In any workplace good standards for health and safety should prevail and
even more so on board a ship where one encounters workplaces involving a wide
range of tasks often undertaken in geographical isolation demanding
specialized skills awareness and a planned approach all new personnel
joining a ship must undergo a safety induction procedure conducted by a
responsible officer which must at bare minimum cover the requirements as
stipulated by the SD CW code this should include a clear explanation of the
vessels alarm signals emergency muster stations both stations and emergency
drill requirements on completion of the safety induction the new personnel must
also receive departmental induction procedures outlining safe working
practices areas of responsibility standing orders and necessary training
required to operate specific machinery and appliances H s EQ health safety
environment and quality management systems each company will have its own
HS EQ management system framework commonly referred to as the quality
management system a company's HS EQ expectations will broadly outline the
requirements for the effective management of safety and accident
prevention pollution prevention energy conservation personal
occupational and environmental health personal security good HS EQ performance
can normally be achieved by making crew members aware that safety of shipmates
depends on the action of the individual designating responsibilities amongst
crew members to identify areas which pose potential safety hazards and ensure
that the necessary corrective measures are taken by reducing emissions and
discharges and using energy efficiently this would also imply a close monitoring
on waste produced and managed the risk assessment principle
personal protective equipment does not reduce the hazard but only provides a
barrier against it the effectiveness of the barrier is lost if the personal
protective equipment is used incorrectly or is of the wrong kind
health protection safety helmets are used as protection against falling
objects sideway blows and crushing situations it is essential that the
chinstrap is properly adjusted to hold the helmet in place in the event of a
fall the used helmet should be discarded
your protection earmuffs and hair plugs provide adequate protection to the
ship's crew against exposure to high noise levels in areas like engine room
pump room and whilst operating machinery
face and eye protection the most common eye injuries on board the ship are
caused due to exposure to flying particles and dust generated during
grinding chipping and similar activities safety goggles provide ample protection
against these hazards notices to this effect should be displayed at respective
work areas special chemical resistance shields and goggles are used against
exposure to chemicals and volatile substances and protective shields are
used during electric arc and gas welding
respiratory protective equipment respirators and breathing apparatus are
essential for protection when work is to be carried out in toxic or oxygen
deficient atmospheres the air purifying respirator consists of a mask to which
filters canisters or cartridges are attached each cartridge is designed for
a specific gas and filters the toxic gas from the air but cannot be used in an
oxygen deficient atmosphere breathing apparatus like the self-contained
breathing apparatus sc.b a supply air from an uncontaminated
source if in doubt always use the breathing
apparatus
hand protection injury to the hand is another common hazard and the type of
hand protection to be used will depend upon the type of work undertaken or the
object being handled weather clouds are used during routine maintenance work on
board while chemical resistant gloves are used for handling chemicals acids
and other harmful substances special gloves must be utilized while welding or
undertaking other hot work procedures
foot protection casual footwear offers little protection on board a ship's
working environment proper industrial footwear with slip resistant soles and
reinforced toe caps must always be used to minimize foot injury
body protection clean and properly fitting attire ensure comfort and
hygiene in normal working conditions in cold climates the body should be well
protected to avoid hypothermia