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PUB-1-Personal Safety Booklet
PUB-1-Personal Safety Booklet
PUB-1-Personal Safety Booklet
Safety
Booklet
Name:
ASP Ship Management Group (ASP) has always regarded safety as being of paramount
importance.
Our concern with safety involves our employees who crew our vessels and manage the cargoes,
and contractors and visitors who frequent the vessel.
Over the years, the design of these ships has improved and the number of accidents involving
personnel has been reduced. However, far too many people are still hurt and injured because of
accidents. The great majority of these injuries are due to poor work planning, unsafe work
practices or the carelessness of individuals.
It is the person on the spot who can do more than anyone else to prevent accidents occurring
from these common causes. The prevention of accidental injuries is thus the collective
responsibility of the ship owner, the ship manager and all members of the ship’s company.
This booklet summarizes these responsibilities and ASP’s work practices and emergency
procedures. Fuller details are contained in the “Code of Safe Working Practices for Seafarers”.
Its principle purpose is to help you, the seafarer, understand what you can and must do if you are
to avoid injuring yourself or other people.
This booklet is designed to acquaint you, irrespective of rank or position, with your legal
responsibilities and obligations required by ASP’s regulations and policies. Ultimately, we all
have to work together to avoid people being injured as a result of shipboard accidents.
SAFETY
IS
EVERYONES
RESPONSIBILITY
This will be achieved through the implementation of a fully documented Integrated Management
System (IMS) which satisfies the requirements and elements of the current standards of ISO 9001 &
14001 and OHSAS 18001 and the ISM and ISPS Codes.
The key to a successful IMS is the involvement and commitment of our employees. All employees
are obliged to comply with their own obligations under HSSE legislation and regulations and to take
steps within their power and responsibility to seek to ensure ASP complies with its obligations under
HSSE legislation and regulations. This commitment requires a thorough understanding of the HSSE
aspects of each task that we perform.
Each employee shall immediately report any hazardous condition, security breach, unsafe
practices/procedures and any inappropriate behaviour in his or her work area to their line Manager.
Senior Management shall take prompt action to correct the identified issue or condition and take the
appropriate steps to prevent any reoccurrence. Employees are encouraged to continually improve our
IMS. The reporting procedures combined with periodical audits, will promote continuous improvement
in our HSSE processes and performance.
ASP expects its employees to take responsibility, a leading role in the promotion of a healthy
wellbeing, a commitment to a safe & secure working environment, the protection of the marine
environment, along with conservation of energy, to protect the vessel from any unlawful act, to safe
guard themselves and to ensure that their actions, either by example, behaviour or instructions, do not
put others or property at risk. All employees shall co-operate fully in adhering to this policy and all
relevant procedures. Contravention of this Policy may result in disciplinary action including
termination of employment.
Company Obligations
International Legislation and Local law places general duties of care on ship
owners and ship managers, as employers, to provide and maintain as far as
is practical a working environment that is safe and without risks to health.
There is also an obligation to comply with all government and industry
legislation and codes of safe working practices.
Individual Obligations
Similarly, flag state law places general duties of care on all employees to take all reasonably
practical steps to ensure their own actions, or omissions, do not create a risk, or increase an
existing risk, to the health and safety of themselves or fellow workers.
Under the Company Code of Conduct, disciplinary action can be taken when the following actions
lead to dangerous situations:
1. Acts of negligence, neglect of duty and disobedience.
2. Contravention of established safe working practices.
3. Prejudicing the safety of the ship or persons on board by neglecting or failing to perform
duties.
4. Inability to perform duties due to the adverse effects of alcohol or drugs.
ASP's Golden Rules of Safety address the highest risk activities, that as a Company we regularly perform.
The purpose behind the Golden Rules is to provide our employees with a comprehensive understanding of
these identified risk areas and bring further awareness of the task performed.
The Golden Rules are a live document and will be reviewed each year to take into consideration any event
that has previously occurred during the year to ensure that our Golden Rules are constantly addressing
current trends and safety concerns. The number of Golden Rules will be determined each year based on
our safety performance.
The location of our "Rules" are contained as a separate publication within Annex A of this Personal Safety
Booklet (PUB-1) and it is our intention to have these Rules prominently displayed throughout the vessel to
remind all crew of our identified high risk areas.
Every individual has a Duty of Care and a responsibility to act in a safe manner that protects yourself and
your shipmates from harm. The following points are provided to assist you in achieving this.
These dot points when followed will go a long way towards preventing injury to yourself and to others:
Ensure that each task is carried out in an orderly and safe manner.
Where applicable, follow the vessel’s "Permit to Work" system
Ask questions if you have any doubts as to what is expected of you.
Always wear the specified protective clothing and equipment.
Always think about the safety aspects of a job before starting work, prepare a Job Safety Analysis
for each step of the task.
Use only safe and appropriate tools or equipment.
Be appreciative of any colleague who corrects your actions when you work unsafely - remember,
this may have saved your life.
Tactfully correct others when you see them working unsafely.
Participate actively in safety discussions so that your own ideas may be developed to make your
ship a safer place to live and work in.
Immediately report to your supervisor or safety representative details of all accidents, safety
opportunities, dangerous occurrences or any incident or problem relating to safety organisation or
practice.
Remember
Good Communications Are Essential To
Achieve Good Safety Performance
The following basic rules are self-explanatory, simple to follow, and must be adopted.
A large majority of serious injuries are a result of not following the basic safety procedures. Most accidents
involve injuries to hands, feet, ankles, backs and sometimes because people have not realised their
potentially dangerous position or have not foreseen the potential danger of their actions.
Always think before you act. Contemplate the possible consequences of your intended action by:
1. One hand for yourself; one hand for the ship.
2. Only follow accepted safe working practices.
3. Prevent your colleagues, whether senior or junior to yourself, from acting unsafely or dangerously. (If a
JSA is required ensure it is carried out. If a permit is required - ensure that is followed)
4. Always use the equipment and clothing provided for personal protection. Keep it in good order and
report any defects.
5. Keep your workplace clean and tidy. For example, immediately clean up spills, replace tools and
remove rubbish. Any area of the decks, flooring etc. that appears slippery must be immediately
reported and cautionary notices exhibited around the area until the problem is rectified.
6. Always inspect equipment and tools before use. Never use defective equipment.
7. If a lift is too heavy or awkward for one person, seek further assistance for the task.
8. Around the vessel, ensure all loose containers and goods are properly secured. Equipment that is not
in use must be stowed in its proper place. In a seaway, if there is a risk of equipment moving from its
stowed position and the equipment should be lashed securely. This applies particularly to gas
cylinders.
9. Ensure ladders and scaffolding are well secured and lashed when not in use.
10. When moving around the ship, never run, jump or take unsafe short cuts.
11. Do not take on more than you can handle or take any unnecessary risks.
12. Never let the pressure of time tempt you to take chances.
13. Accurately assess the capabilities, limitations and skills of your colleagues.
14. Never allow anyone suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs, to enter a workplace
or take over a watch.
15. Smoke only in designated areas.
16. When off duty, behave reasonably and carefully. Protect yourself, your shipmates and your
surroundings.
17. Report any “hazard / HSSE opportunity” – these reports are the basis of improving safety and avoiding
further accidents.
18. Report every injury, however small.
19. Get into the habit of asking yourself: -
Smoking
Your attention is drawn to the no smoking clause in the Articles of Agreement in relation to Tanker
operations. On Tankers, smoking and the use of naked lights is permitted only in approved areas and these
areas change depending on the situation regarding cargo, ballast, bunkering and tank cleaning operations.
Details of the approved smoking areas are displayed on notices throughout the accommodation. It is
essential that all personnel are aware of restrictions in force and comply with them. Any breach of the
regulations is an offence under the Code of Conduct and will be dealt with severely.
On vessels other than tankers, smoking regulations may be in force during bunkering or during other
special operations. On dry cargo ships, smoking is only permitted in designated spaces and not in areas
that will adversely affect other crew members.
On all vessels under ASP Ship Management, the ASP Ship Management policy regarding smoking in the
Workplace applies.
Behaviour
Irresponsible behaviour should be discouraged. “Showing off’, acts of bravado or anything else involving
risk-taking contrary to safety standards should be stopped immediately and the potential danger of the
actions explained.
Health
It is the responsibility of each person on the ship to pay attention to their own general health, as well as to
their personal safety. The health risks associated with smoking and the over indulgence in alcohol and /or
other drugs are well known. Bear in the mind the dangers of drinking alcohol whilst taking prescription
drugs.
The maritime industry, as most other industries has seen changes in technology, work practices and the
extensive use of labour saving devices. These changes have dramatically reduced the physical workload
for the seafarer. As a result it is more important now than ever, for the seafarer to pay attention to diet and
to take regular exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Seafarers must also take precautions against skin
cancer whilst working or exercising outside, particularly when exposed to strong sunlight in many parts of
the world.
An Illness of any nature must be reported as soon as the symptoms manifest themselves. This will ensure
that early effective treatment can be commenced and the illness will not spread amongst your shipmates.
Many serious infections can be guarded against by inoculation and vaccination. Before you join a vessel,
ensure that these have been kept up to date as necessary.
Exposure to airborne asbestos dust occurs in the course of dust forming operations such as handling,
sawing, grinding, drilling, turning or general maintenance, renovations or similar operations upon materials
containing asbestos.
While asbestos insulation in your ship presents a hazard, the risk to your health is NIL if the packaging
remains intact and no fibres are released into the air.
Materials that contain asbestos on your ship have been identified and are listed in an Asbestos Register
kept by either the Chief Engineer or Master.
This register shows in detail the location and type of asbestos, if any, that is an integral part of the ships
structure or machinery and is available for inspection on request by any interested party.
The Chief Engineer shall make a regular inspection at intervals not exceeding six months of
all asbestos in the ship. The result of the inspection is to be entered in the Asbestos
Register.
No asbestos material shall be used in any repairs to the ship.
Wherever possible, work that may generate asbestos dust must be left until the ship is in
port where qualified personnel, proper facilities and appropriate equipment are to be used.
If it is essential for such work to be done at sea every precaution must be taken to ensure
the creation of asbestos dust is kept to a minimum and the risk of inhalation of fibres by all persons on
board is avoided. Where practical, the precautions and procedures detailed in the Vessel Operations
Manual are to be followed.
7. Maintain Discipline
If safety rules are not obeyed, effective corrective action must be taken. If the non- conformity is deliberate,
it may follow that some degree of disciplinary action will be required. This action must be immediate,
reasonable and consistent, with the aim of achieving safer conduct, without causing resentment.
Board of Directors
Master
Management Team
If we are to be successful in managing personnel and operate safely on
board, all deck and engineer officers must be totally committed to this aim
by visibly demonstrating this commitment by their everyday actions..
Personnel and environmental safety must form an important part of all
work planning discussions where any possible risks to
personnel/environment are to be identified, controlled and minimised.
Officers must also be aware of any potentially dangerous interactions that
one task may have on another and plan accordingly.
Regular tours of the workplace must be undertaken and any unsafe acts
or conditions that are noticed should be dealt with immediately.
Everyone should promote an atmosphere on board that encourages free
and open discussion between all ships staff. The Master, in particular,
should create opportunities to talk about safety to everyone on board
making his own requirements known.
In addition to a comprehensive safety policy, an effective hazard / HSSE opportunity and accident reporting
system is required to monitor and improve safety in the workplace. If risks can be measured, they can be
improved.
Every injury, HSSE opportunity, unsafe working condition or practice must be immediately reported to the
Duty Officer or to your immediate supervisor.
Hazards / HSSE Opportunities should be recorded in the Hazard/ HSSE Opportunity Log.
If a known hazard cannot be corrected or made safe by the end of the working day, it shall also be
recorded in the Hazard log. Use the hazard log to highlight any recurring safety issue which may benefit
from review at the next Safety Meeting.
ASP Ship Management’s safety policy is based on the belief that:
All accidental injuries can be prevented; and
Safety precautions can and must be taken for every hazardous situation.
These objectives require an effective procedure to report accidental injuries and hazardous situations.
As described above, every accidental injury or unsafe working condition or practice must be reported
immediately to the Duty officer. The Safety Officer will undertake an investigation of the incident so that
the necessary lessons may be learnt and corrective action taken, or set in motion, to prevent any
recurrence.
Undesirable consequences can occur if an accident or incident is not promptly reported: for example,
An insignificant injury becomes a serious medical problem because it is not treated quickly or
correctly.
Another crewmember may subsequently suffer a further accident under similar circumstances
because nothing was done to eliminate the original source of danger.
If accidents or “Dangerous Incidents” are not reported, the circumstances cannot be reviewed and
corrective actions put in place.
Wearing protective clothing and the use of safety equipment are mandatory when these items will protect
the health and well being of the wearer.
Minimum Personal Protective Equipment
When on duty or working in the ENGINE ROOM OR ANY MACHINERY SPACE WHERE PLANT IS
RUNNING all employees and any contractor shall wear the following:
1. Safety footwear to comply with the relevant international standard
2. 100% cotton drill long sleeved overalls. (except when material being handled deems otherwise)
3. Ear Muffs / plugs having medium range attenuation of at least 25 db.
Areas other than machinery spaces:
Whilst on duty or working in areas other than the Engine Room or machinery spaces all employees and any
contractor must wear items 1 and 2 above.
During storing operations on deck catering staff must wear items 1 and 2 plus a safety helmet, as must all
other personnel engaged in this task. Whilst working in the stores handling space/store rooms they need
only wear items 1 and 2. Cooks must wear award issue safety boots, long trousers and shirt whilst working
in the galley, pantry or stores area.
Trainees, personnel new to the vessel or personnel that appear unfamiliar with, or demonstrate incorrect
use of, safety equipment, shall be instructed in the correct use of such safety equipment.
Safety Equipment must be regularly inspected and overhauled or, if necessary, replaced. Familiarisation of
safety equipment will be carried out at appropriate training sessions, possibly as an adjunct to Sunday
Safety Rounds
“Minimum” standards of off-duty footwear onboard all Company managed vessels.
“Acceptable” footwear is deemed to be leather shoes or sport shoes (joggers), or sandals with an ankle
supporting heel strap. The wearing of sandals is restricted to the accommodation areas only and is
prohibited on the upper deck.
Rubber thongs (flip flops) and similar scuff type footwear are prohibited onboard all ASPSM managed
vessels. These items present an unacceptable slip or trip hazard.
Leather shoes or joggers are the minimum footwear requirements for use on accessing the gangway.
Leather shoes or joggers are the minimum standard for ON-WATCH Bridge Watch Keepers or for use on
the upper deck whilst off-duty as long as there are no cargo or stores operations in progress. In the case of
Bridge Watch keepers’ on-duty, safety footwear must be worn if it is expected that, during their watch, they
may have to undertake work other than navigational watch keeping duties.
Safety Helmets
The head - and more specifically the brain - is the part of the human body most susceptible to disabling
injury from an impact.
Such injuries can be extremely dangerous, severe results often persist over long periods or become
permanent. Safety helmets are intended to give the wearer protection against impact and penetrating
damage. They are designed so that they will not fracture when struck, nor transfer the force of the blow to
the wearer’s skull immediately below the point of impact. Such protection reduces the deformation of the
skull, thereby reducing the extent of head injuries and, in particular, brain damage.
The use of safety helmets and chinstraps is strongly recommended for all work situations, but they shall
always be worn during the following operations:
All mooring and unmooring operations, tug and anchor handling work.
This includes preparation of mooring prior to arrival in port and clearing away after departure.
At all times on deck when the vessel is alongside in port or involved in ship-to-ship transfers.
During all lifting operations on deck or in the engine room.
During maintenance work within the engine room involving heavy items of machinery eg. Main
Engine liners, pistons, etc.
Where practical, during all works in tanks and other enclosed spaces.
When working in the vicinity of others working above.
When rigging gangways, accommodation ladders and pilot ladders.
All emergency situations and boat or fire drills.
During helicopter operations.
All watch keeping activities on deck during cargo, ballast, tank cleaning and bunker operations.
When engaged in storing operations.
At all times outside the accommodation during refit, dry dockings and major repair periods.
The preceding list covers the majority of situations where the possibility of head injury exists, however, it
does not cover all eventualities and other situations will arise where safety helmets should be worn
It is responsibility of shipboard management and supervisors to assess each situation on merit and
set appropriate standards.
Helmets must not be painted nor have stickers placed on them, as paint or adhesive may change the
properties of the helmet material, causing structural failure when you need it the most.
Gloves
Leather working gloves must be worn when handling hot or cold equipment and sharp or abrasive
materials.
Rubber gloves must be worn when handling chemicals, acids and caustic substances (check MSDS's for
appropriate type of glove as well as other PPE required).
Ear Defenders
Ear defenders and earplugs are provided on board as protection against hearing damage that can be
caused by the accumulative effect of excessive noise.
Many spaces on board, such as engine rooms, pump rooms and generator rooms are noisy enough to
cause permanent damage to hearing. As a rule of thumb, if the noise level makes normal conversation
difficult, it is likely to be dangerous.
Only good quality, tight fitting ear defenders will give the required protection against the levels and
frequencies of noise created in on-board machinery spaces Earplugs are provided for those passing
through the spaces(s) but should not be used by those working over extended periods.
Hearing protection must be worn in the following locations:
Engine Rooms Emergency Generator Rooms
Fan Rooms Boiler Rooms
Pump Rooms Air Conditioning Plant Rooms
Compressor Rooms Spaces containing Hydraulic Power Packs
Generator Rooms Motor Rooms
Steering Gear Rooms During the operation of noisy mechanical
or air driven equipment.
WARNING SIGNS must be displayed at the entrance of the above spaces indicating that noise levels may
be excessive and hazardous to hearing, and stating that hearing defenders should be worn whilst working
in these spaces. The above list is not exhaustive and onboard there may be others areas of hearing risk.
Eye Protection
Safety glasses must be worn at all times outside the accommodation. They must be worn in the
accommodation/engine room where there is the possibility of a foreign particle entering the eye.
Safety glasses are available in clear or tinted variations and for those people wearing prescription glasses
suitable protective equipment is available which fits over your own glasses.
Safety glasses/goggles must be worn wherever there is a risk of eye injury, especially:
1. During work with lathes, planers, drills, mills and grinders.
2. During work with, or in the vicinity of, descaling tools, wire brushers, grinders, etc.
3. When working with a cold chisel.
4. When working with or storing acids, caustic solutions and chemicals. (Chemical goggles or face
shield)
5. When handling batteries containing electrolyte solutions. (Chemical goggles or face shield)
6. During boiler cleaning.
7. By the windlass operator and others in the vicinity when anchoring or heaving up.
8. When using high pressure washing equipment.
9. During work with high-pressure hydraulic equipment, gas cylinders, etc.
10. When breaking cargo (gas or Liquid) lines.
11. When using compressed air tools or blowguns.
12. When arc or gas welding.
Buoyancy Aids
Buoyancy or flotation Aids must be worn whenever anyone is working in a position from which it is possible
to fall overboard. Such situations include:
Any work outside the ship’s rails over water.
Work on davits and on lifeboats.
When shipping and unshipping gangways and accommodation ladders.
When embarking or disembarking from service boats during adverse weather conditions.
During lightering operations, when transferring from one ship to another.
Remember!
Do not enter a tank to rescue another person -
Get help, wear a breathing apparatus and
where possible work in pairs.
Electrical Safety
Ship’s Staff must operate all electrical equipment in a safe manner and in accordance with the
manufacturer’s recommendations.
They must ensure that all equipment is maintained in a safe condition in accordance with the
manufacturers recommended maintenance procedures.
The dangers arising from the misuse of electrical equipment are well known. Electrical shock and fire can
cause loss of life, damage to equipment and potentially loss of the vessel.
It is every person’s responsibility to attach a padlock, to the main isolating control devices
(switches, valves etc.) on any machinery, equipment or system where there is a risk of injury if an
inadvertent release of the energy source occurs.
The identity (Rank) of the owner of the padlock must be clearly marked on the padlock itself.
At no time should any person remove another person’s padlock when attached to a control
device. Only under exceptional circumstances can the Chief Engineer/Master with the Lock-Out
coordinator, after conduct of a risk assessment be allowed to remove the padlock of another
person.
If two or more persons are working on a job, each must place their personal padlock on the
control device, hasp or Group Lockout Board to ensure that the system can not be inadvertently
activated by one without the consent of the other.
If any person is intending to join an existing task where a “Lock-Out” system is already in use, the
person must inform the Lock-Out Coordinator before placing their padlock on any associated
control device, hasp or Group Lock-Out Board.
All the control devices (switches, valves etc.) to be locked, must be approved by the Lock-Out
Coordinator/Chief Engineer.
After placing the padlocks on the control devices ALWAYS VERIFY that the energy source has
been effectively isolated before commencement of the task.
Lock Out
The Chief engineer is responsible for the administration of Lockout and for Lockout equipment.
All personnel shall be issued with a Red Personal Lock.
The Red Lock identifies the user and as such both displays to all that you are working on the lockout job at
the time and gives you as the user control over the lockout. You must attach your Red Lock at the control
point of lockout each time you intend to work on a piece of equipment. The control point is the Lockout
Box. The Red Lock remains at all times either attached to the lockout control point or correctly stowed at
the central lockout station. When the user is not directly working on that job the red lock shall be returned
to the central lockout station. Each Red personal lock shall be marked with the rank of the owner.
All vessels shall be issued with multiple Yellow Locks.
A Yellow Lock is used to lock out a piece of equipment. The lock may be used in conjunction with a lockout
device. The V-SAF-021 - Lockout Log Book shall be completed in full which details where the lock is being
used and by whom it was placed. Before work commences, the Yellow Lock Key(s) shall be placed in a
Lockout Box and the box shall be locked by the Lockout Coordinator (the officer responsible for the work
being undertaken) using a Green Lock.
All vessels shall be issued with Green Locks.
Green Locks are used by the Lockout Coordinator to lock the lockout box. The Lockout Box (and all Yellow
Lock Keys inside) is controlled by the Lockout Coordinator and prevents premature re-commissioning of
equipment affecting personnel and prevents conflict between other tasks being undertaken. The Lockout
Coordinator keeps possession of the Green Lock Key(s) for the duration of the lockout job (see also
Lockout Handover).
A single yellow lock is used to affect each individual lockout.
The V-SAF-021 - Lockout Log Book shall be completed with the appropriate information
Each Yellow Lock Key (identified) is placed within a Lockout Box.
Out of service tags may not be removed by any person other than the person who placed the tag except
where the Master or Chief Officer or Chief Engineer or Second (First) Engineer is satisfied that it is safe to
do so.
The Chief Engineer shall ensure that every effort is made to comply with the lockout system. Where it is
not physically possible to use a lockout device an out of service tag may be used. In any case V-SAF-021 -
Lockout Log Book shall be utilised.
Handling Chemicals
If handled properly, the chemicals used on board ships are perfectly safe. Protective clothing of the
recommended type must be worn and every ship is provided with such equipment solely for use when
handling chemicals.
When handling or storing chemicals always observe the following:
Complete the JSA and obtain the appropriate MSDS for the chemical to be handled.
A chemical from an unlabelled container should not be used until its identity has been positively
established. As a matter of course, unlabelled chemicals should not be accepted during storing.
All chemicals should always be handled with the utmost care, and only used for their designated
purpose.
Eyes and skin must be protected from accidental exposure or contact. If protective eye goggles,
gloves and aprons are required to be worn then they must be worn at all times whilst the chemical
is being handled.
All chemicals supplied to ships have Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) containing the
manufacturers or suppliers advice on the correct use of the chemicals.
Material Safety Data Sheets are easily read and contain:
Common name and identification number of the product.
The products identification, i.e.
Appearance and odour
The products content
Physical data
Description of the products usual packaging
Product usage, i.e. recommended applications and instructions for use.
Flammability and explosive properties.
Reactivity and stability data.
Health Hazard Information including specific degrees of damage for contact with eyes and skin and
inhalation and ingestion.
Requirements for protective clothing.
Spillage and disposal procedures.
Transport and storage requirements.
First Aid Treatment.
Ladder Safety
Set up ladders or step stools on firm, solid ground, use the right height ladder for the job and inspect before
using.
Use a 4-to-1 ratio when setting up a single or extension ladder. For example: place a 12 foot ladder so that
the bottom is 3 feet away from the object the ladder is leaning against.
If the ladder is set up in passageways or areas with traffic, secure the ladder and block off the area
Make sure footwear is clean and dry
Make sure ladder rungs are clean and dry
Face the ladder at all times
Maintain three point contact
Place your foot on the step or rung under the arch of your foot
Manual Handling
Good handling technique for lifting:
Think before lifting/handling. Plan the lift. Can handling aids be used? Where is the load going to be
placed? Will help be needed with the load? Remove obstructions such as discarded wrapping materials.
For a long lift, consider resting the load midway on a table or bench to change grip.
Keep the load close to the waist. Keep the load close to the body for as long as possible while lifting. Keep
the heaviest side of the load next to the body. If a close approach to the load is not possible, try to slide it
towards the body before attempting to lift it.
Adopt a stable position. The feet should be apart with one leg slightly forward to maintain balance
(alongside the load, if it is on the ground). The worker should be prepared to move their feet during the lift
to maintain their stability. Avoid tight clothing or unsuitable footwear, which may make this difficult.
Get a good hold. Where possible the load should be hugged as close as possible to the body. This may be
better than gripping it tightly with hands only.
Start in a good posture. At the start of the lift, slight bending of the back, hips and knees is preferable to
fully flexing the back (stooping) or fully flexing the hips and knees (squatting).
Don’t flex the back any further while lifting. This can happen if the legs begin to straighten before starting to
Injury Prevention
For a good working posture it is important to maintain the three curves of
the spine, the neck area, mid area – ribs and the lower back area.
The curves allow for good posture, balance and the most efficient use of
your muscles and any load is then shared through the whole of the spine
when in this position.
When lifting utilise the large muscle groups, butt or gluteal muscles, thigh
or quad muscles. The large muscle groups have greater muscle fibres to
create large muscle contraction and thus the force to lift reducing the risk
of injury. Keep your back straight, use your legs and flex at the hip, knees
and ankles.
Core stability or core strength supports the lower back like an internal
brace for safe lifting. Brace you abdominal muscles while lifting.
Keep the Load Close - Keeping the load close will allow for greater control
of the load and reduce the load on the spine.
Emergency Organisation
Fire Fighting
The first few moments after a fire is discovered are vital in bringing it under control. Personnel who discover
an outbreak of fire must first raise the alarm. Consideration must then immediately be given to the
following points:
a) The ship’s fire alarm signal shall normally consist of a continuous ringing of the general alarm bells.
This may be supplemented by a muster station emergency signals - seven short and one long blast
or one short and one long blast on the whistle, bell or siren.
b) On hearing the alarm, personnel must proceed at once to their fire muster stations.
c) If the fire is in an enclosed room, no door is to be opened until sufficient additional help has arrived.
d) If the fire is accessible, the appropriate fire extinguishing equipment close to hand is to be used.
e) Where it is practicable, any open doors, windows, skylights or other openings must be closed to
exclude air.
f) Where considered appropriate mechanical ventilation to the space on fire is to be stopped.
g) The aim then should be to limit the area of the fire, horizontally and vertically.
Extinguish the fire with fire aid appliances but be aware of, and prevent re-ignition.
All cargo work, loading, discharging, bunkering, ballasting, gas freeing or tank cleaning must be stopped.
All valves, tank lids or other openings on all cargo or bunker tanks must be closed where possible. Every
door into accommodation, pump rooms or stores must also be closed where possible.
Boundary watches should be established on all decks, bulkheads and other structures in the vicinity of the
fire. If necessary, these should be cooled by water to prevent the spread of the fire.
In port, shore assistance must be summoned immediately and, if practicable, cargo and bunker
connections should be disconnected. The procedure for obtaining assistance from the shore is to be clearly
understood for each terminal visited by the vessel.
At sea, the ship must if possible be manoeuvred so as to enable the fire to be restricted and attacked from
windward.
General
The system is designed to make the optimum use of small, well-trained squads in order to achieve the
rapid utilisation of equipment and manpower.
The system is set out to deal with any type of emergency that may arise during the operation of a ship. It
does not affect the procedures carried out under an abandon ship situation.
Muster points are detailed on the muster lists posted in the public alleyways.
The organisation for the system does not prohibit preventative action by any person discovering an
emergency situation. Such persons are required to immediately raise the alarm, relaying as much
information as possible as to the nature and position of the incident. Deal with the emergency with
whatever equipment is to hand until such time as relieved by the emergency teams, but do not endanger
your own life by staying at the scene of an emergency if it is not safe to do so.
Implementation of the system
In order to implement the system on board, it is necessary for the ship’s complement to be divided into
small, mobile parties. All crew member must familiarise themselves with the operation and layout of the
equipment on the particular ship in which they are serving.
The system is based on the principle of organisation and control through good communications.
Where crew sizes permit, in addition to the Control and Engine Room parties there will be two emergency
parties. The Master may arrange muster points, and delegate individual duties and or party functions, in
accordance with the number and experience of the personnel at his disposal.
Functions of the Parties: (Name of groups may vary)
(a) Control Party
Is in overall charge of the situation, directs emergency parties on the actions to be taken, to keeping a full
record of events.
Establish and maintain communications with any external agencies with a view of obtaining such external
assistance as may be necessary to deal with the emergency situation.
To advise external agencies of possible dangers to other ships, installations, environment, etc.
(b) Engine Room Party
To maintain essential services and enable the emergency parties to deal adequately with emergency
situations. To take control of emergency situations that may arise in machinery spaces and to advise the
control party of remedial actions being taken.
(c) Nos 1 and 2 Emergency Parties
Under the direction of the Control party, take direct action as necessary to deal with all emergency
situations.
To keep the control party advised as to the effectiveness of the remedial action and
the necessity for additional responses or extra equipment and resources.
Alarm Signals:
Fire Alarm:
Abandon Ship:
Muster Stations:
At Sea In Port
Control Party ………………………………….. ………………………………….
………………………………….. ………………………………….
Engine Room Party ………………………………… ………………………………….
………………………………… ………………………………….
Lifeboat:
Liferaft:
Resuscitation:
Equipment:
Wire
Rope
Dia.
mm.
Wire Ropes
Ropes that are kinked, flattened or have more than 10 per cent of wires broken in any length of eight
diameters should not be used.
When using ‘Bull Dog’ wire rope grips, a minimum of three grips are to be used for ropes up to 20mm (3/4”)
diameter 4 up to 32 mm (1/4”) diameter ropes 5 to 38 mm (1 ½”) diameter rope. The bridge of the grip must
be fitted to the working part of the rope. (See sketch below).
Do not use ropes less than 6mm (1/4”) diameter.
To obtain maximum service from wire ropes used on drums or pulleys, the diameter of the drums or pulleys
should not be less than 20 times the diameter of the rope with power operation, and 10 times with hand
operation.
Ropes are not to be exposed to a greater temperature than 93o C (200o F).
(b) To find the size of ropes to support a load (Load (kg) / 8) = DIA of rope in mm