SAFETY OF SHIP REPAIR

Throughout the working life of a ship, both at sea and in port, nearly all operations on board a ship are carried out by the ship's personnel in accordance with procedures established by the company. Thus, under normal circumstances the safety of the ship and her personnel is directly controlled by ship personnel in accordance with the company's safety and environment protection management system and operating procedures.

The situation is very different when the ship is under repair in a shipyard. The repair work is carried out and managed by shipyard personnel. Although the work may be supervised by company ship personnel, the safety of the ship and its personnel is to a large extent dependent upon the shipyard's own safety management system (N.B. it should be borne in mind that in some countries, the master of the ship may be held legally responsible for injuries to shipyard workers). The situation is exacerbated by the fact that, during a repair period, the ship takes on an unfamiliar status. The ship and its personnel are thus exposed to unexpected and unfamiliar risks and hazards.

In order to ensure that the safety of both the ship and its personnel is maintained during a shipyard repair period, it is essential that:

• shipyard and company personnel are conversant with each other’s' systems and requirements;

• all work is carefully coordinated so that there is no risk of danger from conflicting demands; and

• there is continuous communication between shipyard and company personnel in respect of all repair and safety matters.

GENERAL SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

the major safety issue concerns the danger of fire and explosion particularly where hot work (welding, burning, grinding, soldering, heat lamps, electrical work) is involved.

Hot work should always be isolated from:

• hydrocarbon liquids, residues and gases;

• solvents (cleaning, electrical etc.);

• paint; and,

• other flammable material.

Where electric arc welding is to be carried out, high humidity and dampness and the generation of toxic fumes due to the welding process may present additional and significant risks to personnel.

Procedures relating to gas free certificates and hot work permits are to be strictly maintained.

Other important safety issues include ensuring that:

• all work is properly coordinated, controlled and the appropriate safety measures enforced;

• any significant change of plan is approved by all parties concerned (yard, ship, contractors etc.) to ensure that the implications for safety are properly addressed;

• adequate fire-fighting capability is maintained throughout the repair period, both in general and specifically in the vicinity of hot work;

• enclosed spaces are maintained in a safe condition for people to enter;

• adequate lighting and the integrity of lighting and electrical supply systems is maintained;

• scaffolding and staging is safe to use;

• lifting operations are carried out safely;

• openings in decks, platforms and other structures are properly indicated and fenced;

• emergency exit/access from/to the ship is maintained throughout;

• the ship is safely moored throughout;

• transfers of ballast, fuel, and lubricating/hydraulic oils are properly coordinated with other repair activities;

• testing of machinery and systems is properly coordinated with other repair activities;

• electrical circuits supplying equipment under maintenance or equipment which should not

be started for any reason, are properly de-energised and locked or tagged out;

• both shipyard and ship employed sub-contractors comply with designated safety procedures;

• hazardous materials (asbestos, chemicals, radioactive materials etc.) are handled in a safe manner;

• high standards of housekeeping and cleanliness are maintained; and,

• correct safety clothing and equipment is worn by all parties at all times while on board.

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