Performing work on machinery and piping systems
present in the shipyard may expose workers to injuries due to
unanticipated machinery movement or release of materials (such as water, steam, oil). These systems may include:
Proper precautions, including blanking and securing machinery and piping, must be taken to prevent
injuries. [29 CFR 1915.163(a)]
Note: Confined space entry is one of the leading
hazards associated with barge cleaning. Review
Ship Repair: Confined or Enclosed Spaces and Other Dangerous Atmospheres
for information on how to protect workers from this hazard.
| Boilers |
Figure 1: Boilermaker working on boiler piping system.
Figure 2: Acid from acid tank can cause flammable gases when used for cleaning boilers.
Figure 3: Valves near dead boiler closed and tagged during work.
Potential Hazards:
Workers injured (for example, burned) from the exposure to:
- High-temperature
steam, water, or oil, which may enter the work area from an interconnecting
system.
- Explosion of hydrogen gas, which may be generated
during acid cleaning processes. See Fire and Explosion Hazards under the
Cleaning Operations page.
Requirements and Example Solutions:
-
Working in a dead boiler while the
adjacent boiler is live requires the piping and valves between the
boilers to be isolated by securing, blanking and tagging. [29 CFR 1915.162(a)(1)]
- Tags must not be removed nor the valves unblanked
until the work is completed. [29 CFR 1915.162(a)(1)]
- Where valves are welded instead of
bolted, at least two isolation and shutoff valves connecting the
dead boiler with the live system or systems must be secured,
locked, and tagged. [29 CFR 1915.162(a)(1)]
-
Drains must be opened and drainage visually verified. [29 CFR 1915.162(a)(2)]
-
A warning sign indicating workers are in boilers must be
conspicuously posted in the engine room (for example, near all boiler controls).
[29 CFR 1915.162(a)(3)]
Note: Control of Hazardous Energy Sources (Lockout/Tagout)
standard [29 CFR 1910.147],
does not apply to Ship Repair.
 Back to Top |
| Piping Systems |
Figure 4: Steam, air, water lines and valves present hazards when worked on.
Figure 5: Inert gas piping system isolated by blanking.
Figure 6: Blank in piping system verified in place by Certified Marine Chemist.
Potential Hazards:Workers injured (for example, burned) from the exposure to:
- High temperature steam, water, or oil, which may enter the work area from the piping system
(such as high or low-pressure steam, heating coils, thermal coils).
- Explosion of hydrogen gas, which may be generated during
cleaning of boilers. See Fire and Explosion Hazards under Cleaning
Operations.
Requirements and Example Solutions:
- Working on dead
systems that are connected to live systems requires the piping and
valves between the systems to be isolated by securing, blanking, and
tagging. [29 CFR 1915.163(a)(1)]
- Tags must not be removed nor the valves unblanked
until the work is completed. [29 CFR 1915.163(a)(1)]
- Where valves are welded instead of
bolted, at least two isolation and shutoff valves connecting the dead
system with the live system or systems must be secured,
locked, and tagged. [29 CFR 1915.163(a)(1)]
-
Drains must be opened and drainage visually verified. [29 CFR 1915.163(a)(2)]
Note: Control of Hazardous Energy Sources (Lockout/Tagout)
standard [29 CFR 1910.147],
does not apply to Shipyard Employment.
Back to Top |
| Propulsion Machinery |
Figure 7: Workers installing/removing main shaft gear.
Figure 8: Thrust bearing and shaft guarded and clear of workers.
Potential Hazards:
Workers may be injured by being struck by, caught in, or caught between
machinery and other objects (such as tail and intermediate shafts, propellers, gears).
Requirements and Example Solutions:
Before turning over the engine or
rotating the shaft and propeller:
- Jacking gear (jacking engine) must be engaged to prevent the
main engine from turning over, and signs must be posted at
the throttle. [29 CFR 1915.164(a)(1)]
- Stop valves on steam-driven jacking gear (jacking engine) must be secured, locked, and tagged.
[29 CFR 1915.164(a)(2)]
- The circuits controlling electrically driven jacking gear (jacking
engine) must be de-energized by removing the fuse or opening the
breaker or switch. The breaker, switch or fuse location must be
tagged. [29 CFR 1915.164(a)(3)]
-
Checks must be made to ensure that all workers,
equipment, and tools are clear of the engine, reduction
gear, connecting accessories, and propeller. [29 CFR 1915.164(b) and
(d)]
-
A warning sign indicating work is being conducted on or around the
propeller must be
conspicuously posted in the engine room. [29 CFR 1915.164(c)]
Note: Control of Hazardous Energy Sources
(Lockout/Tagout)
standard [29 CFR 1910.147],
does not apply to Shipyard Employment.
Back to Top |
| Deck Machinery |
Figure 9: Movement of anchor windlass and chain can present crushing hazards.
Figure 10: Winch and cathead can present "caught in" hazard.
Figure 11: Anchor chain secured by wire cables (instead of devil claws) to prevent the anchor from falling.
Potential Hazards:
Workers may be injured by being struck by, caught in, or caught between by the
sudden movement of anchor chains or windlass.
Requirements and Example Solutions:
Before working on the anchor windlass (for
example, an anchor winch) or
any of its attached accessories (e.g., cables, chains) ensure: [29 CFR 1915.165(a)]
-
Devil claws must be secured to the anchor chains to prevent the
anchor from falling. [29 CFR 1915.165(a)(1)]
-
Riding pawls (such as dogs) must be engaged to prevent rotation of
the windlass. [29 CFR 1915.165(a)(2)]
-
When devil claws and riding pawls are absent, anchor chains must be secured
to the vessel. [29 CFR 1915.165(a)(3)]
Note: Control of Hazardous Energy Sources (Lockout/Tagout)
standard [29 CFR 1910.147],
does not apply to Shipyard Employment.
Back to Top |
|
Newsletter
RSS Feeds
