Always use proper PPE, always look after your PPE!
Personal Protective Equipment will not in itself prevent an accident from happening but if used appropriately and correctly it will help prevent or minimise injury in an accident.
Remember, if PPE is not used correctly, does not fit properly or is not in good condition, it can actually make things worse!
The Company will provide the right PPE for the job. It is your job to look after it, to make sure it is working properly before using it, and to tell the Company if replacement equipment is needed.
Never start work if the PPE is wrong, damaged or not working!
No work is to start unless:
- Everyone involved has the right PPE
- The PPE is in good condition, tested as required
- The PPE is being used properly
If you see work being done by people not using proper PPE, stop the work immediately.
Everyone has the right to stop a task if proper PPE is not being used.
Requirements for wearing PPE apply, without exception, to everyone onboard. This means that all crew must use proper PPE, but also anyone else who comes onboard our ships.
Any person required to use protective clothing and equipment is to be properly trained or instructed in its use and advised of its limitations.
Instructions for proper use or maintenance of equipment or clothing are to be kept with the item or in a safe place near where it is stored.
Visitors to working areas must observe the Company's safety regulations and wear the appropriate protective clothing. If stevedores or other shore-workers do not use or have not been provided with suitable PPE, this must be brought to the attention of their foreman or manager.
If you see equipment being used or maintained incorrectly, say something!
Protective clothing and equipment is issued to each employee or is kept in an easily accessible and clearly marked location. PPE must be stored in a way that stops it being damaged or from deteriorating due to the conditions. It must always be kept separately from harmful substances!
PPE issued to an individual must be stored safely, and looked after properly. Always follow the instructions on the PPE itself. If your PPE is damaged or has passed its expiry date, it must be replaced. If you have a query about your PPE, ask your head of department or the Master.
Never, ever use PPE in a way that it isn't designed for.
All other equipment is to be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, regularly inspected and its operation checked before use where possible, or at the interval required by the manufacturer.
The equipment is to be cleaned thoroughly, repaired or replaced as necessary. The Safety Officer and Heads of Department are to ensure that stocks of protective equipment are maintained to an appropriate level.
Appropriate PPE is to be worn for all tasks carried out onboard. The Master must ensure that risk assessments carried out prior to the commencement of work include a section on the required PPE. The person in charge must ensure that the required PPE is being worn at all times during the task.
For tasks carried out on a routine basis, the Master should ensure that the responsible person completes a list detailing what PPE is to be worn every time the operation is carried out. Even where this list is available, the risk assessment is where the correct PPE is identified.
1. Ear Defenders (Ear-Muffs)
In areas where high noise levels exist, ear defenders are to be worn by all personnel. A standard sign is to be displayed at each entrance to a space which routinely has high noise levels, but it is the responsibility of each individual person to ensure that ear defenders are worn anywhere that noise levels are high, even temporarily. Don't put your hearing at risk. Use ear defenders whenever it is loud.
2. Eye Protection
Goggles are available on board and offer protection against the risk of foreign bodies entering the eyes when carrying out operations such as grinding and chipping and also when handling chemicals. Signs are to be displayed in workshop areas to warn of the need to use eye protection. .
During welding and burning operations, suitably approved goggles/visors must be worn to prevent eye damage from Ultra-violet light.
3. Body Protection
Protective overalls or other safety clothing is to be worn as appropriate to give adequate protection against foreseeable risks within the relevant work area. Your working clothing must fit you, if it doesn't request replacement.
Work clothing must be kept as clean as possible for health and hygiene, particularly when handling food. You need to be aware of the risk of dermatitis or skin cancer from prolonged contact with various oils or other hazardous substances.
Overalls or other working clothes must be correctly closed (i.e. zips/buttons fastened) to give maximum protection to the body during work.
4. Respiratory (Breathing) Protection
There are various types of respiratory protection equipment available, it is essential that the correct equipment is worn for the specific task to be carried out.
Respirators do not protect you from a space with low oxygen, or a space which contains harmful gases. Whenever entering an enclosed space, use the proper procedure, it could save your life.
Some types of respirator (filter canister type masks) are designed to protect from specific chemicals and are sometimes used in the petrochemical industry. However, these are not suitable for shipboard use.
The only sure way that you can guarantee the air you are breathing is safe in a harmful or oxygen-poor space, is to use a compressed air breathing apparatus.
Always follow the procedure for entering an enclosed space, even (maybe especially) if you are not sure if the space is actually enclosed.
5. Safety Harnesses
Safety harnesses are to be used any time that work is to be carried out at height. All work at height is to be carried out only after a proper risk assessment has been carried out.
A safety harness is completely ineffective if it is not properly secured or if it is secured to an unsuitable point.