01.02.2017 Views

CHIRP annual digest 2016 6th

Create successful ePaper yourself

Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.

<strong>CHIRP</strong> Annual Digest <strong>2016</strong><br />

What did the reporters tell us?<br />

In REPORT 1, a bulldog grip U-bolt had slipped out of<br />

position on a lifeboat lashing. It was found that the grips<br />

were fitted incorrectly, and had also been subjected to<br />

wear and tear over a period of time.<br />

In REPORT 2, oxygen and acetylene cylinders were not<br />

properly stowed and secured, and were about to fall onto<br />

the deck.<br />

In REPORT 3, the boom of a main deck crane was heaved<br />

up, without taking out the securing turnbuckle, from the<br />

rest stand. This caused deformation to the plate to which<br />

the lug had been welded.<br />

In REPORT 4, a fresh water generator was cleaned with<br />

chemicals without using facemask and rubber gloves.<br />

Lessons to be learnt<br />

REPORT 1: Routine inspections had been ineffective:<br />

the bulldog grip slipped, and had been incorrectly fitted.<br />

Wear and tear was evident.<br />

REPORT 2: Routine checks should be carried out before,<br />

during and on completion of any job. Effective house -<br />

keeping can eliminate many hazards and help get a job<br />

done safely. Poor housekeeping frequently contributes<br />

to accidents by hiding hazards that cause injury or<br />

damage. Unsecured equipment, especially in heavy<br />

weather is a common case in point.<br />

REPORT 3: Improper preparation, haste, and inadequate<br />

supervision were the probable causes. Every lifting<br />

operation using the ship’s crane should apply good<br />

seamanship practices, be properly planned within the<br />

prevailing conditions, and be appropriately supervised<br />

by a competent officer. The lifting appliance should be<br />

operated by a competent, well trained crew member.<br />

REPORT 4: Face shields, aprons, and gloves should be<br />

provided at chemicals lockers and used by the crew<br />

when handling chemicals.<br />

<strong>CHIRP</strong> Suggests<br />

REPORT 1: With respect to the bulldog grips, vibration<br />

can be another cause of wear and tear. The UK MCA<br />

specifically discourages their use in Annex 18.2 of the<br />

UKCOSWP 2015, and prohibits fitting to lifeboat falls<br />

and lashings; similarly for rescue boats and liferaft lifting<br />

gear. Would you trust your life to incorrectly fitted wires?<br />

REPORT 2: Any unsecured equipment or incorrectly<br />

rigged lashings are hazardous in a seaway. The offshore<br />

industry provides plenty of examples of this through the<br />

Marine Safety Forum http://www.marinesafetyforum.<br />

org/index.php/safety-alerts. The risk of severe injury or<br />

equipment damage is high.<br />

REPORT 3: For the crane boom incident, this is down to<br />

planning and supervision. The crane operator should<br />

respond only to the supervisor who should be using<br />

correct signaling techniques. UKCOSWP 2015 19.9 and<br />

19.11.1 refers.<br />

REPORT 4: Working with any chemical requires proper<br />

planning including the use of the Material Hazard Data<br />

Sheets that are supplied with chemicals.<br />

A COMMON THEME. All jobs, whether routine or<br />

otherwise, should be planned and discussed in advance.<br />

Toolbox talks give opportunity for everyone to speak<br />

up over concerns and for the responsible person to brief<br />

the approach. View worksites to ensure that there are<br />

no hazards in advance. Ensure that jobs are effectively<br />

supervised.<br />

The above article was published in MFB44<br />

Article. 19<br />

Handling and Stowage of Gas<br />

Cylinders<br />

We received correspondence advising that the article in<br />

MFB 44 should have made better use of the advice given<br />

in The UK MCA’s Code of Safe Working Practices for<br />

Merchant Seafarers (COSWP – 2015 edition). We accept<br />

this comment and incorporate this additional safety<br />

information in conjunction with a report we received on<br />

the use of a home-made tool to lift gas cylinders.<br />

What did the reporters tell us?<br />

■ Oxygen & acetylene cylinders should be segregated<br />

and stored in separate cages.<br />

■ The cages should be locked for security (but with keys<br />

available locally in a break-glass box).<br />

■ The gas stores should segregate each variety of gas<br />

and cylinder sizes.<br />

■ The colour codes for the screwed caps on cylinders<br />

must follow the cylinder colour code.<br />

■ Cylinders should be placed on wood and not directly<br />

onto a steel deck.<br />

■ Cylinders should be individually secured, (with a quick<br />

release), to prevent any metal to metal contact.<br />

■ There should be a bulkhead or a three-metre<br />

separation between oxygen and acetylene cylinder<br />

cages.<br />

20

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!