Environmental,

Health and Safety

Program
Safety is our business

Prepared by

Jezreel Tolentino
Safety officer 3

Participated by Approved by

____________Anabelle Saner____________ Oscar B. Saavedra

HR Officer Owner/President

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 Complete Company Profile/ Project details

• Company Name: Vistamarine Shipbuilding and Ship repair Inc._________________

• Date Established: _April 22, 2016________________________________________

• Complete Address Timalan Balsahan, Naic, Cavite_________________________

• Phone and fax number: _Tel No. 046-4144718 / (063) 8897-1032__________________

• Website URL/Email address___www.vistamarine.com.ph_________________________

• Name of Company Owner/Manager/President: _Oscar B. Saavedra________________

• Total Number of Employees; ___30______ Male __28______ Female ___2____

• Description of the business. Ship Building and Ship Repair_________________

• Description of services: Vistamarine is one of the most esteemed shipyards in the

Philippines specializing in shipbuilding, ship repair, drydocking and marine works. With

its proven expertise, Vistamarine is perfectly positioned to offer a flexible range of

products and services such as designing, building and repairing of all types of vessels

including upgradation of ships.

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A Message from the President /Owner of Vistamarine Shipbuilding and Ship repair Inc.

Vistamarine Shipbuilding and Ship repair is committed to a strong environmental, health and safety
program. Extensive policies, procedures and processes have been established, and we’ve invested in
significant resources, to ensure each employee is provided a safe and healthy workplace.

A shipyard is a highly dynamic work environment. Because it is constantly active and changing, it is
critical that you continuously maintain a high level of situational awareness. You must recognize what is
happening around you at all times and anticipate the unexpected. And if the unexpected happens, are
you going to be safe? I call this being a “defensive shipbuilder.”

Each of us should be mindful of our work environment and practice safe work procedures at all times
during our workday. We should also hold each other accountable for working safely and be responsible
for knowing the right procedure for any task we undertake.

Commitment from Vistamarine Shipbuilding’s management alone cannot achieve optimal safety and
health in the workplace. Telling the truth about issues you see or hear and reporting any violations
immediately are part of taking ownership of your work environment and being committed to a safe
workplace. Your cooperation, commitment and positive attitude contribute toward the ultimate safety
goal of minimum lost time hours and the overall success of our environmental, health and safety
program.

No system of administrative, mechanical or operational safeguards is complete without everyone’s

constant alertness, cooperation and safety awareness. All employees, subcontractors, vendors,
customers and visitors must comply with our safety regulations, occupational safety and health
standards and other safety directives and environmental policies.

Vistamarine Shipbuilding and Ship Repair expects each employee to know the rules stated within this
Manual and use the Environmental, Health and Safety Program to develop and maintain a safe
workplace.

Thank you for your commitment to continuously improving our environmental, health and safety
performance, and keeping yourself and your fellow shipbuilders safe.

Oscar B. Saavedra

Owner/President
Vistamarine Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Inc.

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 Table Of Content:
Prevention Plan EHS Injury and Illness (I2P2) and General Programs and Procedures…………..……..09
DISCIPLINARY ACTION PROGRESSIONS ……………………………………………………………………………………………11
Employee Involvement, Safety Action Team (SAT)…………………………………………………………………………..11
Safety Orientation……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………17
Permit To Work System (PTW)…………………………………………………………………………………………………………22
Contractors Management……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….25
INCIDENT INVESTIGATION……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….28
Employee Participation ...................................................................................................................... 333
OSH Committee……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….34

Hazard Identification Risk Assessments Risk Control……………………………………………………………………….37

WASTE SEGREGATION, STORAGE AND DISPOSAL…………………………………………………………………………….41

Injury/Illness Management………………………………………………………………………………………………………………47

Situational Awareness (SA)………………………………………………………………………………………………………………53

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)………………………………………………………………………………………………61

Personal Floating divice .......................................................................................................................... 69

Cleaning and Storing PFAS ...................................................................................................................... 78
Using a Respirator ................................................................................................................................... 82
Ventilation............................................................................................................................................... 83
Confined Space General Rules ................................................................................................................ 85
Confined Space Entry Control Requirements ......................................................................................... 86
Confined Space Colored Entry Permit Tags ............................................................................................ 88
Fire Science ............................................................................................................................................. 93
Hot Work Requirements ......................................................................................................................... 93
Employee Responsibilities ...................................................................................................................... 94
Fire Watch Requirements ....................................................................................................................... 94
Care and Protection Materials vs. Fire Cloth Materials .......................................................................... 96
Fire Extinguisher Training ....................................................................................................................... 96
Walking/Working Surfaces...................................................................................................................... 98
Walking/Working Surfaces (Good/Bad Examples) ................................................................................. 99
Ladder Inspection.................................................................................................................................. 100

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 Ladder Safety Requirements................................................................................................................. 100
Scaffolding............................................................................................................................................. 102
Fall Protection ....................................................................................................................................... 103
Fall Protection (Aerial Lifts and Crane Baskets) .................................................................................... 104
Illumination ........................................................................................................................................... 107
Hazard Communications Program ........................................................................................................ 111
Safety Data Sheets (SDS) ....................................................................................................................... 112
HAZCOM Labeling ................................................................................................................................. 117
Working around PIVs ............................................................................................................................ 121
Crane Operations .................................................................................................................................. 122
Crane Rigger Responsibilities ................................................................................................................ 123
Manual Hand Tools ............................................................................................................................... 124
Powered Hand Tools ............................................................................................................................. 126
Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) ....................................................................................................... 129
Manual Lifting and Carrying Techniques .............................................................................................. 130
The 50-Pound Rule ................................................................................................................................ 132
Ergonomics............................................................................................................................................ 132
The Basics of Office Safety .................................................................................................................... 134
Office Ergonomics ................................................................................................................................. 136
Heat Stress ............................................................................................................................................ 139
Symptoms of Heat Stroke ..................................................................................................................... 140
Treating Heat Stress .............................................................................................................................. 141
Heat Stress Prevention.......................................................................................................................... 141
Urine Color Chart .................................................................................................................................. 142
Hazardous Conditions .......................................................................................................................... 143

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VTMC Environmental, Health and Safety Policy

Vistamarine Shipbuilding and Ship repair Inc. is committed to promoting and ensuring a healthy and safe
working environment through its various health programs for its employees. We shall conform to all
issuances and laws that guarantee workers health and safety at all times.
The company shall ensure that worker’s health is maintained through the following company programs
and activities:

a) Orientation and education of employees

b) Access to reliable information on illness and hazards at work
c) Referral to medical experts for diagnosis and management of illness or health-related concerns
d) Provide health-related programs such as proper nutrition and exercise activities are made
available to the workers

The above-mentioned programs shall comply with the Government’s issuances on promoting a healthy
lifestyle, addressing mental health in the workplace, and preventing and controlling substance abuse.
In addition, company policies to protect workers’ rights arising from illness shall be guaranteed. The
company shall promote the following workers’ rights:

a) Confidentiality of information
b) Non-discrimination including non-termination
c) Work accommodation following a course of illness
d) Assistance to compensation

This policy is formulated for everybody’s information. The company is committed to ensuring workers’
health and providing a healthy and safe workplace.

Approved by.

Oscar B. Saavedra
President/Owner

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 Commitment to Comply

Vistamarine Shipbuilding and ship repair Inc. (VTMC) do hereby commit to comply with the
requirements of RA 11058 and DOLE Department Order 198-18 (its Implementing Rules and
Regulations) and the applicable provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHS).

We acknowledge the company’s obligation and responsibilities to provide appropriate funds for
implementing this OSH program including orientation and training of its employees on OSH, provision,
and dissemination of IEC materials on safety and health, provision of Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE) when necessary, and other OSH related requirements and activities, to ensure the protection for
our workers and employees against injuries, illnesses and death through safe and healthy working
conditions and environment.

We commit to conducting risk assessments as required to prevent workplace accidents as well as

comply with other provisions of this OSH program. That we are also fully aware of the penalties and
sanctions for OSH violations as provided for in RA 11058 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations.

Approved by

Oscar B. Saavedra
President/Owner

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 I. Prevention Plan EHS Injury and Illness (I2P2) and
General Programs and Procedures

EHS Injury & Illness Prevention Plan (I2P2)

VTMC Shipbuilding’s I2P2 is a written program that spells out many of the procedures and
responsibilities for conducting shipbuilding work in the safest manner possible. It is also an overview of
our Safety Management System, commonly referred to as our “Safety Program”. It describes the roles
that specific shipbuilders have in interfacing with our Safety Management System, from hourly
represented employees to various management teams to the EHS Department—everyone has safety
responsibilities and duties.

Many elements of our Safety Management System are defined in written programs, procedures, work
instructions and guidance’s. These documents make up our written safety program and are maintained
in the Company.

Many of the topics in this handbook are covered in more detail in their corresponding Command Media
documents and have specific document identifiers to enable quickly locating the most up-to-date
version. For example, the I2P2 program is known as EHS Injury and Illness Prevention Plan. Anytime a
shipbuilder would like to review a copy of a written safety program document, he should let his
supervisor know that he would like a copy, contact his area EHS Staff representative, or call or visit the
EHS (Safety) Department.

All shipbuilders are responsible for preventing injuries and illness and the I2P2 explains the general and
specific duties to eliminate conditions and behaviors that are an unacceptable risk to employee safety
and health.

Employee Responsibilities
The following list contains many of the general safety and health responsibilities that employees have,
but it is not an all-inclusive list:
• Conduct a pre-use visual inspection of all tools, equipment, lines, cords, hoses, materials, PPE
and work area.
• Review the EHS program procedures that are applicable to the work environment and job, and
always comply with their requirements.
• Complete required EHS training and certification courses applicable to the work environment
and job.
• Ask questions if ever unsure of any safety-related issue or situation.
• Use a STOP Badge and halt any unsafe activity, behavior or process that is observed.
• Wear all required PPE to control exposures within the work area.
• Get involved! Attend safety committee meetings and participate in corrective action activities or
continuous improvement initiatives.
• Be aware of the location of our Hazardous Communication Program and Safety Data Sheets and
understand container-labeling requirements.

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 • Report any unsafe conditions—including chemical spills and at-risk behaviors to management
and/or an EHS staff member.
• Immediately inform management when an occupational injury or illness occurs—regardless of
how slight.
• Conduct a “Take 5 for Safety” jobsite inspection prior to the start of the work shift.
• Never come to work under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances and notify
management or the Medical Dept. when an illness or medication impairs your ability to perform
required tasks, climb, operate any equipment or vehicles or use any hazardous materials.
• Do not make unauthorized repairs or modifications to Company equipment, tools or PPE.
• Immediately report any defective item to supervisor.
• Unless otherwise instructed, use only Vistamarine Shipbuilding issued tools, equipment, or PPE
to perform your tasks.
• Employee-supplied tools must be in good condition, inspected on a regular basis and approved
for use by management.
• Always show up to work well rested, hydrated, wearing proper work apparel and not wearing
jewelry.

Compliance and Enforcement Discipline

Along with employee responsibility, comes accountability. Unsafe acts can cause disabling injuries and
death; therefore, adherence to EHS requirements are closely monitored and when necessary, enforced
comprehensively.

The written program for compliance enforcement is EHS Enforcement Discipline Safety Control Program.
It outlines the system for conducting enforcement discipline for EHS violations. It also spells out the
specific responsibilities for the EHS Executive Council, craft directors, the EHS Department and front-line
supervision.

Additionally, a separate document, EHS Enforcement Disciplinary Action Guidelines and Cod establishes
consistent guidelines for administering discipline for violations of EHS regulations. A explains the
progressive nature of violation consequences based on the severity of the infraction and if it is a repeat
offense. The scale below depicts the progression from the first offense of a minor violation, which
warrants a written warning, to the immediate discharge for the first offense of extremely grievous
offenses.

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DISCIPLINARY ACTION PROGRESSIONS

Represented Employees Non-Represented Employees

1. Written warning 1. Verbal warning/Counseling or

400 2. 1-day layoff without pay 400 Coaching
3. 3-day layoff without pay 2. First written warning
Series 4. Discharge Series 3. Final written warning. Disciplinary
suspension or termination.

300 1. 1-day layoff without pay 300 1. Written final warning notice,
2. 3-day layoff without pay 2. written final warning notice and
Series 3. Discharge Series disciplinary suspension or termination

200 200 2. Written final warning notice,

1. 3-day layoff without pay
3. written final warning notice and
Series Discharge Series disciplinary suspension or termination

1. Discharge

(NOTE: 100 Series violations 1. Written final warning notice,

100 100
require a meeting with EHS, Labor 2. Written final warning notice and
Series Relations, the craft department Series disciplinary suspension or termination.
and union representatives before
issue.)

Along with the disciplinary consequences, also has a table of example violations and the administration
code used for each example. Not all possible violations are listed; however, the table serves as a
reference when issuing formal enforcement discipline. The entire table can be found in the appendix of
this Program.

Employee Involvement, Safety Action Team (SAT)

At VTMC Shipbuilding, there are many ways for employees to become involved in our EHS efforts.
Employees may submit their EHS improvement ideas to the IDEAS Suggestion Program. They may see
their suggestion implemented and be rewarded for it. Review IDEAS Suggestion Program. However, one
of the most popular employee involvement programs is the Safety Action Teams (SAT).

The VTMC Safety Action Team Program developed through the cooperative efforts of Operations, the
EHS Department and. It has a mission to aid in the development of a workforce culture that encourages
all employees to be actively involved in the safety and health process. The program guidelines require
hourly employees to be selected by hourly employees. Employee representatives foreman perform the
selection process for all VTMC Shipbuilding facilities. One-half of the team membership is rotated
annually to allow all employees the opportunity to participate as a SAT Member.

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The following are many of the SAT functions:
• Focus on high injury rates in specific crafts or areas.
• Perform site inspections to identify environmental, safety and health conditions in their
assigned areas.
• Discuss and suggest possible corrective actions to reduce injuries/illnesses.
• Encourage employees to be individually involved with reporting all safety concerns,
promoting a hazard-free environment.
• Identify and create a rotating inspection schedule for all areas of responsibility on a
quarterly basis.
• Document discrepancies and monitor progress to ensure items are corrected in a timely
manner.
• Perform ergonomic surveys.
• Evaluate new tools and equipment, identified by Safety Engineering, which could reduce
work related injuries/illnesses.
• Review injury trend data to identify leading injury trends in specific areas.
• Interview injured employees to assist in determining root cause.
• Report findings to Craft or Area Directorate and Safety Engineering.
• Review/create Job Safety Analysis (JSA) and Work Process Improvements to advise
employees of proper methods to perform tasks safely.
• Perform non-storm water discharge surveys with Environmental Engineering to identify
possible pollutants and locations.

Training for SATs consists of both classroom and field training. The program utilizes 24 hours of formal
classroom training when new teams are created and when new members are added due to rotation.
Hazard Reporting
Another way that employees can actively participate in making their work environment as safe as
possible is to understand and utilize the avenues for reporting unsafe conditions and at-risk behaviors.
Typically, hazards should be reported by following the “hierarchy of reporting”. This is a formal process
for employees to communicate recognized hazards and ensure they are controlled in a timely manner.

• If you observe a safety hazard, “fix it if you can.”

• If you cannot correct the hazard, notify your foreman; and/or notify the party responsible
for correcting the hazard.
• If your foreman cannot correct the hazard, notify a higher level of management, an SAT
member, your area EHS staff member or the EHS Dept.

Occasionally, the normal chain of command may be ineffective. If so, the Company provides ways to
register safety complaints and report jobsite hazards. Management will investigate all reports and take
no retribution against the person who files it. These processes are explained in detail in
Employee Safety and Health Hazard Reports. Additionally, employees may submit hazard reports
anonymously by submitting an Employee Safety and Health Hazard Report, phoning the EHS
Department or phoning the VTMC Shipbuilding Open Line.

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The “STOP Is Good Progress” Badge
One of the most important ways for employees to correct hazardous conditions and activities before
they become a serious mishap is the STOP Badge program. STOP Is Good Progress Badge contains the
full program details.
The STOP Badge is designed to empower every employee at Vistamarine Shipbuilding with the ability
to stop any act or process they believe to be unsafe, unethical, of poor quality, contrary to our
company priorities (Safety, Quality, and Productivity) or in opposition to our leadership behaviors to:

• Seek and tell the truth;

• Take ownership and be accountable;
• Make and meet commitments, and/or
• Communicate openly and honestly.

Any employee that witnesses an act or condition mentioned above has the authority and obligation to
pull his STOP Badge and bring attention to the situation. No employee will be disciplined for stopping a
situation that they believe to be unsafe. Any employee that feels they have received retaliation for using
the STOP Badge should call the HR Safety Dept. Retaliation is not tolerated at VTMC Shipbuilding and
will be investigated with the possible results of disciplinary action being administered up to and
including discharge.

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Any employee that fails to stop or acknowledge the use of the STOP Badge when used by a fellow
employee shall be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with EHS Enforcement Discipline Safety
Control Program.

“Take Five” Pre job Inspection Program

The intent of a pre job inspection is to identify and eliminate hazards and thereby reduce the risk of
injury and illness to our production workforce. VTMC Shipbuilding’s pre job inspection is described in
“Take Five” Supervisor’s Pre job Inspection Program. Systematic Take Five procedures are defined in
“Take Five” Supervisor’s Pre job Inspection Program Process Steps.
“Take Five” is a two-segment, risk reduction initiative consisting of a Take Five Hazard Review as well as

Take Five Work Area Inspection, which ensure that prior to beginning job assignments:
• Employees are suitably equipped for work.
• Employees have been made aware of hazards and controls associated with specific tasks and
locations.
• Jobsites undergo a visual inspection and hazard recognition effort by supervisors and craft
employees.
• All observed work area hazards are abated or properly controlled and documented.
• Work areas are free of recognized safety hazards, or all required hazard controls are in place,
and foremen and craft employees document their concurrence of such with their signatures.

Each of the main production crafts has their own specific Take Five form. The forms list the specific
personal protective equipment (PPE) required for the tasks that each craft executes. There is a full listing
of all of the Take Five forms.

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 SAFETY NOTICE
VISTAMARINE SHIPYARD INC.

NAIC CAVITE
Employees Name/Number: Shop/Dept/Subcontractor:

Supervisor: Date:

Vessel: Time:

Location: Job #

TYPE OF VIOLATION REC OMMENDED ACTION

Eye Protection Verbal Warning
Hardhat Written Warning
Respirator Suspension
Torch *Other Explain
Safety Harness *Explanation:
Confined Space
Fire Protection
Improper use of
Equipment/Materials
Lockout/Tagout
*Other Explain
Employees Signature:
Safety Inspectors Signature:

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Safety Orientation

Objective: A new employee safety orientation is to ensure that newly hired individuals are familiarized
with the safety policies, procedures, and protocols of an organization. The primary goal is to provide
them with the necessary information and training to understand and mitigate potential workplace
hazards, thereby reducing the risk of accidents, injuries, or illnesses.

Purpose: To develop an understanding of safety expectations, equip employees with the knowledge and
skills to identify and address potential hazards, and foster a safe working environment for everyone. It
should be tailored to the specific needs and risks of the organization to ensure comprehensive safety
training for new employees.

NEW EMPLOYEE ORIENTATION

1. All new workers must receive safety orientation, before being placed on the job.
2. The Safety department or designee will provide the orientation. The orientation will be
documented on the "Personnel Safety Orientation/Refresher Verification" form.
3. Each person assigned to a job must sign the indoctrination form upon receiving instruction from
their supervisor.
4. In addition to orientation material made available, each supervisor must explain the safety criteria
for individual jobs.
5. A signed copy of the new employee orientation form will be maintained in the Safety office.

NEW EMPLOYEE CHECKLIST INSTRUCTIONS

The Safety department or designee will complete the form indicating they have explained the Safety
policy, programs, procedures, and requirements as indicated, to the new employee prior to the
employee beginning their job assignment.

The enclosed form is used as a matter of personnel policies and procedures and is part of the overall
program.
By using this checklist, you ensure the new employee is properly instructed in the safety rules that apply
to their job assignment.

EMPLOYEE SAFETY ORIENTATION GUIDELINE

Each supervisor is responsible to discuss with each new employee the following items in their entirety.
Each of the following elements should be reviewed by either reading or general discussion, unless other
means are available.

SAFETY POLICY

Located in the front of the Safety Manual; review with each employee.

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EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITIES FOR SAFETY

All employees are required, as a condition of employment and as outlined in the OSHC regulations, to
develop and exercise safe work habits in the course of their work to prevent injuries to themselves and
their fellow workers. It is company policy that all employees shall:

1. Immediately report to their supervisor, all accidents, near misses and injuries and complete the
Injured Worker’s report of Incident form as well as the Supervisor’s report of Incident form. No
matter how slight, occurring within the course of their employment.
2. Cooperate with and assist in investigation of accidents to identify correctable causes and to
prevent recurrence.
3. Promptly report to their supervisor all unsafe actions, practices, or conditions they observe.
4. Become familiar with and observe approved safe work procedures during the course of their work
activities.
5. Keep work areas clean and orderly at all times.
6. Do not engage in any horseplay or distracting others.
7. Adhere to all safety rules and follow published work instructions.
8. Wear personal protective equipment when working in hazardous operations area, and/or as
required by the supervisor. Earbuds or radio head phones are prohibited throughout the facility as
they do not provide hearing protection.
9. Inspect all equipment prior to use and report any unsafe conditions to their immediate supervisor.
10. Submit any suggestions for accident prevention, without fear of reprisal, to their immediate
supervisor or submit suggestions via the OFI or Good Catch program which may assist in improved
working conditions or work practices.

USE OF EQUIPMENT

We have established training for the use of select equipment. Only trained and authorized employees
are permitted to operate this equipment e.g. Powered Industrial Truck’s (PIT), Mobile Elevating Work
Platform’s (MEWP), and Low Speed Vehicle’s (LSV).

FIRST AID EQUIPMENT

First Aid supplies are kept in the Safety Office and at all security offices. Should you have an injury, no
matter how slight, report it to your supervisor immediately. With minor injuries it is important to
reduce the potential of infection or more serious complications by reporting the incident immediately.
First Aid can then be given to minimize risk of complications.

FIRST AID RESPONDERS

At least one person will be on duty during business hours who has been first aid trained. At a minimum,
each Colonna’s Shipyard Inc. Security Officer is First Aid trained. All employees are also encouraged to
become first aid trained as a benefit to themselves and their families.

EMPLOYEE CONDUCT

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The company has established and endorsed various rules and regulations for the safety of their
employees. However, sometimes it is necessary to impose sanctions or restrictions on an employee who
is not following proper work procedures, safety procedures or other elements of stated policies.

Each supervisor is held accountable for their employee's proper work performance. Thus, it is the
supervisor's responsibility to hold the employee accountable for their performance.
Each employee's voluntary compliance with these rules will assist in providing a safe and productive
worksite. The rules and regulations will be strictly enforced.

ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE POLICY

The organization has established an "alcohol and non-prescription drug abuse policy" for the protection
of its workforce and resources. No one is permitted on a site who may be using, selling, or handling
alcohol or drugs. Employees suspected of being "under the influence" are subject to search and
screening.

HAZARD COMMUNICATION

The use of hazardous chemicals may be a part of some jobs. On any job where it is known to have
hazardous chemicals or employees are required to work with hazardous chemicals, the employees will
be instructed in the "Hazard Communication Training" program. The purpose of the program is to
inform and train employees how to work safely with hazardous chemicals. Always read and understand
the applicable labels and safety data sheets.

SANITATION AND PERSONAL HYGIENE

Employees are encouraged to maintain good personal hygiene, especially after handling hazardous
chemicals, hazardous wastes, and other potentially harmful material. Wash facilities are available in
various areas for cleaning your hands.
Personal protective equipment and gloves may reduce the exposure and must be worn when required.
Refer to the product SDS for specific instruction.

SPECIAL CHEMICAL HAZARDS

Certain other chemicals used on the job are "extremely hazardous.” Most employees will not be
exposed to them during normal operations or work. However, your supervisor will provide you with
special information to safely handle these chemicals. The SDS should be provided to an employee who
may work with the chemicals and reviewed with the supervisor or the safety department.

SPECIAL TRAINING

Special safety training in the use of equipment, new equipment, new procedures or other items may be
required periodically. Any employees involved in these jobs or equipment use will be required to
complete this special training prior to beginning the job.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Safety Glasses: It is a company policy that all employees wear safety glasses when in production areas.
Glasses must meet ANSI-Z87.1.

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Safety Shoes must be worn in all production areas and must meet ANSI Z41 standards

Hardhats must be worn in all production areas outside or on a vessel. Some work in shop areas do not
requires hardhats where there is low risk of head injury. Hardhats must meet ANSI Z89.1.

Other types of personal protective equipment will be assigned as the job may require.

SPECIAL CLOTHING
When working with chemicals on some jobs, it requires that employees wear protective clothing. This
may include long sleeve shirts, wrist and arm gauntlets, and gloves. Your supervisor will inform you of
the individual requirements for the job when the occasion arises. Abbreviated clothing (sleeveless,
shorts etc.) are not permitted in production areas.

SAFETY RULES
(Read Safety Rules that apply to the job and employee.)

CODE OF SAFE PRACTICES

The purpose of the Code of Safe Practices is to assist you in making safety a regular part of your work
habits. This is a minimum guide to help identify your responsibility for safety. Your supervisor is
obligated to hold you responsible for your safety by enforcing these rules and by providing you a safe
place to work.

1. I will immediately report to my supervisor all accidents or near misses, and injuries, no matter
how slight, that may occur on the job.
2. I will cooperate with and assist in investigation of accidents to identify the causes and to prevent
recurrence.
3. I will promptly report to my supervisor all-unsafe acts, practices, or conditions that I observe.
4. I will become familiar with and observe safe work procedures during the course of my work
activities.
5. I will keep my work areas clean and orderly at all times.
6. I will avoid engaging in any horseplay and avoid distracting others.
7. I will obey all safety rules and follow published work instructions.
8. I will wear personal protective equipment when working in hazardous areas, and/or as required
by my supervisor.
9. I will inspect all equipment prior to use and report any unsafe conditions to my immediate
supervisor.
10. I will submit any suggestions for accident prevention, which may assist in improved working
conditions or work practices to my immediate supervisor.
11. I will smoke in authorized locations only.
12. I will not bring onto the job, have in my possession or in my car, any weapons or ammunition of
any kind.
13. I will not have in my possession, use, or introduce any kind of intoxicating liquor or illegal drugs
on any customer's property or work area or facility, or I will accept possible discharge for these
illegal actions.
14. I will not come to work under the influence of intoxicating liquor or illegal drugs, and realize that
I will not be allowed to start work and may be immediately discharged for this action.

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 Personnel Safety Orientation/Refresher Verification

Type of Orientation: ____ Initial _____ Refresher

I have reviewed each of the Colonna’s Shipyard Rules, Practices, and Procedures listed with the Safety Trainer.
I fully understand my responsibilities to, commit to, and comply with all of them.

__________________________ ________________
Employee Name & signature Date
Vistamarine’s Shipyard Safety Rules, Practices, & Procedures
(x) Are Required Items: Safety Trainer check (x) for any additional required items

☐ General Rules & Regulations ☐ Personal Protective Equipment ☐ Ladders

☐ Horseplay ☐ Chemicals brought on-site ☐ Housekeeping
☐ Hazard Communication ☐ First Aid & Emergencies ☐ Fall Protection
☐ Accident Investigation ☐ Cranes, Forklifts, & JLG/Lifts ☐ Eye Protection
☐ Tools & Equipment ☐ Shipyard Routes & Areas ☐ Barricades
☐ Compressed Gas Cylinders ☐ Confined Space Entry ☐Respiratory Protection
☐ Equipment Lockout ☐ Back Injury Prevention ☐ Rigging Equipment
☐ Blood borne Pathogens ☐ Other ____________________

I have reviewed each of the items listed above with the signed employee.

______________________________________ _____________________
Safety Trainer Signature Date

EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM

Safety & Health – Employee Responsibilities

As a Vistamarine’s Shipyard Employee, you have a responsibility to:

1. Work safely to the best of your knowledge, as a condition of employment

2. Immediately report unsafe conditions to your supervisor and/or the Safety Department.
3. Be subject to disciplinary action – by your Supervisor and/or the Safety Dept. for committing an unsafe act, which may
include termination of employment. Chances or risks concerning safety are not tolerated.
4. Wearing PPE properly is a condition of employment.
5. Take an interest in the safety of your fellow employees. Your guidance and the benefit of your expertise will be appreciated.
6. Pay special attention to “Temps” & “New Hires”. These people are new to Vistamarine’s, and may not know all the rules. Be
prepared to help them work safely in the yard.
7. Never perform any assignment that is unsafe. Discuss any assignment that you feel is unsafe with your supervisor. If you
are still not convinced that you have been requested to perform a task in a safe manner, then use the “open door policy”.
Discuss the issue with the next supervisor or the Safety Dept. until someone convinces you that the assignment is safe, or
the work procedure is changed.

*Vistamarine’s goal is to become the safest shipyard in the Tidewater area. This will require a serious commitment by our
employees to be “Safety Conscious”. Don’t forget – You are the Safety Program and the Safety Program is for you!!

_______________________________ ____________
Employee Signature Date

___________________________________
Trainer Signature

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Permit To Work System (PTW)

Objective: The objective of this permit-to-work process is to ensure the safe and controlled execution of
high-risk activities at Vistamarine Shipyard in Naic, Cavite. The process aims to minimize the likelihood of
accidents, injuries, and property damage by providing clear guidelines and control measures for the
work activities.

Scope: This permit to work process applies to all Contractors, Subcontractors for high-risk activities
conducted within the premises of Vistamarine Shipyard in Naic, Cavite. High-risk activities include but
are not limited to welding, hot work, confined space entry, working at heights, electrical work, and
Sandblasting.

Identification of High Risk Activity:

The first step in the permit to work process is to identify the high-risk activity that needs to be
performed. This can be done through a hazard identification and risk assessment (HIRAC) process,
where the specific hazards and risks associated with the activity are identified and evaluated.

Here is the initial high-risk activity without the HIRAC Document:

1. Work at Heights
2. Hot works
3. Confined space Entry

Preparation of Work Plan or Job Order:

Once the high-risk activity is identified, a work plan needs to be prepared. The work plan should include
details such as the nature of the activity, location, equipment and tools required, work procedures,
control measures, and any necessary permits or licenses.

Approval of Work Plan or Job Order:

The work plan needs to be reviewed and approved by the relevant authorized personnel, such as the
Project engr. Foreman, Yard Superintendent and safety officer. The approval ensures that the necessary
safety precautions and control measures are in place before the activity commences.

Issue of Permit to Work:

Once the work plan is approved, a permit to work needs to be issued. The permit to work is a formal
document that authorizes the work activity to proceed. It should include information such as the activity
description, location, start and end dates, personnel involved, and any specific conditions or
requirements.

Safety Briefing:

Before starting the high-risk activity, a safety briefing should be conducted for all personnel involved.
The safety briefing should cover the specific hazards and control measures associated with the activity,
emergency procedures, and any additional precautions or instructions.

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Commencement of Work Activity:

Once the safety briefing is completed, the work activity can commence as per the approved work plan
and permit to work. All personnel involved should adhere to the prescribed safety procedures and use
appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Supervision and Monitoring:

Throughout the duration of the work activity, adequate supervision and monitoring should be carried
out to ensure compliance with the permit to work conditions and safety requirements. Any deviations or
unsafe conditions should be promptly corrected.

Completion of Work Activity: Once the high-risk activity is completed, a thorough inspection should be
conducted to ensure that all equipment and areas are safe and in proper working order. The site should
be left in a clean and tidy condition.

Closure of Permit to Work:

After the inspection, the permit to work should be closed and filed for record-keeping purposes. Any
relevant documentation and records associated with the activity should also be maintained as per the
company's procedures.

By following this permit to work process, Vistamarine Shipyard aims to ensure the safe and efficient
execution of high-risk activities, thereby protecting the well-being of its workers and minimizing the
potential for accidents and incidents.

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 PERMIT TO WORK APPLICATION
Date Requested : __________________ Time in:____________ Time Out: ________
Expected Date of Completion : _______________________________________
Nature of Work : ____ Electrical ____ Hot Work
____ Civil ____ Work in Confined Spaces
____ Mechanical ____ Others, please specify
____ Working at Heights
Work Description : ______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
Work Requested and Granted to : ______________________________________________________
Work Location : ______________________________________________________
Person/s to do work : (Use separate sheet)
BASIC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS PRIOR TO ACTUAL WORK
Requirements Safety Check
(For Contractor) (Safety Officer)
1. Area clear of combustible materials Yes No N/A Yes No N/A
2. Equipment completely isolated/de-energized Yes No N/A Yes No N/A
3. Area of equipment adequately lighted & ventilated Yes No N/A Yes No N/A
4. Area tested gas free & safe to work Yes No N/A Yes No N/A
5. Welding machine in good operating condition Yes No N/A Yes No N/A
6. Adequate entry & exit facilities Yes No N/A Yes No N/A
7. Warning signs in place Yes No N/A Yes No N/A
8. Source of power, water, etc., requested & provided Yes No N/A Yes No N/A
9. Firefighting facilities & equipment ready & manned Yes No N/A Yes No N/A

10. Gas Testing. Reading Air_______ Oxy_______ Other______________

SAFETY EQUIPMENT/GARMENTS REQUIRED ( )
1. Safety Shoes 6. Safety Harness/Life Line
2. Safety Helmet/Hard Hat 7. Safety Net
3. Gloves 8. Fire Extinguishers
4. Face Shields/Goggles 9. Others, please specify
5. SCBA

HAZARD IDENTIFICATION
List of Possible Hazard Action to be taken Status
(To be filled by the Contractor)

Requested by, Indorsed by.

________________________ __________________________
Requesting party Proj. Engr./Foreman

Checked and reviewed by, Approved by,

________________________ __________________________
Safety Officer Yard Superintendent

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Contractors Management

Objective: The objective of the Contractors Management Program at Vistamarine Shipyard is to ensure
the safety and health of all personnel involved in contracted work, while also adhering to the Permit To
Work (PTW) policy. This program aims to provide a structured framework for the management of
contractors and their activities within our shipyard, emphasizing occupational safety and health
requirements and compliance with the PTW policy.

Scope: The scope of the Contractors Management Program covers all contractors, subcontractors, and
their personnel who perform work within Vistamarine Shipyard. This program applies to all types of
contracted work, including maintenance, repairs, construction, and any other activities that require the
presence of external contractors on our premises.

Occupational Safety and Health Requirements:

Contractor Qualification: Prior to commencing work, all contractors must undergo a qualification
process, which includes a review of their safety record, insurance coverage, and relevant certifications.
Only qualified contractors will be permitted to work on-site.

1. Safety Training: All contractor personnel must receive safety orientation and training, which
includes an overview of shipyard-specific safety rules and regulations. This training ensures that
contractors understand and comply with our safety standards.
2. Worksite Hazard Assessment: Contractors must conduct a thorough risk assessment for their
work activities. Any potential hazards must be identified, and control measures put in place to
minimize or eliminate risks.
3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): All contractor personnel must wear appropriate PPE at all
times while on-site, in accordance with shipyard regulations. The shipyard may provide certain
PPE if necessary.
4. Emergency Response: Contractors should be aware of and trained in emergency response
procedures, including evacuation plans and the location of emergency equipment.
5. Safety Inspections: Regular safety inspections will be conducted to ensure that contractors are
complying with safety requirements. Any violations or safety concerns will be addressed
promptly.
Manpower Manifest:
A Manpower Manifest is a document that provides a detailed record of the individuals or workers
assigned to a particular project, job site, or event. It includes information such as names, positions,
roles, and sometimes qualifications or certifications of each person.
The importance of a Manpower Manifest lies in its ability to provide crucial information about the
workforce at a given time and place.
Here are some key reasons why it is important:
1. Accountability: The manifest allows for clear identification and verification of individuals
present at a specific location. This helps in ensuring that the right personnel are on-site, and it
holds them accountable for their assigned responsibilities.

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 2. Safety and Emergency Preparedness: In case of an emergency or evacuation, knowing who is
present on-site is vital for ensuring everyone's safety. A Manpower Manifest enables a quick
roll-call and helps authorities determine the status and whereabouts of individuals in such
situations.

3. Resource Planning: By having an accurate record of the workforce, project managers can
effectively allocate resources, assign tasks, and ensure the right number of workers is available
to carry out the required activities.

4. Compliance and Documentation: Many industries, especially those with regulatory standards,
require documentation of personnel present on-site. The Manpower Manifest serves as
evidence for compliance purposes to demonstrate that the appropriate personnel are present
and meeting the necessary requirements.

5. Communication and Coordination: The manifest assists in facilitating communication and

coordination among team members, departments, or different organizations involved in a
project. It helps ensure that everyone is aware of who is present, understand their roles, and
can effectively collaborate.

Overall, a Manpower Manifest enhances operational efficiency, promotes safety, and

contributes to effective management and coordination of workforce-related activities.
Permit To Work (PTW) Policy:
1. PTW Application: Any contractor intending to perform work within the shipyard must apply for a
PTW. The application should detail the nature of work, location, expected duration, and safety
measures.

2. PTW Review and Approval: The shipyard's safety personnel will review the PTW application,
ensuring that all safety measures are in place, and approve or reject it accordingly. The PTW will
only be issued upon approval.

3. PTW Compliance: Contractors are required to strictly adhere to the conditions outlined in the
approved PTW, including safety procedures and timelines.

4. PTW Renewal: PTWs have a defined expiration period. Contractors must renew their PTWs if the
work extends beyond the initially approved timeframe.

5. PTW Closure: At the completion of the work, the contractor must close the PTW by reporting
back to the shipyard's safety personnel. This ensures that all safety measures have been
followed, and the site is secure.

6. Incident Reporting: Any accidents, near-misses, or safety concerns must be immediately

reported to the shipyard's safety department, and investigations will be conducted as necessary.

The Contractors Management Program at Vistamarine Shipyard is a critical component of our

commitment to occupational safety and health. By enforcing safety requirements and the PTW policy,

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we aim to create a safer working environment for all personnel involved in contracted work while
protecting the integrity and security of our shipyard. Compliance with this program is mandatory for all
contractors and is subject to regular audits and assessments to ensure the highest standards of safety
are maintained.

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INCIDENT INVESTIGATION

ALL INCIDENTS MUST BE INVESTIGATED BY THE SUPERVISOR and

SAFETY MANAGER OR DESIGNEE

A Supervisor's Report of Incident (Attached) form must be filled out, signed by the supervisor, and then
sent to the Safety Manager for each incident.

The main purpose of the investigation is not to determine who was at fault, but to understand what
occurred and how to prevent it from happening again.

A copy of the Supervisor's Report of Incident is located in the end of this chapter. Additional copies are
available from the Safety department.

INCIDENT INVESTIGATION PROCEDURE

PURPOSE

The purpose of incident investigation is to identify those unsafe conditions and acts which contribute to
injuries in order that solutions for incident prevention may be implemented.

Incident investigations are a valuable tool in controlling losses. Each incident must be considered a total
loss unless its true cause is objectively determined and all contributing deficiencies are corrected.
Thorough investigation, reporting, recording and corrective follow-up of each incident can be time
consuming. However, putting forth the necessary time and effort to prevent the recurrence of each
incident is an invaluable investment that will pay compounded benefits to employees and management
as the number of incidents decreases.

Corrective actions resulting from incident investigations will be assigned to the appropriate party for
implementation to prevent a reoccurrence.

EMPLOYEE INCIDENT

All incidents regardless of whether or not they result in injury should be thoroughly investigated by the
Safety Manager within 24 hours. This should include "near miss" incidents. The investigation should
include the Supervisor to suggest practical corrective actions. Regardless of incident or injury, the host
facility must be verbally notified within 24 hours.

DOLE NOTIFICATION. Within eight (8) hours after the death of any employee because of a work-related
incident, you must report the fatality to the DOLE.
Within eight (8) hours after the in-patient hospitalization of one or more employees or an employee's
amputation or an employee's loss of an eye, because of a work-related incident, you must report the in-
patient hospitalization, amputation, or loss of an eye to DOLE
You must report the fatality, inpatient hospitalization, amputation, or loss of an eye using one of the
following methods:

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A written report must include the following basic information:

1. Injured worker statement concerning the incident.

2. Statements from witnesses.
3. Complete description of the incident including the type of work in which the employee was
involved.
4. Evaluation of unsafe conditions and acts.
5. Recommendations for action to prevent similar incidents.

DEFINITIONS

1. Industrial Injury:
a. An injury arising out of and during the course of employment.

2. Occupational Illness:
a. A disease caused by specific hazardous conditions or materials when there is a direct
relationship between the conditions under which the work is performed and the
occupational disease.

PROCEDURES FOR INVESTIGATING AN INCIDENT

CHECK THE SCENE

1. Accident and incident investigation training is held by Signal Mutual at no cost to its
members. Training personnel in their responsibilities and incident investigation techniques will
also be provided by the safety department.

2. Begin where the incident occurred. The first step is to carefully examine the site. Photograph
the site.

3. Reconstruct as much as possible the chain of events leading up to the incident, and attempt to
determine the root cause that led to the incident. Have the employee tell you what happened.
If necessary, have them show you up to the point where the incident occurred. DO NOT let
them recreate the incident that resulted in the injury.

4. Draw a diagram of the location if it will be helpful in arriving at a conclusion.

5. Sketch in machinery, equipment and any other nearby physical objects, together with the places
where witnesses were standing.

WRITE IT DOWN

1. Make notes on all facts that may relate to the cause of the incident.
As an example: employee had complained of dizziness or employee had not used proper
equipment, etc.

2. Write down any procedure used JSA or SOP, i.e. unsafe act, or unsafe procedure, etc.

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 3. Write down any unsafe conditions in the work area, i.e. defective tools or faulty equipment
noted.

4. Write down other items such as the time of your investigation, the lighting conditions, the
weather conditions, if pertinent a description of supplementary evidence, and conversations
having a bearing on the case.

COLLECT THE EVIDENCE

If an incident or near miss occurs with machinery or structural failure, it is essential to determine what
failed and why by the initial collection of evidence. This can frequently be done without laboratory
analysis and corrective action can be initiated without great expense. If, however, a detailed study is
determined to be essential, then all components will be collected, preserved, secured, and submitted to
the safety department.

INTERVIEW WITNESS

It is important to interview witnesses at the scene or as soon as possible. Have the witness/s fill out a
Witness Statement form.

INTERVIEW THE VICTIM

1. Timing is important. If the incident is minor, the interview should be made as soon as the
investigation of the scene and a review of the medical report are complete.

2. If the incident is serious, selecting the right time is a judgment factor. Too soon afterward and
the victim may be confused and inaccurate; waiting too long may cause them to be cautious
and evasive. Let the employee tell the story as they wish without the feeling of interrogation,
but a complete picture should be encouraged. The interview must be complete, and it may be
necessary to question the employee or witnesses several times in order to verify information
and stories.

WEIGH THE EVIDENCE

1. It is essential to eliminate any inconsistencies in the testimony of the injured or witnesses

even if further questioning is required.
2. When assembled, all facts should be reviewed for completeness before submission of the
"Incident Investigation Report" Form is sent to the Office.

CORRECTIVE ACTIONS

At the conclusion of the investigation, the safety manager will determine the root cause of the accident
and recommend any corrective actions necessary to prevent a reoccurrence. The safety manager will
assign corrective actions and procedures to the appropriate responsible party. All results of lessons
learned will be documented and communicated to employees in the weekly safety training.

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 Employee Participation

Vistamarine Shipbuilding and ship repair inc. requires employee participation in all safety activities to
include: inspection of equipment and worksite conditions, employee training sessions, workplace hazard
improvement suggestions and other safety-related activities. Supervisors will review accidents with
employees for educational purposes. Following an accident, assignments such as repairing equipment
will be made by the supervisor.

Incentive Programs
To prove our commitment to safety, when established goals have been met by company employees,
Vistamarine Shipbuilding and ship repair inc. will recognize these efforts with incentives.

Examples of Safety Incentives:

Individual incentive—This incentive is designed to recognize and reward individuals for safe behavior.
This incentive requires observations by supervisors and other employees. Rewards are determined
based on a point system. Possible observations:

• Prompt reporting of an accident, incident, nearmiss, and hazard or injury

• Wearing complete personal protective equipment
• Making a safety observation (way to improve process or safe behavior of another employee)
• Toolbox Attendance

Points will be awarded based on the importance of the observed behavior and can range from 1 to 10
points. The rewards are based on the total accumulated points during a specified time period. Possible
rewards:

• 10 points—Movie Ticket
• 15 points—Free lunch
• 20 points—Gift card
• 25 points—T shirt
• 50 points— Water Jar
• 100 points—Day off

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 OSH Committee

Responsibilities
Responsibilities of the committee shall include:
• Regularly inspecting the facility to detect unsafe conditions and work practices.
• Actively participating in safety and health training programs and evaluating the effectiveness of
such programs.
• Planning improvements to existing safety and health rules, procedures and regulations.
• Assessing personal protective equipment needs.
• Overseeing emergency response preparedness and drills.
• Serving as a resource for safety questions.
• Planning safety promotions or incentives.
• Immediately investigating any workplace accidents.
• Performing Job Safety Analysis.

The safety committee will proactively solve safety issues in the workplace, control the cost associated
with accidents and worker’s compensation claims, and increase everyone’s awareness of safety.

Establishing the Committee

• Safety committee member shall be selected and comprised of a representative sample of all
employees, both management and non-management. The committee members will be chosen
by their supervisor’s recommendation based on leadership qualities and a willingness to serve
on the committee.
• The committee meetings should be scheduled on a consistent basis on at least a quarterly basis
and should focus on safety and loss prevention issues exclusively.
• A meeting agenda shall be developed beforehand by the Safety Committee Chairperson or
Secretary and provided to all committee members. This will allow the members to familiarize
themselves with the meeting criteria and be prepared.
• Documentation of the meeting minutes shall be kept and posted for all employees to review.
This will help keep all employees abreast of the committee’s purpose and results.
Documentation will include:
• Old Business or Pending Issues
• These are safety issues that need some degree of attention or works in progress. Each issue
should define;
1. Details of the issue,
2. Details of the proposed controls or corrections,
3. The targeted completion date on each to ensure follows up. Any “unclosed” issue should be
carried over to the next meeting summary/minutes until completed.
• Methods addressing issues will include:
1. Additional training,
2. Physical changes, improved maintenance and housekeeping,
3. Machine guarding,
4. Personal protective equipment (safety glasses, gloves, etc.),

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 5. Changes or new safety rules and/or operating procedures.

Inspections
• Inspections shall be conducted on a schedule based on the Safety Committee’s
recommendation.
• Inspections will include safe employee work habits. If any eminent hazards are observed, they
should be reported immediately to the area’s supervisor.
• List all deficiencies in the Safety Committee meeting summary or minutes.
• Note how it will be corrected, who will complete and a target date for completion.

Employee Suggestions
• Employees shall be encouraged to give safety ideas or concerns.
• The suggestions should be listed in the Safety Committee summary or minutes.
• Suggestions will be reviewed by the committee for practicality, cost effectiveness and how it will
prevent an incident.

Incident Reviews
• Incident reports will be reviewed at the meeting.
• Each incident review shall cover:
• Detailed description of the incident,
• Root causes (i.e. improper action, poor training, physical condition, etc.),
• Preventive measures for each cause. Target date for completion should be noted in the minutes.

Incident Statistics
• Information such as; the number of incidents, lost workdays and any trends identified will be
noted. Trends such as accident type, particular occupation, shift, seniority level, etc., will help
the committee focus efforts on prevention issues.

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 Hazard Identification Risk Assessments Risk Control

1. for work which by its very nature exposes workers to hazardous chemical, physical or biological
factors, psychosocial factors and climatic conditions, arrangements should be made for the
identification and periodic assessment of these hazards and risks to safety and health at each
permanent or temporary workplace in both the facility and every new ship, generated by the use of
different operations, tools, machines, equipment and substances. This review, together with other
available data disaggregated by sex, should be used for the development of safe work plans, as
described in

2. Operation should plan and implement appropriate preventive and protective measures required to
prevent the identified hazards and assessed risks, or reduce them to the lowest reasonable and
practicable level, in conformity with national laws and regulations.

3. VTMC have a system in place, in consultation with all workers and their representatives, to identify
hazards, assess risks to safety and health and apply control measures in the following order of priority:

• Eliminate the hazard;

• Control the risk at source, through measures such as substitution (for example, replacing
hazardous equipment or substances with less hazardous equipment or substances) or
engineering controls;
• Minimize the risk through the design of safe work systems; and In so far as the risk remains,
provide for the use of PPE, including protective clothing, in various sizes, adaptable to both
women and men and at no cost to workers, and implement
• Measures to ensure its use and maintenance.

4. In giving effect to the above, Establish, implement and maintain documented procedures to ensure
that the following activities take place:

• Hazard identification;
• Risk assessment;
• Control of risks; and
• A process to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of these activities.

Hazard identification

1. The identification of hazards in the workplace should take into account:

• The situation or events or combination of circumstances that have the potential to give rise to
injury or illness;
• The nature of potential injury or illness relevant to the Activity, product or service;
• Past injuries, dangerous occurrences and illness;
• The way work is organized, managed, carried out and any related changes;
• The design of workplaces, work processes, materials, plant and equipment;
• The fabrication, installation, commissioning, handling and disposal of materials, workplaces,
plant and equipment;
• The purchasing of goods and services;

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 • The contracting of plant, equipment, services and labor, including contract specification and
responsibilities in relation to and of contractors and their subcontractors; and
• The inspection, maintenance, testing, repair and replacement of plant and equipment.

Risk assessment

1. Risk assessment is a process used to determine the level of risk of injury or illness associated with
each identified hazard, for the purpose of control. All risks should be assessed in consultation with
workers and their representatives, and have control priorities assigned, based on the assessed level of
risk. The priority for control increases as the assessed level of risk rises.

2. The risk assessment process should take account of the likelihood and severity of injury or illness from
the identified hazard. There are many established and recognized methods and techniques that can be
implemented for the purpose of risk assessment.

This hazard ranking chart is a tool to assist the user in determining the consequences of a noted safety
discrepancy and the likelihood of injury to personnel.

Example #1: Personnel working at an elevated height without fall protection installed.
Consequences would be “severe” and “likely” to occur. This type of outcome requires immediate
correction.
Example #2: Some deck plates removed with poor lighting inside compartment of a vessel.
Consequences would be “major” and “likely” to occur. This type of outcome requires immediate
correction.
Example #3: Not wearing the correct hand PPE for hot work.

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 Consequences might be “moderate” and “likely” to occur. This type of hazard should be addressed on
the spot as well as education through training.
Example #4: Working under a barge on a grey beam while bending over for a significant time.
Consequences might be “minor” and may be “possible” to occur. This type of potential injury can be
avoided with adequate breaks, job rotation, stretching and employee training of ergonomics.
Example #5: Dry dock floor has some sand shot in the working area.
Consequences “minimal” and “almost certain” to occur. This type of hazard should be addressed with
daily housekeeping rules.

SAFETY DISCREPANCIES THAT REQUIRE IMMEDIATE

CORRECTION OR JOB SHUTDOWN
(SEVERE)

1. Fall hazards/fall protection

2. Electrical hazards
3. Fire hazards/Hot work
4. Confined space hazards/Permits
5. Respiratory hazards/Heavy metals
6. Crane and Rigging hazards
SAFETY DISCREPANCIES THAT REQUIRE CORRECTION WITHIN 4 HOURS (BASED ON HAZARD
ASSESSMENT)
(MAJOR)

1. Tools and equipment/Condition

2. Lines and lead hazards/Slips, trip and falls
3. Poor Lighting
4. Ventilation
5. Warning signs/Barricades
6. Vessel access
SAFETY DISCREPANCIES THAT REQUIRE CORRECTION WITHIN 8 HOURS (BASED ON HAZARD
ASSESSMENT)
(MODERATE)

1. Housekeeping
2. Lack of training/Employee and supervision
3. Storage of equipment
4. Minor environmental impacts
5. Accident investigation participation
6. Inability/Incorrect PPE/respirator due to facial hair

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 SAFETY DISCREPANCIES THAT REQUIRE CORRECTION WITHIN 48
HOURS (BASED ON HAZARD ASSESSMENT)
(MINOR)

1. All other reported discrepancies

2. Safety related OFI’s
3. Safety related near miss

Risk control

1. Unless a particular hazard or exposure to the hazard is removed, the risk associated with such a
hazard can never be completely eliminated. In such cases such a risk should be controlled
following the order of priority.

2. The employer should plan the management and control of those activities, products and services
that can or may pose a significant risk to safety and health.

3. Control measures should be monitored and reviewed at regular intervals and, if necessary,
revised, especially when circumstances change or if new information becomes available about
the risks identified or the suitability of existing control measures. Control measures should also
be reviewed and, if necessary, revised following an accident.

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 WASTE SEGREGATION, STORAGE AND DISPOSAL

OBJECTIVE: To minimize generation of unnecessary wastes.

To ensure that wastes are properly handled and disposed.

SCOPE: This guideline is applicable to all activities, premises, and sites of the company.

I. MINIMIZATION OF WASTE GENERATED

• Reduce. Minimize/ prevent waste that will be created for disposal and use fewer resources
Whenever possible.
Examples include:
1. Careful handling of materials to avoid damage during unloading.
2. Correct storage of materials to avoid damage or contamination.
3. Buy and use reusable/ durable containers instead of disposable ones.
4. Printing and/ or copying on both sides of the paper. Paper must be clean and unwrinkled.
5. Print only what you need.

• Reuse. Using of things again instead of throwing them away.

Examples include:
1. Reuse back portion of paper for note taking, drafting, and photocopying documents. The paper
to be reused must contain non-confidential information and it must be marked with (X) or //).
For printing and photocopying, use unwrinkled papers only to avoid damage to the
printers/photocopiers' roller.
2. Reuse bags and containers/ packaging.
3. Paper reuse trays/ stands will be placed near the photocopiers to encourage employees to leave
a sheet or take a sheet as needed.
4. Make note pads out of scratch paper, out dated forms, and stationery.
5. Use refillable pens, rechargeable batteries, etc.
6. Repair broken items.

• Recycle. Recovering and reusing of waste products. Examples include:

1. Old newspapers, shredded papers and scratch papers used on both sides and are non-
Confidential, will be sold to a junk shop.
2. The company's procurement activities will support the market for recycled materials where
Practicable and viable.
3. Use crushed concrete as general fill material.

II. WASTE SEGREGATION SCHEME

• Recycling is possible if we segregate waste at the source.
Thus, the following will be implemented:
1. Garbage bin near the desk and the photocopier will be used as a paper-recycling bin.
2. A centralized garbage bin will be used. Please refer to the table on the next page or the

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Type of Waste Example Garbage Bin
Colour Coding
Biodegradable • Food Waste
• Vegetable and fruit Peeling
• Wood Green
• Paper (wet / Soiled)
• Plant Matter
Non- Biodegradable • Paper
• Cardboard
• Cloth
• Glass (bottle and Jar) Blue
• Aluminum (cans)
• Polyethylene (plastic bottle with recycling
symbol
Hazardous Waste • Chemical
• Lead acid Batteries
• Lead base paint
• Mercury containing item (Fluorescent bulb,
batteries) Red
• Used Oil, hydraulic fluid, Diesel Fuel
• Waste paints, Varnish, Solvents, Thinners,
Machinery
Lubricants.
• Soil clean-up materials (rags), Drums, containers,
Contaminated with used oil.
• Clean-up materials contaminated with paints,
varnish, solvent, thinner.
Infectious Waste • Used Bandage
• Used Gauze
• Used Cotton or any other object in contact with Oranges
Body fluids human body parts, placenta ETC.
• Expired or discarded medicines
• Syringe
• Face mask
• Gloves
• Other Clinical waste

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 III. HANDLING AND DISPOSAL

• Trash bins or containers would have to be properly covered, secured, or protected to prevent
spillage, scatter, and possible discharge of foul odor or become host of rodents. Bulky and yard
waste shall be chopped into pcs. And placed into areas accessible for easier collection and
transport.
• Infectious and other related hazardous wastes must be treated and disposed accordingly by the
company. To contact recognized treaters/ recyclers/ transporters of hazardous wastes, refer to
http://www.emb.gov.ph
• Provision of Trash/Garbage Bin- All department offices must provide separate Trash/Garbage
bin for proper disposal of face mask only.
• The company may opt to provide a "SCRAP AREA" for recyclable items that may be re-used or
sold. Examples are rebar, steel plates, aluminum, lumber, plywood, appliances, fixtures, etc.
• For temporary and/or voluminous storage of hazardous wastes, a "HAZARDOUS WASTE
STORAGE AREA" would have to be constructed. The Hazardous Waste Storage Area.
Requirements are:
a. Must be accessible in cases of emergency and for purposes of inspection and
monitoring.
b. The facility should be enclosed but adequately ventilated.
c. The floors should be impermeable to liquids and resistant to attack by chemicals, not
slippery and should be constructed to retain spillages.
d. The facility should be properly secured and not easily accessed by unauthorized
persons.
e. Drums should preferably be stored upright on pallets or structures to allow water
passage and air
f. Drums should preferably be stored upright on pallets and stacked no more than 4 drums
high
g. All containers should be checked regularly for leaks.
h. Spill Kit must be available, minimum contents are the following:
1. Hazardous
2. Waste
3. Aprons
4. Safety Goggles
5. Absorbent Spill Pads or Saw dust
6. Bags
7. Forceps
8. Gloves
i. There should be segregation of acids from bases and other hazardous wastes.
j. There should also be segregation of non-treated from treated hazardous wastes.
k. Quantity of stored wastes must be monitored using the Inventory of Wastes Form.
l. Hazardous waste containers must be labeled.
m. Labeling requirements are as follows:
1. Size of the label is minimum 2Ocm x 30cm.
2. Color of the label is yellow for background and black for letters conspicuously
marked in paint permanent form of marking.

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 3. The material of the label should be scratch proof and resistant to tampering and
weathering.
4. The label is accompanied by a symbol corresponding to the characteristics of
the hazardous waste contained in the vessel.
5. The label is attached to the side of the vessel is used repeatedly, the label can
be plate and hang on the side of the vessel. In case of a containment building, all
the types of hazardous waste contain in the yard should be include in the plate.
6. Label must follow the following format below:

Waste information HW Class Name of the Hazardous waste class

HW Description Name of the Hazardous waste Description
HW Number Code of the Hazardous waste Description
Characteristics Toxic, Corrosive, Flammable, Explosive, Reactive, and /or
Infectious
Form Solid, Liquid, or Sludge
Volume Volume of the hazardous waste contain in the container
Shipping Date Date on which the Hazardous waste must be removed from
the storage area and transported off site if applicable
Waste Transport Manifest number if transported off site
record No.
Container Capacity Maximum capacity or Volume of container
information Materials Materials that the container is made of
Generator ID Number ID number issued by DENR upon Registration
information Name Name of waste Generator ( Company Name)
Address Address of waste Generator( Company Address)
Telephone Telephone Number of the Company
Fax Fax Number of the Company
Name of HWMS Name of Hazardous waste management supervisor

n. For dealing with infectious waste, the following should be considered:

Personnel involved in its collection and disposal shall have the following as part of their
personal protection equipment which should be readily available immediately they are
required:
1. Disposable Gloves
2. Safety Goggles if the materials is in such a position that there is a potential for eye
splash of contaminated fluid.
3. Long sleeves preferably fastened at the cuff.
4. Tongs.
5. Disinfectant Solution
6. Strong plastic bags and ties
7. First aid kit.

The following steps are to be followed when handling sharps /contaminated infectious
materials.

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 • Put on disposable gloves.
• Use disinfectant solution as per label direction.
• Using tongs item are to be transferred directly to the non-reusable sharps containers.
Cares is to be taken to avoid contamination during this procedure. Under no
circumstance is an attempt to be made to remove once they are placed in the container
if large contaminated item (e.g. Clothing) are found they should be placed using tongs,
into a plastics bag and securely tied.
• If fluid is spilled on the tongs, flush of the tong with copious quantities of cold water
then place them in the disinfectant solution for at least 5 minutes. Then flush the
disinfectant solution off the tongs with clean water.
• Carefully remove the gloves, especially if fluid has been spilled on them and place them
directly into the sharp container, using the tongs, or alternately, into a strong plastic
bag.

Record Generated:
Waste Inventory Form

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Injury/Illness Management

Emergency Action
VTMC Shipbuilding has a written Fire Safety Plan that covers all the actions that shipbuilders must take
to ensure our safety in the event of a fire. The Fire Safety Plan defines the fire protection program for all
Company facilities as well as establishes individual actions and responsibilities during emergencies. The
written plan includes:
• Identification of significant fire hazards and ignition
sources.
• Procedures for recognizing and reporting unsafe
conditions.
• Alarm procedures.
• Procedures for notifying employees of a fire emergency.
• Procedures for notifying fire response organizations of a
fire emergency.
• Procedures for evacuation.
• Procedures to account for all employees after an
evacuation.
• Individuals who can be contacted for further information
about the Plan.

The written Fire Safety Plan is reviewed annually and is always accessible to Company employees and
onsite contractors by contacting the EHS Dept. or by accessing it in Command Media by its formal title,
Fire Safety Plan. Comprehensive fire safety and response information is detailed in the written plan.

The occurrence of certain emergencies is cause for the immediate evacuation of facilities in a safe,
orderly fashion. These emergencies include, but are not limited to, fire and/or smoke, indications of
such by fire alarm, bomb threat, or loss of electrical power (blackout).

In the event of a building or a ship alarm being activated, all employees shall evacuate the building or
ship and assemble at a predetermined location where supervision will account for their personnel.
Supervision must then report to the response or drill coordinator at the fire truck for ship evacuations,
or at the Assembly Area Emergency Leader (AEL) for building evacuations, and advice that all personnel
are accounted for.

Evacuation shall immediately commence when the fire alarm has sounded or a public address
announcement directing ship or building evacuations has been made. During any evacuation, elevators
are not to be used. Evacuate using the nearest exit and the closest stairway.

Assembly areas are pre-determined by Security and the EHS Department, and are posted in buildings
requiring assembly areas. However, if conditions do not favor establishment of assembly area at the
designated location due to smoke, burning debris, etc., the AEL shall establish the assembly area where
these hazards do not exist, but still in sight of the original area wherever possible. Smoking is prohibited

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in assembly areas at all times. All occupants must stay in their designated assembly areas, regardless if
the alarm has stopped, and wait for further instructions. An “all clear” will be issued by the Fire
Department when conditions are resolved, and no one is permitted to re-enter the building without the
Fire Department’s permission.

Emergency Information and Signals

Any person discovering a fire shall immediately, if on a ship equipped with a temporary fire alarm
system, activate the nearest fire alarm signal box or if on a ship equipped with ship’s installed telephone
and 1-MC fire alarm system, immediately dial 2211. If a fire is confirmed, they shall advise the vessel
CASCON by sound powered phone or by ship’s telephone, who in turn shall immediately call the Fire
Department (CASCON) by dialing 911. The alerting party shall dispatch someone to meet the responding
firefighters and quickly direct them to the fire scene.
• Building Fire Alarm—this evacuation signal consists
of an intermittent siren and flashing strobe or a traditional fire bell.
• Shipboard Fire Alert Alarm—this signal shall consist
of a constant monotone sound.
• Abandon Ship Alarm—this signal shall consist of an
oscillating high-low sound accompanied by the flashing of all
temporary lights and ship’s service lighting onboard ship.
• Flooding Alarm—this signal shall consist of an
automatic beep-beep sound.
• Cease Hot Work Alarm—Notification shall be
accomplished by voice announcement over the Public Address.

(PA) system, identifying the area of the ship where all hot work is to
be immediately halted until further notice.

Emergency Contacts
Individuals who discover a fire or other emergency on Vistamarine Shipbuilding property shall
immediately notify Work Related Injuries and Illnesses If you are injured or become ill because of your
job, you must:
• Report the injury or illness to your supervisor and the Medical Department immediately.
• Tell them what, where, when, and how it happened.
• Assist in the Incident Response Team investigation of any injury or illness.
• If complications arise from an injury or illness when you are away from the Yard, report them as
soon as possible to your supervisor or the Medical Department.

Workers’ Compensation benefit amounts are set by state law. If you have a problem, HR Dept. to
administer Worker’s Compensation Claims. You may request to receive (or have your personal or
Worker’s Compensation) copies of your medical and exposure monitoring records—just contact the
Compensation and benefits.

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Incident Response Team (IRT)

It is vitally important that all work-related injuries and illnesses are reported and investigated
immediately to ensure the employee receives prompt medical care and so similar incidents are not
repeated. To help prevent injuries and identify potentially unsafe conditions, tools or processes, there is
an IRT for each vessel and shop. This team consists of management and safety personnel that review
and investigate all work-related injuries/illnesses to help ensure corrective actions are implemented to
prevent recurrence. The IRT written program is EHS Investigative Services.

Employees shall report all injuries/illnesses to their supervisor immediately. Some injuries do not
manifest immediately (i.e. strains, welding flash) but must be reported at the time of the onset of
symptoms. Should the symptoms begin after hours, the employee is encouraged to report to the
Company EHS for treatment. In the event of a significant incident/accident or medical emergency,

For non-emergencies, the “owning” supervisor and injured employee shall alert the vessel or shop’s IRT
(especially EHS) that an injury has occurred by reporting it to the Boat Foreman’s Office (on vessels), the
Shop Management Office (in shops), or an IRT Office located throughout the Yard. If the IRT Office is not
manned, contact information will be posted near the door.

The IRT make-up shall consist of:

• Ship or Area member of management
• Employee’s immediate supervisor and/or general superintendent
• Area EHS staff member

A Ship/Shop/Area member of management over the location of the mishap shall personally respond to
all IRT notifications. The IRT shall conduct an investigation of the incident/accident and document the
team’s findings on a Foreman's Accident/Near Miss Investigation Report (SSF K8355). After the IRT has
assembled, normally within minutes, the injured employee shall provide the IRT with an accurate,
detailed account of the incident/accident and its location. Prior to escorting the IRT to the
incident/accident scene, the injured employee will assess the injury to determine if more than first aid
treatment is required. Should the injury require more that first aid treatment, the injured employee
shall report to the Medical Clinic with the original copy of investigation report to acquire treatment. If
the injury only requires first aid, the employee will be given access to a first aid kit for self-treatment.

After self-administering first aid, the employee will escort the IRT to the area where the injury occurred
and assist the team with the investigation. Should the employee require treatment above first aid, the
IRT will continue the investigation without the injured employee, and if needed, re-engage the injured
employee upon his/her return from the Medical Clinic or from their lost time absence.

During the investigation, subject matter experts, witnesses or others associated with the
incident/accident may be called upon to assist the IRT. As part of the investigation, the IRT will identify
causal factors and arrive at the ones requiring corrective actions.

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The IRT will issue corrective actions and implementation dates to the owning supervisor or the process
owner, depending on the circumstances of the mishap, who will then be required to implement them by
the deadline.

Upon completion of the investigation, the finalized investigation report with sound causal factors,
corrective actions and implementation dates must be signed by the owning supervisor and
superintendent and forwarded to the EHS Department. Once all associated corrective actions have been
successfully implemented and verified the investigation and report will be closed.

IRT First Aid Checklist

The IRT process is designed for minor first aid-type injuries. Due to the nature of any particular injury,
even one that would be considered minor by most people, if not properly treated, could become quite
problematic. The IRT First Aid Checklist is a guide to help determine if an injury should be attended by
the IRT process or higher levels of medical attention are warranted. The employee’s supervisor should
assess the injury, as soon as they are notified of it, and may use the following checklist to help in the
determination.

Abrasions and Lacerations:

Is the site of the abrasion (scratch) or laceration (cut) deep or large?
If the answer is yes then the patient will need to be seen by a healthcare provider (HCP).
Is the bleeding of the site controlled after a few minutes of pressure?
If the answer is yes, then it should be ok to bandage the patient. If the bleeding is not controlled then the
patient will need to be seen by a HCP.
Has the patient had a tetanus vaccination within the last ten years?
If the answer is no, then the patient will need a booster vaccine. Send them to the Medical Clinic.
If the patient is assessed by the supervisor and only needs first aid then the patient should clean the
wound
Foreign Bodies (splinters)
If someone thinks that he has a foreign body (splinters, metallic shavings, fiberglass, etc.) in any body
part other than the eyes, they should immediately wash the area with soap and water and report to the
HCP. With soap and water and apply antibiotic ointment to area. Pick the appropriate sized bandage to completely
Cover the site and ensure that it remains clean, dry and covered.

A mild abrasion, which

Only needs first aid.

Large abrasions Or
Eye Injuries Lacerations That would need
to be seen by a HCP.

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When an employee reports an eye injury, the employee should be
Sent to the Medical Clinic for cleansing and removal of the foreign body.
Washing eyes by using “saline” or eyewash stations could potentially
Fail to remove all foreign bodies and require additional treatment.
The longer a foreign body stays in the eye, the greater the chances of
Having an OSHS recordable eye injury.

Contusions (bruise)
How large is the contusion (bruise)?
If it is a large bruise then the patient might need to see a HCP.

How much of the body is involved?

If multiple parts of the body are involve
(Ex: fall from elevation to lower area) then a patient would need
To see a HCP. If a person has a small bruise and feels comfortable
Caring for the area they then they need to apply ice to the area
For 15 minutes at a time every 2 hours for the first 24 hours,
After 24 hours then the person can apply moist heat to the area.

If a person has a small bruise and feels comfortable caring for

The area themselves then they need to apply ice to the area for
15 minutes at a time every 2 hours
For the first 24 hours, after 24 hours then the person can
Apply moist heat to the area.

How much pain is the patient in?

Can they use the affected body part?
If the patient is in a moderate amount of pain and cannot
Use the affected area then they should be assessed by HCP.

Minor Aches and Pains

A non-prescription medication, such as Ibuprofen or Tylenol, can be
given for minor aches and pains. The employee should always follow
the directions for dosage as indicated on the bottle and never exceed
recommended amounts.

A person can also use hot or cold therapy for minor aches and pains.
The patient can apply an ice pack for 15 minutes every two hours for the first 24 hours. Moist heat can
be applied for 20-40 minutes at a time 24 hours after the initial injury. However, if these conservative
therapies do not relieve the pain then the patient should see a HCP.
Strains and Sprains

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• Is there swelling?
• Can you put weight on the injured area?
• Is there extreme tenderness in the injured area?
• Are there any irregularities in the skin structure to indicate any possible fractures?
• Is there any discoloration?

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• Is there any numbness or any tingling sensation in the arms or legs?

Eye Injuries
Excessive bleeding due to large abrasions or deep
Lacerations
Moderate to excessive pain
Potential severe strains or sprains
Splinters or other embedded foreign bodies
Large contusions (Bruises)
Multiple body parts are involved
Vomitingg
Broken or dislocated bones
Whenever in doubt

If the injury is due to exposure to a hazardous substance the

foreman shall provide the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) from his
department’s file (if quickly atand) or provide the product name
and manufacturer so HSE can locate a copy of the SDS to
aid in administering treatment.

Injuries don’t just happen to other people, they can also

happen to you. Safety must remain your top priority at all times!

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 II. Situational Awareness (SA)
Situational Awareness

The largest percent of mishaps occur due to human error and one of the most common human errors is
called Loss of Situational Awareness. Situational Awareness (also referred to as Situational Perception) is
the ability to recognize, by sensory cues, then process and comprehend the critical information about
what is happening to (or around) you or those working near you. You then must make an appropriate
decision regarding personal safety. More simply, it’s knowing what is going on around you and avoiding
dangerous situations. When you don’t realize what you’re doing or what is happening in and around
your work area, you are far more likely to exhibit at-risk behaviors or allow unsafe conditions to
develop. As your SA drops your risk for a mishap rises. When you maintain a high level of SA, you can
readily “size up” the sights, smells, and sounds around you and then predict what could be too risky. You
can then avoid potentially unsafe situations.

A key component of SA maintenance is effective communication. Much of what we are expected to do

in the workplace is based on communication, so naturally poor communication directly affects
performance. The large amount of information processed by the workforce and the many necessary
interactions within and between craft crews, work teams and various other departments provides the
opportunity for human error. The level of SA

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 Clues to Losing SA
The loss of SA can evolve slowly over
time, but often leaves clues or signals
that it is happening. Recognizing and
understanding these signals may warn
of lost or diminished SA. If you find
yourself having difficulty paying
attention or staying on task, you may
be experiencing less-than-optimal SA.
Realizing your SA is not where it
should be is the first step in improving
it. The table to the left gives examples
of clues that your SA may be slipping.

Barriers to SA
When trying to maintain SA, it is
important to understand that there are
barriers that can hinder concentration,
scatter focus and increase risks. The
behaviors that block SA are generally
controllable, so it is important that
everyone knows what these behaviors
are.

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Maintaining Situational Awareness

Achieved is related to the level and quality of communication. Effective work teams are alert to errors
and use assertive communications to alert others to the problem.

The following table describes specific methods and examples for maintaining SA. Like any skill, practice
makes perfect and the more you actively conduct these SA maintenance tips, the safer you will work.

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 Maintaining Situational Awareness
MAINTENANCE OF SITUATIONAL AWARENESS OCCURS THROUGH EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION AND A
COMBINATION OF THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS:

Recognize and make others aware when deviations from standard procedures start
Occurring. Comment clearly and specifically. Correct the process so that it follows procedures and
requirements.

Maintaining Situational Awareness continued

Monitor what others working with or around you are doing. When hazards are developing or at-risk
behaviors are occurring, step up and use your STOP Badge.

Provide information in advance. Don’t wait to be asked! If you have information critical to the safety of the
workplace, speak up!

Identify potential or existing hazards. Inspect your work area before starting and conduct a pre-use
inspection on all tools, equipment, leads, lines, hoses, PPE, etc. Abate all hazards before proceeding with
work. Ask if you are unsure of a hazard or its control.
Demonstrate awareness of task performance. Know how your job and those of shipbuilders working around
you contribute to the overall mission. Understand how job tasks may have to be managed, such as hot work
and painting that must be done at separate times.

Communicate a course of action. Let those around you know where you are going or what you intend, such
as having personnel move out of the way until a crane lift passes overhead.
Continually assess the situation. As your work environment changes, hazard controls may as well. Make sure
that signs or barricades are still in place; ventilation and lighting are still on. Periodically re-inspect your tools
and equipment.

Clarify expectations. Understand that clear expectations lead to safe work performance. The expectations
that are made of you and the attention and cooperation that you expect from those you are working with
are equally important.

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 Driving or walking while talking or texting is so distractive it
is difficult for even the most alert people to maintain SA.
Safety Signs

As previously established, a key component of SA maintenance is effective communication. Safety signs

communicate critical information and quickly allow us to understand what is, or could be, happening
around us and whether or not special hazard controls are needed for employee safety. Within a shipyard
there are scores of important signs, each alerting shipbuilders to a caution or warning to be heeded.

The following page displays examples of some of the signs that are posted within the Yard. Compliance
to safety signage is mandatory and violations will warrant enforcement discipline. Always consult with
your area EHS staff member or the EHS office if unsure of the meaning or requirements of safety signage

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 III. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
PPE

All employees must wear personal protective equipment (PPE) whenever there is a reasonable
probability it can prevent injury or illness. The overall purpose of PPE is to protect the body from
exposures to the hazards associated with shipbuilding. It takes coordination from suppliers, vendors,
and the Company to provide the PPE—as well as our shipbuilders to wear it to help reduce injury risks.

When potential chemical hazards exist review the appropriate SDS to determine the correct protective
measures to avoid overexposure. If unsure about the equipment or clothing for a specific job consult
your supervisor, a Job Safety Analysis or the EHS Dept. for help obtaining and correctly using it. Maintain
all PPE according to the instructions of the manufacturer or EHS Dept. and return damaged PPE for
repair or replacement.

Gate-To-Gate PPE

A Gate-to-Gate PPE policy implementation at Vistamarine Shipbuilding. This means that all employees
must be wearing their hardhat, safety glasses and safety-toed footwear (basic PPE) as soon as they enter
the Yard.

Exceptions: Within offices, inside a vehicle’s closed cab, or in a designated eating area during lunch.
Hearing protection does not have to be used when walking on the roadways or crane tracks.

PPE Conformance

➢ Prescription safety glasses must DTI Approved on frames and side shields.
➢ Prescription safety glasses lens must bear the manufacturer’s mark with a “+” plus sign.
➢ Safety footwear must be inscribed with the DTI Approved conformance designation.
➢ Hard hats must be marked that they conform to DTI Approved.
➢ Never perform modifications on any protective equipment; it voids the manufacturer’s approval
and may compromise safety performance.
➢ Employees must take care of the PPE they are issued and if lost or damaged, other than by
normal wear and tear, the employee may be charged for a replacement.

Eye and Face Protection

Eye injuries are one of the most common injuries in shipbuilding; therefore, Vistamarine Shipbuilding
has a comprehensive eye and face PPE program. The details are set forth in Eye and Face Protection
and Personal Protective Eye Equipment. Eye and face PPE compliance is closely monitored and
aggressively enforced.

Safety Glasses: Provide minimum protection and are for general working conditions with minor dust,
chips or flying particles.

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Goggles: Provide higher impact protection and create a better barrier than safety glasses alone. Fit
closer to the face than glasses and close the gap between the face and the frame that glasses’ have.

Face shields
are required
PPE to
protect
against flying
particles.

Burning Goggles: Required when cutting with an oxygen/fuel gas torch. Burning and cutting operations
produce non-ionizing light radiation such as UV. While the radiation may not be as intense as arc
welding, prolonged exposure without protection can cause eye injuries. Burning goggles must have the
correct shade of light filtering lens.

Face Shields: Guard against injuries to the face by protecting from spraying, chipping, grinding,
chemicals or blood borne hazards. Goggles or prescription safety glasses (if needed) are worn in
conjunction with face shields when there is a high potential for eye exposure to projected chips, flying
particles or harmful splashes. Face shield eye and face protection is critical when transferring or using
hazardous chemicals. Anytime brushing or rolling paints and/or solvents, above chest-high or where
splash and splatter could cover bare facial skin, face shields must be used.

Full-Face Welding Shields: Protects against multiple hazards. The

filter lens keeps light radiation from burning the eyes while the
shield protects the face from arc light, popping/flying hot metal
and sparks. It must be worn with hearing protection, safety
glasses and the correct shade of light filtering lens for the task
being conducted. Some shields have a flip up, lens window that
allows the dark filter lens to be raised without raising the entire
welding hood. This allows use of grinders and scalers without
having to switch to a grinding shield each time they must chip or
grind.

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Never modify a welding shield by cutting, drilling, painting, taping,
Attaching materials or any other treatment.
Inspect it frequently for
Defects or damage. When not in use, it should be
stored where it
will not become damaged. Do not store in the
bottom of a gang box
where other tools and equipment could be
dropped on top of it.
Using damaged or modified PPE of any kind is a
violation of EHS
requirements and will be enforced in accordance
with the EHS
Enforcement Discipline Safety Control Program.
A cut off or taped-up welding
shield is not compliant and a
citable violation.

The following IF/THEN table defines when and

what
Employees Engaged in the Following Tasks Shall Wear the Specified Eye/Face Protection.

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 If… Then…
• Wear face shield in addition to approved goggles or
prescription safety glasses with side shields.

• NOTE: For grinding, chipping, and scaling by welders, see

the Welding section below.

• NOTE: If wearing foam-lined, tight-fitting safety glasses

such as UVEX SEISMIC™ or approved equivalent and the
Grinding, scaling, forging, machining rough/brittle material, head strap is securely adjusted, they may serve as the
chipping, rusting, chemical handling, pressure washing, using goggles when grinding, chipping, scaling, forging, rusting,
caustics and abrasives - and similar particulate generating tasks.
• NOTE: Foam-lined, tight-fitting safety glasses such as
UVEX SEISMIC™ shall not be used as goggles for handling
or using chemicals.
Foundry and furnace work, handling of molten metal,
Wear a face shield and approved safety glasses with side
machinery operators such as drill presses, milling, needle gun •
shields.
cleaning, and drilling
Wear blasting hood.
•
Abrasive blasting Immediately after removal of blasting hood, safety
• glasses with side shields.

• Wear burning goggles.

Burning and acetylene welders - • Others working in area - wear safety glasses with side
shields.
• Wear welding shields and safety glasses with side shields
under the welding shields.

• If welding shield has a “flip up” shaded lens and a fixed

American Nation Standards Institute (ANSI) Z87 clear
lens, the welder can grind, chip, and scale with their
welding hood down and safety glasses on underneath.
•
If the welder must raise the entire welding shield to
grind, chip or scale, he must wear a face shield in
addition to approved goggles or, prescription safety
Welding - glasses with side shields.
• In open areas in shops, screens shall be erected to
reduce exposure of weld spatter and arc radiation to
other employees.

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Employees Needing Eye Protection for Working in Production Areas Shall:

If… Then…
Needing a pair of safety glasses meeting ANSI Z87.1
Obtain a pair from their General Foreman’s Tool
requirements with side shields, (clear or amber lens • Bag process.
meeting the requirements for working inside shops,
• The Safety Store is an additional resource for
buildings, units, modules and vessels) – NO DARK
safety glasses.
LENSES IN LOW-LIGHT AREAS!
• Obtain a replacement pair from their General
Safety glasses are lost or damaged while at work -
Foreman’s Tool Bag process.
Check them out from the tool rooms located
Safety goggles are needed for work/tasks - •
throughout the yards.
• Safety glasses with side shields are available in
Needed by vendors, visitors, contractors for brief in-
the Safety Store, or approved safety cover lenses
yard visits
may be used over prescription eyewear.

If… Then…
Purchasing prescription safety glasses meeting •
ANSI Z87.1 requirements, with side shields - Wear approved safety cover lenses over
• corrective lenses until the ordered safety
NOTE: Wearing safety cover lenses over corrective
lenses is a shortterm corrective action only. If an •
glasses are received. (Not to exceed 30 days.)
employee is observed by EHS staff wearing Bring a current prescription to the Safety Store
prescription eyewear that is not ANSI Z87 safety to order.
•
eyewear with side shields in production areas:
• They will be given 30 days to purchase Purchase them from the Safety Store by paying
prescription safety eyewear. cash or by payroll deduction.
• It will be documented and tracked. They may also be purchased privately from an
• They must bring the safety eyewear to the outside vender; however, they must bear the
EHS office upon receipt. markings of “ANSI Z87” or “Z87” on the frames
• They will not be allowed in production and side shields and the manufacturer’s mark
areas without prescription safety eyewear after with a “+” (plus sign) on the lens.
30 days.
• Available in the Safety Store.

A welding shield is needed for work/tasks - • When worn out or damaged, shield or goggles
shall be returned to the Safety Store and
exchanged for a new one.
Burning goggles are needed for work/tasks - Available in the Tool Room.

65 | P a g e
 • Obtain shield and frame from the Tool Room.
A face shield and frame is needed for abrasive or
corrosive work - • When worn or damaged, return to the Tool
Room and exchange them for a new one.
Emergency flushing stations are required whenever a person’s eyes, face or body may be exposed to
corrosive or caustic materials or toxic materials that can be absorbed through the skin.

• Activities that may result in these exposures include, but are not limited to: Spraying,
transferring and mixing of paints and solvents;

➢ Acid dipping;

➢ Battery charging; or Hazardous waste handling.

• Should there be a question as to whether an operation requires an

emergency flushing station consult the:

➢ Product label;

➢ Safety Data Sheet (SDS); or EHS Department.

• EHS must approve all stations prior to installation

Hearing Protection

Certain shipbuilding job tasks create high occupational noise levels.

This work includes, but is not limited to:
• Chipping or grinding
• Blasting
• Arc gouging
• Ship fitting
• Operating any pneumatic tools
• Many types of power tools

Hearing protection is available through all tool rooms, your supervisor

Or other locations throughout the Yard. There are three types available:
• Corded Smart Fit (soft plastic)
• Corded Push Ins w/Grip Rings (foam)
• Ear Muffs (Safety Store)

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 Head Protection
Approved hard hats will provide acceptable head protection if worn properly without obstructions
restricting the fit. Hard hats are available at the Safety Store. Only the
following items are allowed under hard hats:
• Welder’s Cap
• Winter Liners
• Paint Dept. Cloth Head Cover
• Ball caps are not allowed under hard hats
• Hoodies must be worn over hard hats—never underneath
them
Inspect your hard hat daily! Gently press the side edges of the rim
inward;
the hat should flex and spring back. If it is too rigid, it is no good.
Never drill holes, cut or modify hard hats. The suspension may wear
out
before the shell, but it can be replaced separately. Unapproved bump caps
Or safety “cowboy” hats, as well as metal hard hats, shall not be worn.

When/If… Then…
The Safety Store shall provide hard hats so they will
Required meet both the colorcoding and non-conductive
material requirements (plastic or fiberglass).
Each hard hat shall be equipped with full suspension
Worn in production areas and headbands (additional headbands may be
purchased at the Safety Store).
Damaged Shall be replaced through the Safety Store

Lost Shall be purchased by employee from Safety Store

energy during “struck-by” mishaps.

Not wearing
your hard hat,
when no one is
watching can be
regretful.

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Protective Footwear

Employees must wear protective footwear to protect against the danger of foot injuries due to falling or
rolling objects or objects piercing the sole. You must inspect your safety footwear prior to putting them
on. Do not wear footwear that is damaged, defective, worn out or in need of repair. Do not wear safety-
toed footwear that has worn out spots where the metal caps are exposed. Ensure that the soles of the
footwear are not worn to the point that they lose their slip resistance or worn over so the foot/ankle are
in an unnatural posture while standing.

Employees working around hot work must wear

safety shoes made of all leather tops. Pants legs must
be worn over boot tops and without a cuff when
conducting hot work. Employees exposed to irritating
or corrosive substances or wet conditions shall wear
impermeable (rubber, neoprene, etc) boots with a
safety toe. Employees performing the following jobs
must wear boots at least six inches high:
➢ Welding, burning, gouging, and other hot
work applications
➢ Applications involving exposures to paints,
solvents and other irritating or corrosive
chemicals Applications involving exposures to
stagnant water or liquids

Replace footwear if they are worn down or cut to where the Make sure your footwear has
metal toecaps are exposed. a good fit. Your toes should
not rub against the toecaps
to the point they blister.

Remember—you earn your

living in your boots. Make
sure they are comfortable
and supportive.

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Personal Floating divice

➢ When working over water or near

unguarded deck edges of floating vessels you
must wear an approved personal flotation
Work vests are available
device (PFD). from the Tool Room.
➢ When working on scaffolding over the side
of vessels afloat you must wear an approved
PFD.
➢ When working near unguarded deck edges
or in personnel baskets suspended over water
you must wear an approved PFD.
Work vests must be adjusted properly
and snugly fit. If they are too loose, they
may separate from the wearer upon
entering the water.
➢ An approved 30” life rings with at least 90’ of line attached shall be installed aboard all
vessels, barges, and floating staging, on which work is being performed.
➢ In the vicinity of each occupied floating vessel, there shall be at least one portable or permanent
ladder of sufficient length to assist employees to reach safety in the event that they fall into the
water.

Hand Protection

Many jobs require special gloves for hand protection. See your foreman for
specific gloves. Gloves commonly in used in shipbuilding include:

• Cotton or fabric gloves—protect yard laborers, ship cleaners and others

against dirt, slivers, chafing or abrasion.
Good gripping gloves reduce
• Leather welding gloves—Burners, welders and other employees the amount of force needed to
performing hot work shall wear these gloves for protection against pull. This equals less risk of
burns. musculo-skeletal disorders.
• High and low voltage gloves—protect trained electricians during very
specific tasks.
• Impermeable neoprene or latex gloves—Painters and other chemical users wear these when
handling chemicals or corrosive materials. Nurses, EMT’s and porters wear them when exposed to
bodily fluids.
• Leather work gloves—All craft employees
involved in production work, except operating
rotating
machine
ry,
should
wear
Gloves that were caught in a drill press.
69 | P a g e
 these. Protects against light sparks, grinding, moderate heat, flying chips and rough-edged objects.
• Cut resistant gloves (Kevlar gloves)—provided for electricians involved in stripping cables, banding
and sheet metal employees handling sharp-edged sheet metal material.

Whenever there is a danger of gloves becoming entangled in moving parts of machinery, they shall
not be worn.

Working Apparel and Personal Clothing

Wear clothing appropriate for the work being done. Do not wear loose gloves, sleeves, scarves,
neckties, necklaces or other loose clothing or jewelry that can become entangled in moving machinery.

While working around machinery keep long hair confined. Head coverings must not hang loosely nor
allow hair to protrude.

Skirts, dresses and tank tops are prohibited in production areas. Shirts and blouses must cover the
shoulder and the midriff. Shorts are prohibited throughout the shipyard.

Loose, looped or dangling earrings, bracelets, rings or similar jewelry in are prohibited in production
areas. Personal headset radios are not permitted.

Shop employees must wear ankle-length trousers, slacks or jeans. Wear long sleeve shirts and clothing
Degloving(cotton,
made of natural fabrics (scalping) of the scalpleather,
denim, due to etc.)
hair being caught in rotating equipment.
Degloving of a finger due to a ring being hung
on moving equipment.

Never conduct hot work while wearing polyester

or other synthetic material clothing.

when performing hot work.

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If you are observed working without the proper work attire for your job task, the violation will be
enforced in accordance with the EHS Enforcement Discipline Safety Control Program.

Arcing on the ring

caused burns.

Long Sleeve Shirt

PPE Requirements by Craft

Below is a section from a craft-specific “Take Five” form. Each craft’s Take Five checklist covers the
required PPE for the various tasks that the craft may execute. You can review this checklist each
morning during your “Take Five” Prejob Inspection or anytime by asking your supervisor for a copy.
Anytime you are unsure of what PPE to use, contact an Area EHS staff.

71 | P a g e
 IV. Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS)
Inspecting, Wearing, and Caring for PFAS

When working 5’ or higher and not protected by a fully decked and properly guard-railed
work platform or you are otherwise exposed to a fall greater than 5’, you must utilize a
Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS). PFAS is a full body harness, a lanyard, connecting
hardware and an anchor point rated for a minimum of 5000lbs. per person attached.

PFAS is a life-critical portion of your PPE so, when it is needed, it must be damage-free.
Prior to donning a safety harness, you must always inspect it and your lanyard. Any defects
you find will disqualify it from use; return it to the Tool Room and show them what is
wrong with it.

Proper wearing, cleaning and storage will ensure that your PFAS is in good shape and will
function correctly if ever needed to stop a fall. Always be mindful of where your PFAS is stored and
avoid placing it in situations that could damage or degrade its ability to function as designed.

Pre-use Inspection of Full Body Harness.

• To begin a PFAS inspection, first ensure the information tags/labels are intact
and legible.

➢ There should be one on the harness and another on the Shake out the
lanyard. straps before inspecting the

➢ If the information tags/labels cannot be read—do not waste

harness. Your time inspecting anything else on it! Remove it from
service.

• Inspect the “D” ring and other hardware for cracks, burns, bends, distortion,
corrosion, deep cuts and pitting.

When inspecting the webbing, check the whole length of all straps (sides and edges)
and pay close attention to heavy stitching at webbing intersections and attachments.
Look for:

➢ Abrasions, cuts, tears, flat spots, permanent pinches and

If you notice any
damage or frayed fabric in the webbing
defects when Inspect every section of
you inspect your Welding splatter, the webbing: shoulder, leg,
harness, it must back and chest strap.
pinholes, burned spots, punctures,
come out of
service! split/separating seams and popped or
unraveled stitching.

➢ Ensure that no excessive paint,

glue, grease or insulation coatings are
hiding defects.

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 ➢ Check for odd textures on the webbing fabric, stains, stiff spots or
webbing that has. Reduced flexibility indicate deterioration.

Pre-use Inspection of SRLs

• Vistamarine Shipyard exclusively uses self-retracting lanyards (SRL).

• Any lanyard or PFAS components, other than Company-issued, must be

approved by the EHS Dept. prior to use.

• Use the same inspection criteria for lanyard webbing as for harness webbing.

• Pull all of the line out and check the whole length of webbing on both sides and
edges.

• Check the line extraction and re-traction by pulling out the full length of line and
carefully let it slip back into the unit through your fingers.

➢ DO NOT let the line freely re-reel and snap back as this can damage the
unit.

➢ If it jams on the way out, “stalls” repeatedly on the way back in or does
not retract completely, remove it from service.

• Check line locking by pulling the line out very sharply.

➢ The device should lock and remain locked until you relax the pull, then
let it retract.

➢ Repeat this process three times—if it does not always lock or retract
normally, remove from service.

• Check for structural defects and corrosion.

• Verify no missing, altered or damaged parts; no cracks; deformations; or cuts in the housing,
webbing, or snap hook.

• Perform a function test on the snap hook by squeezing and releasing the gate (latch) to see if
automatically closes.

• Check the load indicator at the top of the reel to see if

it has been involved in a fall; remove from service if it
indicates that it has been deployed.

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Donning a Harness

Step One Step Two

• Inspect harness straps, “D” ring and labels • Rotate harness, similar to donning a vest or
prior to donning. jacket.
• Hold harness from back “D” ring locator • Slip shoulder strap over left shoulder.
pad with leg straps toward you. • Be sure to have the leg straps behind you at
• Gently shake harness to remove any twists this point.
in straps.

QWIKFITT or “Parachute” Buckles

• Start end of smaller element through slightly larger mating connector.
• Push through fully.
• Check for proper connection by pulling on each end of strap.

Step Three
• Locate the right side of the shoulder strap retainer and make sure it is not twisted in any of
the straps.
• Grasp the other shoulder strap and pull it over the shoulder.
• Settle the straps comfortably and evenly over both shoulders.

74 | P a g e
Step Four
• Connect the shoulder strap retainer.
• Squat slightly, reach behind, grasp the sub-pelvic
strap with thumbs and position it beneath the buttocks.
• Make sure the leg straps are not twisted.

Step Five
• Pull each leg strap between legs and fasten the buckle.
• Adjustments should be to a snug, comfortable fit.
• Use two fingers as a “feeler gauge” to check leg strap fit.

Step Six
• Adjust the shoulder straps to be even by using the adjusting buckles
on each shoulder strap.
• Check and adjust strap retainer.
• Adjustments should be to a snug, comfortable fit.

75 | P a g e
 Step Seven
• Make sure “D” ring is centered between the shoulder blades.
• Utilize strap collars to hold excess lengths of straps in place.
• Best comfort and function may require minor re-adjustments
until ideal fit is achieved.

Leg Strap Fit Check

• Use two fingers, side-by-side and slide them behind the leg strap
just below the buckles.
• The fingers should drag easily but firmly against your leg on one
side and the strap on the other when properly adjusted.

After wearing the

PFAS for a while,
check to ensure the
“D” ring is still in the
center of the
• The carabineer that connects the SRL and the “D” ring has an shoulder blades and
readjust if
automatically closing barrel gate that must be inspected.
necessary.
➢ Turn the barrel, push the gate open, and then let
go—the gate should close automatically and the
barrel turn back to the locked position.

• Open the carabineer gate and attach through the SRL’s top eye
above the load indicator, close the gate and confirm positive
connection.

• Open the carabineer gate, attach to “D” ring, close gate and confirm positive connection.
• If you attach the SRL while wearing the harness, have a coworker visually assure positive connection to
the “D” ring.

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Improperly Fitted PFAS

This harness is also too loose.

The slack

This harness is too loose. The

slack allows the “D” ring to
hang well below the center of
the shoulder blades.

Each adjustment of the harness is dependent on the

can cause other elements to fit poorly and possibly

allows the shoulder strap

retainer (chest strap) to
ride up the shoulder straps.

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Cleaning and Storing PFAS

• Clean entire PFAS with mild soap and water, but the SRL should only
be wiped with a damp cloth.
• Use no chemicals, harsh detergents, abrasives or pressure washers
to clean any PFAS component and never immerse an SRL in water or
any other liquid.
• Dry the hardware with a cloth and hang harness to air dry—DO NOT
use heat to speed up the drying process.
Store the harness and SRL in a cool, dry, clean place, out

• of direct sunlight.
• Avoid areas where heat, moisture, light, oil and chemicals or their
vapors may be present.
• Store SRLs with the line fully retracted.
• Do not store damaged PFAS next to usable equipment—return to
Tool Room immediately.
• Do not attempt repairs of any kind.
• Do not store PFAS in the bottom of a gang box or where tools and
material can be dropped on it.
Example
of being
exposed
to a fall
over 5’
without
guardrails
or PFAS.

Use of PFAS

• Supervisors are responsible to point out acceptable anchor points

before deploying workers to elevated work locations.
• Fatal falls have occurred when workers temporarily disconnect
PFAS
from an anchorage point or unbuckled a harness. Stay tied off the
entire
time you are exposed to fall hazards.
• When floor or deck openings cannot be covered or protected by a
guardrail system, PFAS must be used.
• The yellow SRL commonly used in the Yard cannot be wrapped
around anything and attached back to itself.
Another example of being exposed to
a fall over 5’ without guardrails or
78 | P a g e PFAS.
 • There are special “tie-back” lanyards that can be wrapped around a
suitable anchor and hooked back into its line.
• The locking device on the lanyard hook must be closed 360° around the anchor.
• Never hook a lanyard on a plate-edge or attach it in any manner that would allow “roll out” and
detachment.
• Always hook the lanyard overhead unless in an aerial lift or a location where there is no
overhead anchorage.
• PFAS that has been exposed to a fall must be immediately taken out of service and given to the
EHS Department.
• Anchorage points must support at least 5000lbs static load per person attached.
• Never hook two lanyards together.
• You can hook into the rosette rings on manufactured, modular scaffolding.
• Ask your supervisor or an EHS staff member if unsure of an anchor point or attachment
technique.

PFAS Rescue

79 | P a g e
 V. Respiratory Protection and Ventilation

Respiratory Protection
Sometimes the air in a work area becomes unfit for breathing because of the
presence of dust, fumes, gases, vapors or mist. Contaminated air is made
safe using respirators designed for the specific contaminant.
Vistamarine Shipbuilding’s written respiratory protection program is
Maintenance and Usage of Respirators and Respiratory Equipment (SSO
K204). It contains further details on the requirements associated with
ensuring workers are not overexposed to airborne contaminants.
The following defines the respiratory hazards that may require the use of a
respirator:
• Oxygen Deficient Atmosphere
• Toxic (gas and vapor) Atmosphere
• Particulate Contaminated Atmosphere
• Any Combination of the Above

The two main classes of respirators are:

Air Purifying Respirators (APR): Uses filters and absorbents to remove contamination from the air drawn
through them.
Air Supply Respirators (ASR): Furnishes breathable air needed in highly toxic or oxygen-deficient
atmospheres.

The Following Steps Shall Be Followed to Ensure the Proper Selection of Respirators.
STEP WHO DOES WHAT
• Informs the employee of the particular hazard and the need
• for a respirator.
Acquaints the employee with the specific hazard involved in
•
1 Supervision the work function. Obtains specialty cartridges (ammonia, acid
gas) from the Industrial Hygiene Section of the EHS
Department when required, and then distributes them for use
to the employee.
Informs the Tool Control personnel of the specific nature of
2 Employee the hazard before a respirator is issued to the employee.
Presents a valid respirator fit test card to Tool Room
attendant.

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 Determines which respirator is necessary based on the
• information supplied to them by the employee when they
present the Respirator Fit Test Card issued to them after their
fit test.
• Issues the respirator and filter/cartridges designed to protect
against the particular hazard.
Tool Control Personnel With • A respirator shall not be issued to an employee who cannot
3 EHS Department Assistance present a current Respirator Fit Test Card.
A respirator or respirator replacement cartridges shall not be
issued to anyone that is not clean-shaven.

The Following Table Summarizes the Minimum Level of Respiratory Protection for Routine and
Emergency Operations:

OPERATION WHEN MINIMUM RESPIRATOR

Blasting personnel Supplied air w/ blast helmet
Working near blasting operations
Abrasive Blasting ½ face APR w/ P100 Filters
for short periods
Glove box blasting operations Respiratory protection not required
Brush or roller painting w/
½ face APR w/organic vapor cartridges
organic solvent based paints
Spray painting Supplied air paint hood
Painting Personnel working near spray ½ face APR w/ organic vapor cartridges and
operations pre-filter
Painting w/ coal tar epoxy,
antifouling or polyurethane Supplied air paint hood
(isocyanate) coatings
Grinding or Scaling All grinding on all surfaces ½ face APR w/ P100 Filters
Tack Welding (short
duration) 1. Welding
beads of less than 2 On bare mild steel and in open
inches. areas or in enclosed/confined
Respiratory protection not required
2. Less than 15 tack areas where general exhaust
beads per hour (Also, ventilation is used
see welding on toxic
materials below)
Welding All areas on bare mild steel ½ face APR w/ P100 Filters
On bare mild steel and in open
Cutting, Heating & areas or in enclosed/confined
Respiratory protection not required
Burning areas where general exhaust
ventilation is used

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 Enclosed/confined areas where
general exhaust ventilation is not ½ face APR w/P100 Filters
feasible
Welding, Tacking, Beryllium base metals, fillers and
Airline supplied respirator
Cutting, coatings that contain therein
Heating & Burning On In open areas or in
Toxic Base Metals, Fillers, enclosed/confined areas
Coatings Containing: ½ face APR w/ P100 Filters
where local exhaust
-Cadmium ventilation is used
-Chromium
-Copper
-Lead Enclosed/confined areas where
-Nickel general exhaust ventilation is not Airline supplied respirator
-Stainless steel feasible
-Zinc
Carbon arc gouging in open areas
½ face APR w/ P100 Filters
Carbon Arc Gouging On with general exhaust ventilation
Any Metal Carbon arc gouging in
Airline supplied respirator
enclosed/confined areas
Particulates: fiberglass, mineral
½ face APR w/ P100 Filters
wool, ceramic fiber, asbestos
Hazardous Materials
Handling and Usage Liquids/Vapors: solvents, ½ face APR w/ specialty cartridges issued by
insecticides, herbicides, caustic or IH
acid solutions Section of the EHS Department
Rescue, Emergency Response, Fire Fighting, Confined Space Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
Entry in pressure demand mode or as deemed
necessary by the IH Section of the EHS
Department
If you are ever unsure about what type of
Respirator you need for a particular atmospheric hazard, contact the EHS Department

Using a Respirator

• Prior to using a respirator, shipbuilders are required to have a respirator fit test. The test determines
proper fit and size respirator required for the user. A fit test card is issued to the employee to keep
and must be presented when requesting a respirator at the Tool Room. All users must be clean-
shaven when reporting for the fit test and when using a respirator on the job. Fit tests must be
conducted annually.
• Respirators must be used only for the purpose intended and no modifications to the equipment may
be made. Remember: Never use a cartridge-type respirator in place of an airline respirator.
Cartridge respirators filter the air you breathe; they DO NOT provide breathing air or oxygen.
• The three primary places to check to determine the appropriate respiratory protection for your tasks
are 1) The Safety Data Sheet for the chemical you are working with, 2) The Vistamarine Shipbuilding
written respiratory protection program (SSO K204), or 3) Ask an EHS staff member for assistance.

82 | P a g e
• Respirators must be inspected prior to use and maintained in good condition.
• The cartridges must be replaced as necessary by the user to avoid undue resistance to breathing.
Organic vapor cartridges should be replaced after approximately 4 hours or midway in an 8-hour
work shift. If breakthrough is
detected by smell, taste or by
nose or throat irritation,
cartridges should be replaced
earlier.
• Employees are responsible for
cleaning and disinfecting their
equipment daily. Do not borrow
respirators from others; always
use your own.
• Users must store their respirator
in a clean plastic bag in a location
where it will not be damaged.
Never throw a respirator in the
bottom of a toolbox or gang box
where heavy tools and materials
can land on it and cause damage.
• When an airline respirator is used, the airline must be fitted with the proper pressure regulating
valve and filter, which will remove oil, water and rust particles. The air intake must be from a source
that is free from all contaminants. Mechanical exhaust ventilation systems must be used in addition
to airline respirators to clear contaminants from the work area or to provide fresh air to the
compartment.
• Prior to initial entry, all confined spaces which may have contained a hazardous substance, must be
checked for oxygen content, combustible gases, and possibly toxicity by a shipyard competent
person, industrial hygienist or marine chemist.
• A clean and disinfected respirator can be acquired from the tool room or exchanged when the older
one has been damaged or excessively soiled.

Ventilation

Mechanical forced air ventilation is used to add

clean, fresh air to the atmosphere in a space
thereby, diluting the amount of contaminants. It is
also used to exhaust the contaminations out of the
space. Shipbuilding makes wide-use of various
blowers and fans to move air in or out of the
enclosed and confined spaces of vessels and vessel
sections. For more information, see:
Confined and Enclosed Spaces and Other Dangerous

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Confined/Enclosed Space Ventilation.
• Confined/enclosed spaces must have mechanical ventilation operating before employee entry.
• Prior to welding inside any vessel, unit or structure, adequate mechanical forced-air exhaust
ventilation shall be operating.
• Contaminated air exhausted from a space shall be discharged into the open air, away from other
intake sources and away from personnel.
• Flammable paints, toxic solvents, acids or other hazardous materials shall not
be used until adequate exhaust ventilation is operating and employees have
proper respiratory equipment.

• Before operating an internal combustion engine below decks, authorization

must first be obtained from the EHS Dept. and supplied-air and exhaust
ventilation shall be used to ensure that carbon monoxide levels are not at
dangerous concentrations.
• Under no circumstances shall any employee alter ventilation, except for the Temporary Ventilation
crews, unless directed by the EHS Dept.
• Oxygen shall not be used for ventilation purposes, comfort cooling, blowing dust or dirt from clothing
or for cleaning the work area.
• Air hoses and/or air rings are not suitable ventilation—yard air (pressurized service air) shall not be
used for ventilation or cooling.

Air that has not been properly Never cut holes

filtered can have oil and hazardous in ventilation
gasses in it. duct or modify in
any way. Doing
so is grounds for
enforcement
discipline.

Therefore, it shall not be used for

respiratory protection or cooling air.

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 VI. Confined and Enclosed Space and Inerting Gas
Safety Entry.

Confined Space General Rules

Confined Space: Any space of small size and limited access

such as a double bottom tank, cofferdam, void, or other space
which by its small size and confined nature, can readily create
or aggravate a hazardous exposure.
Enclosed Space: A space, other than confined spaces, that are
enclosed by bulkheads and overhead. This includes cargo
holds, quarters, passageways and machinery and boiler
spaces.

The full confined/enclosed space entry written program is Confined and Enclosed Spaces and Other
Dangerous Atmospheres
For inerting gas safety, see: Personal Gas Leak Control and Ships and Units Argon Purging Precautions for
Pipe Welding and Flow Meter Setup Instructions.

The Following Precautions Must Be Followed When Working In and

Around Hazardous Atmospheres:

IF… THEN…
Employee should evacuate the area immediately and
An employee becomes suspicious of the quality of
notify their supervisor to request an atmosphere
the atmosphere of any space.
survey by the EHS Dept.
Personnel are assigned to enter: • Employees must not enter.
• Confined spaces that have been sealed.
• Ships Management must request an atmosphere
• Spaces that have been coated and closed up. survey by a Shipyard Competent Person (SCP) or
Certified Marine Chemist (CMC) and follow all
• Unventilated freshly painted spaces. posted instructions listed on the colored entry
• If charged gas lines appear to have been left permit tag.
inside or right at the entrance of a space such as • Personnel permitted to enter only after reading
at the very beginning of an oncoming shift or and understanding all instructions on colored
appear to be unattended (>15 minutes for fuel entry permit tag.
gas & oxygen or any length of time for inerting
gasses).
Note: During a production shift, it would not be uncommon to see lines running into spaces for process
tasks.

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 • The employee shall evacuate the area
immediately.
• Take the necessary steps to prevent personnel
Inert, toxic, flammable or otherwise harmful gases entry by roping off the area or posting signs, etc.
are released in any confined space.
• Request an atmosphere survey by a SCP or CMC.
• Follow posted instructions by SCP or CMC.

Confined Space Entry Control Requirements

Prior to entry into any space, a visual inspection of the area around the access should be conducted to
ascertain if there are any conditions that could potentially contribute to atmospheric hazards within the
space. Conditions that could indicate that there may be a substandard atmosphere are (but not limited
to):

• Unattended or non-wrench tightened inerting gas lines or torch lines running into the space
• Previous cargo of flammable/combustible materials
• Previous cargo toxic/corrosive/irritant material
• Previous cargo of organic material
• Freshly painted surfaces
• Sewage or waste water
• Odd smells
• Excessive smoke or vapor being released
• Previously sealed spaces
Always remember: Employees shall never work
alone in a confined space.

If any of these conditions are observed, a Shipyard Competent Person (SCP) or EHS DEPT. may need to
inspect the space and require special hazard controls prior to entry. Hot work is not permitted in or on
the following spaces, adjacent spaces, or other dangerous atmospheres until they have been tested by a
SCP and determined to contain no concentrations of flammable vapors equal to or greater than 10
percent of the lower explosive limit:

• Dry cargo holds

• The bilges
• The engine room and boiler
• Vessels and vessel sections
• Landside confined and enclosed spaces or other dangerous atmospheres.

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To maintain safe working conditions, SCPs shall conduct follow-up inspections to the initial inspection at
the interval specified. For hot work operations, the atmosphere must be at 0% of the LEL in the areas
that will be designated as “Safe for Hot Work”. For Employee entry:

• The oxygen content in air must be 20.8%.

• The atmosphere must be less than 10% of the LEL for painting operations or other flammable liquid
processes.
• The atmosphere must be at 0% of the LEL for all other operations.
• The level of toxic, corrosive or irritant materials exposure must be within permissible limits.
• An area in this condition will be designated as “Safe for Workers”.
All previously sealed and reopened confined spaces shall be atmospherically tested and visually
inspected by SCP and the appropriate colored and dated entry tag affixed at the designated
opened accesses prior to entry by Vistamarine Shipbuilding personnel. Should an inspection reveal
a change in conditions, all work will stop and the area will be evacuated until?
• The source of the change is identified and controlled.
• The atmosphere is returned to a safe condition.
• The re-inspects the area and issues a new cert. authorizing resumption of the job.
All entrants must be trained and authorized to enter confined spaces and this training is conducted by
the following:

• In new hire orientation

• Through weekly safety training modules

• Through on-the-job-training

When practicable, the owner of the space shall correctly identify the space and all accesses shall bear
the label or markings of the name of the space (Example: Port #2 Ballast Tank). When a space has more
than one opening or access cover, at least two covers must be opened. Entrants shall read both sides of
any entry permit tag, confirm the tag has a valid date and follow any requirements listed prior to entry.
Proper ventilation and lighting must be installed 30 minutes prior to entry before work can begin in the
space. Protective devices to prevent falls into open holes (ring guards, horseshoe guards, goal posts, flat
bar, cages, etc.) shall be installed prior to entry. Lifelines and personal fall arrest systems may be
required if there are fall exposures of over five feet within a space.

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Confined Space Colored Entry Permit Tags

If a tag is found adrift, give it to a supervisor immediately.

The supervisor shall contact EHS for follow up.
The front side of the tag identifies the space, date of test and inspection, name of person who
authorized entry, and any special limitations. The green tags also identify the expiration date of the
permit. The reverse side of the green and yellow tags lists the atmospheric conditions found at the time
of the inspection, and lists requirements and restrictions for entry and work. Always follow all
instructions on both sides of the red or orange tags.

If the tag has expired, (inspection is out-of-date), a request must be submitted to the EHS Dept. to have
a SCP re-inspect, re-test, and re-tag the space. No one shall be allowed to enter the space until it has a
valid tag.

opened without the permission of the tag issuer.

No one shall apply a tag except a SCP. Red or orange-tagged spaces shall not be
WHEN… THEN…
An access is tagged with a RED tag - Do
NOT SAFE FOR WORKERS —NOT SAFE FOR HOT WORK
Not Enter Tag.
An access is tagged with a GREEN tag -
SAFE FOR WORKERS—SAFE FOR HOTWORK
Hot Work Tag.
An access is tagged with aYELLOW
SAFE FOR WORKERS —NOT SAFE FOR HOT WORK
tag - Cold Work Tag
An access is tagged with an ORANGE NOT SAFE FOR WORKERS—SAFE FOR HOTWORK
tag - Space Inerting Tag This tag is used when a space is inerted for hot work but entry would
expose workers to the oxygen deficient atmosphere.
Inerting Gas Safety

Everyone using an inerting gas shall have a proper identification washers on their lines regardless of
vessel or yard location when inerting gas lines are used in enclosed/confined space, the line shall not be
left unattended with the supply left on Oxygen, acetylene and propylene gas lines must be pulled back

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to the manifold, disconnected, and rolled up with manifolds caps installed at the end of each working
shift.

If in doubt about the presence of any gas in tank, compartment contact the EHS dept. and have the
space checked by a competent person.
Welders certified to use an inerting shield gas must use a
flow meter attached to the output of their supply
manifold. They will also be responsible for insuring that
their gas line fittings are tight and that the lines are either
capped at the wire feeder end or attached

Securely to a wire feeder at the end of each shift. Welders will also be responsible for charging their
lines and monitoring their flow meter at the beginning of their shift to determine the condition of their

Individual gas line.

Everyone should pay close attention to Inert gas purging

warning signs regarding purging operations. operations use
Never move, alter or modify ventilation duct blowers and yellow
duct.
that is being used for purging processes. Duct
used for purging operations is yellow and
shall not be used for regular mechanical
ventilation applications.

Argon gas will displace the air in confined

spaces. Special care shall be exercised to
ensure proper ventilation by exhausting argon
gas outside of compartments and other
closed working spaces. For shipboard
applications, hoses connected to fittings at
the purge exit can be used to redirect gas
flow away from confined work areas and to
an open environment. For shop applications,
exhaust fans will be used to ventilate argon
gases to an open environment.

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 VII. Housekeeping/Ship keeping and Service Line
Control
Poor line control has several negative effects—tripping and
“clothes lining” injuries as well as damage to lines that can
create shock and electrocution hazards. It is critical that all
shipbuilders using leads, lines, cords and hoses, maintain good
line control throughout their shift. The following are some of
the line control requirements needed to help reduce hazards
caused by lines:

• Good line control shall be maintained at all times.

• Ensure walkways and accesses remain clear of lines by
keeping them off decks to reduce hazards.
• Line racks, line trees, S-hooks and J-hooks shall be used to
elevate lines.
• Lines shall be elevated over, placed under walkways or Line trees help
working surfaces, or covered by adequate crossover maintain clear,
safe
protection. passageways.
• Where possible, electrical lines shall be separated from gas
and fluid lines routed throughout ships and assemblies.
• Unused lines shall be removed from ships and assemblies.
• Lines shall never be supported by light cords, valve handles, or insulated pipe.
• Lines shall never be routed across the top of guard cables or ladders.
• Lines shall not be hung on or block access to manifolds, electrical equipment or fire protection
equipment.
• All damaged lines shall be reported promptly to your supervisor and may not be used until repaired.
• Ventilation equipment routing is part of line control and the duct and blower/fan power cords are
required to be properly routed.
YOU CANNOT WALK ON LINES AND HOSES!—even if the walkway isn’t a striped, designated passageway

Example of poor
line control: Lines Example of poor
ran over fire line control: Lines
equipment. ran across the
face of a ladder.

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Housekeeping and ship keeping

Each employee is responsible for cleaning and properly disposing of the debris that he or she generates,
including:

1. Food wrapper, beverage container and food scrap.

2. Job Supplies, such as welding rod stubs used grinding wheels and paint sticks, and cans

Much of the waste must be segregated for proposal, so place each type of waste in its designated
receptacle. For instance do not throw cardboard into a scrap metal bin. Properly store tools and
equipment and materials and do not allow item not being used immediately to accumulate.

Never block fire protection equipment, electrical service, manifolds, or emergency egress routes with
anything. Do not feed stray or feral animals that make their way into the yard use only designated
restroom to emit body waste a violation of this rule may constitute immediate termination of
employment.

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 VIII. Fire Prevention and Hot Work Operations

Fire Prevention Introduction

Of all the safety problems an employee can encounter, fire can

be the most frightening. Many employees do not realize how
their own actions can contribute to the risk of fire. It is
imperative that all employees be aware of the risks involving
hot work and the prevention measures that must be taken to
prevent a fire from occurring.

Fire Terminology

To better understand fire, how it starts, and how it is sustained,

shipbuilders must become familiar with the following terms and
their definitions:

Hot work—Any welding, burning, grinding or other fire/spark

producing operations.
Flash point—The temperature at which the vapors from a
combustible or flammable ignites.
Fire retardant—A rating meaning that the product will ignite
but will not maintain combustion for more than three seconds
once the heat source is removed.
Fire watch—An employee that has gone through the necessary training and is certified by the
Company to perform the duty of observing hot work operations to prevent fires from occurring as well
as extinguish incipient stage fires should one occur.
Fire cloth—A woven fiber cloth that is fireproof and should be used to protect equipment during hot
work operations.
Hot work chit—A document for authorizing a hot work operation to be conducted in a specific location
on vessels.
Combustible—Any trash, debris, plastic, wood, or other material that will burn and has a flash point of
200°F or more.
Flammable—Any liquid, gas or solid that has a flash point of less than 200°F.

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Fire Science

For years fire science was taught using the Fire

Triangle to explain that there must be all three
sides present to sustain combustion: Fuel, Heat and
Oxygen. Removing any one of the three would stop
the fire. However, the Fire Triangle does not
completely describe everything that occurs during
fire growth—this lead to the development of the
Fire Tetrahedron.

The Fire Tetrahedron recognizes a fourth

element: uninhibited chemical chain reaction.
Some fire suppression agents do not remove
or reduce any of the three necessary
components, but rather interfere with their

Hot Work Requirements

OSHA’s 29 CFR 1915 Subpart P, Fire Protection

in Shipyard Employment, states that
combustibles must be removed at least 35’
chemical combination. from the hot work operation. The 35-Foot
Rule is not applicable if there is a solid barrier between the hot work and the combustible material, i.e.
solid bulkheads, decks or overheads without penetrations.

Hot work operators must always ensure combustibles are not in close proximity to the opposite side of
the bulkhead, deck or overhead. If the combustibles cannot be removed, then they must be adequately
protected.
If unable to remove or protect the combustibles, then a fire watch must be posted.

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Employee Responsibilities

Prior to performing hot work, employees and supervisors are required to perform a thorough inspection
of the work area.

• During the inspection, employees and foremen should be looking for:

➢ Combustible material, flammables, penetrations or holes in decks, overheads and bulkheads.
➢ Signs posted in the area warning of other cold work jobs or flammable/hazardous environments
➢ If other employees are performing operations in surrounding areas that could potentially
increase the risk of having a fire or causing injury.
• The hot worker and fire watch (when one is required) shall be responsible for maintaining a safe
work environment, free of combustibles and other hazards for the duration of the hot work
operation, including inspection of the area involved in the hot work operation when the hot work is
complete.
• Tool bags/boxes, plastic water coolers, personal belongings and required material for the job being
performed must be protected during the hot work operation.
• Protection measures to be taken include removal of combustibles from the area, covering them with
fire cloth or separating them from the deck or bulkhead.
• At the end of the shift, disconnect all oxygen and fuels gas lines at the manifold and store them in
the open air and reinstall manifold caps on valve outlets:
➢ Never leave an unattended torch line in an enclosed space for more than 15 minutes.
➢ Never leave an unattended torch line in a confined space for any length of time.
➢ Never store torch hoses in gang boxes or other locations that may retain gas still trapped in the
lines.

Fire Watch Requirements

A certified fire watch shall be assigned when the following conditions are present during hot work:

• Slag, weld splatter or sparks might pass through an opening in an access or pass behind shielding
material and cause a fire;

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 Red
Polypropylene Grey
Cloth Fiberglass
Cloth

Herculite
These materials are fire retardant, butll they
burn.wiFire cloth must be used for protection of
combustibles when hot work is being done within 35’ of them.

• Fire resistant guards or curtains are not being used to prevent ignition of combustible materials on or
near decks, bulkheads, partitions, or overheads;
• Combustible material is closer than 35’ to the hot work (including grinding) that cannot be removed,
covered or shielded.
• Hot work is done on or near insulation, combustible coatings or sandwich-type construction that
cannot be shielded, cut back or removed, or in a space within a sandwich-type construction that
cannot be inerted.
• Combustible materials adjacent to opposite sides of bulkheads, decks, overheads, metal partitions or
sandwich-type construction may be ignited by penetration, conduction or radiation from hot work.
• The hot work is close enough to cause ignition through heat radiation or conduction on insulated
pipes, bulkheads, decks, partitions or overheads or on combustible materials or coatings.
• The hot work is close enough to unprotected combustible pipe or cable runs to cause ignition.
• A Marine Chemist or a Shipyard Competent Person requires that a fire watch be posted.

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The primary function of fire watch personnel is to safeguard life and property by closely monitoring
hazardous operations and hot work operations to prevent a fire or explosion. Craft supervision shall
select a suitable number of their personnel to be trained for fire watch duty and shall coordinate their
training with the Training Department. Supervision shall ensure that the appropriate training has been
performed prior to job requirements. Employees shall function as a fire watch unless they have
attended the training and their certification is current. (Certification expires annually).

Care and Protection Materials vs. Fire Cloth Materials

Ensure that proper protection measures have been taken prior to hot work being performed.

• Use fire cloth to cover and protect all equipment and combustibles that cannot be removed in the
area.
• Cover cables and lights with fire cloth.
• Use fire cloth or sheet metal to cover penetrations in the deck or bulkhead.
• Fire cloth can also be used to create a curtain or catch to prevent damage from hot work.
• NOTE: Fire cloth is re-usable until it has holes in it. This product is expensive!

Fire Extinguisher Training

The classifications for the most common fires are:

• “A”—Routine solid materials, such as wood, paper, leaves and many

plastics

• “B”—Oils, fuels, solvents or other hydrocarbons

• “C”—Electrical

Never use an extinguisher for any purpose other than firefighting. Never use
more than one extinguisher. If one does not extinguish the fire, leave the area
and call for help. Notify the Fire Department whenever you discharge a fire
extinguisher so that they can replace it with a fully charged one.

The CO2 fire extinguisher is for early stage small fires only. If you encounter a large blaze activate the
nearest alarm, alert occupants, evacuate the location and notify management so that they can
contact the Fire Department. Vistamarine Shipbuilding generally stocks carbon dioxide CO2 and dry
chemical extinguishers.

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PASS Method
Use the “PASS” method for extinguishing fires.
Pull the pin from the
handle

Aim the nozzle at the

base of the fire

Squeeze the discharge

handle

Sweep the nozzle back

and forth at the base
of the fire

CO2 Extinguishers (15lb)

• Located in most spaces of the ship
• Intended for small class “C” fires but can be used for small class “A” & “B” fires
• Effective range: 4’–6’
• Lasts 45 seconds with continuous use

CO2 Special Hazards

• No reflash protection
• Displaces oxygen, DO NOT enter a compartment that CO2 has been discharged
• Can cause burns if allowed to remain on the skin
• Discharge of CO2 will build up static electricity; therefore, keep cylinder in contact with metal
structure.

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 IX. Walking/Working Surfaces, Ladders,
Scaffolding and Fall Protection
Walking/Working Surfaces

In shipbuilding there are many government regulations, Company safety rules

and national consensus standards that define steps needed to avoid slip, trip
and fall hazards. Some of the Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHS)
walk/work surface requirements are:

• Permanent aisles and passageways shall be appropriately marked.

• Where mechanical handling equipment is used, sufficient safe clearances
shall be allowed for aisles, at loading docks, through doorways and
wherever turns or passage must be made. Aisles and passageways shall be kept clear and in good
repairs with no obstruction across or in aisles that could create a hazard.
• The employer shall maintain easy and open access to each fire-alarm box, fire-call station, fire-
fighting equipment and each exit, including ladders, staircases, scaffolds and gangways.
• the employer also shall ensure that each walkway:
➢ Provides adequate passage;
➢ Is clear of debris, including solid and liquid wastes, that may create a hazard for employees;
Is clear of tools, materials, equipment and other objects that may create a hazard for
employees; Is clear of hoses and electrical service cords.

➢ Place each hose and cord above walkways in a location that will prevent injury to employees
and damage to the hoses and cords;
➢ Place each hose and cord underneath walkways;
➢ Place each hose and cord on walkways, provided the hoses and cords are covered by
crossovers or other means that will prevent injury to employees and damage to the hoses and
cords; or Protect each hose and cord by other suitable means.
• While a walkway or part of a walkway is being used as a working surface, the employer shall cordon
off that portion to prevent it from being used as a walkway.
• Working surfaces. Additionally, the employer shall ensure that each working surface:
➢ Is cleared of tools, material, and equipment that are not necessary to perform the job in
progress;
➢ Is cleared of debris, including solid and liquid wastes, at the end of each work shift or job,
whichever occurs first;
• Employer shall ensure that each work area and walkway is adequately lighted whenever an
employee is present.

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In Vistamarine Shipbuilding written procedures and work instructions, there are the following
requirements and responsibilities regarding walking and working surfaces:

• Visually inspect work area prior to starting work.

• Keep all aisles, passageways, stairs, ladders and other working surfaces clear of lines, tools, material
and debris.
• Except when prevented by the vessel’s configuration, all temporary working surfaces must have a
20” clear width
• Aisles in shops and warehouses must be clearly marked and unobstructed.
• All floor and deck openings, through which a person or any part of a person can pass, must be
securely covered or guarded.
• When working below deck plates, employees shall remove only the minimum number necessary and
barricade openings with “CAUTION” tape.
• Access to a work area must be hazard-free, the same as the work area itself.
• All hoses, cables, temporary fans and welding machines must be arranged in a safe, orderly manner.
• When routing lines, ensure that the lines are not creating slip/trip/fall hazards and that the lines are
protected from becoming damaged.
• Any identified hazards should be abated by
the employee if possible. If not, report the
hazard to a foreman for abatement.

Walking/Working Surfaces (Good/Bad

Examples)

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Ladder Inspection

Ladders must be visually inspected prior to using them by following these Ladder Inspection Guidelines:

• Begin at the bottom and ensure the feet are not damaged or show signs of unauthorized repairs.
• Inspect the ladder for cracks, bends and splits on side rails, rungs and steps.
• Check all rung-to-side rail connections, as well as hardware, fittings and accessories.
• Ensure all bolts and rivets are secure. Never use a ladder if they are missing or if the joints between
the rungs and the side rails are not tight.
• Make sure the side rails and rungs are free of foreign materials such as oil and grease.
• For stepladders, make sure the spreader braces are not bent, are secure and working properly.
• Make sure the ladder is not covered with excessive paint or adhesive that could hide splits, cracks or
other damage.
• Remove ladder from service if any defects are found.

Ladder Safety Requirements

• Ladders shall only be constructed, installed, modified or repaired by the X10 Scaffold
Carpenters.
• When ascending or descending, the user shall always face the ladder and use both hands. Three
points of contact shall be maintained at all times on ladders.
• Portable metal ladders shall not be used near electrical conductors nor
for electric arc welding operations.
• Ladders shall not be placed on boxes, barrels or other unstable bases to
obtain additional height.
• Ladders shall not be used as braces, guys or skids, or for other than
their intended purpose.
• Ladders shall be kept free and clear of welding lines, material, debris, etc., at all times to provide
safe access.
• Portable ladders shall be lashed, blocked or
otherwise secured to prevent being displaced.
The side rails of ladders used for access to
any level shall extend not less than 36” above that
level. When this is not practical, grab rails which will
provide a secure grip for an employee moving to or
from the point of access shall be installed, such as a
handrail stanchion.
• Ladder rungs shall be parallel, level and
Never stand on the top or the first uniformly spaced.
rung down from the top.
The spacing shall not be more than 12”.
• When sections of ladders are spliced, the

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 ends shall be abutted and not fewer than two cleats shall be securely nailed or bolted to each rail.
• Ladders shall be installed with at least 7” clearance between the back of rungs and any surface or
obstruction.
• Temporary wooden ladders over 5’ shall have a green scaffold tag attached. If the ladder is not
tagged, or if only the white plastic retainer is on the ladder, the ladder shall not be used. Contact the
Scaffold carpenters to secure and tag the ladder.
Ladder Safety Requirements

DO - Inspect ladder upon receipt and before each use.

DO - Place ladder on a firm, level base.
DO - Lock spreaders with ladder open before climbing
DO - Climb and work in the middle of the steps (keep your belt buckle between the side rails of the
ladder).
DO - Face ladder when ascending or descending and maintain three points of contact.
DO - Maintain a firm holds on the ladder.
DO - Keep metal ladders away from power lines or other live electrical circuits.
DO - Keep ladder close to work. Descend and relocate, if necessary.
DON'T - Climb on back section of stepladders.
DON'T - Stand on ladder top, first step from top or bucket shelf.
DON'T - Use ladders on ice, snow, mud, grease or other slippery surfaces.
DON'T - Climb onto a ladder from the side or from another ladder.
DON'T - Use a stepladder to access a structure or to step off a structure. Stepladders are for working
from, not transferring on or off from other structures. DON'T - Use a ladder as a brace, platform or
plank.
DON'T - Use a ladder on a scaffold to gain additional height.
DON'T - Apply side load to ladder.
DON'T - Over-reach, push or pull anything when using a ladder.

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 Always work
Never stand on the facing the
top level of a step ladder.
ladder or the next Never turn
step down. around
backwards
Face forward and for any
brace your knees reason.
against the side
rails in order to
obtain the most
stability.

Always conduct Never

a pre-use straddle a
inspection and ladder or
look for stand on the
makeshift brace side of
repairs. a ladder.
No one is If it is a dual-
authorized to side ladder,
repair a “store it will have
bought” step steps on both
ladder. sides.

Scaffolding

Vistamarine Shipbuilding only authorizes trained Scaffold

Competent Persons to erect, alter and dismantle scaffolds and
temporary staging. Never attempt to build your own scaffold or
modify existing scaffolds except for simple maintenance
adjustments, such as restoring the tension on wire rope guardrails
by tightening turnbuckles or tightening loosened connections on
temporary access ladders

Vistamarine Shipbuilding uses a tagging system to advise you when a scaffold is ready to use and alert
you when it is not. The tags are color-coded with the “GO” side green and the “STOP” side red. Never
climb onto
Scaffold that has a red “DANGER” placard or one that has no tag. You will find these tags at the access
points to the staging.

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Even if the scaffold is “green-tagged” always inspect the scaffold before you begin the job. Make sure
that the structure meets these requirements:

• Guardrails must consist of a top rail between 45 and 42 inches high with a mid-rail one-half the
height between the upper rail and the working/walking surface.
• Wire rope guardrails must be taut.
• Turnbuckle bolts are fully engaged and protrude past the nut ends.
• Cable eye clamps are tight.

• Platforms are at least 20” wide.

• Walking/working platforms are banded or otherwise secured to the
supporting structure.
• Walking/working platforms are intact and not cracked, splintered or
excessively charred.
• Access ladders are secured to prevent slippage.
• The scaffold includes all bracing and reinforcing members.
• Locking pins, bolts and nuts are in place and fully engaged.
• Wooden scaffold boards must be OSHA-approved fire-retardant
planking.
• Access ladders must be installed so that employees do not have to step
any more than one foot onto a platform.
• Never attempt to move a rolling tubular scaffold while someone is atop the platform.
• Always lock the casters before mounting a rolling scaffold.
• Employees who must use a powered adjustable scaffold, such as Spider®, must receive specialized
training in its correct operation.
• Staging must include toe boards where tools or equipment may accidentally fall and strike
workers below.
Fall Protection

Scaffolding, staging or other work platforms 5’ or higher that are fully decked, completely encompassed
by standard guard railing and have no other fall exposures are considered compliant fall protection. Any
other time an employee is exposed to a fall 5’ or higher they must utilize PFAS.

Lifelines are used in some PFAS applications and require 100% tie-off at all times. Inspect lifelines to
ensure they are capable of holding 5000#s static weight per person using them, they have a minimum of
three cable clamps on the terminal ends and there are no holes in the stanchions below where the cable

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is attached. (No mid-rail hole as on a guardrail stanchion). Employees must look for special signs that are
posted on some scaffolding by the Scaffold Competent Persons that state that PFAS is required—even if
the scaffold appears to be complete.

Fall Protection (Aerial Lifts and Crane Baskets)

• Employees must complete specialized training and be authorized/licensed in order to operate an

aerial lift or similar equipment.
• Aerial lifts shall never be operated beyond their rated capacity or with more than two persons in the
basket.
• Operators must conduct a pre-use inspection of aerial lifts prior to using them and document the
inspection on an Operator’s Daily Checklist (ODCL).
• Any deficiencies noted must be corrected prior to use.
• The first thing a user must do upon entering an aerial lift or crane basket is attach their PFAS to the
designated anchor points—even if they are not intending to exceed 5’ of elevation.
• Users of aerial lifts/crane baskets that will be working over water shall wear a personal floatation
device in addition and on top of their PFAS.
• Contrary to industry practices of years past, aerial lift/crane basket users must keep their PFAS
attached while over water.

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 X. Electrical Safety, Illumination, and
Control of Hazardous Energy
Lockout/Tags Out (LO/TO)

Shipbuilders use electricity to power a multitude of different production processes during vessel
construction. Electricity is probably the most common and the most versatile energy source in
shipyards. However, if not respected and its hazards not properly controlled, it can also be one of the
deadliest. Always adhere to the following guidelines and requirements to make working with and
around electricity as safe as possible:

• Vistamarine Shipbuilding only permits authorized electricians and

electrical technicians to repair and service electrical equipment.
• Assume that all electrical wires, conductors, and equipment are
energized until positively determined otherwise.
• All light streamers and extension cords shall be equipped with three
conductor cords.
• Electrically powered tools and equipment must be adequately
grounded.
When hand-held power tools are used on temporary power circuits
(extension cords) the circuit must employ a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).
• Do not use equipment without a ground conductor unless the tool is double insulated.
• Do not store material in breaker boxes or other electrical cabinets.
• All main circuit switches must be properly labeled, identifying the locations affected by the switch.
• Never splice, tap into or otherwise modify electrical equipment to accommodate work tools,
household appliances, makeshift heating or cooking devices or
any type of unapproved apparatus.
• Do not bring personal electrical equipment or tools into the
facility.
• Frequently inspect portable power tools for worn or damaged
electrical cords.
• Homemade pig tail electric cords are Prohibited
• Keep electrical cords clean and free of kinks.

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• Make sure the insulation on electrical cord is in good condition.
• Do not drag electrical cords over hot or rough surfaces. Keep electrical
cords free of grease and oil.
• Immediately report any electrical hazards to your foreman, area EHS staff
member or Maintenance.

Electric Shock is the physical stimulation or trauma caused by the flow of

electricity through the human body. It can occur during contact with or by
being near live (energized) electrical parts. An electric shock can occur
without direct contact with electricity. Electrocution results when death occurs from an electric shock.
The most common electric shock injury is a burn.

Electrical Shock Hazards Can Be Created By:

Untrained or unqualified personnel attempting

Defective electrical tools
electrical power connections
Improper electrical phasing Damaged wire insulation as a result of hot work
processes
Inaccurate schematic drawings Corroded connectors due to saltwater intrusion or
contact
Inadequate electrical isolation, failure to test for
Worn or frayed electric cables deenergization, and improper lockout/tags-plus
application
Electric cables pinched in hatches/doors Tools and equipment not properly grounded
Electric cables struck by grinders/saws Blind-side drilling into electrical conductors
An Electric Arc is the luminous electrical discharge that occurs when high voltages exist across a gap
between conductors and current travels through the air. This situation is often caused by equipment
failure as a result of poor maintenance or overuse.

An Arc Flash is the release of heat and bright intense light from an electric arc. Temperatures have been
recorded as high as 35,000°F. Exposure to these extreme temperatures can burn the skin directly and
cause the ignition of clothing. An arc flash can be spontaneous or result from bridging the gap between
electrical contacts with a conductive object such as a tool or jewelry. Other causes may include dropped
tools on energized conductors which create sparks, breaks or gaps in insulation, as well as the buildup of
dust, corrosion or other impurities on the surface of an insulator,
creating a fault path.

An Arc Blast is the explosive release of molten material from

equipment caused by high amperage arcs. The pressure waves
produced by an arc blast are powerful enough that workers can be

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knocked off, onto or into objects. The high pressure can cause injuries such as falls, exposure to being
struck by molten metal and loose materials or equipment, ruptured eardrums and memory loss as a
result of a concussion.

An Electric Arc is the luminous electrical discharge that occurs when high voltages exist across a gap
between conductors and current travels through the air. This situation is often caused by equipment
failure as a result of poor maintenance or overuse.

An Arc Flash is the release of heat and bright intense light from an electric arc. Temperatures have been
recorded as high as 35,000°F. Exposure to these extreme temperatures can burn the skin directly and
cause the ignition of clothing. An arc flash can be spontaneous or result from bridging the gap between
electrical contacts with a conductive object such as a tool or jewelry. Other causes may include dropped
tools on energized conductors which create sparks, breaks or gaps in insulation, as well as the buildup of
dust, corrosion or other impurities on the surface of an insulator, creating a fault path.

Illumination

Over the years in the shipbuilding industry, many injuries and fatalities have occurred because of
inadequate lighting. Slips, trips and falls, electric shock and burns and the inability to exit a space are
examples of the hazards created and/or made worse by improper lighting. Well-lit workplaces, whether
on vessels, vessels sections or at landside areas, are essential to prevent such incidents.

Where shipyard workers are assigned tasks in a specific location within a larger area, the minimum
lumens are only required where the work is being performed. However, if any part of the larger work
area is used as an access way, the minimum lighting required on vessels or vessel sections is three
lumens, or five lumens at general landside areas.

The following table outlines the minimum required lighting levels required for shipyard workers to
perform their work and move between job sites safely. Elevated lighting levels, such as in landside work
areas, are necessary for precision work, operating heavy equipment, and for reading and
comprehending signs, warning labels and instructions.

Minimum Required Lighting Levels

Lumens 3 5 10 30

General areas General landside Landside work areas

on vessels and areas such as: such as:
vessel sections
➢ Corridors ➢ Machine shops
such as: ➢ Exits ➢ Electrical
First-aid stations
• Accessways➢ Stairs equipment rooms
• Exits ➢ Walkways ➢ Carpenter shops
• Gangways Landside tunnels, ➢ Lofts

Areas of • Stairs shafts, vaults, ➢ Tool rooms Infirmaries

Operation pumping stations, ➢ Warehouses

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 • Walkways and underground ➢ Outdoor work
work areas areas

All assigned work Health and sanitation

areas on any vessel facilities such as:
or vessel section Changing rooms
➢ Showers Offices
➢ Sewered toilets
➢ Eating or drinking
areas
➢ Break areas

Out-of-service lighting needs to be promptly replaced or repaired before work or passage is permitted in
that area. In walkways and passageways, traffic may need to be diverted until lighting
replacement/repairs are completed.

Temporary Lighting

Where required lighting levels cannot be met by permanent lighting sources, temporary lighting may be used in
Combination with permanent lighting to achieve the minimum required lighting levels.

Temporary lighting must be:

• Guarded when bulbs are not completely recessed to prevent workers from coming in contact with a
hot bulb
• Equipped with electric cords designed with sufficient capacity to safely carry the electric load,
protecting workers from hazards such as electrical shock and fire

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 • Equipped with electric cord connections and insulation that are maintained in a safe condition (e.g.,
free from being broken, cracked or damaged) and
• Grounded, through a third wire either in the cord or through a separate wire, when non-current-
carrying metal parts are exposed
Additional requirements to ensure the safety of shipyard workers include:
• Never suspend lights or lighting stringers solely by their electric cords (e.g., from the rungs or side
rails of ladders) unless they are designed to do so. Improper suspension can place tension on cords,
causing them to fray, break or become otherwise damaged, which can expose workers to electrical
shock or fire.
• Branch circuits must have over-current protection that does not exceed the rated current-carrying
capacity of the cord used. Over-current protection helps
prevent possible electrical and fire hazards associated with
circuit overloading.
• When splicing is necessary, its insulation must exceed that of
the original cord. This will help prevent worker injury and
ignition of combustible materials should a surplus of energy or
a “hot spot” occur at the splice junction.

Emergency or Portable Lighting

Emergency or portable lights do not fall within the “temporary
lighting” category and are not required to meet similar lighting
levels. However, such lights are only intended for short-term use, such as evacuating a space, and must
not be used to perform work tasks unless it is in addition to the already existing lighting.

Examples of such lighting may include, but are not limited to flashlights, headlamps, glow sticks and
clamp/magnetic portable lights.

Portable or emergency lights are required:

• In any dark area that does not have permanent or temporary lights;
• Where lights are not working;
• Where lights are not readily accessible; and
• On a vessel or vessel section where the only means of illumination are not part of the vessel or
vessel section, and where natural sunlight provides insufficient illumination.
Risk of Fire or Explosion:
• In any area where the atmosphere contains a concentration of flammable vapors that are at or
above 10 percent of the lower explosive limit (LEL), explosion-proof, self-contained temporary and
portable lights must be used.
• All explosion-proof, self-contained temporary and portable lights must be approved by a nationally
recognized testing laboratory (NRTL).
• Only use explosion proof or intrinsically safe lights approved for use in Class 1 Group D atmosphere
to work in potentially flammable or explosive environments.

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 • Never use matches or open-flame devices for lighting purposes.
Additional Lighting Precautions:
• Only use portable lights that are in good condition.
• Never remove broken light bulbs from lighting fixtures—if replacements are required, notify a
qualified electrician.
• Always keep light extensions out of water.
• Never attempt to change the bulb in an explosion-proof light. Bring the light to qualified electricians
so that they can correctly reassemble and torque the globe to specifications.
• Keep electrical cords clear of working surfaces and walkways or other locations where they would
be readily exposed to damage.
• Temporary lights shall have approved guards covering the bulbs at all times.
• Never enter a darkened area without a suitable light.
➢ Take a flashlight into confined spaces as a backup/emergency light.
➢ See your supervisor if you need a flashlight.
• In the event electrical power is lost and the lights go out, use your flashlight to exit.
➢ If your flashlight fails, stop what you’re doing and stay where you are until help arrives.

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 XI. Hazard Communications (HAZCOM)

Hazard Communications Program

Hazardous materials can present themselves in many forms, for example: solids, liquids, gases, vapors, fumes,
dusts and mists. The hazards these material create can be physical, such as simple asphyxiation, or chemical, as
with the damaging interaction with the agent’s makeup itself. From coatings to fuels to welding rods, knowing
information about the products shipbuilders work with is a key in the employee protection that our Hazard
Communication Program provides.

The Vistamarine Shipbuilding HAZCOM Program consists of four basic parts: (1) a formal written program; (2)
safety data sheets; (3) chemical classification and labeling; and (4) employee training.

1. The first part of our HAZCOM Program is a formal written program. This document outlines and details how the
program works. It is located in Command Media and employees requesting a copy can notify their manager or
the EHS Department.

2. Another very important piece of the HAZCOM Program is the SDSs. An SDS is a form generated by a hazardous
substance manufacturer or distributor, which describes the characteristics of the product supplied. This is the
most comprehensive source, which is readily available, to explain hazards and hazard controls associated with
the chemicals that shipbuilders use or that may be present in the shipyard.

3. Another key element of HAZCOM is hazardous substance labeling. Signs are posted in certain work areas
warning shipbuilders of possible hazards associated with the substances being used in that area. In addition,
containers that hazardous materials are kept in shall be marked.

4. The last portion of the HAZCOM Program consists of employee training. In order for shipbuilders to work safely
with chemicals, they must be educated as to the material's hazards and hazard controls. Types of training
include, but are not limited to new hire orientation, Weekly Safety Training Modules, Safety Alerts, on the-job
training and Job Safety Analysis, among others.

Employees have a right to know what chemicals and hazardous materials they work with or work around, and
employers have the obligation to provide this information. Anytime a shipbuilder or contractor has questions
concerning a hazardous material there are several avenues to ensure that their questions are answered.
Employees should ask their supervisor, area EHS staff member or a Safety Action Team member if they have
questions or concerns regarding any hazardous material in the shipyard. Supervisors must maintain SDSs for the
materials that their crewmembers could be exposed to and consult with the EHS Department if additional
HAZCOM information is needed.

Supervisors and employees must remember that in a large shipyard there could be hazardous materials being
used in different process areas and in different geographical areas of the facility. If they are newly assigned to a
location or process that uses a hazardous material, they must be trained in safe storage and use, prior to
beginning work with it.

The EHS Department and its Industrial Hygiene section conduct a variety of monitoring and sampling throughout
the facility and review all hazardous materials introduced into the Yard. However, anytime an employee detects

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 a visible cloud, a known or unknown odor or any other indication of the presence or release of a hazardous
material, they must clear the area and report it at once.

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Hazard

Communication Standard (HCS) (29 CFR 1910.1200(g)), revised in 2012, requires
that the chemical manufacturer, distributor or importer provide Safety Data
Sheets (SDSs) (formerly MSDSs or Material Safety Data Sheets) for each hazardous
chemical to downstream users to communicate information on these hazards. The
information contained in the SDS is largely the same as the MSDS, except now the
SDSs are required to be presented in a consistent, user friendly, 16-section format.
This chapter provides guidance to help shipbuilders, who handle hazardous
chemicals, become familiar with the format and understand the contents of the
SDSs.

The SDS includes such information as the properties of each chemical; the physical, health and environmental
health hazards; protective measures; and safety precautions for handling, storing and transporting the chemical.
The information contained in the SDS must be in English (although it may be in other languages as well). In
addition, OSHA requires that SDS preparers provide specific minimum information but they may also include
additional information in various section(s).

Sections 1 through 8 contain general information about the chemical, identification, hazards, composition, safe
handling practices and emergency control measures, e.g., firefighting. This information should be helpful to
those that need to get the information quickly. Sections 9 through 11 and 16 contain other technical and
scientific information, such as physical and chemical properties, stability and reactivity information, toxicological
information, exposure control information and other information including the date of preparation or last
revision. The SDS must also state that no applicable information was found when the preparer does not find
relevant information for any required element.

The SDS must also contain Sections 12 through 15, to be consistent with the UN Globally Harmonized System of
Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS), but OSHA will not enforce the content of these sections because
they concern matters handled by other regulatory agencies.

A description of all 16 sections of the SDS, along with their contents, is presented below in this table published by
the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA):

Section 1: Identification
This section identifies the chemical on the SDS as well as the recommended uses. It also provides the
essential contact information of the supplier. The required information consists of:
• Product identifier used on the label and any other common names or synonyms by which the substance
is known.
• Name, address, phone number of the manufacturer, importer or other responsible party and emergency
phone number.

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• Recommended use of the chemical (e.g., a brief description of what it actually does, such as flame
retardant) and any restrictions on use (including recommendations given by the supplier).
Section 2: Hazard(s) Identification
This section identifies the hazards of the chemical presented on the SDS and the appropriate warning
information associated with those hazards. The required information consists of:
• The hazard classification of the chemical (e.g., flammable liquid, category1).
• Signal word.
• Hazard statement(s).
• Pictograms (the pictograms or hazard symbols may be presented as graphical reproductions of the
symbols in black and white or be a description of the name of the symbol (e.g., skull and crossbones,
flame).
• Precautionary statement(s).
• Description of any hazards not otherwise classified.
• For a mixture that contains an ingredient(s) with unknown toxicity, a statement describing how much
(percentage) of the mixture consists of ingredient(s) with unknown acute toxicity. Please note that this is
a total percentage of the mixture and not tied to the individual ingredient(s).
Section 3: Composition/Information on Ingredients
This section identifies the ingredient(s) contained in the product indicated on the SDS, including impurities
and stabilizing additives. This section includes information on substances, mixtures and all chemicals where
a trade secret is claimed. The required information consists of:
Substances
• Chemical name.
• Common name and synonyms.
• Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) number and other unique identifiers.
• Impurities and stabilizing additives, which are themselves classified and which contribute to the
classification of the chemical. Mixtures

• Same information required for substances.

• The chemical name and concentration (i.e., exact percentage) of all ingredients which are classified as
health hazards and are: Present above their cut-off/concentration limits or
➢ Present a health risk below the cut-off/concentration limits.
• The concentration (exact percentages) of each ingredient must be specified except concentration ranges
may be used in the following situations:
➢ A trade secret claim is made,
➢ There is batch-to-batch variation, or

➢ The SDS is used for a group of substantially similar mixtures.

Section 4: First Aid Measures
This section describes the initial care that should be given by untrained responders to an individual who has
been exposed to the chemical. The required information consists of:
• Necessary first-aid instructions by relevant routes of exposure (inhalation, skin and eye contact and
ingestion).

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 • Description of the most important symptoms or effects, and any symptoms that are acute or delayed.
• Recommendations for immediate medical care and special treatment needed, when necessary.
Section 5: Fire Fighting Measures
This section provides recommendations for fighting a fire caused by the chemical. The required information
consists of:
• Recommendations of suitable extinguishing equipment, and information about extinguishing equipment
that is not appropriate for a particular situation.
• Advice on specific hazards that develop from the chemical during the fire, such as any hazardous
combustion products created when the chemical burns.
• Recommendations on special protective equipment or precautions for firefighters.
Section 6: Accidental Release Measures
This section provides recommendations on the appropriate response to spills, leaks or releases, including
containment and cleanup practices to prevent or minimize exposure to people, properties or the
environment. It may also include recommendations distinguishing between responses for large and small
spills where the spill volume has a significant impact on the hazard. The required information may consist of
recommendations for:
• Use of personal precautions (such as removal of ignition sources or providing sufficient ventilation) and
protective equipment to prevent the contamination of skin, eyes and clothing.
• Emergency procedures, including instructions for evacuations, consulting experts when needed and
appropriate protective clothing.
• Methods and materials used for containment (e.g., covering the drains and capping procedures).
• Cleanup procedures (e.g., appropriate techniques for neutralization, decontamination, cleaning or
vacuuming; adsorbent materials; and/or equipment required for containment/clean up).
Section 7: Handling and Storage
This section provides guidance on the safe handling practices and conditions for safe storage of chemicals.
The required information consists of:
• Precautions for safe handling, including recommendations for handling incompatible chemicals,
minimizing the release of the chemical into the environment and providing advice on general hygiene
practices (e.g., eating, drinking and smoking in work areas is prohibited).
• Recommendations on the conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities. Provide advice on
specific storage requirements (e.g., ventilation requirements).
Section 8: Exposure Controls/Personal Protection
This section indicates the exposure limits, engineering controls and personal protective measures that can
be used to minimize worker exposure. The required information consists of:
• OSHA Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs), American Conference of Governmental Industrial
Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit
Values (TLVs), and any other exposure limit used or recommended by the chemical manufacturer,
importer or employer preparing the safety data sheet, where available.
• Appropriate engineering controls (e.g., use local exhaust ventilation, or use only in an enclosed system).
• Recommendations for personal protective measures to prevent illness or injury from exposure to
chemicals, such as personal protective equipment (PPE) (e.g., appropriate types of eye, face, skin or
respiratory protection needed based on hazards and potential exposure).
• Any special requirements for PPE, protective clothing or respirators (e.g., type of glove material, such as
PVC or nitrile rubber gloves; and breakthrough time of the glove material).

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 Section 9: Physical and Chemical Properties
This section identifies physical and chemical properties associated with the substance or mixture. The
minimum required information consists of:
• Appearance (physical state, color, etc.);
• Upper/lower flammability or explosive limits;
• Odor;
• Vapor pressure;
• Odor threshold;
• Vapor density;
• pH;
• Relative density;
• Melting point/freezing point;
• Solubility(ies);
• Initial boiling point and boiling range;
• Flash point;
• Evaporation rate;
• Flammability (solid, gas);
• Upper/lower flammability or explosive limits;
• Vapor pressure;
• Vapor density;
• Relative density;
• Solubility(ies);
• Partition coefficient: n-octanol/water;
• Auto-ignition temperature; • Decomposition temperature; and
• Viscosity.
The SDS may not contain every item on the above list because information may not be relevant or is not
available. When this occurs, a notation to that effect must be made for that chemical property.
Manufacturers may also add other relevant properties, such as the dust deflagration index (Kst) for
combustible dust, used to evaluate a dust's explosive potential
Section 10: Stability and Reactivity
This section describes the reactivity hazards of the chemical and the chemical stability information. This
section is broken into three parts: reactivity, chemical stability and other. The required information consists
of:
Reactivity
• Description of the specific test data for the chemical(s). This data can be for a class or family of the
chemical if such data adequately represent the anticipated hazard of the chemical(s), where available.
Chemical stability
• Indication of whether the chemical is stable or unstable under normal ambient temperature and
conditions while in storage and being handled.
• Description of any stabilizers that may be needed to maintain chemical stability.
• Indication of any safety issues that may arise should the product change in physical appearance.

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 Other
• Indication of the possibility of hazardous reactions, including a statement whether the chemical will
react or polymerize, which could release excess pressure or heat or create other hazardous conditions.
Also, a description of the conditions under which hazardous reactions may occur.
• List of all conditions that should be avoided (e.g., static discharge, shock, vibrations or environmental
conditions that may lead to hazardous conditions).
• List of all classes of incompatible materials (e.g., classes of chemicals or specific substances) with which
the chemical could react to produce a hazardous situation.
• List of any known or anticipated hazardous decomposition products that could be produced because of
use, storage or heating. (Hazardous combustion products should also be included in Section 5 (Fire-
Fighting Measures) of the SDS.)
Section 11: Toxicological Information
This section identifies toxicological and health effects information or indicates that such data are not
available. The required information consists of:
• Information on the likely routes of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact). The SDS should
indicate if the information is unknown.
• Description of the delayed, immediate or chronic effects from short- and long-term exposure.
• The numerical measures of toxicity (e.g., acute toxicity estimates such as the LD50 (median lethal dose)) -
the estimated amount [of a substance] expected to kill 50% of test animals in a single dose.
• Description of the symptoms. This description includes the symptoms associated with exposure to the
chemical including symptoms from the lowest to the most severe exposure.
• Indication of whether the chemical is listed in the National Toxicology Program (NTP) Report on
Carcinogens (latest edition) or has been found to be a potential carcinogen in the International Agency
for Research on Cancer (IARC) Monographs (latest editions) or found to be a potential carcinogen by
OSHA
Section 12: Ecological information
Note: Since other Agencies regulate this information, OSHA does not enforce this section.
Section 13: Disposal Information
Note: Since other Agencies regulate this information, OSHA does not enforce this section.
Section 14: Transport Information
Note: Since other Agencies regulate this information, OSHA does not enforce this section.
Section 15: Regulatory Information
This section identifies the safety, health and environmental regulations specific for the product that is not
indicated anywhere else on the SDS. The information may include:
• Any national and/or regional regulatory information of the chemical or mixtures (including any OSHA,
Department of Transportation, Environmental Protection Agency or Consumer Product Safety
Commission regulations)
Section 16: Other Information
This section indicates when the SDS was prepared or when the last known revision was made. The SDS may
also state where the changes have been made to the previous version. You may wish to contact the supplier
for an explanation of the changes. Other useful information also may be included here.

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Shipbuilders can obtain an SDS for any chemical in the shipyard.
The Master Chemical List and SDS database containing all
products is located on the Company’s intranet or you can
contact the EHS Department for a copy of any particular SDS.
Additionally, each production department (Craft) must have a
comprehensive file or binder of SDSs for the materials that they
use.
The file needs to have a Master Chemical List and have the SDS
alphabetized so that the order of information matches their
Master Chemical List. Each department is responsible for
maintaining their SDS files and for updating the SDSs when new
versions are published.
If an SDS is missing or obsolete, they must retrieve a new copy from the SDS
database. Any issues or problems regarding a specific SDS, or with the database,
should be relayed to the Environmental Engineering section of the EHS
Department for assistance.
Production departments must ensure that their employees are aware of their right to access an SDS for any
chemical they use and be able to readily provide a copy if requested. The field training of employees on the safe
handling, use and storage of any specific chemical should be conducted with the use of its SDS so employees are
familiar with all associated elements, characteristics, hazards and hazard controls. The information included in
the SDS should be incorporated into Job Safety Analysis sheets and used to assist in employee training. The
recommended PPE listed on the SDS must be used. Contact the EHS Department if clarity or assistance is needed
regarding any information provided on a SDS.
HAZCOM Labeling NFPA Traditionally,
Vistamarine Shipbuilding has used National Fire Protection Association
(NFPA) or the American Coating Association’s Hazardous Material Identification
System (HMIS) labels. Shipbuilder’s have seen these labels in the shipyards for
years.
For the near future, shipbuilders may see both of the historical labels as well as
the new labels with the GHS elements. The new labels will require that several
new elements be included regardless of the chemical container on which they are
affixed. Shipbuilders should expect to see the following elements on the new GHS
labels:
HMIS Label
Name, address and phone number: How to contact the chemical manufacturer,
distributor or importer.
Product Identifier: How the hazardous chemical is identified. This can be (but is
not limited to) the chemical name, code number or batch number. The
manufacturer, importer or distributor can decide the appropriate product
identifier. The same product identifier must be both on the label and in Section 1
of the SDS (Identification). Label
Signal Word: Used to indicate the relative level of severity of hazard and alert the

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Reader to a potential hazard on the label. There are only two signal words, “Danger” and “Warning.”
Within a specific hazard class, “Danger” is used for the more severe hazards and “Warning” is used for
the less severe hazards. There will only be one signal word on the label no matter how many hazards a
chemical may have. If one of the hazards warrants a “Danger” signal word and another warrants the
signal word “Warning,” then only “Danger” should appear on the label.

Pictograms: Are graphic symbols used to communicate specific information about the hazards of a
chemical. On hazardous chemicals being shipped or transported from a manufacturer, importer or
distributor, the required pictograms consist of a red square frame set at a point with a black hazard
symbol on a white background, sufficiently wide to be clearly visible. A square red frame set at a point
without a hazard symbol is not a pictogram and is not permitted on the label.

The pictograms OSHA has adopted improve worker safety and health,
conform to the GHS and are used worldwide. While the GHS uses nine
pictograms, OSHA will only enforce the use of eight. The environmental
pictogram is not mandatory but may be used to provide additional
information. Workers may see the ninth symbol on a label because
label preparers may choose to add the environment pictogram as
supplementary information.
Sample Label Layout of New Globally
Harmonized System of
Classification
and Labeling

Most of the symbols are already used for transportation and many chemical users may be familiar with
them. The following table shows the symbol for each pictogram, the written name for each pictogram
and the hazards associated with each of the pictograms:

It is important to note that the OSHA pictograms do not replace the diamond-shaped labels that the U.S.
Department of Transportation (DOT) requires for the transport of chemicals, including chemical drums,
chemical totes, tanks or other containers. Those labels must be on the external part of a shipped
container and must meet the DOT requirements. While the DOT diamond label is required for all
hazardous chemicals on the outside shipping containers, chemicals in smaller containers inside the
larger shipped container do not require the DOT diamond but do require the OSHA pictograms.
Labels must be legible, in English and prominently displayed. Other languages may be displayed in
addition to English.

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 Hazard Statement(s): Describe the nature of the
hazard(s) of a chemical, including, where appropriate,
the degree of hazard. For example, “Causes damage
to kidneys through prolonged or repeated exposure
when absorbed through the skin.” All of the applicable
hazard statements must appear on the label. Hazard
statements may be combined where appropriate to
reduce redundancies and improve readability. The
hazard statements are specific to the hazard
classification categories, and chemical users should
always see the OSHA Adopted Pictograms and
Hazards same statement for the same hazards,
no matter what the chemical is or who produces it.

Precautionary Statement(s): Means a phrase that

describes recommended measures that should be
taken to minimize or prevent adverse effects resulting
from exposure to a hazardous chemical or improper
storage or handling. There are four types of
precautionary statements: prevention (to minimize
exposure); response (in case of accidental spillage or
exposure emergency response, and first aid); storage;
and disposal.

For example, a chemical presenting a specific target organ toxicity (repeated exposure) hazard would
include the following on the label: “Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/ vapors/spray. Get medical
advice/attention if you feel unwell. Dispose of contents/ container in accordance with local/regional/
national and international regulations.” A forward slash (/) designates that the classifier can choose one
of the precautionary statements.

In most cases, the precautionary statements are independent. However, OSHA does allow flexibility for
applying precautionary statements to the label, such as combining statements, using an order of
precedence or eliminating an inappropriate statement. When there are similar precautionary
statements, the one providing the most protective information must be included on the label.

Supplementary Information: The label producer may provide additional instructions or information that
it deems helpful. It may also list any hazards not otherwise classified under this portion of the label. This
section must also identify the percentage of ingredient(s) of unknown acute toxicity when it is present in
a concentration of ≥1% (and the classification is not based on testing the mixture as a whole). If an
employer decides to include additional information regarding the chemical that is beyond what the
standard requires, it may list this information under what is considered “supplementary information.”
There is also no required format for how a workplace label must look and no particular format an
employer has to use; however, it cannot contradict or detract from the required information.

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An example of an item that may be considered supplementary is the personal protective equipment
(PPE) pictogram indicating what workers handling the chemical may need to wear to protect them. For
example, the Hazardous Materials Information System (HMIS) pictogram of a person wearing goggles
may be listed. Other supplementary information may include directions of use, expiration date or fill
date, all of which may provide additional information specific to the process in which the chemical is
used.

Much of the information needed to ensure that a shipbuilder could properly store a material is included
on the label and listed in the precautionary statements. The labels also help to locate quickly,
information on first aid or emergency response if needed. However, the information on the label may
not be as comprehensive as the information on the SDS. The label and the SDS should have the same
precautionary statements and other information, but the SDS may go into further details. Always
consult the SDS if the information needed is not on a label.

Anytime a hazardous material will be removed from its bulk-shipping container and stored in a
secondary container, a label must be completed and affixed to the secondary container. If hazardous
chemicals are transferred from a labeled container to a portable container that is only intended for
immediate use by the same employee who performs the transfer, and it is maintained in exclusive
control of that employee, no labels are required for the portable container. All other containers require
labeling.

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 XII. Crane Operations,
Powered Industrial Vehicles and Shipyard Traffic

Powered Industrial Vehicles (PIVs)

• Employees must be trained and authorized to operate specific types of vehicles.
Among these are:
➢ Cranes
➢ Aerial platforms
➢ Forklifts
➢ Skid steer loaders (Bobcats)
• Operators shall never load a PIV’s structure, hoisting gear, rigging gear,
attachments, extensions or personnel platforms beyond its rated capacity
• Operators must use the vehicle’s daily checklist to inspect the equipment
before the start of the shift. DO NOT OPERATE DEFECTIVE VEHICLES.
• Report all deficiencies to your supervisor and/or the Maintenance Department
so that the appropriate persons can correct them.

Working around PIVs

• Employees shall never ride on a forklift or other vehicle that is not equipped with a passenger seat.
• Look and Listen! Always visually confirm the location and movement of a PIV when you hear a
nearby backup alarm, horn, revving engine or other unique PIV sounds.
• Understand that a PIV is designed to brake more slowly than a normal automobile so that it can
maintain its stability and not shift or spill its load.
• Never walk out in front of one expecting it to instantly stop just because you are a pedestrian and
have the right of way.
• Ensure that you do not position yourself in the operator’s blind spots. If you cannot see the
operator’s eyes directly or in a mirror—they cannot see you!
• Never distract a PIV operator; however, as with crane operations, anyone
can signal “All Stop” to a PIV operator and they must comply.
• When assisting with material handling operations, never allow a forklift
operator to pick up a damaged wooden pallet.
• Never pass or stand underneath an elevated load or empty forks.
• Never add “homemade” extensions or devices to the forks of a PIV. Fork
extensions must be approved by the vehicle manufacturer for use on a
particular vehicle.
• Alert an operator if you notice a problem with their machine such as leaking hydraulic fluid, lights not
working, low tire, etc.

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• Be aware of “rear-end swing out” when near a turning forklift. As a forklift turns, the back of the
vehicle will swing out in the opposite direction of the turn. If you are too close, you could be struck.
Never stand behind a forklift. Not all makes and models have backup alarms or an alarm may not be
working
PIV blind spots

THE SHADED AREA SURROUNDING EACH VEHICLE REPRESENTS THE DANGER ZONE
IN WHICH THE VEHICLE OPERATOR’S VIEW OF PEDESTRAN TRAFFIC
IS GREATLY REDUCED OR OBSCURED ALTOGETHER

Crane Operations

• Operators, riggers and load handlers must be trained and authorized through the Training Dept.
• Riggers directing the operator must know and use the appropriate hand signals and remain within
the operator’s line of sight.

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• It is everyone’s responsibility to pay attention to his or her surroundings. Always maintain a high level
of Situational Awareness around cranes.
• Pay attention to the crane’s travel bell and warning horn. Make sure that you are clear of the tracks
and suspended loads.
• Never pass underneath a suspended load.
• Abide by the instructions of the crane rigger.
Listen to the crane riggers and crane leg walkers

➢ They will verbally instruct you to stay clear of crane operations.

➢ Evacuate the intended path of an approaching load and remain clear of overhead loads.
➢ Crane riggers and crane leg walkers may use whistles or bullhorns to keep people away from
suspended loads or moving cranes.
➢ Failure to comply with instructions from a crane rigger or crane leg walker while they are
performing their job may result in disciplinary action.

Crane Rigger Responsibilities

The Crane Rigger is responsible for:

• Knowing the capacity of the crane and the weight of all loads being lifted.
• Selecting the proper equipment to attach a load.
• Inspecting all rigging equipment and taking any damaged equipment out of service before each use.
• Stopping a lift they suspect is unsafe.
• Verifying that the direction of the crane and the load motion is clear prior to signaling the crane to
move.
• Controlling personnel access around suspended loads and loads about to be suspended. If
circumstances interrupt a lift in progress, the crane crew shall set the load on the ground pending
resumption of the job. If this is not possible and a suspended load must remain stationary for a lengthy
period, riggers must barricade the area and post attendants.
• Not directing loads over people in the area.
• Verifying that the hook is directly over the load and the lift will not be side-loaded.
• Ensuring a crane leg walker alerts employees in the surrounding area by blowing a whistle whenever
the crane is in motion and during all lifts until the load safely reaches its destination.
• Checking the entire area surrounding the travel path to make sure no obstacles are present.
• The crane rigger and/or crane leg walker shall not engage in any practice that will divert his attention
while actually engaged in supporting crane operations.
• Whenever there is any doubt as to the safety, the rigger shall consult with the crane operator or the
supervisor before handling the load.
• Failure of riggers to abide by these responsibilities may result in disciplinary action.

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 XIII. Powered Hand Tools Manual Hand Tools, and
Machine Guarding.
Manual Hand Tools
Hand tools are such a common part of our lives that it may be difficult at times to
remember that they present hazards that must be controlled. Manual hand tools
are non-powered, but we can generate a lot of force with them. Hand tools
include anything from axes to wrenches, from sledgehammers to the smallest
screwdriver. Hand tools are manufactured with safety in mind; however, too
often tragic accidents occur when hand tool hazards are not adequately
addressed by tool users.

Prior to using any hand tool, a careful visual inspection must be conducted to
ensure the tool is in a safe, well-maintained condition and ready for use. Once
the user is satisfied that there are no hazards associated with the condition of
the tool, they must recognize the hazards associated with the use of tool. The
greatest hazards posed by hand tools result from misuse and improper
maintenance. Since shipbuilders use many different types of hand tools, they
must learn to recognize the hazards associated with each tool they use and the
safety precautions necessary to prevent them from creating mishaps.

Examples of Condition and Use Hazards:

• Using a screwdriver as a chisel or a pry bar may cause the tip of the
screwdriver to break off and fly out, hitting the user or other employees.
• If a wooden handle on a tool such as a hammer or an axe is loose, it may slip
off and become a projectile in the work area. Similarly, when an impact is
made by a tool with a splintered or cracked handle, it may sustain a
catastrophic failure, allowing the head and broken handle to fly off and strike
the user or another worker.
• A wrench with sprung jaws or its hex-edges rounded out, may slip on a nut or
bolt head and cause the user to fall or lurch in the direction of the force they
were applying. This can cause anything from falls to “struck against” injuries,
many of which can be quite serious.
• Impact tools such as chisels, wedges or drift pins are unsafe if they have
mushroomed heads. The mushroomed edges chip off when struck, sending
sharp fragments flying into the work area.
• Tape around a hammer handle can hide defects such as splintering or cracking
and is therefore, forbidden.
If the grip teeth on the jaws of pliers are rounded down or worn out, it can allow
the tool to slip causing a “struck against” injury. Additionally, it may require

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 Hand Tool Care and Maintenance

An employer is responsible for the safe condition of tools and equipment used by its employees,
regardless of the tool’s origin; however, employees have the responsibility for properly using and
maintaining tools. Employees must inspect all
hand tools for defects before use and alert their supervision if deficiencies are found. Always store tools in
a safe place where the tool isn’t damaged or it doesn’t pose a hazard to others in
the area.

• Never use a damaged tool!

• Keep saw blades, knives, or other tools with cutting edges, clean and sharp
because dull tools require excessive hand force and are more hazardous than
sharp ones.
• Never use modified or “home-made” tools.
• Keep tools clean, dry and properly lubricated but do not allow lubricant to get
on the tool’s handle.
• Unless a tool is designed to be periodically adjusted, or the manufacturer
allows specific repairs such as changing a broken hammer handle, never
attempt to repair a tool; replace it instead.

Basic Safety Rules for Hand Tools

• Appropriate personal protective equipment, e.g., safety goggles, gloves, etc.,
should be worn to protect the user from hazards that may be encountered
while using hand tools.
• Keep floors as clean and dry as possible to prevent accidental slips and to provide a firm, stable base
while working with hand tools.
• When working around flammable substances, sparks produced by iron and steel hand tools can be a
dangerous ignition source. Where this hazard exists, spark-resistant tools made from brass, aluminum,
or another non-ferrous material is required.
• Use tools that are the right size and type for your job.
• Don’t work with oily or greasy hands or slippery tool handles.
• Cut away from yourself when you use chisels, knives, and other sharp-edged tools.
• Handle sharp-edged and pointed tools with care, and always pass a sharp tool to a co-worker, handle-
first.
• Sharp-edged tools must be directed away from aisle areas and places where other employees working
in close proximity and covered when not in use.
• Secure all small work pieces with a vise or clamp so it does not slip under your tool.
• When using an adjustable tool such as a Crescent wrench or slip-joint pliers, ensure they are properly
adjusted before applying force.
• Never apply heat to a tool unless it is specifically designed for that purpose as it can change the
temper of the tool steel and its specific design
• Wrench handle length is designed to be the right size and strength for the tool’s service requirements
so never try to increase your leverage by using a “cheater” pipe or handle.
• Never hammer or beat with a tool that is not made for striking.

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 Safely Carrying Hand Tools
• When you carry tools in your hands, keep sharp points or cutting edges covered and hold them away
from you.
• Don’t stuff your pockets with too many tools. When carrying many tools, use a toolbox or tool belt.
• Keep your toolbox, tool bucket or tool belt clean and orderly so you can easily find the tool you need
without being cut or gouged.
• If a co-worker wants to borrow one of your tools, hand it to them; don’t toss it and never free-drop a
tool to a lower level.

Powered Hand Tools

Power tools demand their users obey safe practices and maintain a high
level of situational awareness for injury-free operation. All safety devices
on tools and equipment must function properly. Safety devices are
designed and installed on tools to control a hazard. Removing them or
not ensuring they are maintained in working order can result in serious
injury.

The following points must be consistently followed by all power tool users:
• Always bring the proper tools with you to your worksite.
• Never use a tool that you are unfamiliar with or that is not designed to perform your work task.
• Never use another worker’s power tool without first being trained on its use.
• Never pick up an unattended power tool and use it. It may be there because it is damaged or missing
a guard and the owner has gone to get parts or new blades/disks.
• Inspect all powered hand tools prior to use:
o Inspect the tool’s cord, plug and strain relief boot as well as the extension cord to be
used. o Only authorized electricians can repair damaged cords and plugs.
• Electrically powered tools and equipment must be adequately grounded (unless marked as double
insulated) and if used on a temporary power (extension cords), it must utilize ground fault circuit
interruption (GFCI) protection.
• Before using pneumatic tools, inspect the airline for damage and always ensure that the crow’s foot
connections are secured with a safety clip or wire and the hose fittings are wrench-tightened to the
tool.
• Never remove or alter a guard or safety device. If equipment comes with a guard, then you must use it
with the guard in place and intact.
• Never disable a safety device or override a normal operating control switch, lever or pushbutton.
• On tools designed with trigger safety devices, the devices must function properly to avoid inadvertent
activation if trigger is mistakenly pressed.
• Continuous run controls on hand-held electric tools must be disabled before these tools are placed into
service.

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Trigger Safeties:

• An often overlooked safety mechanism on grinders and other

hand-held power tools is the trigger safety. The trigger safety is a
small, often spring-loaded lever device that blocks the trigger from
closing until a separate motion of the user’s hand folds it back. This
ensures that if the user sets the tool down on the deck or a work
table and it.

rolls over or lands on the trigger that the tool will not unintentionally activate. If a grinder
takes off while the user is not holding it there is a possibility that it can contact the user or
bystanders causing severe injuries or damage to equipment and property. When inspecting
the trigger safety on a grinder, make sure that:
• The trigger safety is in place. There should be a tab or lever on the trigger to block it from being
pressed.
• That it takes two distinct motions of the hand to activate or “tuck” the safety under the trigger for the
trigger to be activated.
• The spring on the safety has a firm tension and is not loose or coming out of its attachment.
• The trigger safety passes a functional test when squeezed and
does not allow inadvertent activation.

Here are two types of trigger safeties. If you are

unsure of how the trigger and its safety work,
ask your supervisor before using the grinder. At
any time the safety does not function by
stopping the trigger from activating, the tool
must come out of service and be returned for
repair.

Hand-Held Grinders “Buckeyes”

• VTMC Shipbuilding has numerous safety controls in place regarding the use of all grinders, including
both electric and pneumatic buckeye grinders and the grinding wheels.
• Before each use, closely inspect your grinding wheel for cracks, nicks, or any other defects that may
cause the wheel to shatter. Also, insure that the wheel fits freely on the spindle and not forced on.
• When in use, insure that the grinding wheel is oriented correctly at the point of work. If the wheel
jams, especially the thin cutting blades, it can kick back and/or shatter.
• All guards are required to be in place and properly adjusted on all machines and power tools that are
equipped with them.

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 ➢ The removal of these guards could cause serious injury and subject the operator to disciplinary
action.
➢ If you feel the guard needs to be removed because it is in the way, contact your supervisor who
will give you direction. If your grinder does not have a guard installed on it or the guard has been
modified, return it to the tool room where it will
be replaced. These guards:
❖ Must cover one-half (180º) of the cutting
edge
❖ Be properly aligned with the wheel
❖ Strong enough to contain fragments if the
wheel shatters
• Be careful when handling and storing grinding
wheels as they are easily damaged.
• Storing wheels, especially the thin cutting blades, in gang boxes or in tool bags and then throwing
tools in on top of them can cause damage.
• Minimal damage to these wheels can cause them to shatter.

INSPECT THE WHEELS BEFORE EACH

USE TO INSURE THAT THERE IS NO
DAMAGE!

Removal of Equipment Safety Devices:

• When tight quarters require an employee to remove a grinder’s dead handle, they may only remove
the handle with the approval of their foreman and only for brief duration tasks.
➢ Guards are required on all grinder attachments exceeding 2” in diameter except when used for
internal work, such as grinding or cutting inside of a pipe. This includes sanding and buffing discs.
➢ Pencil grinders using grinding disk attachments must have a guard on them.
• Auxiliary handles (dead handles)are required on all:
➢ Hand-held angle grinders
❖ Most grinders have the ability to install the handles for right or left hand use.
➢ ½” or larger drills
❖ The drill handles are 360° rotational and locking, so these are adaptable to most job
configurations.
➢ Any tool that is designed and manufactured with a handle.

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 XIV. Manual Material Handling and Ergonomics

Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)

The largest injury type in shipbuilding is musculo-skeletal disorders. MSDs include:

• Muscle strains and back injuries from repeated use or overexertion

• Tendonitis -
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Rotator cuff injuries (a shoulder problem)
• Epicondylitis (an elbow problem)
• Trigger finger from repeated use of a single finger
• Hand-arm vibration syndrome (Vibration White Finger)

• Other cumulative trauma disorders

Early indications of MSDs include numbness, tingling, pain,
restriction of joint movement or soft tissue swelling. Shipyard
employees experience lower extremity MSDs, strains and sprains of
the low back muscles and associated low back disorders. Moreover,
hand-arm vibration syndrome, known as “vibration white finger,” is
often identified among shipyard employees who use vibrating tools.

Some MSDs develop gradually over time as a result of intensive

work. When the work environment requires employees to assume
awkward or static body postures for a prolonged period of time,
the workers may be at risk of developing MSDs. The ergonomics-
related risk factors that shipyard employees are most often
exposed to include:

Force—the amount of physical effort required to perform a task (such as heavy lifting, pushing, pulling) or
to maintain control of the equipment or tools.
XV. Repetition—frequently performing the same motion, or series of motions, for an extended
period.
Awkward and prolonged static postures—assuming positions that place stress on the body, such as
repeated or prolonged reaching above the shoulder height, bending forward or to the side, twisting,
kneeling or squatting.
Contact stress—pressing the body or part of the body (such as the hand) against hard or sharp edges,
or using the hand as a hammer.
Vibration—using vibrating tools such as sanders, chippers, drills, grinders or reciprocating saws may
result in fatigue, pain, numbness, increased sensitivity to cold and decreased sensitivity to touch in
fingers, hands and arms. Exposure to whole body vibration may damage the joints of the skeletal system.
Cold temperatures—combined with the risk factors above may increase the risk of musculoskeletal
disorders.

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When there are several risk factors in a job, as is often found in shipyards, there can be a greater risk
of injury. Whether certain work activities put an employee at risk of injury can depend on the how long
(duration), how often (frequency) and how intense (magnitude) of the employee’s exposure to the risk
factors in the activity, as well as other factors. These characteristics are particularly important when
considering work activities and conditions.

Each year, MSDs are one of the most pervasive and painful injuries that shipbuilders experience and they
cost our Company more than any other single injury type. However, the earlier symptoms of MSDs are
reported and treatment is started, the better chance that the injury will not become a long-enduring,
agonizing problem for a shipbuilder. Always notify your supervisor if you experience soreness, strains,
sprains, tingling sensations, loss of range of motion or other potential signs of a MSD.

Manual Lifting and Carrying Techniques

Using poor manual lifting techniques or over lifting greatly increases the chance of sustaining a sprain or
strain to the back, neck, shoulders, groin, abdomen and other body parts. Having slip/trip hazards in an
area where you are carrying materials can also cause injuries. A considerable number of injured
shipbuilders failed to practice safe lifting techniques or did not seek assistance before lifting or carrying
heavy loads.

Many personal factors increase or decrease any individual’s risk for a strain or sprain from manual
material handling. Shipbuilders come in all sizes, ages, heights and physical conditioning. It is not
always true that a short, slender person cannot lift much or that a large, tall person can. However,
before employees are assigned to jobs requiring heavy or frequent lifting, they should be physically
suited for the job. The following may contribute to the risk of a strain injury:

• Poor physical fitness

• Lack of flexibility
• Recreational activities
• Emotional stress
• Attitude of invincibility
• Lack of rest
• Unwillingness to ask for help
• Poor back support when sleeping
• Poor posture when sitting or standing
Some of these risk factors can be controlled by employees while they are away from work,
but there are many other things that can be done on the job to reduce the risk of strains and
sprains.

IS THE WORK AREA CLEAR ENOUGH TO LIFT AND CARRY MATERIAL?

Adequate housekeeping, line control and clear walking working surfaces are all good hazard controls that
can reduce lifting/carrying strain risks. Congested areas, uneven or slippery surfaces or low hanging lines
can compound the risks associated with an otherwise simple task of moving items by hand. When you
slip or trip with a load in hand and try to regain your balance, you can often overexert yourself because
the weight of the load is further out of position and the quick twist of the torso puts too much strain on
muscles or damages discs in the spine. Before you pick the material up, always make sure that the
lift/carry path is clear of obstacles and other pedestrians are not in your way.

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BASIC RULES FOR LIFTING OR MOVING OBJECTS:

• Size up the load first—if there is any doubt in your mind about your ability to lift it, do not attempt to do
so alone.
• Make sure that your footing is secure, your balance is good and there are no foreign objects lying on
the floor.
Place feet shoulder-width apart, one foot
slightly ahead of the other.
• Bend knees and squat keeping the back
straight and as nearly vertical as possible,
but also at a comfortable angle. If
necessary, spread the knees or lower one
knee to get closer to the object.
• Tighten your stomach muscles as you lift for
additional support for the spine.
• Start pushing up with your legs, thereby
using your strongest set of muscles. Keep
the load close to your body as you come up.
Lift gradually with the legs; don't jerk the
load. Sudden movements such as twisting,
turning or jerking can cause strains or
sprains.
• Lift the object to the carrying position. If it is
necessary to change your direction when in
the upright position, be careful not to twist the body. Turn your body with changes of foot position.
• Vision should always be unobstructed, and if the load interferes with normal walking, help should be
obtained.
• In putting the load down to the floor surface from a waist-high carrying position, bend the knees with a
straight back, load close to the body and lower the load with the arms and leg muscles.
• Specially shaped objects require special handling. One person can easily roll a compressed gas
cylinder on its bottom edge but it may take two people to load it on a truck, or into a rack.
• To carry boxes and cartons, grasp opposite bottom corners and draw the object into the body.
• When lifting or carrying with another person, teamwork is important. The load should be equally
distributed and movements coordinated so that all persons involved start and finish the lift at the same
time and perform turning movements together.
• Remember! Things not meant to be moved by hand should be carried or lifted with hand trucks,
forklifts or hoisting equipment.

HORIZONTAL DISTANCE OF LOAD FROM THE BODY

The further the load is from the center of the body, the more compressive force it puts on the vertebra and
discs in the lower back as well as stress on back muscles. Always try to keep the load tight to your torso
and your torso straight. When you bend over, you have the weight of the load and the weight of your
torso that must be countered by the lower back muscles. Avoid twisting your torso while handling a load.
A rule of thumb for the maximum horizontal distance of the load from the body is—never lift anything past
10” from your toes, measured when standing straight up.

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POOR HAND HOLDS

Handling materials without adequate handholds increases the chance of dropping the load. It also
decreases the amount of weight you can safely handle by about 10%. Without handholds, the hands and
arms need more force to support the load; awkward postures are more likely if the object starts to slip
or if you need to change grasp positions while lifting, lowering or carrying. In addition, when lifting
objects from the floor, you will have to bend down further if there are no handles to grasp. While not all
objects have handles, a good grip on the load is essential for safe carrying. Some types of gloves can
improve grip; however, make sure they have a good friction surface (rubber dots or palms) and fit well
or they may actually not allow you to feel the load or require excessive grip strength

The 50-Pound Rule

Employees must observe the personal load limit of 50 pounds. However, this does not mean that all 50-
pound loads are created equal nor should they be lifted and carried by one person. If an object is oddly
shaped or heavier on one side you may still need two
people to transport it. Additionally, the 50-pound rule
is only for lifting and only when proper positioning and
lifting techniques can be used. If a 50-pound object
must be carried (especially up stairs) or lifted into
above-chest levels, it is not a single person task.
Remember, 50 pounds is the maximum allowed to be
lifted by one person—it does not mean that all people,
in all cases, should attempt a 50-pound lift.

Ergonomics
The Vistamarine Shipbuilding written program for ergonomics is (SSO K225) Ergonomics Program.
Because MSD injuries are one of the most common injury types we experience, it is important that all
employees remain engaged in identifying opportunities to change work processes that reduce the risk
of MSDs. The Safety Action Teams are active in conducting ergonomic hazard assessments and
developing corrective actions and process changes to reduce worker risk. Several times a year the
SATs will conduct Ergonomic RAPID Events, which are workshops that identify tasks with high MSD-
risk and quickly develop and implement controls to reduce the risks.

There are things that all shipbuilders can do to take advantage of known ergonomic solutions for
Shipbuilding MSD hazards. Some are prior to the task and some are during the job.

BEFORE STARTING THE JOB:

• Workers should work with management to identify possible tasks in shipyard employment that
present ergonomics-related hazards. A team should develop a plan to control tasks that put workers
at risk of developing MSDs. Shipyard employees must be informed and trained on the ergonomic
concerns in the workplace and ways to minimize the risk of injury.

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• Position lights directly over a work area and/or equipment to reduce awkward neck and back
positions.
• Identify appropriate PPE to help reduce localized pressure on the body and unnecessary fatigue.
• Position equipment and devices, such as point-of-use tool boards and rigging racks, within easy reach
(e.g., between the knees and shoulders) to reduce awkward postures and fatigue.
• Identify proper worker assist devices/equipment, such as standing platforms or workbenches, that
can be easily transported to the work area to reduce the amount of overhead reaching that may
place stress on the body.

DURING THE JOB:

• Wear the appropriate PPE, including gloves (with anti-vibration properties when needed), elbow,
knee and shoulder pads, and kneeling supports to reduce localized pressure on the body and reduce
fatigue.
• Use material/equipment-handling wheeled devices such as carts, hand trucks and pallet jacks
designed to transport heavy and awkward materials, tools or equipment. Applying the wheeled
devices will reduce lifting, pushing and pulling forces. REMEMBER: PUSHING IS PREFERED TO
PULLING!
Use additional material/equipment-handling devices such as drum movers, overhead cranes,
conveyors, hoists/balancers, moveable containers and pulley systems to transport heavy and
awkward materials, tools or equipment. Use of these devices also reduces lifting, pushing and pulling
forces

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 XVI. Office Safety

The Basics of Office Safety

Despite common beliefs that the office
provides a safe working environment, many
hazards exist which cause thousands of
injuries and health problems each year among
U.S. office workers. Today’s modern offices
are substantially different from the office
environment of 20 years ago. Sweeping
changes have occurred in the American
workplace because of new office technology
and automation of office equipment.
Consequently, office workers are faced with
many more hazards. The leading types of
disabling accidents that occur within the
office are:

• Falls
• Strains and over exertions
• Struck by or struck against objects
• Caught in or between objects • Contact with

Besides being a contributing factor in office mishaps, poor lighting can cause other non-acute injuries as
well. Poor lighting issues can cause glare and shadows as well as vision problems such as eyestrain,
fatigue and double vision. Controls to prevent poor lighting conditions include:
• Light-colored dull finish on walls, ceilings and floors to reduce glare
• Regular maintenance of the lighting system
• Adjustable shades on windows
• Indirect lighting
In an office, workers can be subjected to many noise sources, such as, video display terminals, high-
speed printers, phones and human voices. Noise can produce tension and stress, as well as damage to
hearing. Some of the numerous measures available to control unwanted noise include:

• Place noisy machines in an enclosed space

• Use carpeting, draperies and acoustical ceiling tiles to muffle noise
• Adjust telephone volume to its lowest effective level
• Rearrange traffic routes within the office to reduce traffic within and between work areas

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Poor design and/or poor housekeeping can lead to crowding, lack of privacy, slips, trips and falls. The
following are important factors related to office layout and orderliness:

• At least 3’ distance between desks and at least 50 square feet per employee
• Keep telephone and electrical cords out of aisles
• Group employees who use the same machines
• Office machines should be kept away from edges of desks and tables
• Regular inspection, repair and replacement of faulty carpets
• Place mats inside building entrances
• Proper placement of electrical, telephone and computer wiring to limit trip hazards
• Controls to ensure proper means of egress include:
➢ All exit accesses must be at least 28” wide
➢ Generally, two exits should be provided
➢ Exits and access to exits must be marked
➢ Means of egress, including stairways used for emergency exit, should be free of obstructions and
adequately lit
➢ Employees must be aware of exits and trained in procedures for evacuation
A serious problem associated with office design is the potential for creating fire hazards. Another danger
found in modern offices is combustible materials (e.g., furniture, rugs, fibers) which can easily ignite and
often emit toxic fumes. A number of steps can be taken to reduce office fire hazards:

• Store unused records/papers in fire resistant files or vaults

• Use flame-retardant materials when possible
• Smoke only in designated outside areas and use proper ashtrays
• Fire extinguishers and alarms should be conspicuously placed and accessible and remain
unobstructed.
Office materials that are improperly stored can lead to
hazards such as objects falling on workers, poor visibility
and fires. There are several controls, which can reduce
handling and storage hazards.

• Materials should not be stored on top of cabinets.

• Heavy objects should be stored on lower shelves and
materials stacked neatly.
• Materials should be stored inside cabinets, files or
lockers whenever possible.
• Materials must not be stored in aisles, corners or
passageways.
• Flammable and combustible materials must be
identified and properly stored.
• Safety Data Sheets must be provided for each
hazardous chemical identified.
Electrical accidents in an office usually occur because of faulty or defective equipment, unsafe installation
or misuse of equipment. The following guidelines should be adhered to when installing or using electrical
equipment:
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• Equipment must be properly grounded to prevent shock injuries
• A sufficient number of outlets will prevent circuit overloading
• Avoid the use of poorly maintained or non-approved equipment
• Cords should not be dragged over nails, hooks or other sharp objects
• Receptacles should be installed and electric equipment maintained so that no live parts are exposed
Machines should be disconnected before cleaning or adjusting. Generally, machines and equipment
should be locked or tagged out during maintenance.
Defective furniture or misuse of chairs or file cabinets by office workers can lead to serious injuries. Listed
here are controls related to chairs and cabinets:

• Chairs should be designed well and regularly inspected for missing casters, shaky legs and loose
parts
• Do not lean back in a chair with your feet on a desk
• Do not scoot across the floor while sitting on a chair
• Never stand on a chair to reach an overhead object
• Open only one file drawer at a time
• Do not locate file cabinets close to doorways or in aisles
• Use drawer handles to close file drawers.

Misuse of office tools, such as pens, pencils, paper, letter openers, scissors and staplers, can cause cuts,
punctures and related infections. Injuries can be prevented by following precautions when using these
materials:

• Paper cutters—Keep blade closed when not in use. A guard should be provided and fingers should be
kept clear.
• Staplers—Always use a staple remover. Never test a jammed stapler with your thumb.
• Pencils, pens, scissors, etc.—store sharp objects in a drawer or with the point down. Never hand
someone a sharp object point-first.

Office Ergonomics
Workplace injuries can and do occur in the office environment. The most frequent types of office injuries
are called musculo-skeletal disorders (MSDs) and are generally strains, sprains and other ailments of soft
tissues; muscles, nerves, tendons or ligaments. These injuries can be difficult to heal, debilitating,
expensive to treat and extremely painful to endure. Fortunately, all MSDs are preventable.

Repetitive Motion and Cumulative Trauma Disorders occur when muscles, tendons and nerves are
required to conduct the same motions repeatedly, usually in non-neutral positions, resulting in
microtraumas and eventually severe tissue damage. Swelling can develop which may press against
nerves causing numbness and tingling sensations in the hands or fingers. Some people describe it by
saying “my hands are going to sleep,” or they feel like “pins and needles.” Other symptoms of these
disorders include weakness and limited range of motion. Reporting symptoms early can prevent serious
or permanent damage to your wrist and hands.

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Neck, shoulders, back, arms, wrist and hands are all high-risk targets for MSDs. Proper sitting posture
and positioning of desktop equipment is important in reducing MSD risk factors. Some important points to
remember in sitting at workstations and video display terminals are:

• Adjust chair elevation so that when writing or keyboarding, the forearms are horizontal with a 90° angle
at the elbows. There should be no flexion or extension at the wrists as the hands should be maintained
as straight as possible from the wrists.
• Do not lean over the desk during extended work as this puts high stress on the back, neck and
shoulders. Keep the shoulders relaxed not hunched.
• Sit with the thighs almost horizontal but with the knees slightly higher than the hips, even if this
requires a footrest. Never let your feet hang without touching flatly on the floor or a rest.
• Sit as close to the desk as possible so that your arms can be supported by the desktop and you do not
have to reach far to operate desktop equipment.
• Keep your head balanced naturally over your shoulders (not protruding in front of your body).
• Sit back in your chair, not on the front edge, and adjust the back of the chair for optimum support.
• Change your posture often. Stretch frequently throughout the day. Keep your body flexible (not rigid or
fixed); static posture decreases blood flow. Don’t force your body to conform to your workspace; try

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 conform your workspace, to your body.

Hold each of the above stretching positions for about 5 seconds.

Always try to stretch your hands and wrists periodically through the workday. This keeps them limber and
increases blood flow, which brings oxygen-rich blood to the extremities and removes wastes such as lactic
acid, which can cause discomfort and lead to injury.

In addition to stretching the hands, fingers and wrists periodically

throughout the shift, don’t forget to stretch the neck, shoulders and
back. If you spend a lot of time on the phone, consider using a
headset or at least a phone prop but avoid clamping the phone
between the shoulder and ear with the neck bent over.

To help avoid eye fatigue, which can affect the neck and shoulders
due to straining, make sure that your computer screen is between
20” to 38” from your eyes to the screen. To avoid screen glare from
windows or lighting fixtures, which adds to eye fatigue, tilt the screen
from between +5° and -15° from the horizontal plane.

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 XVII. Heat Stress Prevention.

Heat Stress
Heat illnesses most commonly result from a reduction or collapse of the
body’s ability to shed heat by sweating. When an individual generates
body heat by strenuous work, especially if the environment is hot and
humid, the body cools itself by perspiring and the evaporating sweat
takes the heat with it. When there is a disruption of this process,
overheating and heat illness may occur. Most often, the disruption
occurs because the body’s fluid levels become low when fluids are not
replaced fast enough to compensate for the
mount leaving the body a
through perspiration and/or
urination. When the body’s
core temperature rises and it is
experiencing heat stress, it will
develop some or all of the
symptoms of the two main
forms of heat illness: heat exhaustion
Symptoms of Heat Exhaustionand heat stroke.
Unrecognized or untreated heat stress can kill you. It will
certainly make you very sick and can contribute to a separate
accident because it causes unclear thinking, poor balance and
weakness.

Heat Cramps—Painful cramps indicated by muscle pain from the excessive loss of water and/or
electrolytes.
Fatigue and Weakness—Feeling really tired regardless of the amount of exertion you have been
performing. Slow or incomplete muscle response (weak feeling).
Blurred Vision—Difficulty focusing and possibly seeing spots, flashes and colors floating in your field of
vision. It can progress into tinting or graying until fading to black upon fainting.
Wet Skin—Although the body is at a fluid deficit, you are still sweating as the body attempts to give up
every ounce of available water in order to reduce its rising core temperature.
Headache—Can vary from mild to intense; however, it is usually persistent and intensifies the further
into heat stress the body continues.

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Dizziness or Fainting—Balance is effected and can continue worsening until you faint. Combined with
the fatigue and vision changes you may feel sleepy and then pass out (faint).
Irritable or Confused—Cognitive focus depreciates and you may become frustrated or irritable. Difficulty
concentrating and your “train of thought” becomes broken.
Thirst and/or Nausea—Mild thirst, turning to craving water, as symptoms advance. Mild nausea and
stomach upset, to actually dry heaving or vomiting, as the response to heat stress progresses.
Increased Heartbeat—Pulse rate increases as the body attempts to increase its effectiveness in
controlling its critical systems. Circulating more blood, faster, near the skin, helps cool by convection of
heat into the air.

Symptoms of Heat Stroke

Red, Hot, or Dry Skin—The body no longer has a practical amount of fluid left to attempt to control its
core temperature through perspiration. Skin feels hot and dries out.
High Temperature—Without effective cooling from the perspiration process, the body’s core temperature
climbs, metabolism runs very high and produces high fever-like temperatures.
Confusion and Severe Disorientation—Individual responses may run between confusion to complete in
comprehension and continue progressing until passing out.
Passing Out and Collapse—You no longer possess the ability to focus or control balance. Vision fades
and muscles can no longer maintain upright postures. Unconsciousness follows.
Convulsions and Seizures—Involuntary physical response to the critical level where heat stress has
progressed.

Contributing Factors for Heat Stress

• High heat and humidity
• Limited or no air movement over the body
• Working in direct sunlight
• Heavy or large amounts of physical exertion
• Wearing dark, heat absorbing Clothing
• Tight clothes or PPE that limits air movement
over the skin
• Age
• Poor physical conditioning
• Limited or no acclimation to working in heat
• Previous, recent cases of heat illness
• Inconsistent and insufficient sleep and rest
• Improper diet (high fat, and poor in nutrients, vitamins and
minerals)
• Drug and alcohol abuse
• High caffeine/alcohol consumption causing dehydration
• Taking certain prescription or over -the-counter
medications
• Not drinking enough pre-hydration “Pre-Work” water

140 | P a g e • Not drinking enough rehydration “During Work” water

• Not drinking enough replenishment “After Work” water
• Not replacing electrolytes and minerals lost through perspiration
• Not taking enough/frequent breaks, out of the direct sun

• Not seeking medical attention at the onset of symptoms

Treating Heat Stress

Anytime you are starting to feel the symptoms described above, it is very important to seek
medical assistance. Remember, the symptoms can appear and progress rather quickly
depending on the factors associated with the task, environment and individual. If the
symptoms are mild, report them to your supervisor or carefully make your way to the
Incident Response Team (IRT) office. Do not attempt walking, climbing or negotiating obstacles if you are
experiencing dizziness or vision problems. If you feel that it becomes too difficult or unsafe to walk, ask a
co-worker to contact your supervisor, (any manager, if supervisor is unavailable) notify the Boat Foreman
or Shop Office, contact an area EHS staff member or make a 911 call nearest hospital . Always try to
remove yourself from the source of the heat. Go to a shady area, near a fan or to a climate controlled
space. Remove PPE and protective clothing to allow body heat to dissipate and perspiration to
evaporate. If you are assisting someone experiencing heat illness symptoms, follow the previous
guidance; however, if they lose consciousness, contact nearest hospital immediately.

Heat Stress Prevention

• It’s better to drink small amounts frequently, as opposed to larger amounts less often.

• Drink even if you do not feel thirsty.

• Avoid drinks like sodas or coffee that have caffeine or alcoholic drinks—these drinks dehydrate you.

• People worry that if they drink a lot of water, they’ll have to go to the bathroom more often. In fact,
you’ll mostly sweat it off.

• Prior to heavy work, drink plenty of water. You do not want to start out with a deficit of fluids and try to
“play catch up” soon after beginning.

• When you’re not at work, still drink plenty of water to help your body recover from the workday.

• Take frequent breaks during physically demanding tasks.

• Carefully consider the amount of “sport drinks” you consume. While they do replace vital electrolytes
and minerals lost to heavy sweating, they are often high in sugar and salt. Balanced diets provide the
proper amount of minerals for most people. Only drink “sports drinks” if you are doing an unusually
high amount of sweating because of heavy exertion—not as a total replacement for water.
• If wearing PPE such as welding leathers remove them when taking a break and allow air movement to
evaporate perspiration.
• Always ensure there is forced air ventilation operating when working in confined and enclosed spaces

• On “Red Flag” days, it is recommended to take breaks that are more frequent.

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 • Urine Color Chart
• If the water in the body is balanced, the urine
5 will be a pale straw or lemonade color. When water
loss from the body exceeds water intake, the kidneys
need to conserve water, making the urine much more
concentrated with waste products and subsequently
4 darker in color. All personnel should monitor hydration
status by noting the color and volume of urine.
• Even dehydrated personnel will continue to
produce urine, called "obligatory urine". When
3
dehydration is inevitable for operational reasons,
obligatory water loss in urine can be reduced by
avoiding diuretics like coffee and tea.
2 • Dark yellow urine is a sure indicator that the
individual is
• dehydrated and that the fluid consumption
must be increased. The aim is to produce urine no
1 darker than Color #3 of the Urine Color Chart.
• Urinating less than twice per day and/or
producing urine darker than Color #3 in the chart
indicate severe dehydration; the individual must start
drinking immediately.

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 XVIII. Hazardous Conditions

During a ship’s construction, shipbuilders intentionally transform their work areas as they turn raw
materials into a finished vessel. Work areas in a shipyard are very dynamic and constantly changing as
progress is made. Without consistent efforts to control the hazards in these ever-changing work areas,
the risk for a mishap can climb to a level that practically guarantees that someone will get hurt or killed.

Maintaining a safe work environment is everyone’s responsibility and everyone must help control
hazards. Unfortunately, it is often a person’s at-risk behavior that creates a hazardous condition.
Conversely, hazardous conditions may contribute to some employees’ unsafe work performance.

Housekeeping, line control and proper material storage are all things that affect everyone’s ability to
safely move from one area to another. Material and scrap can easily become clutter and increase the
risk for slip or trip mishaps. Uncovered or unguarded holes can contribute to the chances of a fall injury.
The following are examples of unsafe conditions that can expose shipbuilders to an unacceptable level
of risk of injury.

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At-Risk Behaviors (ARB)
The product of multiplying the severity (consequence) of a mishap, times the frequency the mishap
occurs for a specific task, is called risk. Risk is a major element used to develop the Environmental,
Health and Safety rules that all shipbuilders must follow. The lower the risk of a mishap for a specific task,
craft, tool, work area or process—the less likely a mishap will occur.

Obviously, there is some risk inherent in everything we do, on or off the job; however, we always want to
control the things we can so that risk is kept as low as possible. One of the things we can control is our
personal decisions and work performance. When mishaps do not happen, property damage does not
occur, schedules are maintained, quality ships are built and workers return to their families each day,
healthy and injury-free.

The risk of workplace hazards causing mishaps can be greatly reduced by engineering controls,
administrative controls and personal protective equipment. However, humans are capable of using or not
using, all of these controls. Human activity in the shipyard is what changes raw materials into great ships,
but these activities also have the ability to increase or decrease risk. When safety rules are consistently
followed, risks are reduced. When safety rules are not followed, risk goes up—increasing the chance of
injury.

Regarding safety, each worker is directly responsible for the actions that he or she can control and in
assisting fellow shipbuilders in controlling theirs. This includes knowing the safety requirements for
workingintheshipyardandremindingotherswhennecessary. The a sfetyfunction ofeach shipbuilder’s
daily activities always includes using the hazard controls that are required of the job or pulling out a
“STOP”badgeand stopping an activityif theriskofamishap istoohigh.

Within the context of occupational health and safety, the Vistamarine Shipbuilding definition of at-risk
behavior is as follows:

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 “Any employee’s activities or performance within the
shipyard which removes or diminishes the required
engineering,
Administrative, personal protective equipment or job process
Hazard controls that maintain a safe work environment, is an
At-Risk Behavior.”

Remember, many unsafe conditions are the result of an ARB. Example: a shipbuilder decides not to
clean up their work area before leaving for the day and their scrap material is laying on the deck and in
walkways. That is a job performance issue wherein they have executed an at-risk behavior by not
keeping their work area clean as they worked. However, because of their unwanted behavior, there now
is an area where uncontrolled combustibles have created a fire hazard condition.

Sometimes ARBs put the person conducting it, or those in the area, in immediate peril. Activities such as
climbing on a structure without fall protection or not removing a leaking inert gas line from a confined
space are examples. Whether the ARB puts a shipbuilder in imminent danger or creates a hazardous
condition that could subsequently cause a mishap, ARBs are unacceptable and counterproductive to
everyone’s effort towards maintaining a safe shipyard.

The following photos are examples of various types of ARBs and are used for hazard recognition training.
In these cases, the ARBs were observed and corrected before any shipbuilder was injured. Unfortunately,
not all ARBs are intercepted before translating into serious mishaps.

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APPENDIX
EHS Enforcement Discipline Codes
CODE VIOLATION DISCRIPTION
Failure to wear proper safety glasses —Gate to Gate. (Except: offices, closed vehicle
S401
cabs, designated eating areas.)
Failure to wear proper hard hat —Gate to Gate. (Except: offices, closed vehicle cabs,
S404 designated eating areas.)
Failure to wear appropriate work attire such as, wearing muscle shirts, jewelry, shirts
S405 that expose midriff or raggedy-edged clothing during hot work.
Failure to wear required safety footwear —(Gate to Gate) or for specific types for tasks
S406 such as hot work or chemical handling.
Welding, burning, cutting, grinding, or any hot work without wearing proper long sleeves
S407 and/or gloves.
Improperly riding in or on a vehicle such as, not wearing seatbelts as required or not
S408 seated in a proper seat.
S409 Driving during halt period in any vehicle, bicycle, etc.
Unattended vehicle or mobile equipment left blocking roadway, fire lanes, or left with
S410 engine running.
S417 Failure to use safety clips or securely wire "crow's foot" connections.
S418 Failure to wrench-tighten airline fittings on pneumatic tools.
S419 Failure to deposit trash or scrap materials in proper receptacle.
Using damaged ladder or improper use of ladder such as, unleveled, carrying material
S420 in hands, facing outward, standing on/straddling top, etc.

S421 Failure to ensure proper labeling requirements is met on hazardous material containers.
Failure to wear hearing protection —Gate to Gate. (Except: offices, closed vehicle cabs,
S422 roadways, crane tracks, designated eating areas.)
Using damaged/modified welding shield or improper use such as turning head, or shield
S425 more than 12" from face, etc.
S426 Failure to follow speed limit signs or other traffic controls in the Yard.
Failure to properly store torch lines such as, inside ship/module/gang box or hung on
S427 manifolds or emergency or electrical equipment.
Failure to update or remove "NO HOT WORK" signs after flammable hazards have
S428 been removed.
Failure to properly wear required APR respirator for the task/material or improper use
S431 such as damaged, poor fit, or facial hair at face-seal areas.
Failure to properly secure loads on trucks, trailers, and other mobile equipment prior to
S434 transporting.

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 Failure to follow PPE requirements as prescribed in a Safety Data Sheet governing a
S435 material being used or handled.
S436 Operating vehicles or bicycles in or through areas or shops with traffic restrictions.
Failure of an employee to report, properly shaven, with their respirator, to a fit test or
S437 the failure to send an employee for a fit test as required.

EHS Enforcement Discipline Codes (Continued)

CODE VIOLATION DESCRIPTION

S442 Improperly routing leads, lines or hoses such as over guardrails, in front of ladders, in
walkways, or blocking accesses.
S444 Failure to call CASCON to notify the EHS Dept. of planned paint spraying operations,
or to request hot work tickets when required.
S445 Creating distractions or not participating in "Take Five,” Weekly Safety Training
Module, or any other safety trainings, briefings, or meetings.
S446 Failure of supervision to conduct or control "Take Five", Weekly Safety Training
Module, or any other safety trainings, briefings, or meetings.
S447 Failure to provide a certified fire watch as required or failure to properly conduct fire
watch duties when assigned as a fire watch.
S499 Failure to maintain safe work practices/conditions or comply with environmental,
health, and safety procedures. (Other Than Serious)
S300 Series
S301 Failure to follow requirements when constructing scaffolding, guard rails, ladders, or
other engineering control-fall protection systems.
S302 Failure to wear all eye and face protection required whenever task can generate flying
chips/particulates or chemical, thermal or radiant light hazards.
S304 Failure to contain or dispose of flammable/combustible materials in an approved safety
can or proper container when required.
S306 Failure to use explosion-proof lights, equipment as required or failure to secure
nonexplosion-proof lights or equipment when required.
S307 Failure to properly utilize required supplied-air respiratory protection for the
task/material as required.
S308 Failure to comply with requirements for logging/tagging flammable materials that are
brought aboard a vessel.
S309 Failure to properly post signs/barricades during “No Hot Work” operations or other
hazardous operations that require them such as drop zones.
S310 Running in the shipyard.
S311 Employee using equipment with improperly adjusted, impaired, damaged or missing
safety devices such as, guards, trigger safeties, or interlocks.
S313 Using hand-held, portable electric tools that have switches other than a type, which
must be manually held in the closed position?
S314 Unauthorized repair or working with air or gas lines that have not been properly
assemble by authorized line repair/maintenance personnel.

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S315 Failure to wrench-tighten all connections on inert gas or O2/fuel gas lines from manifold
to user end.
S316 Using O2/fuel gas lines assigned to another employee with them not present.
S317 Leaving unattended torch or user end of O2/fuel gas lines for >15 minutes in an
enclosed space or for any length of time in a confined space.
S318 Failure to roll up O2/fuel gas line, disconnects it from manifold, and properly store at
end of shift.
S320 Failure to have O2/Fuel gas lines tested within 45 days.
S321 Failure to use identification washer on inert gas lines at manifold.
S322 Failure to properly post breathing air signs on breathing air manifolds.

CODE VIOLATION DESCRIPTION

Failure to wear life vest when working from small boats, from barges or floats without
S323
guardrails, or in aerial lifts or crane baskets over water.
Working from heights >5 without engineering control-fall protection or properly utilizing
S325
personal fall arrest system (PFAS).
Unauthorized construction, modification or disassembly of scaffolding or fall protection
S326
systems by a non-scaffold competent person.
Improperly ascending or descending scaffolding system levels such as climbing uprights,
S327
climbing over guardrails, etc. instead of using accesses.
Failure to use proper warning horns, whistles, or other devices as required when passing a
S329
load overhead.
S330 Failure to move from travel path of load or any overhead hazard when properly warned.
S331 Failure to clear tracks or travel path of load prior to traveling.
S332 Operating license-required equipment without having been issued a valid license.
S333 Working from crane basket or aerial lift without properly utilizing PFAS.
S337 Failure to ensure load is properly secured prior to hoisting operations.
Failure to use proper rigging techniques or damaged, noncompliant, wrong size, or wrong
S338
capacity rigging gear during hoisting operations.
S340 Tampering with, damaging or misusing fire fighting or emergency response equipment.
Failure to comply with "Posted,” “Restricted Area", "Do Not Enter" signs or any other safety
S343
critical signs, barricades, or warnings.
S346 Unauthorized moving, altering or tampering with ventilation.
Failure to maintain safe work practices/conditions or comply with environmental, health, and
S399
safety procedures. (Serious)
S200 Series
Throwing objects off vessels, modules, etc. without properly securing or barricading a drop
S201
zone.
S202 Unauthorized access, work, repair, etc. on electrical wiring or equipment.
Failure to disconnect inert gas lines from manifold at shift change on vessels, modules,
S203
units, etc.
S204 Tampering with, defacing or removing any precautionary warning sign or label.
S205 Failure to remain within crane lifting capacities and/or creating overload conditions.
Failure to maintain safe work practices/conditions or comply with environmental, health, and
S299
safety procedures. (Willful/Repeat)

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 S100 Series
Failure to disconnect inert gas lines from manifold and pull them from a confined area at
S101
shift change on vessels, modules, units, etc.
Failure to disconnect O2/fuel gas lines from manifold and pull them from a confined area at
S102
shift change on vessels, modules, units, etc.
S103 An operator allowing riding the hook/load or an employee riding the hook/load.
S104 Smoking or conducting hot work in an area with "NO HOTWORK" signs posted.
Supervision observed allowing employee(s) to be in an imminent danger situation without
S105
taking on-site corrective actions.
S106 Tampering with electrical lockout/tags plus systems or switchboards.
S108 Running in shipyard and fails to show badge or stops and then continues to run, etc.
Failure to maintain safe work practices/conditions or comply with environmental, health, and
S199 safety procedures. (Imminent Danger)

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