Chapter 8
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Risks to the health and safety of seafarers must be identified and assessed. It will often not be possible to remove all risks, but attention should be given to control measures that will make the working environment and working methods as safe as reasonably practicable.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) must be used when risks cannot be avoided or reduced to an acceptable level by safe working practices. This is because PPE does nothing to reduce the hazard and can only protect the person wearing it, leaving others vulnerable.
PPE may in itself cause a hazard, e.g. through a reduced field of vision, loss of dexterity or agility.
Que: Give examples of Limitations of PPE.
· The company supplies PPE to ship’s staff at NO COST.
· The company ensures that PPE is suitable and effective for the task in question and meets the appropriate standards of design and manufacture
· The company ensures that PPE is regularly checked and maintained or serviced. Records are maintained for servicing and repairs.
· All seafarers required to use protective equipment must be properly instructed and trained in its use. This should include being advised of its limitations and why it is needed. A record should be kept of who has received training.
Que: What is the company’s responsibility towards PPE?
Suitable equipment should:
· be appropriate for the risks involved, and the task being performed, without itself leading to any significantly increased risk;
· fit the seafarer correctly after any necessary adjustment (Adjustable size);
· take account of ergonomic requirements and the seafarer’s state of health; and
· be compatible with any other equipment that the seafarer has to use at the same time so that it continues to be effective against the risk
DEFECTIVE EQUIPMENT SHALL NOT BE USED.
Seafarer duties
· Seafarers must wear the protective equipment or clothing supplied when they are carrying out a task for which it is provided and follow appropriate instructions for use.
· PPE should always be checked by the wearer each time before use. Seafarers should comply with the training they have received in the use of protective items and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use.
Que: What are seafarers duties regarding PPE?
Types of equipment
· Overalls (Boiler suits), gloves and suitable footwear are the proper working dress for most work about the ship but these may not give adequate protection against particular hazards
PPE is classified as follows
Head protection: Safety helmets, bump caps, hair protection
Hearing protection: Earmuffs, earplugs
Face and eye protection: Goggles and spectacles, facial shields
Respiratory protective equipment: Dust masks, respirators, breathing apparatus
Hand and foot protection: Gloves, safety boots, and shoes
Body protection: Safety suits, safety belts, harnesses, aprons, high visibility clothing
Protection against drowning: Lifejackets, buoyancy aids and lifebuoys
Protection against hypothermia: Immersion suits and anti-exposure suits
QUE: What protection does PPE provide?
Chapter 9
SAFETY SIGNS AND THEIR USE
An adequate number of SAFETY signs are displayed on ships by the company. The language used is English and the Working language of the ship.
Role of the seafarer:
· All seafarers should ensure that they understand the meaning of signs and any colour coding system in use on their ship and follow the relevant safety procedures.
· Those aware of any deficiency in their colour vision (Partial colour blindness) should tell their supervisor so that adequate provision can be made where necessary.
Permanent signs are used to:
· give prohibitions, warnings and mandatory requirements;
· mark emergency escape routes;
· identify first-aid facilities; and
· show the location of firefighting equipment.
Red signs mean:
· stop doing something or don’t do it (prohibition);
· stop/shut down or evacuate; or
· mark the location and type of firefighting equipment.
Yellow signs are advisory and mean be careful or take precautions
Blue signs are mandatory and mean take a specific action.
Green signs mean emergency escape or a first-aid sign.
Occasional signs Illuminated signs, acoustic signals, hand signals and spoken signals may also be used for temporary hazards or circumstances.
All signage is well covered in COSWP (2016) and you must become familiar with signs and colours.
Que: What Safety signs are found on a ship?
Chapter 10
MANUAL HANDLING
· The company provides equipment, use it
· Check size and weight of the Load.
· Use proper technique
· Do not try to be a HERO
· Injuries from mishandling of loads can damage your body PERMANENTLY
Que: How do you handle a load by manual lifting?