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OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration
U.S. Department of Labor

Process: Shipfitting

 

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Burns and Shocks: Problems and Solutions

Problems

brass clamp on welding work surface

Paint build-up or corrosion can create a poor grounding condition when using welding equipment.

human hand with severe burns

Shipfitters cutting steel usually remember to use hand protection. Unfortunately, workers assisting them may get burned if they don't wear gloves. The second-degree burns shown above resulted when a shipfitter accidentally passed the torch over the hand of a helper who was not using gloves.

cut in wire insulation

Sharp edges in the shipbuilding and ship repair workplace can easily damage cable insulation. Cable exposed by the missing insulation can create a potential for injury.

Solutions

diagram: illustration of clamping procedures

Sharp edges in the shipbuilding and ship repair workplace can easily damage cable insulation. Cable exposed by the missing insulation can create a potential for injury.

one large and one small protective glove

Everyone working or assisting in shipfitting activities involving hot work must wear gloves.

welder holding equipment and trailing insulated wire

All welding cables must be completely insulated and capable of handling the maximum current requirements of the job. Before starting a welding job, a shipfitter needs to make a quick visual check of the entire cable to identify potential shock risks.

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