OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS FOR SHIPYARD EMPLOYMENT

1915 Subpart E: Scaffolds, Ladders and Other Working Surfaces

: Scaffolds or Staging Scaffolding, or staging, presents hazards for personnel working from, accessing, or leaving a scaffold. To be safe, scaffolding must be constructed from specified materials in an approved manner. Fall protection must be provided for the workers on the scaffold. Protection from falling objects must be provided for workers below the scaffold.

: Scaffolds or Staging Staging around the super- structure of a ship to provide a work surface for maintenance. Access ladder is shown. Improper practice: Horse staging with 2 x 10 planking, showing improper use of step ladder on it.

: Ladders The safe construction and use of ladders can protect workers who are required to access multiple levels and when working from the ladder. Training workers on safe ladder use and how to assess the condition of the ladder before use is an important aspect of a safety and health program.

: Ladders Properly secured portable ladder extending 36 inches above landing. Improper practice: Working from unsecured ladder.

: Guarding of Deck Openings and Edges When employees are working in the vicinity of flush manholes and other small openings of comparable size in the deck and other working surfaces, such openings shall be suitably covered or guarded to a height of not less than 30 inches, except where the use of such guards is made impracticable by the work actually in progress.

: Guarding of Deck Openings and Edges Properly guarded manholeImproper Practice: Unguarded manhole. Properly guarded edge.Improper practice: Worker above edge of water must be protected by guardrails.

: Access to Vessels Personnel must board vessels in a safe manner using approved boarding devices. Movement of the floating vessel can cause movement of the boarding device, thus increasing the possibility of workers to falling from the device or being injured by a moving device.

: Access to Vessels Workers on a properly guarded gangway. Improper practice: Hazardous access from deck to vessel.

: Access to and Guarding of Dry Docks and Marine Railways A gangway, ramp or permanent stairway of not less than 20 inches walking surface, of adequate strength, maintained in safe repair and securely fastened, shall be provided between a floating dry dock and the pier or bulkhead.

: Access to and Guarding of Dry Docks and Marine Railways Floating dry dock with proper ramp and stairway access to the pier, and proper railings on the wing walls. Improper practice: Navy vessel in floating dry dock with unguarded ends. Barge on marine railway with rails properly positioned and submerged Improper practice: Barge on marine railway showing track and carriages which must be secured.

: Access to Cargo Spaces and Confined Spaces Typical access into cargo spaces is provided by ship's ladders. Ship's ladders may be continuous straight ladders reaching up to 90 feet; and may be without climbing devices, platforms, or protective cages. Confined spaces often have only one small means of entry. Note: Portable ladders may be used to gain access to these spaces.

: Access to Cargo Spaces and Confined Spaces Ventilation duct passing through access opening. Properly guarded and secured ladder. Access to confined space blocked by ventilation hoses. (Improper practice if only access.)

: Working Surfaces Working surfaces such as decks, and gangways include locations such as boilers and firebox floors, aloft, restricted quarters, and small boats.

: Working Surfaces Ships stairs with hoses and lines neatly placed to one side. Improper practice: Workers exposed to tripping hazards due to poor housekeeping.