or gratings are removed, for example, in bilges, engine rooms,
pump rooms, machinery spaces, the
openings must be guarded or planked. [1915.73(f)]
Fall Protection for Scaffold Work
- Guardrails or other appropriate fall protection shall be
used when working on scaffolds 5 feet above surfaces. [1915.71(j)]
- Fall protection must be used during the installation of guardrails on scaffolds. [1915.73(d)]
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Figure 2: Improper practice: Improperly guarded deck openings.
Figure 3: RADAR platform properly guarded.
Figure 4: Properly guarded scaffold surrounding radio mast. |
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