Surface Preparation and Preservation
SURFACE PREPARATION AND THE USE OF LADDERS:
During surface preparation activities, workers often need to gain access to multiple levels and areas that are hard to reach. Workers often use ladders to access these areas, but falls can occur due to structural failure, poor placement, and unsafe use. The safe construction and use of ladders is vital to protect workers from fall hazards. Also, adequate training on safe ladder use, such as inspecting the condition of the ladder before use, are important components of an effective safety and health program.
POTENTIAL FALL HAZARDS:
- Structural failure of the ladder or its components.
- Unsafe use (e.g., over-extending, climbing with equipment in hand, not facing ladder when climbing down).
- Inappropriate ladder placement (e.g., ladder angle).
- Unsecured ladder, causing the ladder to fall.
- Working on ladders above the height of lifelines.
REQUIREMENTS AND EXAMPLE SOLUTIONS:
- Defective ladders must be immediately removed from service (29 CFR 1915.72(a)(1)).
- When splicing ladders, special precautions are required (29 CFR 1915.72(a)(2)).
- Portable ladders must be secured (29 CFR 1915.72(a)(3)).
- Ladders used for access must extend at least 36 inches above the upper landing (29 CFR 1915.72(a)(3)).
- Portable metal or wood ladders must be manufactured in accord with ANSI standards (29 CFR 1915.72(a)(4) and (a)(6)).
- Do not use portable metal ladders near electrical shock hazards (e.g., conductors, electric arc welding) (29 CFR 1915.72(a)(5)).
- Any worker positioned at a height above the height of lifelines should be protected from falling over the edge through the use of fall protection equipment or by repositioning the ladder.
- Only one worker should be allowed on a ladder at a time unless the ladder is designed for additional workers.
- Unless a ladder is designed to be used in the horizontal position, it should not be used as platforms, runways, or scaffolds.
- Workers visually restricted by blasting hoods, welding helmets, and burning goggles must work from scaffolds, not from ladders (29 CFR 1915.77(c)).
- If a ship’s ladder in a cargo hold is defective, portable ladders must be used in their place (29 CFR 1915.76(a)(3)).
USE OF SCAFFOLD (STAGING) DURING SURFACE PREPARATION AND PRESERVATION:
Scaffolds, or staging, are systems used to provide an elevated working surface. Staging comes in several varieties and is often constructed to fit the ship. Staging must be adequate for the work performed (29 CFR 1915.71).
BEFORE WORKING ON ANY SCAFFOLDING, CHECK TO MAKE SURE THAT THE SCAFFOLD IS:
- Maintained in a safe and secured condition (29 CFR 1915.71(b)(5)).
- Capable of supporting the load (e.g., personnel, tools, and equipment) intended for its use (29 CFR 1915.71(b)(1)).
- Provided with safe access (such as ladders) (29 CFR 1915.71(k)).
- Appropriately decked (29 CFR 1915.71(i)).
- Equipped with guardrails and midrails (29 CFR 1915.71(j)(1)).
- Outfitted with toeboards if there is a danger of tools or materials falling on workers below (29 CFR 1915.71(j)(5)).
WORKING SURFACES AND POTENTIAL HAZARDS:
The primary hazards associated with surface preparation and working surfaces are FALLS TO SOLID SURFACES, INTO WATER, AND FALLS DUE TO LIMITED VISIBILITY.
REQUIREMENTS AND EXAMPLE SOLUTIONS:
- When trip hazards are present, provide temporary decking to ensure safe walking and working surfaces.
- When work is being performed more than 5 feet above solid surfaces (29 CFR 1915.77(c)):
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- Ensure scaffolds or sloping ladders are used to allow for safe footing.
- Have workers wear safety harnesses with lanyards.
- When working in restricted areas such as behind boilers, or in between congested machinery units and piping, make sure adequate work platforms – at least 20 inches wide -are used (29 CFR 1915.77(d)).
- Personal flotation devices (PFDs) are required when there is a chance of falling into the water; for example, when working near unguarded edges, boarding or leaving small boats, or working on floats (29 CFR 1915.73(e), 29 CFR 1915.77(e), 29 CFR 1915.71(j)(3), and 29 CFR 1915.158(a)).
- Good housekeeping must be maintained at all times (29 CFR 1915.81(a)(1)).
- Lifesaving equipment, such as life ring buoys with ropes and ladders, must be provided when working from vessels (29 CFR 1915.158(b)).
DECEMBER EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH:
MILTON NORFLEET
Milton has been a crucial member of the Mason Closeout team. He has been instrumental in accomplishing all ALO test ad inspection plan checkpoints prior to ALO completion and all preparations for PCD closeout, passing 25 checkpoints in various spaces in two days with minimal discrepancies. Ensuring AIT leading all other contractors working for NASSCO on a current project. On behalf of AIT, we would like to extend a big thank you for the job that you do!
JANUARY EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH:
ADAM THOMAS
Adam has been a very utilized employee at AIT. He started out as just a Firewatch for our hot work crews and his skill set has grown since coming over from Surge Force. AJ is now used for lagging removals and installation, painter, rigging, mechanic, and various other non-specific trades for AIT. He has the drive and determination to do whatever is asked of him because he now understands that “I can’t, I don’t know, and I won’t” will not get you anywhere in our industry. AJ has been flexible in working any shift needed and continues to understand the sacrifice that it takes to thrive. On behalf of AIT, we would like to extend a big thank you for the job that you do.
FEBRUARY EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH:
BRYAN EDMONDS
Bryan Edmonds has been an instrumental component in ensuring AIT met ALO and PCD requirements on time. Doing everything from Firewatch to clearing WAFs, there was never a moment of hesitation when asked to work on anything as long as it led to project completion. On behalf of AIT, we would like to extend a big thank you for the job that you do!
Download the January/February 2021 Safety Newsletter HERE.
Descargue el boletín de seguridad de Noviembre/Diciembre de 2020 AQUÍ.