Navigare 3 - 2019

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english translation from page 8
of other defects were detected, such as a
crack in the bucket attachment, a crack in the
bucket, oil leak in the bucket cylinder and an
inadequately secured operator›s compartment.
Furthermore, all safety features were not
operative. The parking brake, the restraint
bar and the seat switch were all disconnected,
the lift arm support device was removed, and
the seatbelt did not work. The report
concluded that the skid-steer loader could not
be put into operation again until all defects
had been repaired.
AFTER THE ACCIDENT
The AIBN has been informed that the
company has bought a new skid-steer loader
after the accident. Karmøy Skipsconsult
Management AS who was in charge of the
Safety
recommendation
The investigation of this marine accident
has revealed an area where the Accident
Investigation Board Norway regards it
necessary to promote safety
recommendations with the purpose of
improving safety at sea.
vessel›s safety system in accordance with the
ISM code, has reported that they did not
have any procedures for use or maintenance
of the skid-steer loader prior to the accident.
It was up to the crew members to decide if
they wanted to repair the loader themselves
or have external technicians to repair it. The
captain has informed that practical training of
the use of the skid-steer loader on board was
provided, and there was also a notice on how
to use the loader in the mess-room.
After the accident Karmøy Skipsconsult
Management has conducted a risk assessment
for the use of a skid-steer loader during
cargo-handling operations. They have also
established a more detailed maintenance
procedure and prepared user instructions for
the crew members.
LEGISLATION
The Norwegian Maritime Authority has
informed the AIBN that there are no specific
legal requirements for skid-steer loaders or
similar equipment used on board a vessel.
This equipment is therefore not subject to
supervision by the surveyors.
The only regulations is stipulated in the
Regulations of 1 January 2005 No. 8 on
working environment, etc. on board ship.
The Regulations sets requirements of risk
assessment to identify hazards on board, of
preventive measures and of necessary
information about safety and health risks on
board. Section 9-3 of the regulations states:
When machinery or gear is stopped for
maintenance or repairs, etc. adequate
precautions shall be taken against inadvertent
starting.
Regulations to the Working Environment
Act set detailed requirements to routines for
testing and maintenance of e.g. work equipment
and loaders. However, the scope of this Act
only applies to onshore facilities, not to vessels.
The Norwegian Maritime Authority›s
regulations for mobile work equipment are
not as detailed as the regulations for
equivalent equipment at onshore facilities.
According to the AIBN, clear regulations
with regard to maintenance, supervision and
certification of the equipment should also be
prepared for equipment used on board a
vessel. The Accident Investigation Board
Norway therefore recommends that the
Norwegian Maritime Authority draws up
legislation to make sure that equipment that is
produced, maintained and used within
shipping, maintain the safety of the
employees during use.
Safety recommendation MARINE No.
2019/02T
On 12 November 2018, an able seaman
suffered a fatal accident while working on
board the vessel
Mercator. The accident occurred
during repair work of a skid-steer loader.
All the safety features on the skid-steer
loader were disconnected, and the
company had no procedures for
operations or maintenance of the
machine. The investigation has shown
that the accident risk represented by the
loader was high, and that regulations for
mobile work equipment on board are
inadequate.
The Accident Investigation Board
Norway advises the Norwegian Maritime
Authority to draw up regulations with
regard to use, maintenance and control of
mobile work equipment on board vessels
to maintain the safety of the employees.
THE SKID-STEER LOADER: The able seaman was repairing this skid-steer loader when he got
crushed between the bucket and the operator’s compartment. Today there are no clear regulations for the
use of such loaders on board a vessel. The Norwegian Maritime Authority has now been requested to draw
up relevant regulations.
PHOTO: AIBN
58 | Navigare 3 - 2019