TE-14 JRRF Combined Fleet Safety Rules and Policy.pdf

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Memorandum U.S. Department of Transportation

MARITIME

ADMINISTRATION

JAMES RIVER RESERVE FLEET

Subject

Combined Fleet Safety Rules Date: April 25, 2008

From: Martin Walker Fleet Program Manager

Reply to

Attn. of:

MWW 405

To: All Employees, Contractors, and Visitors

Discussion. Safety comes before everything else at the James River Reserve Fleet, and it is the responsibility of every person to be vigilant at all times for safety hazards. The following safety rules will be observed by all personnel at the James River Reserve Fleet, including employees, contractors, and visitors. Each person at the James River Reserve Fleet shall review these rules regularly to maintain familiarity with the contents of this instruction. These rules are meant to reflect a common sense approach to safety, but are not to be taken lightly and will be followed at all times.

Each person has the responsibility and authority to take action when any safety rule is being violated.

Immediate action should be taken, including stopping work as needed to correct the unsafe situation. However, care must be taken not to make a situation worse by initiating immediate action. In some case it may be necessary to wait until the situation has stabilized and then take appropriate action (i.e., it would not be helpful to distract a person stepping from the pier to a boat and cause them to fall to tell them that they need a PFD).

Rather, action shall be taken as soon as possible afterwards to correct situation.

Contractors and visitors are required to follow all applicable Fleet safety precautions and rules as set forth in this instruction, as directed by Fleet Escorts, or by other Fleet directives. The failure of contractors or visitors to follow these safety rules and directions from Fleet Personnel may result in denial of access to the facility and the ships. Fleet employees are subject to disciplinary action for failure to comply with these rules.

Rules.

1. The boat operator has the responsibility and authority to ensure that all people on board the vessel comply with the safety rules that pertain to boat operations, and will notify the Tug Master Supervisor or Fleet Program Manager immediately of anyone who unwilling or unable to comply with these rules or other safety directions given. In particular the boat operator shall ensure that:

a. All passengers are wearing approved Personal Flotation Devices (life vests/work-type life jackets) while in the act of embarking, disembarking, and while aboard any Fleet vessel, while on open unguarded decks aboard any ship or vessel afloat, while working near or over the side of any ships, tugs, small boats, skiffs, docks or floats, while working near the unguarded edges of decks of vessels, or while engaged in any over the water work.

b. All passengers shall remain inside of the bulwarks and railings. Sitting on top of bulwarks or rails is prohibited at all times.

c. All passengers riding in personnel boats shall be below deck while the boat is in transit and shall remain below until the boat is either alongside the accommodation ladder at a ship or pier side, and until the operator notifies the passengers to disembark. The boat operator will assign one person to act as a deck hand to assist with docking and undocking the boat and while coming along side if needed

d. An adequate lookout is maintained at all times. During periods of poor visibility the vessel radar shall be operated. If the radar is not working operators shall notify the Tug Master Supervisor or the Fleet Program Manager and request instructions.

e. No person shall be allowed to disembark a boat onto a ship alone for any reason, unless: 1.) there are other people on the ship or unit, and 2.) the person will be working as part of the group or will be in regular contact with the group.

2. Personnel shall not descend from the deck of a ship onto the accommodation ladder or landing platform to wait for transportation. When transportation does arrive, no more than five (5) individuals are permitted on the accommodation ladder at one time and they shall be equally spaced out. This also applies when ascending ladders after departing from craft.

3. Skiffs shall not be taken beyond the Fleet Basin with fewer than two persons aboard unless another craft is present. At least one of the two personnel will have a fleet-issued 2-way radio. Operation by one employee shall be limited to the confines of the Fleet Basin or other specified work areas and only with the knowledge of a Supervisor.

4. A life ring with 90 feet of line attached shall be available at the head of each gangway, on the bow and stern of each ship, and on the bow and stern of Fleet craft, power barges, tugs, and on the Fleet pier areas.

5. All mooring lines and wires shall when possible, be coiled neatly and areas shall be left clear to prevent tripping hazards.

6. Smoking is prohibited inside Government buildings, inside Government motor vehicles, and aboard all craft and vessels except on open deck areas of ships moored in the Fleet anchorage areas. Smoking is not permitted at all aboard tankers. Smoking is prohibited during fueling and cleaning operations of any kind.

This includes the filling or emptying of cans of any combustible or flammable liquids or gasses on ships, craft, or on the shore facility.

7. Cigarette butts shall not be thrown over the side of any vessel. While at the dock, no cigarette butts shall be thrown onto the dock or into the water. Ashtrays are provided in designated smoking areas and should be utilized. Paper and trash are not to be placed in ashtrays.

8. All debris, oily rags, industrial wiping cloths, and the like will be removed from the ships and working areas daily. These areas are to be left in clean condition and all materials stowed neatly at the end of each workday. No rags, cups, or other trash, oils, fuels, greases, chemicals, lumber, etc., shall be thrown overboard.

9. Safety shoes with impact-resistant toes and slip-resistant sole material shall be worn by each employee and contractor personnel for protection against falling or rolling objects, sharp objects, molten metal, hot surfaces, and oily or wet, slippery surfaces. Shoes with loose soles, heels, laces, or otherwise in poor condition will not be permitted. Visitors to the Fleet who are NOT expected to engage in work aboard ships need not wear safety shoes, with the permission of the Fleet Program Manager.

10. All personnel shall wear and/or use approved safety equipment as required, including personal protective equipment, safety belts and securing lines, safety glasses, and any and all other equipment designated as safety equipment. Only safety equipment issued by the Fleet shall be used by Fleet employees unless separately approved by the Safety Officer.

11. Protective hardhats shall be worn by all personnel while aboard ships or in any other area where head injury may occur. A lighted miner's lamp must be worn at all times while in dimly lit areas. The lamps are to be returned to the lamp room at the end of each workday for recharging.

12. All personnel will wear safety glasses or goggles while in the vicinity of any operation that generates matter that might strike or lodge in the eyes. Such operations shall include, but are not limited to: scaling rust, power washing, operating saws, grinding, handling batteries, or anchor windlass operations.

13. All personnel will wear ear protection (plugs or muffs) whenever exposed to loud noises, such as boat engine rooms.

14. Respirators will be worn during operations where dust, fumes, airborne particles, or noxious gases may be present, and in accordance with the Respiratory Protection Program.

15. Protective gear consisting of a hardhat, safety glasses, and face shield will be worn during pressure washing. The Supervisor will inspect the protective gear worn by the operator prior to starting the operation. During high- or low-pressure washing, the Supervisor shall ensure that appropriate signs are posted at all entrances to the work areas.

16. When performing welding operations, employees will wear flash goggles/glasses. The Supervisor shall provide the goggles/glasses and will instruct employees in their proper use. Never look directly at arc welding because of the potential for serious eye injury.

17. Every employee must report any work-related injury immediately to his/her Supervisor, even if the injury is a minor one. This must be done before leaving the Fleet site on the day of the injury or at the earliest practical time in the event of severe injury. For the employee’s protection, he/she is required to file written notice of the incident with his/her immediate Supervisor. The Worker’s Comp Specialist or the Safety & Occupational Health Specialist will assist as needed.

18. Asbestos Hazard Considerations - The exposure of unprotected personnel to friable asbestos fibers shall be prevented. While many studies and air samplings have been conducted under varying conditions within the Fleet environment, no conditions have been found to require special protective clothing or breathing protection while engaged in routine operations at the Fleet. However, all work requiring direct contact with asbestos, conducted within the environment of asbestos, or in any other way associated with asbestos will be critically evaluated by the Safety Officer before proceeding. The following general policies will apply:

a. All employees shall be alerted to the hazards associated with asbestos and shall be instructed annually in the use of respirators.

b. When work requires direct contact with asbestos, is conducted within the environment of asbestos, or is in any way associated with asbestos, a half-mask, air-purifying respirator equipped with a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) cartridge shall be worn.

c. When friable asbestos is known or suspected to be present in an area being cleaned, neither air hoses nor brooms shall be used in the process of cleaning. Only vacuum cleaning equipment with a special HEPA filter attachment is authorized for this purpose and can only be done by authorized personnel.

d. Fleet personnel shall not conduct major rip-outs, repairs, or removal of asbestos. Such work shall be conducted by a licensed contractor.

e. Asbestos warning signs shall be posted at the access doors of all regulated areas. These areas will also be identified by red “danger asbestos” tape where practical.

19. No work shall be performed in any void, tank, or confined area until being tested by a Marine Chemist and declared safe for entry with a copy of the Gas-Free Certificate posted.

20. No employee shall inspect or perform work in holds or tanks of ships without another employee being in attendance, nor shall any personnel work on a ship without a “buddy” system (another person on that ship within reasonable periodic contact) in effect. An oxygen monitor shall be worn by at least one member of the party whenever conducting hold or tank work.

21. No person shall be allowed to work aloft without the permission of the Fleet Program Manager

22. Personnel to be lifted aloft with the assistance of a forklift will use a proper safety basket that is fastened to the forklift with safety chains.

23. The use of a crane to hoist personnel is prohibited except when another means of reaching the job site would be more hazardous or is not possible because of structural design or work site conditions. The Fleet has a specially constructed hoisting cage to be used in conjunction with the crane on the FS-28. This cage may be used to hoist personnel under specific conditions. In general, this method of delivering personnel to the job site during ship movements is safer than a straight ladder as long as the craft is tied to the ship and is held steady by the operator. The cage will hold up to four personnel; this limit will not be exceeded. The door will be closed when hoisted, and a tag line will be used to control the cage while being hoisted. The cage will NOT be used during inclement weather when there are high winds or unstable water conditions.

24. No openings shall be left unprotected. This includes the removal of hatch boards, manhole covers, floor plates, or any other opening into which a person may inadvertently step or fall. All areas with an opening (bulwarks, deck perimeters) which cannot be closed shall be roped off and signs will be posted where practical.

25. While using gasoline- or diesel- powered equipment in any enclosed space, adequate ventilation for the dissipation of exhaust fumes shall be provided.

26. Electrical lines, air lines, hoses, etc., shall be triced up on deck to bulkheads or overheads clear of walkways and passage areas. The exception to this rule is in the case of temporary emergency pumping or electrical equipment.

27. Under no circumstances shall any employee cross from ship to ship by any means other than crosswalks properly fitted with handrails.

28. When ascending or descending ladders, at least one hand shall be free to grasp the handrail. Employees are encouraged to use personnel back packs to carry personal belongings aboard ships.

29. At least one person assigned to remote locations and skiffs will carry a Fleet radio. Radio checks will be made with Security at the beginning of each workday. All members of each gang will be instructed in the use of the radio in the event of an emergency. Radios are to be kept within hearing distance of at least one member of the gang at all times.

30. Flammable or combustible liquids shall be stored in, and dispensed from, approved safety containers as furnished. Such cans shall be inspected regularly and properly labeled as required by the Hazard Communication Standards Program.

31. Drip tanks or pans shall be used when parts are being cleaned and when draining oil or fuel from motors, engines, etc. Additionally, drip pans will be placed underneath all rolling stock equipment, such as forklifts, while parked and not being used.

32. Employees shall not wear jewelry (especially neck chains), neck ties, long sleeves, or loose clothing, when working around exposed moving or rotating machinery. Employees may wear protective latex gloves while working around exposed moving or rotating machinery.

33. Metal shavings will be cleaned up from around machines by means of brushes upon completion of work.

34. Oil spilled on decks, ladders, etc., will be immediately cleaned up and the necessary efforts made to contain the oil. Expended oil recovery materials including matting, booms, absorbent pads etc. will be bagged and placed in drums and labeled for disposal ashore. The environmental coordinator shall be notified prior to delivering waste ashore. Waste and HAZMAT shall not be stored aboard ships for longer than 90 days.

Supervisors shall keep the Environmental Coordinator apprised of the quantities and nature of the waste and HAZMAT aboard each vessel in the fleet

35. Only authorized personnel may charge batteries. During the charging period, the area or compartment shall be thoroughly ventilated by either mechanical means or by natural draft. Smoking or the lighting of matches, lighters, etc., is prohibited in areas where batteries are being charged, and explosion-proof lighting must be provided. Approved face shields shall be worn when watering and servicing batteries.

36. Flame burning/cutting and welding shall be kept to a minimum at the Fleet, and shall be accomplished by qualified Fleet employees and contractors only when duly authorized, and in accordance with existing fire prevention regulations. Before any welding or hot work is performed, a Hot Work Permit (JRRF Form No.20) will be completed.

37. The area around the piers and in the approach channel at JRRF is a NO-WAKE ZONE. Craft operators shall operate their craft at a reduced speed so no wake is maintained.

38. Whenever lumber is removed from a structure, nails shall be withdrawn or bent over immediately as part of the operation to prevent possible injury.

39. Space heaters on ships will be operated only when properly installed and vented to the outside. Propane gas bottles are not to be placed in the area of the heater. Gas bottles must be left on the open decks and fed into the heated spaces by a hose. Space heaters are not to be left on when unattended and a fire extinguisher must be in the area of the space heater. No space heaters are allowed in the fleet buildings unless approved by the Fort Eustis, Director of Public Works.

40. The flooding alarm system carries 110 volts. If wiring is accidentally cut it could cause a fire and/or electrical shock. When working in an engine room of a ship, if it becomes necessary to move the ball switches out of the way, they should be handled very carefully. Do not tilt or disconnect, but merely lift straight up and then lower into place after the job is completed. See that no damage is done to this equipment. Notify the Engineering Supervisor when moving or relocating a flood sensor.

41. A First Aid Kit shall be located near the gangway or point of embarkation for each unit in the fleet and on board each fleet craft. This equipment shall be regularly inspected by the Supervisor or Safety Officer.

Items short, missing, or exceeding shelf life shall be replaced.

42. Gangways, crosswalks, and other crossings shall be inspected prior to initial use and frequently thereafter.

All shackles used on gangways and walkways shall have the pins seized with wire in a manner to prevent their becoming loose.

43. Straight ladders shall be rigidly inspected prior to use. Whenever using straight ladders to board ships, only a metal ladder should be used and it will be secured at the top to the railing of the ship. Also, stepladders of the proper size shall be used where warranted. Boxes, chairs, etc., shall not be used in lieu of step ladders.

44. All ships’ ladders are inspected prior to use. Defective ladders shall be roped off and warning signs hung in place.

45. The proper tool for each job will be used. Mushroomed chisels, split hammer handles, or other tools that are in any way unsafe are prohibited. Such defective tools and/or equipment must be taken out of service to be repaired or replaced.

46. All portable electrical equipment will be properly grounded prior to and during use. This includes fueling hoses, portable electrical equipment, etc. Any equipment with damaged wiring or plugs must be repaired or replaced before using. All 110 VAC cords will be protected with a Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI).

47. Oxygen and acetylene bottles will be properly secured during transportation and while aboard ship. Bottles will be lashed upright with caps in place when not in use. Whenever oxygen and acetylene are not in use, they should be stored separately with a firewall or 20 feet of distance between them.

48. Precautions shall be taken when compressed air is used in any operation. Gauges shall be tested periodically. Relief valves must be tested. Pressurized air hoses are not to be directed toward any part of the human body. When air is used for cleaning, pressure shall not exceed 30 psi. All compressed air hose connections shall be safety wired together prior to applying compressed air.

49. All hoses and wires (especially oxygen and acetylene hoses) will be disconnected and pulled clear of access doors every evening so that the doors may be closed.

50. Anytime an automobile is used in the performance of a work-related duty, seat belts shall be worn.

51. The Environmental Coordinator and Supervisors will maintain an up-to-date inventory of all chemicals and hazardous materials that are used in their work areas. In addition, they will have access to a copy of a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for each and every chemical or hazardous material in inventory to assure compliance with the OSHA and Fleet Hazardous Communication Standards Program (29 CFR 1910.1200).

52. Hazardous materials that are determined to be of no more value or use and/or used materials such as oil, anti-freeze, hydraulic fluids, etc., will be properly stored, protected from weather, contained to prevent spills, and disposed of in the appropriate manner required by the Hazardous Waste Management program.

At no time will employees move disposable items to the hazardous waste storage area without proper notification to the Environmental Coordinator or the Supervisor. The Craft Operator shall not transport Hazardous Waste ashore for disposal without the approval of the Supervisor. Hazardous waste shall not be disposed overboard (40 CFR EPA).

53. Where work requirements demand the physical control of electrical power and/or mechanical operations for maintenance, repairs, or replacement of equipment, all personnel will adhere to the Lockout/Tag-out procedures (29 CFR 1910.147).

a. Equipment removed from NDRF ships will be disconnected both at the equipment and at the feeder panel. The wire ends will be wrapped with electrical tape, and coiled if excess slack remains. Both ends will be labeled to name of the equipment removed and the date.

54. C02 System - All master shipboard C02 system controls shall be disconnected and remain disconnected while a ship is in lay-up status. If other than a C02 system exists for the fixed firefighting system, the system shall be disabled. Fleet personnel will not work on installed C02 systems.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS CONTAINED IN

FLEET “SAFETY POLICIES AND PROCEDURES” MEMOS

SAFETY PAYS!

IT’S YOUR LIFE!!

FWH/rdg cc: MAR 310 C. Gibbs 615 J. McMahon

615.2 S. Barba

410.5 W. Barnes

600.65 Supervisory Quality Assurance Specialist

615.5 Supervisors (3)

Safety Officer Security Guards & Small Craft Operators File – SHO 21