ISPESL
National
Institute for Prevention and Safety at Work
European
"Safety Check" Project Contact Person: Mr. Diego de Merich (researcher, DOCUMENTATION unit)
Tel. 06-44280292
e-mail:
diego.demerich@ispesl.it
Safety- and
health check on board fishing vessels
(Support tool for
risk evaluation) (the document may be downloaded by
connecting to the www.ispesl.it/profili_di_rischio/sitopesca/main.htm site)
The document is based on the "Fishing Vessel Safety
Folder" compiled in
Table of Contents
Guide to risk evaluation………………………………………………………………………………………..….5
Declaration of vessel safety.......................................................................... 8
Man overboard: location and recovery............................................................ 9
Safety equipment
check-list.................................................................... 11
Flares, Bengal
lights, electrical buoys......................................................... 11
Extinguishers,
fire-fighting nozzles and hoses, hatchet.................................. 11
Quarterly equipment
check-list................................................................. 13
Standard forms (valid for all vessels)....................................................... 14
Boarding and
leaving a vessel................................................................... 14
Work conditions on
the vessel’s deck......................................................... 18
Lowering and
retrieving the net................................................................ 22
Trawl, double trawl-net (flying), surrounding
net (purse seine).................. 25
Trawl net
otter-boards........................................................................... 30
Connecting rods,
pull chains and cables..................................................... 30
Fishing with double
trawl-net (flying) – moving the warp............................... 31
Hazards caused by
the winch and the warp................................................ 34
Fishing with
surrounding net (purse seine) / Line drums................................. 35
Pots, nets, longlines,
rotary bait.............................................................. 42
Fishing with
passive equipment (gill nets)................................................... 47
Fishing with rotary bait (including free bait, etc.)......................................... 47
Trawling with beam trawlers (fast)........................................................... 49
Hazards caused by
the winch and the warp................................................ 49
Hoisting the bag/Unloading
the bag........................................................... 54
Standard forms (valid for all vessels)....................................................... 56
Equipment defects/repair
........................................................................ 61
INTRODUCTION
With the issuing of
Legislative Decrees no. 271 and no. 272 of 27 July 1999 (regulatory adaptation
concerning safety on board fishing- and mercantile vessels and concerning
worker safety during the carrying out of port operations and services, as well
as of maintenance-, repair- and overhaul of vessels in port areas) and
Legislative Decree no. 298 of 17 August 1999 (implementation of Directive
93/103/CE of 23 November 1993 concerning minimum safety- and health
prescriptions for work on board fishing vessels), Italy has completed the
adaptation of all the directives established by 89/391/EEC with respect to
worker protection. This document, laid
out on the basis of forms, has been translated and implemented in the Italian
context in order to provide guidance for employers and to facilitate the
evaluation of risks on board fishing vessels, irrespective of their length or
age. The objectives of this onboard
check of safety and health are the following:
·
actively
to address the evaluation of risks in order to identify the hazards to the
health and safety of workers carrying out their activities or tasks, with the
objective of improving the health- and safety conditions of onboard personnel
by means of continuous monitoring;
·
to facilitate the compilation of the risk-evaluation technical report (both
as self-certification and otherwise) on board, with a commitment to review
the relative provisions whenever necessary.
Guide to risk
evaluation
IMPORTANT: read the following
instructions carefully before filling out the forms.
The objective in carrying out
the risk evaluation is to enable the shipowner or
operator to identify any areas or activities that may constitute a risk for the
health and safety of personnel. In this
way, the owner/operator will be able to evaluate whether or not it is
reasonable to introduce improvements or precautionary measures. This
is not a test to evaluate "the vessel's safety level".
Legislation on safety and health on board
merchant- and fishing vessels provides for the carrying out of risk evaluation
and for the writing of a technical safety-report, an integral part of the
Safety Plan, and for the members of the crew to be consulted and informed about
the results.
Supervision of the application of
regulations concerning work health and safety on board the vessels is done by
supervisory bodies (maritime authorities, local health units and
maritime-health offices). Initial,
periodic and occasional visits will be made by the national commissions and by
the local offices of the maritime-health authority in order to verify
conformity to the safety documentation with respect to the provisions included
in Legislative Decrees 271 and 298. Risks
relative to an owner's vessel must therefore not be made to appear less than
they really are. If real risks exist, it
is necessary to be completely aware of them, since, in the case of accident,
owners will be held responsible.
Completing the following pages
for the risk evaluation may require some hours.
However, subsequently, you will need to review them only if changes are
made to the work organisation or to the equipment. In any case, such changes must be discussed
during the periodic meeting which, according to the law, must be held at least
once per year. The minutes of this
meeting must be recorded and must be kept on board and available to the crew
and to supervisors and inspectors. The
risk evaluation must be done with the involvement of the crew, the forms must
be filled out section by section and the various points therein must be
discussed.
The objective is to achieve
work conditions and procedures that are sufficiently safe for the entire crew, "to the extent reasonably
feasible", and in any case pursuing a policy of protection of the crew's
health and safety.
"Reasonably feasible" refers to
the prevention- and protection measures that the ship owner and the captain
consider it judicious to implement following the risk evaluation. The feasibility and the nature of this implementation,
as specified by law (Legislative Decree 298/99) is in relationship to the
vessel's technical/operational characteristics and to evaluation of the
cost/benefit relationship of the prevention measures (in terms of cost, time
and application difficulty, referred to the benefits deriving from the reduced
number of accidents and therefore of work days lost).
The forms included here for
risk evaluation are both of a general nature, created with the objective of
covering a wide range of risk types (standard form for all vessel types), and
specific to equipment type (specific forms for various types of fishing).
All of the risk-evaluation
forms are intended to be tools supporting the definition and evaluation of
risks, the identification of improvement measures to be adopted and the
scheduling of safety operations. When
using these forms, however, it is important to remember that you must evaluate
the situation on your vessel. Therefore,
you are required to report any and all
risks discovered, even those not mentioned in the forms. The spaces indicated as "other" are
intended for this purpose. If some
of the risks listed do not apply to your vessel, this should be so indicated
with "N/A" (not applicable).
Note: It is the current situation on your
vessel which must be evaluated, not the situation you hope/expect to
achieve. When future evaluations are
made, the check measures you have implemented on the basis of the current
situation will be examined.
The operator or owner must
ensure that the persons who assist with the drawing up of the safety plan are professionally qualified, in terms of
experience, training and competence, to carry out the task. It is preferable that the evaluation not be
done by one individual only but by a group of individuals which may, for
example, consist of:
·
one
person with knowledge of fishing operations (a member of the crew, for example)
·
the
captain/operator
·
a
qualified physician
·
an independent person.
The group must work together
in order to evaluate all aspects of the vessel and the relative
operations. For most vessels, it is
appropriate to involve all members of the crew in the process. It is expressly indicated that the crew must
be informed and consulted, which is also useful in order to promote increased
awareness in terms of health and safety on the vessel.
It is necessary to carry out a risk
evaluation in the following cases:
·
All of the operations that
concern your vessel
Specific evaluations are also required
for:
·
Young workers
The risk
evaluation is indispensable when an underage worker is employed. It is necessary carefully to evaluate the
activity that such an individual must carry out,
making sure that he/she has the training, experience and psycho-physical
balance such as to enable him/her to carry out the work safely.
·
Personal protective equipment
(PPE)
In those cases in which individual
protective equipment for protection against unavoidable hazards (a flotation
device against the risk of drowning, for example) is available, it is necessary
to carry out an inspection in order to ensure that:
·
the
equipment may be put on correctly;
·
there
is no exposure to further risks;
·
the equipment actually does protect against
the risks for which it was designed.
The list of the operations and
the evaluation forms to be completed are included with this document.
IMPORTANT Once
the risk evaluation has been completed and any check-measures requested have
been written down (summarised in the check column), it is essential that these
measures be implemented without delay.
Use the action plan as a reference document.
Review
of the risk evaluation
The risk evaluation must be
re-examined if:
·
there
exist reasons indicating that it may no longer be valid;
·
significant changes have been made in
relevant areas.
Any changes discovered
following the review must be accommodated.
Fishing-vessel safety
declaration
Name of the fishing vessel:
Registration: RNMG/# EEC
no.
Registered length:
Port of registry:
Fishing activity carried out:
Number of crew members
(including captain):
This fishing-vessel safety
declaration describes the procedures according to which we intend to operate on
this vessel, in conformity with the laws in effect concerning the merchant
marine and fishing vessels (workplace health and safety), as well as the other
provisions concerning health and safety, in order to reduce the risk of
accidents and illness to the minimum.
This declaration also describes the safety equipment, the emergency
measures and the risk evaluations for the vessel's various activities and
areas. In order to guarantee the safety
of the vessel and the crew, the personal protective equipment, information,
training and operational procedures must be supplied in conformity with the
regulations in effect.
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Owner's name |
Captain's name |
Health- and safety officer |
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Address |
Address |
Address |
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Telephone |
Telephone |
Telephone |
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Signature |
Signature |
Signature |
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Date |
Date |
Date |
Man
overboard: location and recovery
(Briefly describe the action
plan set in place and the equipment used)
Fire
(Briefly describe the means
for communicating the state of alarm and the measures to be taken. If appropriate, specify the muster points and
special precautions, such as the gas-extinction system in the engine room.)
(Briefly describe the means
used in order to communicate the state of alarm and the measures to be taken).
Helicopter
rescue
(Briefly specify the
precautions to be taken during operations in which helicopters are used.)
Onboard
roles and declaration
I declare that I am in possession of the
qualifications, granted by the authorities having jurisdiction, to carry out
the activities related to survival at sea, to fire-prevention procedures and to
first aid, and that I have received all the information relative to onboard
work-safety. I have been shown how the
equipment works and the safety procedures.
I have also been informed about the risk evaluations already carried out
and I commit scrupulously to observe all the provisions provided for relative
to safety and health on the vessel.
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Crew member's name |
Address and telephone number |
Signature and date |
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Life
raft
Model
and dimensions Maintenance date
Hydrostatic
release-mechanism Date
maintenance/replacement
Type
Procedure for lowering the
lifeboat into the water (describe the procedure and the personnel required).
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Type |
Quantity |
Location |
Maintenance date |
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Device for
throwing the lines
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Type |
Quantity |
Location |
Maintenance date |
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Life-vests
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Type |
Quantity |
Location |
Maintenance and/or inspection date |
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Life-preservers
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Type |
Quantity |
Location |
Maintenance and/or inspection date |
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EPIRB
release
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Type |
Quantity |
Location |
Maintenance date |
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Extinguishers,
fire-fighting nozzles and hoses, hatchet
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Type |
Quantity |
Location |
Maintenance date |
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Fuel emergency shut-off (location) Inspection
date
Emergency exits (location) Inspection
date
Emergency lighting
(quantitative) Inspection
date
First-aid kit (location) Inspection
date
Alarms Inspection
Main-motor oil pressure Auxiliary-motor oil
pressure
Main-motor temperature Auxiliary re-motor
temperature
Bilge-level alarms (location) Inspection
date
Smoke/flame detectors
(location) Inspection
date
Gas detectors (location) Inspection
date
Quarterly
equipment check-list
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Date |
Date |
Date |
Date |
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Comments |
Comments |
Comments |
Comments |
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State of the trawl winchs |
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State of the drag winchs |
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State of the warps |
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State of the couplings |
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Wind drums |
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Power block and hoist |
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Winch for bags and rigging |
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Pulleys, drums and fairleads |
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Pull chains and tow point |
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Conduits and hydraulic
connections, valves, taps |
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Compressors |
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Defect |
Date |
Action/Date |
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Standard forms (valid
for all vessels)
Boarding
and leaving a vessel
This
operation is potentially very hazardous because it is easy to fall overboard and because
smaller boats may easily be flooded, especially if overloaded. In order not to be swept overboard, wear
appropriate flotation devices, do not overload the boat and, during night-time
hours, use lights. Carry oars in case
the motor breaks down.
The lighting
in port areas must make it possible for any hazards to be recognised. Request that adequate lighting be installed
near the quay.
There is a
risk of falling, due to tripping on various types of obstacles (nets, rigging,
cables, containers, ports, waste materials, oil spills, etc.), both on the quay
and on the vessel itself. Remove any
objects from the vessel that obstruct movement and co-operate with the port
authorities in keeping the quay area near ladders or gangplanks clear and
clean.
Open hatches,
which may cause tripping and falling, must always be protected. Temporary openings (during maintenance, for
example) must be protected and indicated with appropriate signs.
Decks made
slippery by fish or oil constitute a hazard for anyone working in the
area. Decks must be equipped with
effective, clean and frequently-replaced anti-slip surfaces and must be safe
under all circumstances.
If
the handrails are missing or in bad condition, anyone boarding is exposed to a
serious hazard, particularly if he/she is not familiar with the vessel. Replace or repair the handrail immediately.
Usually,
vessels are moored side by side and it may therefore be necessary for a team
(technicians, officials, etc.) to cross your vessel in order to reach another
vessel. You are required to guarantee
the safety of the passage across your vessel, co-operating with the other
vessels in order to facilitate the passage from one vessel to another.
STANDARD
FORM VALID FOR ALL VESSELS
|
Area or activity |
Possible
risks |
Possible effects |
Actions to improve safety |
Safety-measures
checks on the vessel |
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Boarding or leaving a vessel |
Ladders or gangplanks |
Falling onto the vessel or
overboard: serious or fatal accident |
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Boarding from the sea to the
vessel's bulwark |
Falling or slipping
overboard or onto hazardous objects ; serious or fatal accident |
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Boarding from a small boat or other vessel |
Small boat capsized or swept
away; drowning; falling and slipping
on hazardous objects or falling overboard
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Access from other vessels |
Slipping, tripping, falling |
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* |
Insufficient lighting |
Hazards not visible |
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Obstacles |
Tripping and falling |
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Unprotected passageways |
Falls: serious accident |
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* |
Slippery decks |
Falls: slight injuries |
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Unsafe handrails |
Falling overboard: drowning |
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Other |
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Signature Date
Work conditions on the vessel's deck
Exposure to water and humidity
A frequent
condition during the work of handling nets, rigging and the catch. Anyone in contact with water or other
atmospheric agents must wear protective clothing, such as oilskins, gloves and
waterproof boots.
Low temperatures
At low
temperatures, fatigue sets in more quickly and accidents become more likely. It
is essential to wear clothing appropriate to the conditions and, at very low
temperatures, it may be necessary to use special equipment.
Objects falling onto the feet
On a fishing
vessel, various objects, such as crates of fish, equipment, rocks caught in the
nets, etc., may slip from the hands and crush the toes. Personnel handling fishing equipment and the
catch must wear safety boots equipped with toe protection.
Working with fishing equipment and handling the
catch
In order to carry out various
operations on fishing vessels, it is necessary to wear gloves that protect the
hands. Contact with the catch and with
wet objects lowers the temperature of the hands, while the lines and cables may
cause burns or cuts. Personnel working
under these conditions must wear gloves appropriate to the material being
handled. In some cases, especially for
certain types of fish that deteriorate easily on contact (anchovies, for
example), it may be counterproductive to handle the catch wearing gloves. In other cases, the use of gloves, even if
not particularly thick, protects the skin from cuts, scratches, abrasions and
burns. Wear strong leather gloves for
handling lines, metal cables and heavy equipment.
Falling overboard
Falling overboard from a small
vessel may seem unlikely and from a large vessel even very unlikely. The consequences, however, may be fatal. Such a possibility must therefore be
considered as "extremely serious" and the risk must be reduced.
On a small vessel, where the
risk may be greater, it is appropriate to take a series of countermeasures,
increasing the height of the bulwark (where possible), or by wearing safety
belts connected to a lifeline and/or flotation devices. On larger vessels, it is preferable that the
crew members where appropriate flotation devices when working on the deck,
particularly in the more exposed areas and under adverse weather conditions.
The crew members must be aware
of the risks involved if they sit on, climb on or lean overboard along the
bulwark, as well as the risk of falling overboard when they relieve themselves
near the bulwark.
Vessel capsizing or sinking
Many deaths result from the
sinking of vessels. Although this is a
highly improbable occurrence, the consequences are so serious that it is
necessary to take actions in order to diminish this risk, according to the
procedures considered most appropriate.
If the vessel sinks rapidly,
the crew does not have sufficient time to find and put on the life-vests. Therefore, it is recommended that the crew
members wear appropriate flotation devices when they are working on the deck
and particularly when they are working in adverse weather conditions. Naturally, the well-being of the crew and the
stability of the vessel are of prime importance.
Manual work with fishing equipment and
catch-handling
All of the operations
involving manual handling of loads are potentially hazardous because they may
easily cause damage to the spinal column and to other parts of the
muscular/skeletal system. Ensure that
all crew members are aware of the proper techniques for lifting weights and that they do not attempt manually and repetitively to lift
excessively heavy loads (> 20 kg).
Noise and vibrations
Exposure to high noise levels
in the engine room, on the working deck and in the other areas on the fishing
vessel constitutes a significant risk factor, not only of temporary and/or
permanent damage to the hearing but also because misunderstood verbal commands
may, in turn, result in serious accident.
If the noise level is particularly high (see risk factors: noise), take
the necessary measures in order to reduce it (by improving the machine-room
soundproofing, for example). Vibrations
transmitted to the body from the vessel's structures, in addition to causing
muscular/skeletal damage and illness, reduce the
attention threshold and increase stress and psycho-physical fatigue.
STANDARD FORM VALID FOR ALL VESSELS
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Area or activity |
Hazards |
Consequences |
Actions to improve safety |
Safety-measures
checks on the vessel |
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*Work conditions on the
vessel's deck |
Exposure to water and
humidity |
Crew exposed to cold,
humidity and solar radiation |
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Low temperatures |
Tired crew (thermal stress),
increased probability of accidents |
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Objects falling on the feet |
Crushed toes, permanent
disablement |
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* |
Working with fishing
equipment and handling the catch |
Chilblains or injuries to
the hands |
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* |
Man overboard |
Drowning |
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Sudden
capsizing or sinking of the vessel |
Fatal accident |
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* |
Manual work with fishing
equipment and during catch handling |
Back injuries, sprains |
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Area or activity |
Hazards |
Consequences |
Actions to improve safety |
Safety-measures
checks on the vessel |
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* |
Noise and vibrations |
Hearing damage,
commands not heard well;
muscular/skeletal injuries |
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Other |
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Signature Date
Lowering
and retrieving the net
Wearing
inappropriate clothing, with buttons that could become caught in the nets,
loose cuffs or scarves that could become entangled increases the risk of
getting caught in the fishing equipment and of having a serious or fatal
accident. Analogously, wearing rings or watches or
having long hair are risk factors that must be taken into due consideration.
When crew members are involved
in net lowering- and retrieval operations, they must wear appropriate clothing
free of loose or hanging elements, remove or cover any jewellery and restrain
their hair.
Unsafe
deck area
It is hazardous to move on the
deck if there are obstacles in the work area, such as spare nets, scattered
lines or cables, containers for the fish, metal drums for diesel, unnecessary
stanchions, etc. Under such conditions,
it is easy to slip and fall, with the risk of serious accident. The decks must be kept as free as possible and
covered with an effective anti-slip surface renewed on a monthly basis. Equipment must be stowed far from the work
area.
"Leaning
out" beyond the bulwark
On many vessels, the crew
members must lean overboard in order to complete their tasks. In such situations, the crew members could
reach too far beyond the edge of the vessel and fall overboard. To reduce risks, it may be necessary to raise
the railings or to wear a safety harness or a flotation device, especially in
adverse weather conditions.
Accidents often occur because
of misunderstandings. For example, the
winch is set in operation when personnel working with the trawl net-gate are
not ready. In order to avoid accidents
of this kind, it is essential that communication between the wheelhouse, the
winch operator and the crew on the deck is extremely clear. Use hand signals and
position personnel so that they are easily recognisable and not in the vicinity
of hazards. Yell only in the case
of emergency.
Insufficient
lighting
Insufficient lighting may have
"negative" effects because hazards are not visible. It is fundamental to ensure good lighting,
particularly on fishing equipment that is pulled out of the sea.
Equipment
breakdown
Cables, lines, cradles,
blocks, pulleys, hooks, rings, spring catches, fishing tools, etc., may become
worn and corroded, and may break when subjected to strong tension. "Equipment breakdown" may be the cause
of serious or fatal accidents. It is therefore
essential to choose high-quality equipment of the correct size for the workload
foreseen, to maintain the equipment in perfect condition, to subject it to
periodic and frequent maintenance.
Ensure, by means of adequate personnel training, that work procedures
are done correctly and safely.
Lack
of experience with a new fishing technique
When it is decided to apply a
new fishing technique, it is essential that all personnel concerned be made
aware of any hazards. Before beginning
to fish, the crew members must be trained by more expert personnel, and
everyone must have the time necessary to assimilate the new techniques.
C7
STANDARD FORM VALID FOR ALL VESSELS
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Area or activity |
Hazards |
Consequences |
Actions to improve safety |
Safety-measures
checks on the vessel |
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Lowering and retrieving the
net |
Clothing caught in the
fishing equipment |
Serious injuries, man
overboard |
·
When
crew members are involved in net lowering- and retrieval operations, they
must wear appropriate clothing free of loose or hanging elements, remove or
cover any jewellery and restrain long hair. ·
Keep
a safe distance from cables under tension and from moving equipment (“stand
off”)
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Unsafe deck area |
Slipping, falling: slight or
serious injuries VIDEO |
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* |
Leaning out beyond the
vessel’s bulwark |
Man overboard |
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Insufficient communication
between the wheelhouse, winch and deck |
Serious or fatal accidents |
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Insufficient lighting |
Hazards are not
visible: injuries, man overboard |
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Equipment breakdown |
Serious or fatal accidents |
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Lack of experience with a
new fishing technique |
Serious or fatal accidents |
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Emergencies (collision,
running aground , otter-board
silting , other) |
Serious or fatal
accidents; damage to the vessel |
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Other |
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Signature Date
Trawl,
double trawl net (flying), surrounding net (purse seine)
Winch
net-drums
Personnel working with the net not
sufficiently visible from the command post
Often the control post is
forward of the trawl winch-drum, while the personnel working with the cables
and the net are aft. This may reduce the
winch operator's vision field and prevent him from checking on the operations
aft. If someone becomes caught in the
drum (net retrieval) or is pulled outboard (net lowering), serious or even
fatal injuries may result. Therefore,
appropriate measures must be taken to guarantee that the crew is fully
protected. It is possible to install
emergency shut-off devices in immediate proximity to the trawl winch-drum (see
photo). In any case, an effective
communication system between the person at the controls and the personnel
working the net must at the very least be provided
for. The personnel working the net must
be extremely attetive, particularly during the
lowering phase and maintain the proper position (“stand off”) with respect to
the equipment being played out into the sea.
If the controls are defective
or are accidentally activated, they may cause particularly serious
accidents. Ensure that the controls are
in perfect operating condition and set up in such a way that they cannot be
accidentally bumped into by personnel or equipment. Subject to periodic
maintenance.
On some vessels, the
power-block operator does not have a clear view of the personnel working the
net aft. Start-up or movement of the
power block before the crew has moved away may have serious consequences. Ensure that the operator is able to see the
crew members or use an effective communication system.
In order for precise movements
to be carried out, the power-block hoist controls must be in perfect operating
condition. If the controls are worn or
defective, the crew members may suffer serious accidents. Subject to periodic
maintenance.
The power-block controls have
numerous levers. For safety reasons, it
is necessary that personnel be perfectly familiar with the function of each
lever. More experienced crew members
must know how the controls work even when labels are missing or illegible. Serious accidents may result if the power
block is activated by a crew member who is not perfectly familiar with the
controls. The controls must therefore
always be accompanied by perfectly legible labels.
Personnel working the net or standing
in the area under the power block are exposed to falling rocks or fish. Objects may be caught by the net, but the
crew is nevertheless exposed to the risk of accident. Pay extreme attention to any object that may
pose a risk to crew members. In any
case, keep a safe distance from the area under the net bag.
Accidental retrieval of ordnance or
hazardous substances
Ordnance, containers with
hazardous substances or other suspicious debris may be retrieved along with the
catch.
If possible, check for the
presence of such objects in the net before bringing it on board so as to avoid
hazardous situations when the bag is opened.
If any such objects are
discovered, contact the local Coastguard.
The following precautions should be followed:
·
· in
the case of ordnance pulled out of the water: turn off all mobile phones, do
not transmit via radio, warn nearby vessels with optical or acoustic signals,
dampen the object constantly with low-pressure water;
·
· if the net containing the ordnance is still in the water,
use the radio to communicate its position to the appropriate authorities.
If the ordnance in the net is
large, slowly lower the net to the bottom, mark its position with a buoy and
advise the appropriate authorities of its presence.
If a suspicious container is
retrieved, bring it on board only if it is intact. If there is any risk that the container may
break on board, lower it back to the bottom, mark its position with a buoy and
advise the appropriate authorities of its presence.
The irritating substance
excreted by jellyfish may be hazardous.
If the presence of jellyfish could constitute a problem, the crew
members exposed to this risk should wear protective face-masks. In any case, keep a safe distance from the
area underneath the net bag.
FORM FOR SPECIFIC RISKS
COMMON TO: Fishing with trawl net/ Fishing with surrounding net (purse
seine)/Fishing with double trawl net (flying)
|
||||
|
Work
area/activity |
Possible risks
|
Possible
consequences |
Actions to improve safety
|
Safety-measures
checks on the vessel |
|
Trawl winch |
Personnel working with the
net not sufficiently visible from the command post |
Accident caused by contact
with the trawl winch-drum. Serious or fatal accidents |
|
|
|
|
Controls defective or
accidentally activated |
Serious accidents |
|
|
|
Power block PHOTO |
Insufficient visibility from
the control post |
Injury to personnel working
with the net |
|
|
|
|
Worn controls |
Injury to crew members |
|
|
|
|
Missing labels |
Operation error: accident |
|
|
|
|
Heavy objects falling from
the net bag |
Cranial trauma |
|
|
|
|
Accidental retrieval of
ordnance or hazardous substances |
Danger of explosion,
intoxication, fire, etc. |
|
|
|
|
Jellyfish falling from the
nets |
Irritating liquid, eye injuries |
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
Signature Date
Trawl-net
otter boards
Personnel
struck by the otter board or caught between the otter board and the bulwark
The work done to retrieve the
fishing equipment in this case must be done with extreme care, since any errors
could cause serious accidents. The crew
members must often lean overboard in order to reach the steel cables connected
to the otter boards and, if they happen to slip, they could remain caught with
a hand or an arm crushed between the otter board and the stern-board bulwark. An adequate support base of anti-slip
material must be installed. In some
cases, the otter board is located too high on the gallows and, if not well
anchored, could swing inwards and strike a crew member. In order to prevent accidents of this kind,
the otter boards must be securely fastened in the best position on the vessel's
stern board. Personnel exposed must be
aware of the hazard of swinging otter boards and must work with extreme care,
particularly when sea conditions are adverse and onboard balance is precarious.
Personnel
standing in an exposed position
If a crew member must reach
out beyond the bulwark in order to reach the otter board's cables, he/she runs
the risk of falling overboard. In order
to protect personnel, it may be necessary to install a safety railing when
technically feasible. Personnel working
in exposed areas must wear safety equipment (lifelines, safety harnesses,
vests), especially in adverse weather conditions.
The
winch operator does not have a clear view of work being done with the otter-boards
The safety of the personnel
working with the otter-board cables depends on the winch operator, who must be
able perfectly to see all the work done with the otter boards. Use an effective signalling system and, before
starting the winch, ensure that those working with the otter-board cables are
not exposed to any risk.
Cable
movement or sudden tension
During load-transfer
operations, there is a risk that the cables or chains may suddenly move or
change tension. In addition, during the
lowering and retrieval of the net, there may be losses of tension followed by
subsequent re-tensioning in the cables and lines. This may occur without any warning when the
vessel lists or when the compressor slips.
Before beginning work, the
crew members must be informed about the risks, must keep a safe distance and be
concentrated on all phases of the work.
Personnel
struck by the heavy end (foot) of the line
During the type of fishing
known as "flying", the net-retrieval phase is preceded by the hauling
of the two trolling vessels and by the crossing over to the vessel that will
retrieve one of the two warps. When the
line is thrown from one vessel to another, there is a risk that a crew member
may be struck by the heavy end (foot).
While such an occurrence is unlikely, the consequences could be
serious. It is therefore recommended
that measures be taken to avoid such a risk, by ensuring that the weight is not
excessive, that it is appropriately padded, for example, and by warning the
personnel on the stern board before throwing the line. Ensure that only those involved with this
particular task are present or standing near the work area when the line is thrown
(particularly in adverse weather conditions).
The
slip hook snaps backwards with force, when the warp is released
The slip hook must be released
extremely carefully, since it could snap backwards with considerable force when
the warp is released. In order to open
the slip hook, use a bar or a short line (see video). This task should be entrusted only to a crew
member who is perfectly aware of the risks.
Train the personnel, making them aware of the risks connected to opening
the slip-hook.
FORM FOR SPECIFIC RISKS
COMMON TO: Fishing with trawl net/ Fishing with surrounding net (purse
seine)/Fishing with double trawl net (flying)
|
||||
|
Work
area |
Possible
risks |
Possible
consequences |
Actions to improve
safety
|
Safety-measures
checks on the vessel |
|
Trawl-net otter boards |
Personnel struck by the
otter boards, crushed between the otter board and the broadside bulwark |
Serious accident, crushing
of limbs |
|
|
|
* |
Personnel standing in an
exposed position on the bulwark, leaning out |
Man overboard |
|
|
|
|
The winch operator does not
have a clear view of work being done with the otter-boards |
Serious accident |
|
|
|
Connecting rods, pull chains
and cables |
Cable movement or sudden
tension |
Injuries, crushing, man
overboard |
|
|
|
Fishing with double trawl
net Hauling of the vessels
and throwing of the line for movement
of the warp |
Personnel struck by the
heavy end (foot) of the line |
Slight or serious accident |
|
|
|
* |
When the warp is released,
the slip hook snaps backwards with force, VIDEO |
Slight or serious accident |
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
Signature: Date:
Hazards
caused by the winch and the warp
Uncontrolled movements
of lines and cables
On many vessels, the warps run
on the surface of the main deck, along guides determined by the snub
pulleys. A serious accident may result
from contact with a moving warp. Crew
members must pay extreme attention and remain in the aft area only for the
amount of time strictly necessary for carrying out work with the fishing
equipment. If possible, protective cages
or barriers should be installed in all areas where personnel may come in contact
with the warps.
Winches and similar machinery
with moving parts must be adequately protected, with carters, cages or
protective barriers. Personnel working
in the winch area must be aware of the risks involved with accidental contact
when moving in constricted spaces.
Worn
components: winches, pulleys, cylinders, and drums in poor operating condition
When carrying out various fishing
operations, metal cables and the components of towing-, slipping- and return
systems play a fundamental roll. Drums
and pulleys may deteriorate rapidly (mechanical use, corrosion) and grooves may
form on the slipping surfaces (races), which, over time, may damage the
warps. The winches' braking systems,
clutches, supports, controls and structures must be maintained in perfect
condition and, if damaged, must be replaced immediately, since any
malfunctioning could cause serious accident.
The drums and cylinders are subject to deterioration on the
cable-slipping surfaces, resulting in damage to the cables themselves and therefore
to increased probability of breakage. It is therefore essential that rigorous,
scheduled checking be done of the fishing equipment's state of wear and
maintenance.
The
winch operator does not have a clear view of
work being done aft
On many
vessels, the winch operator does not have a clear view of the work being done
aft and personnel are at risk if they do not keep a safe distance before the
winch is started up. Where possible,
make the necessary changes in order to enable the operator to have optimal
visibility of the work area.
Alternatively, use an effective signalling system. It is preferable to use visual signals, since
verbal communication may easily be misunderstood due to onboard noise.
Inadequate
shut-off systems
In emergency conditions, it
may be essential to stop the winch rapidly from a point other than the normal
control post. It is recommended that the
layout of the vessel and the types of operations carried out be examined,
evaluating the possibility of serious accident or damage to the vessel. If necessary, install more shut-off systems
abaft.
Throwing
the trawl-fishing equipment overboard
In cases of emergency, or when
the vessel has run aground, it may be necessary, for reasons of safety, to
throw the trawl-fishing equipment overboard.
Strong currents with rollers may cause the vessel to capsize or sink,
with disastrous effects. Although such
an occurrence is highly improbable, it is necessary to take measures to ensure
that the trawl-fishing equipment may be thrown overboard rapidly and safely.
Fishing
with surrounding net (purse seine)/Line drums
Accidents
caused by the revolving drum
Although the line drums are located at
some distance from the work areas, the crew members must sometimes work nearby,
in order to gather containers for fish, equipment, etc.. Movements of the vessel may push the crew
members against the drum, causing serious injury or even death. The drum must therefore be adequately
protected on all sides.
Drums
not visible from the control post
The line drums are often
located under the main deck and may not be directly visible from the control
post. If the controls are not well
understood, the personnel involved with securing and releasing the lines run
the risk of being entangled by the winch.
It is therefore necessary to use a television system (CCTV) or other
protective measures, such as specific controls for each drum, and emergency
shut-off devices.
|
FORM
FOR SPECIFIC RISKS COMMON TO: Fishing with trawl net / Fishing with
double drag net (flying)/ Fishing with
surrounding net (purse seine) |
||||
|
Work
area/activity |
Possible
risks |
Possible
consequences |
Actions to improve
safety
|
Safety-measures
checks on the vessel |
|
Hazards caused by the
winches and the warp |
Movements of lines and
cables |
Serious injuries |
|
|
|
|
Unprotected winches and
machinery |
Serious or fatal accidents |
|
|
|
|
Worn components |
Machinery damaged, serious injuries |
|
|
|
|
The winch operator does not
have a clear view of the work on the deck |
Serious injuries |
|
|
|
|
Inadequate shut-off
systems |
Serious injuries Damages to the vessel |
|
|
|
|
Not possible to throw
fishing equipment overboard |
Vessel capsizes or sinks |
|
|
|
Fishing with surrounding net
/ power block |
Coming into contact with the
power block |
Coming into contact with the
block: serious or fatal accidents |
|
|
|
|
The block is not clearly
visible from the control post |
Serious or fatal accidents |
|
|
|
Others |
|
|
|
|
Signature Date
Attention
must be paid when passing through or standing in the bag-opening area and when
it is necessary to lean overboard beyond the bulwark. Personnel working in exposed areas must wear
appropriate safety equipment, especially when sea conditions make it difficult
to maintain good balance on board.
On vessels on
which the bags may swing when hoisted to the deck, especially in adverse
weather conditions, a device must be installed to control all the handling
phases (see: solutions). In order to
open the bottom of the bag from a safe distance, use a fast unhooking tool
assembled on a long bar (see: solutions).
The bag-handling
operations are carried out using a line called a "whip", which passes
through a pulley installed at the end of the boom (hoist) . It is manoeuvred with the warp connected to
the tow winch. In order to prevent accidents during this phase, it is essential
that the winch operator have a clear view of the area abaft and that a clear
signalling-system be established and practised for communication between the
winch operator and the bag operators.
If the bags
contain particularly heavy loads, they may put the crew members and the vessel
itself at risk, causing the derrick to break and causing injury to
personnel. In addition, attempting to
hoist a heavy mass may reduce the vessel's stability, with the risk of
capsizing. Personnel must be extremely
careful and must remain at a safe distance during the handling of heavy
loads. If necessary, open the net in
order to unload the excessive weight.
If a particularly
large catch is loaded, be extremely attentive to the vessel's stability. Move the fish into containers on the other
side of the vessel in order to counterbalance the list. Limit the hoisting operations in order to
reduce the risk of capsizing. Throw part
of the catch overboard rather than put the vessel at risk.
The crew
members must be informed about the possibility of hazardous objects in the
catch. Such situations are highly
improbable, but the consequences may be extremely serious. Therefore, personnel must be extremely
careful and keep a safe distance. If
such objects are discovered, contact the local Coastguard. The following
precautions should be remembered:
·
in
the case of ordnance pulled out of the water: turn off all mobile phones, do
not transmit via radio, warn other nearby vessels with optical or acoustic
signals, dampen the object constantly with low-pressure water;
·
if the net containing the ordnance is still
in the water, use the radio to communicate its position to the appropriate
authorities.
If the ordnance in the net is
large, slowly lower the net to the bottom, mark its position with a buoy and
advise the appropriate authorities of its presence.
If a suspicious container is retrieved,
bring it on board only if it is intact.
If there is any risk that the container may break on board, lower it
back to the bottom, mark its position with a buoy and advise the appropriate
authorities of its presence.
|
FORM
FOR SPECIFIC RISKS COMMON TO: Fishing with trawl net/ Fishing with double
trawl net (flying) / Fishing with surrounding net (purse seine) |
||||
|
Work
area/ activity |
Possible
risks |
Possible
consequences |
Actions to improve
safety
|
Safety-measures
checks on the vessel |
|
Bag hoisting and unloading
phase |
Leaning outboard in order to
secure the hoist hook |
Man overboard |
|
|
|
|
Personnel in exposed
positions |
Man overboard |
|
|
|
* |
Personnel struck by the bag |
Serious injuries Man overboard |
|
|
|
|
The winch operator does not
have a clear view of the personnel working with the bag |
Serious injuries |
|
|
|
|
Excessive
loads (net full of sludge and rocks) |
Serious injuries Damages to the vessel |
|
|
|
|
Large quantities of catch on
the bridge or in the net |
Bad stability: capsizing of
the vessel |
|
|
|
|
Hazardous
objects in the net (ordnance, etc.) |
Serious injuries Damages to the vessel |
If such
objects are discovered,
contact the local Coastguard. The following precautions should be remembered: ·
· in the case of ordnance pulled out of the water: turn off all
mobile phones, do not transmit via radio, warn other nearby vessels with
optical or acoustic signals, dampen the object constantly with low-pressure
water; ·
· if the net containing the ordnance
is still in the water, use the radio to communicate its position to the
appropriate authorities. ·
if the ordnance in the net is large,
slowly lower the net to the bottom, mark its position with a buoy and advise
the appropriate authorities of its presence. ·
if a suspicious container is retrieved,
bring it on board only if it is intact.
If there is any risk that the container may break on board, lower it
back to the bottom, mark its position with a buoy and advise the appropriate
authorities of its presence ·
if ordnance is discovered, follow the
harbour-master office’s instructions. |
|
|
Others |
|
|
|
|
Signature Date
Pots, nets, longlines,
rotary bait
Lowering the lines
Crew members entangled in the lines
When the
equipment is lowered (the anchor chain, etc.), there is risk that a crew member
may become entangled in a turn of the line (coil: a closed ring formed by a
line wound around itself) and be injured or dragged overboard. Ensure that the crew members are expert and
that they are aware of the hazards.
Crew members struck by anchors/ballast/hawsers
If, when
fishing equipment is thrown, an error is made in the moving of markers,
anchors, ballast or lines, a crew member could be struck and injured. Crew members must be aware of the risks and
must pay very close attention during these operations. It is particularly important to exercise care
so that the work rhythm remains within safety margins. Working at excessive rhythms causes stress
and fatigue. Fatigue is a factor that
decreases the attention threshold and increases the probability of work
accidents.
No emergency measures in place
If a crew
member becomes entangled in equipment, falls, or is dragged overboard, it is
essential that everyone know what to do.
There must always be a knife or axe close to hand in order to free the
part caught in the equipment, and, for every circumstance, an action plan must
have been agreed to by all parties concerned.
Retrieving the lines
Missing winch shut-off
During the
retrieval phase, if the anchor chain is particularly long, the personnel tend
to ignore the winch controls in order to attend to other tasks. Sometimes, the control operator does not
manage to prevent the anchor from striking the winch and may be struck on the
head while trying to reach the controls.
The winch controls must never be left unattended. Use winches equipped with anchor locks.
Controls defective or placed badly
Control
malfunction constitutes a serious hazard that must be dealt with
immediately. As well, a control that is
badly located and difficult to reach may constitute a hazard in an emergency
situation.
No shut-off device in case of emergency
Examine the
general layout of your vessel and evaluate whether or not it is appropriate to
add a further shut-off device, in addition to the control already installed, in
case the winch operator is not able to operate the controls.
Worn pulleys
If the
pulleys are worn, the winch could slip and the equipment could be released in
an unexpected way, causing serious injury to the crew members.
Ejector knife damaged or missing
The ejector
knife is indispensable for ensuring that the line, after having passed through
the winch pulley, is ejected from the V section. If the knife is missing or damaged, it could
be hazardous to use the winch, since the line could wrap around the winch
itself, trapping the operator's hands.
|
FORM
FOR SPECIFIC RISKS COMMON TO: Fishing with pots, nets, longlines,
rotary bait |
||||
|
Work area/activity |
Possible risks |
Possible effects |
Actions to improve safety |
Safety-measures
checks on the vessel |
|
Lowering the equipment |
Crew member caught in the
equipment |
Serious accident / being
dragged overboard or drowned |
|
|
|
|
Crew members struck by
anchors/ballast/hawsers |
Serious or fatal accident |
|
|
|
|
No
emergency measures in place |
Serious or fatal accident |
|
|
|
Retrieving the equipment |
Missing winch shut-off |
Serious or fatal accident |
|
|
|
|
Controls defective or placed
badly |
Serious or fatal accident |
|
|
|
|
No shut-off system in case
of emergency |
Serious or fatal accident |
|
|
|
|
Worn winch pulleys |
The line escapes : serious accident |
|
|
|
|
Ejector
knife damaged or missing |
Serious accident |
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
Signature Date
Lowering and retrieving the lines
Lowering- and retrieving equipment
insufficiently protected
Carefully
examine the equipment on your vessel and, if there is a risk that someone's
fingers or clothing could become entangled in a moving part, install protective
devices where possible. Where this is
not possible, set up other forms of protection, such as emergency shut-off
devices.
Jellyfish falling on the winch
Large quantities
of jellyfish are sometimes brought on board.
Their irritating liquid may constitute a serious hazard for crew members
operating the winch. It is advisable to
wear face masks.
Fishing with pots
Crew member caught in the line thrown overboard
There is a
serious risk that a crew member caught in the lines may be dragged overboard
and drowned. Evaluate the risks on your
vessel and take the appropriate measures, limiting the number of pots per line,
reducing the throw speed, protecting the lines and ensuring that all crew
members are aware of the hazards.
Pots out of sequence
If a pot is
unexpectedly out of sequence, it could strike a crew member or drag him/her
overboard. If a pot is out of sequence
because it is being repaired, it must be clearly identified; in addition, pots
must be stacked in an orderly manner to prevent them from falling over and
becoming mixed up.
Pots caught by the lines
If a coil or
a line entangles a pot and drags it towards the deck, it could strike a crew
member, causing serious injuries. Ensure
that the pots are stacked well, far from any lines or coils. If possible, set up a barrier between the
pots and the lines.
Continual bending when working with pots
Fishing with
pots requires manual work. It is
therefore important that the pots are emptied and are loaded with bait at the
correct height, so as to avoid continuous bending and twisting of the
trunk. Ensure that the hoist makes it
possible to lift the pots to a sufficient height, so that they can easily be
transferred to the vessel's bulwark, without the crew members needing to lean
overboard.
Vessel overloaded with pots
When a new
fishing area is entered, as many pots as possible are used. This could overload and destabilise the
vessel, causing it to capsize or sink.
In addition, insufficient space on the vessel increases hazards when
lines are thrown. Ensure that the work
area is safe and that the vessel is not overloaded.
|
FORM FOR SPECIFIC RISKS COMMON TO: Fishing
with pots, nets, trawls and
rotary bait |
||||
|
Work area/activity |
Possible risks |
Possible effects |
Actions to improve safety |
Safety-measures
checks on
the vessel |
|
Lowering
and retrieving the equipment |
Equipment insufficiently
protected |
Serious accident |
|
|
|
|
Jellyfish falling on the
winch |
Irritating liquid, eye
injuries: serious health risk |
|
|
|
Fishing with pots |
Crew member caught in the lines
thrown overboard |
Serious or fatal accident |
|
|
|
|
Pots out of sequence |
Serious or fatal accident |
|
|
|
|
Pots caught
by the lines |
Serious or fatal accident |
|
|
|
|
Continual bending when
working with pots |
Back injuries |
|
|
|
|
Vessel overloaded with pots |
Capsizing and sinking |
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
Signature Date
Fishing with passive equipment (gill nets)
Crew members caught in the nets
Monofilament
nets may easily become entangled in the slightest obstacle. It is therefore necessary to exercise extreme
caution when they are thrown, maintaining a position which in sea vernacular is
called "to stand off". This makes it possible to avoid the hazards of
being dragged overboard by always keeping above the direction of the net
sliding. Crew members must wear clothing
free of anything that may become caught.
Do not wear rings, watches, etc. Always keep a knife near to hand. The containers from which the nets are slid
must be kept closed, even when the vessel is moving.
The net containers may fill up with water
If the net
containers fill up with water, they may affect the vessel's stability,
particularly on small vessels. The
containers must be equipped with adequate drainage and with covers, in order to
prevent them from filling up with water.
Fishing with trawls
Crew member injured by a hook
Lowering
trawls may be extremely hazardous and the hooks could cause serious injury to a
crew member, who could also be dragged overboard, with the risk of
drowning. Crew members involved with the
lowering and retrieval of the branch lines must be expert and must always have
a knife near to hand in order to cut the hook from the line.
Hooks removed from the slammer
On some
vessels, the slammer may sometimes jam and cause a hook to fly off, after
having broken the line. If this is a
problem on your vessel, crew members exposed to this risk must wear protective
glasses or masks.
Fishing with mechanised trawls
For personnel
safety, it is necessary that crew members are perfectly familiar with use of
the equipment and that they are aware of the hazards and of the precautions to
be taken.
Fishing with rotary bait
(including loose bait, etc.)
Risk of being caught in bait/hooks
Lines with
bait or hooks lying on the deck or on the bulwark constitute an obvious risk
for crew members. Where possible,
install protective devices or barriers.
Mechanised systems must be equipped with shut-off controls that are
easily reachable by personnel exposed to risk.
|
FORM FOR SPECIFIC RISKS COMMON TO: Fishing
with pots, nets, trawls and rotary bait |
||||
|
Work area/activity |
Possible risks |
Possible effects |
Actions to improve safety |
Safety-measures checks
on the
vessel |
|
Fishing
with nets: lowering and retrieving |
Crew member caught in the
nets |
Serious or fatal accident |
Wear clothing
free of anything that may become caught in the net.
Do not wear rings, watches, etc. Always keep a knife near to hand
|
|
|
|
The net containers may fill
up with water |
Vessel instability
(particularly on small vessels) |
|
|
|
Fishing with trawls |
Crew member injured by a
hook |
Slight to serious accident |
|
|
|
|
Hook removed by the
slammer |
Eye injuries: slight
accident |
|
|
|
|
Fishing with mechanised
trawls |
Slight to serious accident |
|
|
|
Fishing
with rotary bait (including loose bait, etc.) |
Risk of being caught in
bait/hooks |
Slight to serious accident |
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
Signature Date
Trawl fishing with beam-trawler equipment (fast)
Winch and warp hazards
Uncontrolled movements of lines and cables
In some
cases, the warp lines may move out of their normal slide grooves. Coming into contact with a moving warp may
cause serious injury. It may be argued
that crew members are not near the warps when the winches are in operation, but
there are some exceptions. If possible,
protective cages or barriers should be installed in all areas where personnel
could come into contact with the warps.
Alternatively, it is recommendable that workers on the aft deck exercise
extreme caution during winch operations, keeping as much of a safe distance as
possible from the cables. Time spent in
the aft area of the main deck must be reduced to the absolute minimum and
limited to the personnel carrying out the work.
Unprotected winches and machinery
Winches and
similar machinery with exposed moving parts are often located near working
personnel. Bumping into, or
inadvertently coming into contact with, this machinery could cause serious or
even fatal injury and, if there is a risk of touching moving parts, protective
cages or barriers must be installed.
Worn components: winches and pulleys in poor
operating condition
Drums,
blocks, pulleys, hooks, snap-hooks, rollers, cylinders and other equipment may
deteriorate rapidly and if grooves form on the slipping surfaces (races), they
may damage the warps. The winches'
braking systems, clutches, supports, controls and structures must be maintained
in perfect condition and, if damaged, must be replaced immediately, since any
malfunctioning could cause serious accidents.
Carry out frequent maintenance.
On many
vessels, the winch operator does not have a clear view of the work being done
aft and personnel are at risk if they do not keep a safe distance before the
winch is started up. Where possible,
make the necessary changes in order to enable the operator to have a clear view
of the work area. Alternatively, use an
effective signalling system. It is
preferable to use visual signals, since verbal communication may easily be
misunderstood.
Inadequate
shut-off systems
In emergency
conditions, it may be essential to stop the winch rapidly from a point other
than the normal control post. It is
recommended that the layout of the vessel and the types of operations carried
out be examined, evaluating the possibility of serious accident or damage to
the vessel. If necessary, install more
shut-off systems abaft for emergencies.
Not possible to throw fishing equipment/drag
nets overboard
In cases of emergency, or when
the vessel has run aground, it may be necessary, for reasons of safety, to
throw the trawl-fishing equipment overboard.
Strong currents with rollers may cause the vessel to capsize or sink,
with disastrous effects. Although such
an occurrence is highly improbable, it is necessary to take measures to ensure
that the trawl-fishing equipment may be thrown overboard rapidly and
safely. Avoid attaching the ends of the
steel cables
permanently to the
winch drums, so that the cables may be played out
outboard in case of emergency.
Gear and rigging
Worn pulleys and broken cables
Corrosion and
wear, or incorrect equipment size and quality, may quickly reduce the strength
of pulleys, gear and rigging. Under
normal circumstances, there are no serious consequences, but a heavier than
normal load may cause equipment breakdown, resulting in serious or fatal
injuries. Carry out frequent checks and
maintenance and do not hesitate to replace damaged equipment. The consequences, both material and moral, of
an accident or of injury, are certainly greater than the cost of replacing a
worn equipment component.
|
FORM
FOR SPECIFIC RISKS: Trawl fishing with beam-trawler equipment (fast) |
||||
|
Work area/activity |
Possible risks |
Possible effects |
Actions to improve safety |
Safety-measures checks on the vessel |
|
Winch or warp area |
Uncontrolled cable- or line
movement |
Serious accident |
|
|
|
|
Unprotected winches or
machinery |
Serious or fatal accident |
|
|
|
|
Worn components |
Damage to equipment Serious accident |
|
|
|
|
The winch operator does not
have a clear view of the work being done aft |
Serious accident |
|
|
|
|
Shut-off devices
inadequate for emergencies |
Serious accident Damage to the vessel |
|
|
|
|
Not possible to throw
fishing equipment/drag nets overboard (rods) |
Vessel capsizing or sinking |
|
|
|
Gear and rigging |
Worn pulleys or broken
cables |
Serious or fatal accident |
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
Signature Date
If a member of the crew is
struck by a trawl, serious or even fatal injuries may ensue. During high-speed
trawl fishing, the equipment (booms and trawls) is operated by a winch operator
who uses a whip, a cable fitted with a hook, which is connected to the warp
bell. This secures the boom hook. When pulling in or reeling out the trawl,
crew members working astern are exposed to the risk of being struck or dragged
overboard by a moving trawl. The size, length and mounting of this hook, and
the rigging and general layout of the vessel, must be such as to allow
activities - attaching and detaching cables – to be carried out safely. All
hands are to pay the greatest attention (in maritime parlance to stand off - see video), in
other words, to stay where they will avoid coming into contact with equipment
in motion (cables, chains, hooks and nets), especially when docking booms. All
hands must be properly trained in carrying out these operations correctly.
Extreme attention must be paid
lest hands or other limbs become trapped between the vessel and heavy
equipment. Ensure that crew can operate and repair equipment in complete safety
(restraining chains, fixed scaffolding, use of suitable PPE, especially in
adverse weather conditions, etc.)
The skipper must be thoroughly
familiar with the conditions determining the stability of his vessel. If the
derrick mast is subjected to excessive and/or lopsided load, the vessel may
capsize, especially if she is small and the weather conditions are
adverse.
When attempting to free equipment
grounded on the seabed, it can easily happen that the vessel is subjected to
excessive load. Quick-release devices must be used to transfer the load from
the derrick mast to one side of the vessel, thus reducing the risk of
capsizing.
The quick-release devices used
to transfer the warp from the derrick masthead to the side of the vessel must
be kept in good working order. Regular maintenance is thus required.
SPECIFIC
RISKS: Trawl fishing with beam-trawler equipment (fast)
|
||||
|
Work Area |
Possible risks |
Possible effects |
Actions to improve safety |
Safety-measures check
on the
vessel |
|
Working on the deck Lowering and retrieving nets
|
Crew member struck by moving
heavy equipment |
Serious or fatal injury |
|
|
|
|
Hands/other limbs caught in equipment |
Serious injury |
|
|
|
Vessel stability |
Instability caused by
excessive and/ or unequal load on derrick mast. |
Loss of vessel, fatalities. |
|
|
|
|
Equipment grounds on seabed.
|
Capsizing, fatalities. |
|
|
|
|
Quick-release devices fail
to operate |
Capsizing, fatalities. |
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
Signature Date
Avoid at all costs that
crew have to lean out too far over the stern board railings to attach the boom
can hook. If necessary, reposition the hoist or adjust the line length. If crew
still have to lean out over the railings, a safety harness must be used, especially
during adverse sea conditions.
When a boom is raised and
pulled back on board, it may swivel hazardously, especially when sea conditions
make the vessel unstable. This constitutes a risk to crew operating the boom. A
device must be fitted to limit such trawl movement.
This type of trawling is unique in that
it requires the presence of two men to operate the winch, since its operation
requires great care, speed and co-ordinated movement. A clear set of signals
must therefore be developed to enable the winch operators, warp bell operators
and net operators to understand each other and thus avoid accidents.
Nets may contain
unexpected and hazardous items and thus place crew and the vessel at risk.
Heavy loads may cause the derrick mast to break and injure crew. Raising heavy
loads may also jeopardise vessel stability and cause it to capsize. Crew are
therefore to pay the utmost attention and keep at a safe distance when moving
heavy loads, if necessary by opening the net and jettisoning excess weight.
Crew must be made aware
that nets or traps may contain hazardous objects among the catch. While highly
unlikely, such occurrences may have extremely serious consequences. Whenever
unexploded ordnance is discovered, the guidelines of the Port Authority are to
be followed to the letter (see instructions on preceding sheets).
SPECIFIC
RISKS: Trawl fishing with beam-trawler equipment (fast)
|
||||
|
Work Area |
Possible risks |
Possible effects |
Actions to improve safety |
Safety-measures
checks on the vessel |
|
Raising/unloading nets |
Leaning overboard to attach
whip hook |
Falling overboard |
·
Avoid at all costs that crew members have to
lean out
over the railing to attach the whip hook to the boom can hook.
a safety
harness must be used, especially during adverse sea conditions |
|
|
|
Crew struck by net or boom |
Serious injury/ man
overboard |
equipment movement |
|
|
|
Winch operators do not have
a clear view of crew operating stern equipment. |
Serious injury |
and trawl
operators. |
|
|
|
Excessive loads (equipment
fouled with sludge or rocks) |
Serious injury/ damage to vessel |
a safe distance when moving heavy loads |
|
|
|
Hazardous objects in catch |
Serious injury/ Damage to vessel |
ordnance) among
the catch. Whenever unexploded ordnance is discovered, the instructions of the Coastguard are to be followed to the
letter. |
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
Signature Date
When handling the catch, crew may
be seriously injured if they trip, slip or fall because the deck is slippery or
because non-slip equipment has not been properly maintained. Check how your
vessel measures up and remove potential obstacles such as unnecessary spars,
rods or spare parts. Find an effective non-slip product to apply to the main
deck, and re-treat at regular intervals.
Ensure that containers are properly secured and do not constitute an
obstacle to crew. Whenever warps have to be walked over, have a protective
structure installed that is strong enough to support the weight of a man
carrying a container. If necessary, install handrails to allow crew to move
about easily and a railing or other supporting structure, to allow crew
cleaning the catch to maintain their balance when the vessel is under way.
Sharks, barracuda, weevers, scorpion fish, electric rays, moray eels, conger
ells, jellyfish, and sea urchins are all hazardous because they can bite,
sting, and cause irritation and burning to the skin. Such species are an
obvious hazard to crew, as are the tentacles of jellyfish and other poisonous
marine creatures. More experienced crew will know how to handle them, but
younger crew may be unaware of these hazards and should be made aware of the
hazard they represent.
If your vessel uses machinery,
assess the risk of accident and the appropriate preventive measures. Does your conveyor belt or hoist have an emergency
shut-off device? Is it conveniently
located? Will the crew have to get close to such equipment and run the risk of
touching it?
Cleaning and processing
equipment must be operated only by crew who are trained in operating it
properly and safely. Ensure that all manufacturer-supplied protective devices
are fitted and working. When such equipment is being cleaned, ensure it is
disconnected from the power supply.
Some people can suffer allergic reactions
to the products used to preserve prawns, such as heart attack or asthma. Crew
must be made aware of the risks and if subject to asthma attack should not take
part in this phase of processing.
All
precautionary measures recommended by suppliers of preservative products must be
scrupulously observed.
STANDARD FORM: Handling the
Catch
|
||||
|
Work Area |
Possible risks |
Possible effects |
Actions to improve safety |
Safety-measures check
on the
vessel |
|
Manual catch handling
and sorting (Injuries) (Striated muscles) |
Deck unsafe |
Falls: cuts, injuries Disturbance of striated muscles,
permanent lesions to striated muscle system, contamination by toxic
substances |
|
|
|
|
Hazardous species |
Bites, stings, lacerations,
etc. |
|
|
|
|
Limbs/clothing caught in
conveyor belts or hoists |
Serious injury |
|
|
|
|
Cleaning and processing
machinery |
Loss of limb, Serious injury |
|
|
|
|
Manual catch sorting (flying) (high-speed)
|
Injuries caused by poor
posture, wounds, irritation, burns. Osteo-articular disorders caused by keeping
hands in refrigerated water for lengthy periods. |
|
|
|
|
Preserving shell-fish |
Heart attack and asthma
attack |
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
Signature Date
Stowing
the catch (in cold storage or deep-freeze)
If the floor in the fish hold
is slippery or encumbered or lacks water drainage systems, crew can easily
fall, causing themselves serious injury. In cases where there is limited room
to move because of poorly-stowed crates or containers that crew have to climb
upon in order to lift the fish, the risk of falling and suffering injury
increases. Flooring should be treated with non-slip paint.
Without adequate lighting,
crew run the risk of not seeing potential hazards, slipping or falling. The
lighting in the fish hold must be uniform throughout.
In general, fish crates are
lowered through the hatch by means of a hoist. The hooks on the crates can slip
or the crates can fall over the edge before the hooks are attached. If a 25-40
kg crate falls, striking a member of the crew, it can cause serious injury.
Consequently, when the catch is stowed in the hold, the crew should keep a safe
distance. Alternatively, the catch may be moved up an inclined plane, thus eliminating
the risk to crew working below. Use protective headgear.
Check to see that access to
the fish hold is safe. Ensure that the companionway is in good condition and
cannot slip. Ensure that the supports make it possible to ascend and descend
the ladder safely.
If crew have to climb in order
to fetch ice, ensure they have handles and supports to hold on.
When fish crates are
over-filled they cannot be stowed safely. There is a risk that when the vessel
is in motion they may slip and the entire stack may collapse, with consequences
to crew working in the hold that are potentially extremely serious. Avoid
over-filling crates. When stacking crates ensure that they
are properly aligned, one on top of the other. If necessary, install
pins/rods as reinforcement.
It is advisable never to work
alone in the fish hold. If this is unavoidable, ensure that the crew on watch
are aware of the fact and check back on the crew member regularly. Put up a
“man inside” sign and before entering ensure it works properly.
Ensure that the hatches and
entrances to cold storage and freezer spaces are fitted with safety blocking
devices, and ensure they work properly.
-
Do
not stay inside the space for lengthy periods.
-
When
inside, do not breathe through your mouth.
-
When
handling crates, ensure your posture is correct: stand with
feet 18 inches apart, lower the body by bending the knees, and lift crate of
fish by straightening the knees and whenever possible keeping your trunk
upright. Do not lift excessive loads and do not remain in the same position for
prolonged periods.
STANDARD FORM: STOWING THE CATCH
|
||||
|
Work Area |
Possible risks |
Possible effects |
Actions to improve safety |
Safety-measures
checks on the vessel |
|
Stowing the catch (in cold storage or deep-freeze) |
Unsafe flooring in fish hold
and work area |
Falls: minor or serious
injury |
and remove
potential obstacles from fish hold floor.
which crew must
climb to lift fish from working area. |
|
|
|
Insufficient lighting |
Failure to see potential
hazards |
·
Lighting
in fish hold must be uniform throughout. |
|
|
|
Falling fish crates |
Serious injury |
keep a safe distance.
Alternatively, catch may be moved up an inclined plane, thus
eliminating the risk to
crew working below.
necessary
because of potential hazard.
shelters located on deck or making ice
from seawater, using
machines located on deck. This would reduce the amount of handling of crates and ice between the deck and the
cold-storage/freezer spaces. Shelters could be made so that unloading the catch at
dockside is automated. |
|
|
|
Unsafe companionway to fish
hold. |
Serious or fatal injury |
and
cannot slip.
|
|
|
|
Falls when fetching ice |
Minor to serious injury |
|
|
|
|
Stacks collapse when crates
are over-filled |
Injury from being crushed |
are properly aligned and
stacked on top of
each other. |
|
|
|
Working alone |
Injuries: no-one else aware |
aware
of the fact and check regularly.
ensure it works
properly. |
|
|
|
Cold-storage and freezer
spaces: hatches and entrances |
Injuries such as trauma and
wounds from being shut in accidentally |
storage and freezer spaces are fitted
with safety locking
devices, and ensure they work properly.
|
|
|
|
Conduct when working in cold
storage and freezer spaces |
Disorders of the respiratory
tract and striated muscles |
correct: stand
with feet 18 inches apart, lower the body by bending the knees,
and lift crates of fish by straightening
the knees and whenever possible
keeping your trunk upright. Do not lift excessive loads and do not
remain in the same position
for prolonged periods. |
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
Signature Date
If equipment starts to
malfunction or jams, or if it is damaged, crew tend to take risks rather than
correct the problem. Leaning over the railing, for instance, is risky and
before doing so crew should put on a safety harness and/or life-vest,
especially when adverse sea conditions reduce their ability to maintain their
balance.
Train
crew on the
correct conduct in such circumstances.
When trying to
repair equipment rapidly, crew often disregard safety rules. Sanders and
similar tools should be used only by crew wearing protective goggles and
gloves. All care should be taken to avoid electric shock. Always use isolators
and keep tools and safety equipment in a dry, easily accessible place where it
cannot be damaged.
When replacing damaged
equipment, it is sometimes necessary to lift heavy objects. These are often
lifted using ordinary ropes, which may not be strong enough for the load, or
may slip. Such items, therefore, must be lifted only using secure slings. The
vessel must be equipped with a full range of slings for every eventuality, and
placed in easily accessible locations. If in an emergency it is necessary to
use the first rope that comes to hand, ensure it is strong enough to lift the
load in question so as not to make an already critical situation even more
precarious.
Worn, damaged or unsuitable
tools can be a serious problem and can cause serious accidents when used. A
certain number of tools in perfect working order should be kept in a suitable,
easily accessible container for when repairs need to be made.
G7
|
STANDARD FORM: Equipment
defects – repair |
||||
|
Work Area |
Possible risks |
Possible effects |
Actions to improve safety |
Safety-measures check
on the
vessel |
|
Equipment defects: repair |
Leaning over the railing |
Man overboard |
|
|
|
|
Climbing to free equipment |
Injury, man overboard |
|
|
|
|
Worn cables |
Lacerations |
|
|
|
|
Sanders |
Damage to eyes Electric
shock |
|
|
|
|
Lifting heavy objects without a proper
sling |
Serious injury |
|
|
|
|
Unsuitable tools |
Delay, accident |
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
Signature Date
If watch crew fall asleep, the
consequences could be disastrous. It is imperative, therefore, to put suitable
safety measures in place. Crew must have sufficient rest and must always have
coffee or tea at hand in order to refresh themselves. If the fishing voyages
last more than a few hours, the vessel must have an alarm system to announce
changes of watch. Use a system that sounds an alarm in the cabin if no reply is
received from the wheelhouse.
The skipper must ensure that
constant watch is kept and that the vessel can be kept under control in all
circumstances. Crew on watch are never to leave the wheelhouse unattended. All
it takes is to fill a thermos before going on watch and then there will be no
need to go to the galley to make a drink.
If the controls in the
wheelhouse are left to inexperienced crew, the vessel may run aground and other
incidents occur with a high cost in human life. The skipper must therefore
ensure that watch crew are experienced and trained to deal with any situation.
Spending hours on end in the
wheelhouse, standing, hunched up or sitting in an uncomfortable position may
cause a variety of chronic conditions. Great attention needs to be paid to
spinal problems caused by remaining in an uncomfortable position. Install a
seat with a proper backrest.
Cooking near lighted stoves,
boiling water and saucepans on lighted stoves when the vessel is under way can
pose a serious risk to inexpert crew. Ensure that galley crew are given the
necessary training before working in the galley so they are aware of the
potential hazards. The galley must also be equipped with suitable equipment to
ensure that saucepans do not fall (i.e. restraining grills for saucepans and
dishes).
Galleys are often very small
and on many vessels it is necessary to go through the galley to reach the
wheelhouse. If the way is cluttered with boxes and utensils, it is easy for
someone to trip and fall upon the person working at the stove, with serious
consequences. Ensure that refuse and other items are stowed safely.
Ensure that the floor in the
galley has a non-slip floor covering. All it takes is to slip while carrying a
saucepan full of boiling water to cause serious burns.
Unless strict hygiene
standards governing food storage, preparation and consumption are observed,
crew run the risk of food poisoning. All crew involved in food preparation must
be fully aware of these risks and take the appropriate food hygiene and health
measures.
Cooking gas is extremely
hazardous. Being heavier than air it tends to collect in the bottom of the
vessel in the event of leak. All it takes is one spark or a tiny flame to cause
an explosion. Check the condition of the gas system and the alarm to be fitted.
Crew are responsible for knowing that used gas cylinders must be shut off. Stow
cylinders in the open with appropriate anchor points, and check them, as well
as the feed lines running into the galley.
STANDARD FORM: WHEELHOUSE AND GALLEY
|
||||
|
Work Area |
Possible risks |
Possible effects |
Actions to improve safety |
Safety-measures
check on
the vessel |
|
Wheelhouse operations |
Sleeping on watch |
Sinking, death |
|
|
|
|
Wheelhouse unattended |
Sinking, death |
|
|
|
|
Inexpert crew |
Sinking, death |
|
|
|
|
Uncomfortable standing or
sitting positions |
Back problems, leg problems |
|
|
|
Galley |
Inexpert crew |
Injury, burns, fire |
|
|
|
|
Cluttered work area |
Tripping, falling |
|
|
|
|
Slippery floors |
Slipping |
|
|
|
|
Defective hygiene |
Food poisoning |
|
|
|
|
Cooking gas |
Explosion, fire, sinking,
fatal accident |
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
Signature Date
Crew with access to the engine
room may trip or fall over various obstacles, with serious consequences.
Ladders must be in good condition, and have non-slip strips on the rungs and
supports at the top. A typical hazard is that of diesel drums cluttering the
companionway up and down into the engine room.
Passages where floor plates
are damaged/ missing or slippery and fitted with inadequate handrails are
hazardous and may cause serious accidents. Floor plates must be properly laid
and with non-slip coverings, and handrails must
prevent crew from falling upon hazardous machinery.
A common problem in engine
rooms is inadequate lighting, which means that potential hazards cannot be
seen. Good lighting is necessary not only in the main passageways but also in
areas behind the machinery or low down, where good visibility is required
during maintenance. To make access safer, place a switch at the top of the
ladders. Provide a portable lamp in the engine room.
Obstacles at head height are
almost unavoidable in engine rooms and may have very serious consequences. The
lighting must be such as to enable crew to identify obstacles clearly. Post
suitable warning signs and fit protective padding wherever it is deemed
necessary.
Unshielded machinery is a
serious risk to crew. For instance, transmission belts may be hazardous if
unshielded, of if the shielding is inadequate. In cases where transmission
belts are not shielded because they run beneath the deck floor plates or are
set apart from the areas where crew work, set in place adequate occupational
safety procedures to avoid crew coming into contact with moving parts when
working on the engines.
Hot pipes and surfaces
constitute an obvious hazard. Insulate hot pipes and ensure that insulating
shields are fitted and in good condition. In cases where work is to be done on
insulating materials containing asbestos, apply the measures laid down in the
Ministerial Decree of
Noise in engine rooms is
hazardous to the ears. Crew must wear protective headsets. When noise levels
reach or exceed 100 dbA, which is typical of most
engine rooms (see RISK FACTORS), all it takes is a few minutes’ exposure to
cause permanent hearing damage. Ensure that crew working in engine rooms wear
proper hearing protectors. The engineer is to undergo regular health
inspections (as paid down in Legislative Decree 271/99 excepting
the instructions in Legislative Decree 277/91). The vibration generated
by the engines and transmitted to the structures in the engine room is absorbed
by the striated muscle system of crew working in the engine room and make cause
serious damage. It is advisable to design appropriate damping systems (silent
blocks) when the propulsion system is fitted and extend them to the materials
lining the engine room.
Fit adequate ventilation and
air circulation systems to improve the working environment in the engine room.
This applies to both exhaust fumes and the heat and humidity in the room.
Fire is one of the main risks
in the engine room and is often caused by leaking fuel or diesel fuel catching
fire when coming into contact with hot surfaces.
Supply absorbent material
(sand, sawdust, rags). Smoking or naked flames must be prohibited. Have fire
extinguishers present and ready for use, and clearly signed. Ensure that the
fire alarm and fire-fighting equipment are maintained regularly. Train crew in
the correct use of fire-fighting equipment, the correct fire prevention
behaviour, and the correct procedures to follow in case of fire. Frequent
maintenance is to be carried out to ensure that tanks, feed lines, valves,
pumps, etc. are in good condition.
Fires break out more easily
when the engine room is particularly dirty. If the engine room is littered with
refuse, it is harder to detect fuel leaks that may start a fire. Should spills
of flammable liquids be discovered, the area must be cleaned immediately using
the appropriate absorbent materials (sand, sawdust, rags). There is to be no
smoking or naked flames.
|
STANDARD FORM: ENGINE ROOM |
||||
|
Work Area |
Possible risks |
Possible effects |
Actions to improve safety |
Safety-measures check
on the
vessel |
|
Engine
room |
Access difficult, falls |
Serious injury |
|
|
|
|
Passages unsafe |
Accidents: Tripping, slipping, falling. Minor or serious injury |
|
|
|
|
Inadequate lighting |
Hazards cannot be seen |
|
|
|
|
Obstacles at head height |
Head injury |
|
|
|
VIDEO |
Machinery and transmission
belts |
Serious injury, loss of limb
|
|
|
|
|
Exposed hot surfaces PHOTO |
Burns |
Adopt similar
working/protective procedures (P3 filter masks) when working on insulating
materials containing refractory ceramic fibre (substitute for asbestos). |
|
|
|
Noise Vibration |
Damage to hearing,
psycho-physical stress, damage to striated muscle system. |
|
|
|
|
Microclimate |
Heat fatigue, pollution from
fuel and combustion products, dust
etc. |
|
|
|
|
Fuel and lubricant leaks |
Fire, sinking, death |
|
|
|
|
Engine room dirty |
Leaks hard to detect. Fire. |
|
|
Signature Date
ENGINE ROOM
Batteries can explode if
hydrogen and oxygen leaks are not eliminated. Explosions can be set off by
smoke, flames or sparks. Check that the battery compartment is properly
ventilated, keep batteries in perfect condition, and do not leave tools or
spares on top of them. There is to be no smoking near batteries, and no naked
flames. Batteries are to be securely anchored. Post chemical hazard warning
signs (corrosive substance). When servicing batteries, use
proper personal protective equipment (gloves, goggles, special clothing, etc.).
Dispose of used batteries by taking them to the local territorial consortium.
Fishing vessels have various
electrical systems on board, from 24V DC to 240V AC and three-phase systems.
High voltage systems are a potential hazard and the appropriate measures need
to be taken to avoid any risk. Even 24VDC systems can be hazardous because they
can cause fire if they short-circuit and if they come into contact with water
they can be fatal. Ensure that all electrical devices work properly and that
fuses and isolators are calibrated correctly. Fit metal protective mesh on
lamps to prevent combustible substances from coming into contact with hot light
bulbs (this is a fire hazard). Plan frequent inspections and
regular maintenance by expert crew, using regulation materials.
Compressed air generates
considerable potential energy, which can cause explosions if tanks or cylinders
are damaged. An explosion in a pipe can cause serious injury. Crew should never
make improper use of compressed air tubes or equipment. Regular maintenance
required.
When a suitable primer is
present, leaking hydraulic fluids can catch fire. Leaking fluids can also cause
a general breakdown, leaving the vessel unmanageable, e.g. by causing winches,
winding drums, or the helm to malfunction. Ensure that the hydraulic pump and
system are in perfect working order. Regular maintenance required.
The drinking and sanitary
water distribution and storage systems (storage tanks, distribution pumps and
piping) need to be cleaned and disinfected regularly.
A high percentage of all losses
is caused by flooding, and similarly, many vessels are
saved thanks only to their pumps. Among the factors that can cause a vessel to
rapidly flood are corroded piping, loose mountings, and worn-out seals and
valves. Inspect and maintain all
hydraulic systems.
If flooding is to be
successfully halted, it is essential that it be detected as early as possible.
A bilge pump alarm must therefore be fitted and regularly inspected to ensure
it works properly.
In many cases, the flooding of
a vessel could have been halted simply by closing the sea chests, but that was
impossible because they were fouled or completely submerged.
Ensure that sea chests are in
perfect working order and if necessary fit extensions so they can still be
operated when submerged.
Crew assigned to operating and
maintaining engines and other equipment must be experienced and trained so that
all key components work perfectly. A lack of experience and technical skill may
have serious consequences.
G13
|
STANDARD FORM: ENGINE ROOM |
||||
|
Work Area |
Possible risks |
Possible effects |
Actions to improve safety |
Safety-measures check
on the
vessel |
|
|
Batteries |
Explosion, fire |
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|
Electricity |
Electric shock, burns, fire |
|
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|
Compressed air |
Explosion |
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|
Hydraulic systems |
Machinery breakdown, vessel
at risk |
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|
Corroded piping, loose
mountings, worn seals |
Flooding, sinking, possible
fatalities |
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Bilge pump alarm not working
|
Impossible to detect
flooding |
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|
Intake valve fouled or
inaccessible |
Impossible to contain
flooding |
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|
Lack of experience and
training |
Accidents, risk to crew and
vessel |
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Other |
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|
Signature Date
Engine
room
A vessel may have newly-fitted
equipment or systems on board, such as a refrigeration unit or ice machine.
Unless the crew assigned to operate and maintain them have received adequate
training and instruction, the lack of essential technical knowledge may gravely
endanger both crew and/or vessel. When new equipment or systems are installed,
ensure that crew are given the necessary training and information.
Onboard the majority of
fishing vessels, technical work is normally carried out by one man alone, whose
task it is to conduct regular inspections of the engine room, operate the
pumps, move fuel, and so on, working alone in the engine room. Should that man
have an accident, no-one would know. The helmsman must therefore be notified
where and when one crew member is working alone.
The fire-fighting equipment in
the engine room must be inspected regularly. Although certain minimum standards
are laid down in regulations, it is still necessary to look at the vessel
closely in order to identify possible fire hazards and establish the necessary
fire orders. If necessary, install additional equipment or locate existing
equipment more suitably.
STANDARD FORM: ENGINE ROOM
|
||||
|
Work Area |
Possible risks |
Possible effects |
Actions to improve safety |
Safety-measures check
on the
vessel |
|
Engine room |
Accidents or damage caused
by inexperience |
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|
Working alone |
Accidents unnoticed |
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|
Fire-fighting equipment
inadequate or in poor condition |
Sinking: fatalities |
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Other |
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Signature Date
When floors
and passageways are cluttered with stores, kit and equipment, they represent a
hazard and could cause falls. In an emergency, crew could suffer serious consequences if
floors and passageways are cluttered. Stow all kit properly and keep all floors
and passageways clear.
The lighting should be
suitable for all eventualities. It should be possible to dim and brighten the
lighting in the cabins. Each berth should have its own drapes and lights. If
lighting is insufficient, it is impossible to see obstacles, thus increasing
the risk of accident. Repair defective lamps and check that the lighting is
sufficient in all spaces. Ensure that emergency lighting is in good working
order.
Falling down a companion may
have serious consequences. Look at all openings in decks and if necessary
install railings or protective barriers to prevent crew from falling down them.
Ensure that the tops of all ladders have supports.
Noise pollution causes hearing
damage in proportion to its level and the length of exposure. Even brief
periods of exposure when repeated over a long time may cause hearing damage. It
is important that crew should not be exposed to noise when resting. High levels
of noise in cabins or wardrooms can cause serious hearing damage over time.
Check the noise levels onboard your vessel and if necessary install
soundproofing.
Unless adequate ventilation is
installed, crew health may be at risk owing to a lack of fresh air and high
humidity levels. The temperature in quarters must be appropriate. Spaces are
often over-heated because waste pipes cross them. Ensure that oxygen-rich air
is blown into spaces occupied by crew and insulate conduits to reduce heat
dispersion.
The toxic emissions and flames
that can be caused by a defective heating system can have extremely serious
consequences. Ensure that all heating systems onboard are in perfect working
order.
In an emergency, emergency
exits are vitally important, for without them crew could be trapped and die.
Ensure that emergency exits are not obstructed by stores or equipment,
and that hatches can be opened easily and are not painted or rusted shut.
Ensure that emergency exits are usable. Are they easily accessible? Can all
crew pass through the openings?
Smoking is hazardous to
non-smokers and can cause serious conditions over time. Ensure that smoking
does not adversely affect non-smokers among crew working on board.
STANDARD FORM: CREW QUARTERS
|
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|
Work Area |
Possible risks |
Possible effects |
Actions to improve safety |
Safety-measures check
on the
vessel |
|
Quarters |
Cluttered floor and passage-
ways |
Tripping, slipping, falling. Minor or serious injuries |
|
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|
Inadequate lighting |
Hazards cannot be seen |
|
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|
Companionways |
Falling, minor or serious
injuries |
|
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|
Noise |
Hearing damage, insufficient
rest |
|
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|
|
Lack of ventilation, inappropriate temperature |
Poor health |
|
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|
Inefficient heating system |
Emission, flame |
|
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|
Emergency exits obstructed
or blocked. |
Loss of life |
|
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|
|
Smoking in quarters |
Health hazard to non-smokers
|
|
|
Signature Date
Smoking in berths must be
strictly prohibited as it can cause fires.
The fire-fighting equipment must be
inspected regularly. Although certain minimum standards are laid down in
regulations, it is still necessary to look at the vessel closely in order to
identify possible fire hazards and draw up the necessary fire orders. If
necessary, install additional equipment or locate existing equipment more
suitably.
Inadequate hygienic facilities
for the crew may have serious consequences. A vessel that goes out fishing on a
daily basis requires only very simple facilities, but a vessel that remains at
sea for several days on end must have adequate hygienic facilities.
STANDARD FORM: CREW QUARTERS
|
||||
|
Work Area |
Possible risks |
Possible effects |
Actions to improve safety |
Safety-measures check
on the
vessel |
|
Quarters |
Smoking in berths |
Fire, sinking, loss of life |
|
|
|
|
Fire-fighting equipment
inadequate or in poor condition |
Sinking, loss of life |
|
|
|
|
Inadequate hygienic
facilities for length of voyage |
Hygiene problems |
·
A
vessel that remains at sea for several days must have adequate hygienic
facilities. |
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
Signature Date
Toxic
gas in the fish hold (especially when fish is stored in bulk)
The fish hold is an
enclosed space without any air circulation system. Consequently, it has to be
examined with extreme care, especially if the hatch has remained closed for any
length of time. If the hold is full, there will be little room to breathe and
the bacterial action of the fish may consume what little oxygen there is.
Bacterial processes can produce hydrogen sulphide. Since the absence of oxygen
or the presence of toxic gases can be fatal, it is necessary to take the
requisite precautions. Before starting unloading, open the hatches of the fish
hold to let fresh air into the space. Inform the crew of possible hazards.
Use appropriate safety
signs.
In cases of real hazard,
determine the concentration of oxygen before entering the space and follow the
procedures for enclosed spaces to the letter.
It is extremely easy to
slip, trip or fall during unloading. Crew are moving continuously between the
vessel and the quay, crates and pallets are scattered about, and both the
vessel and the mole are covered with ice. Falls can have negligible effects,
but if a crew member happens to fall from the vessel to the quay or from the
deck the fall can be fatal. Unloading must therefore be organised in such a way
as to reduce the risk of slipping and falling to the minimum. Keep work areas
clean, remove fallen ice, and stack crates in a safe place. Ensure the quay is
lit as well as possible.
When in motion, hooks
and crates loaded with fish constitute risk factors and can cause serious
injury. Crew involved in these activities need to be aware of the hazards and
if necessary wear appropriate protective headgear.
Ensure that hooks are
strong and suitable for the crates in use. Check that the derrick gear and the
ramp are in good working order. Determine the maximum number of crates that can
be safely lifted at any one time.
Warp
bells used in unloading operations
Sometimes, warp bells
form vaults or coils that can drag the operator into the rotating head, causing
serious and even fatal injuries. The intensity of the activity on shore and the
highly repetitive nature of unloading operations can easily distract crew, who
are then liable to make mistakes. Many vessels are fitted with special
unloading winches with controls placed where the operator can control both the
fish hold and the quay. If warp bells must be used, crew must be informed of
the risks.
Forklifts, trucks and
other vehicles may be operating in the vessel’s unloading area. All crew
involved in unloading must be aware of the risk posed by the presence of
vehicles on the quay.
If the vessel is
operating in a resort area, it is possible that outsiders may be present. If
unloading is carried out in a public place, ensure not to expose members of the
public to any risk. Should an accident occur, you may be sued. Put up barriers
and notices to inform and warn the public.
|
STANDARD FORM: UNLOADING THE CATCH
|
|
||||
|
Work Area |
Possible risks |
Possible effects |
Actions to improve safety |
Safety-measures
checks on the vessel |
|
|
Unloading |
Toxic gas in fish hold |
Suffocation, death |
|
|
|
|
* |
Hazardous work areas onboard
and ashore |
Slipping, tripping, falling:
minor to serious injuries |
|
|
|
|
Mechanical and manual
handling |
Moving crates and hooks,
overloading the striated muscle system |
Head injuries, damage to
striated muscle system |
|
|
|
|
|
Worn or damaged lifting
equipment |
Serious injury |
|
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|
|
|
Fish or crates fall through
the hatch |
Minor to serious injury |
|
|
|
|
|
Unloading using warp bells |
Operator dragged by cable:
serious or fatal injury |
|
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|
Forklifts and other vehicles
|
Accidents, serious injury |
|
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|
* |
Outsiders |
Injury, legal action |
|
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Other |
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|
Signature Date
Maintenance can be carried out
by contractors whose personnel may be unaware of the risks associated with
working on board fishing vessels. In the same way, maintenance activities
carried out by contractor may put the health of the crew at risk. It is
essential that all parties work together to ensure that the best possible
safety standards prevail. Ensure that contractors adhere to strict safety
standards such as those laid down in Legislative Decree 271/99, and that their
employees take adequate precautions. Inform contractors of the hazards that may
be present on your vessel. Your shipowner is to
co-ordinate preventive and protective measures with the contractor or
independent mechanic.
Crew and other persons working
aloft are to wear safety harnesses. Ensure that they do so and that harnesses
are available for contractor personnel as well.
Although it is considered
highly unlikely that someone might fall overboard during maintenance in port,
such falls may have serious consequences. This is also because of the
difficulty in coming to the assistance of the man overboard because of the
proximity of other vessels moored close together. Crew and other persons
working over the side or in exposed locations are to take the greatest care and
when working in highly exposed locations are to wear appropriate safety
harnesses. Where for valid reasons this is not feasible, they are to wear life
vests with a flotation rating of at least 100 newtons.
This will prevent the man overboard from drowning even if he loses conscience.
When working aloft, tools are
to be raised and lowered in containers, never thrown. Crew and other persons
working aloft are to wear appropriate protective headgear.
Activities such as these
constitute a risk not only to those carrying them out but also to those nearby.
Protective goggles, special gloves, and dust masks are to be worn. The
machinery used to spray-clean trawl nets is very noisy. The use of earplugs or
hearing protectors is recommended. (See video.)
Paint and other products such
as adhesives give off fumes and particles that can be hazardous, such as
solvents, additives, and lead particles from sanders. If the area where work is
being carried out is not open and well ventilated, crew and other persons are
to wear appropriate dust and gas masks. Ensure, besides, that portable forced
air ventilators are put in place to provide air circulation. As regards the
specific risks associated with toxic substances and products, follow the instructions
laid down on the relevant safety sheets. Personal protective equipment is to be
used. Dispose of refuse in accordance with the regulations in force
(Legislative Decree 22/97).
When hoisting objects, use
suitable slings after calculating the maximum weight the gear can support.
Raise objects using suitable hoisting points or ensuring that slings are safe.
Position the gear on the vessel after ascertaining it is solid.
If crew have to weld or
solder, ensure they have the training and experience to recognise the risks and
take the required precautions. Before starting work, ensure that crew or other
persons working nearby are aware of whatever hazard there might be, e.g.
sparks, metal slivers, fumes, and so on. Flammable materials are to be moved
carefully and the area is to be cleared to avoid fire hazards. Fire
extinguishers are to be always at hand. PPE is to be used (goggles, masks,
gloves, etc). If welding/soldering is to take place in enclosed spaces, ensure that
portable forced air circulation appliances are present.
|
STANDARD
FORM: MAINTENANCE
|
|
||||
|
Work Area |
Possible risks |
Possible effects |
Actions to improve safety |
Safety-measures
checks on the vessel |
|
|
Maintenance |
Contractors not observing
safety standards |
Injury, death, legal action |
|
|
|
|
|
Working aloft |
Falling, serious injury |
|
|
|
|
|
Working over the side |
Falling, drowning |
|
|
|
|
|
Falling objects |
Head injuries |
|
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|
|
Sanding, chiselling,
scouring, spraying |
Damage to eyes, lungs and
hands. |
|
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|
Fumes from paint and other
products |
Respiratory problems,
suffocating |
|
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|
|
Hoisting |
Breakdown, serious injury |
|
|
|
|
|
Welding, soldering |
Eye injury, burns, electric
shock, flame |
|
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|
Signature Date
All electric instruments and
tools are to be in good order. Their controls must work and protective features
fitted. Extensions must be in good condition and laid
neatly to prevent crew and other persons from tripping. As a final safety
measure, use emergency switches.
If chemicals are used in
cleaning or other operations, such as greasing, ensure that product information
is read carefully and take all relevant precautions. Follow the instructions in
the safety leaflet that must be provided to the user. Use PPE (gloves, goggles,
masks, etc). Dispose of waste as provided by the regulations in force (Leg. Decr. 22/97).
Refrigerants are to be handed
with extreme care. If they escape into the air they may eliminate the oxygen
and exposure may cause loss of consciousness. In liquid form, refrigerants can
burn the skin. Only more experienced crew are to have access to refrigerating
systems. Use appropriate PPE.
Leaking propane can catch fire
and explode. As it is heavier than air, leaking gas tends to accumulate at the
bottom of the vessel and may fail to be detected during checks. Aside from
being explosive, LPG is also a hazardous asphyxiant.
Gas fittings and appliances call for the utmost care and attention. Stow gas
cylinders in a well-ventilated location. Ensure that all hands are aware of the
risks and that cylinders are safely anchored in the open.
Only qualified crew are to
carry out maintenance of the electrical system. High voltage systems can cause
fatal shocks, and 12V and 24V systems can start fires if poorly maintained.
All enclosed spaces are to be
examined with extreme care.
·
When painting, ensure the space is adequately
ventilated and that painters wear dust and gas masks. After painting, allow
sufficient time for fumes to disperse completely before re-entering the space
and in all cases ensure that a forced air ventilator is present (portable and
suitable for explosive environments).
·
Do not enter enclosed spaces such as fuel tanks
until a thorough check has been made to determine whether explosive gases are
still present and whether the air can be breathed. Do not work alone, but when
this is unavoidable make your presence known.
·
Enter watertight spaces only after checking
there is adequate air circulation.
Ensure that all hands are
aware of potential hazards and of the procedures to follow. Equipment is only
to be started when duly authorised.
|
STANDARD FORM: MAINTENANCE
|
||||
|
Work Area |
Possible risks |
Possible effects |
Actions to improve safety |
Safety-measures
checks on the vessel |
|
|
Electric tools and
instruments |
Fatal electric shock, injury
|
|
|
|
|
Chemicals |
Eye damage, burns,
respiratory problems |
|
|
|
|
Refrigerants |
Suffocation, intoxication,
burns |
|
|
|
|
LPG, gas in cylinders |
Suffocation, explosion |
|
|
|
|
Working on electrical
systems |
Electric shock, fire |
|
|
|
|
Enclosed spaces |
Death |
|
|
|
Other |
|
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|
Signature Date
Using the Standard Risk
Assessment Form below and the comments entered in the Safety Measures Check
List column of the STANDARD FORM, carry out the
required checks listed in the table below. Priorities can be determined by
using the Risk Assessment Table.
|
Check
|
Date
performed |
|
|
|
Blank:
use as required.
|
Standard risk assessment
form BLANK: USE AS REQUIRED |
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Activity/area |
Hazard |
Consequences |
Safety-measures checks on
the vessel |
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Enclosure
Risk Assessment Table
|
Frequency/Probability
(F/P) (Probability of damage/injury occurring) |
Gravity
(G) (Degree of gravity) |
|
1 Highly improbable 2 Improbable 3 Probable |
1 Minor 2 Moderate 3 Extreme |
|
Risk
Factor (F/P x G) 1
1
1 No action required. 2
2
2 Acceptable, but ensure
factor does not increase. 3/4 Reasonable action required 6
6
6 Action required to reduce risk
factor. 9 Unacceptable: activity must
be suspended. |
