TE-15 Beaumont Reserve Fleet Safety Rules Revised Oct 2011.pdf

MARITIME ADMINISTRATION

BEAUMONT RESERVE FLEET SAFETY RULES

1. Personnel shall wear U.S. Coast Guard‐approved personal flotation devices (PFD/life‐vests) while working from, or embarking or disembarking, from small‐boats, skiffs, floats or while working near unguarded edges of vessels afloat, personal flotation devices are to be worn when ascending and descending gangways or while engaged in over‐water work and must be properly fastened. Personal flotation devices must be in serviceable condition, they must not have any rips, tears, or broken straps.

2. Small craft operators should be cognizant of the fact that they are responsible for the safety of their passengers and the vessel, and any resulting actions of the vessel, e.g.

wakes, unsafe speed, or actions resulting from negligent boat operating. A no wake zone has been established within

500’ of the fleet access pier.

3. Personnel aboard all craft shall remain inside of the bulwarks and railings until the craft is properly secured alongside the landing barge or pier, and at no time will anyone sit on top of bulwarks or rails.

4. Small craft operators should never take a vessel on the water with too many passengers or too much gear onboard.

The stated maximum weight capacity or stated number of passengers should not be exceeded.

5. During periods of poor visibility (to be determined by a

Supervisor), the craft operators shall not operate until the other side of the river is visible from the dock.

6. No more than five (5) individuals are permitted on the accommodation ladder at one time and they shall be equally spaced out. This applies to ascending ladders also.

7. Operation of vessels by Fleet personnel shall be at the discretion of a supervisor, who will determine the number of Personnel necessary for the operation and performing the job, dependent on weather and water conditions.

8. Ring buoys (life rings) with at least 90 feet of nylon line attached shall be available at the head of each gangway and on stern of Fleet craft, power barges, tugs, and at the pier.

At least three 30 inch Coast Guard approved life rings, with lines attached, shall be kept in easily visible and readily accessible places aboard each vessel afloat on which work is being performed, except on vessels under 200 feet in length, in which case, one at the gangway will be sufficient.

US Coast Guard Ring Life Buoy (46 CFR 25.25‐5(d)).

9. All ends of mooring lines shall be coiled neatly and areas left clear.

10. When lightning is detected within 6 miles, the National Severe Storms Laboratory recommends that you cease outdoor activities. When the decision has been made to delay activities, employees will report to a Safe Structure.

Employees will remain within these structures until thirty minutes after the last bolt of lightning has passed.

In times of inclement weather the Tug Master will monitor the weather and make the decision to notify employee’s dangerous situations and recommend the suspension of activity in the event of lightning. The Tug Master will announce the situation on all channels of the fleet radio.

The decision to suspend activity will be based on: Two subsequent readings on the Sky Scan Lightning Detector in the 3‐8 mile range regardless of the presence of visible lightning (this device will be in the possession of the Tug Master aboard M/V Barbara Lois), or as a backup the Tug Master will Utilize the Flash‐To‐Bang Method.

Flash‐to‐Bang To use the flash‐to‐bang method, begin counting when a lightning flash is sighted. Counting is stopped when the associated bang (thunder) is heard. Divide this number by five (lightning travels 1 mile/5 seconds) to determine the distance to the lightning flash. For example, a flash‐to‐bang count of 30 seconds means the lightning is six miles away.

11. Smoking is prohibited aboard vessels except in places designated as smoking areas. Also, smoking is prohibited during fueling and cleaning operations of any kind. This includes the filling or emptying of cans of gasoline, xylene, varsol or any other combustible or flammable liquids or gas.

Smoking is prohibited on skiffs, transportation, and patrol vessels. Smoking is permitted on stern of tankers.

12. 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. Sand containers or ashtrays shall be provided in designated smoking areas. Paper and trash are not to be placed in ashtrays.

13. All debris, oily rags industrial wipers, etc., will be removed from the ships and working areas. 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.

14. Safety shoes with impact‐resistant toes and slip resistant sole material shall be worn for protection against falling or rolling objects, sharp objects, molten metal, hot surfaces, and oily or wet, slippery surfaces. Safety shoes shall have a measurement of no less than six (6) inches from the bottom of the heel to the top of the shoe at the ankle. Shoes with loose soles, heels, laces or otherwise in poor condition will not be permitted.

15. All personnel working at the Fleet shall wear and/or use approved safety equipment, as required, including personal protective equipment (PPE), safety harnesses and securing lines, safety glasses, and any and all other equipment designated as safety equipment. Only safety equipment which has been issued by the Fleet shall be used by Fleet personnel.

16. Protective hard hats shall be worn by personnel of all departments while aboard ships or in any other areas where head injury hazards exist.

17. Flashlight, or other approved lighting must be used at all times while in dimly lit areas.

18. All workers at the Fleet shall wear safety glasses or goggles while in the vicinity of any operation generating matter that might strike or lodge in the eyes. Such operations shall include, but not be limited to, scaling rust, water blasting, Aqua Dyne water blasting, sandblasting, operating a skill saw, grinding, handling batteries, boiler cleaning, and anchor windlass operations.

19. All personnel at the Fleet shall wear hearing protection (plugs or muffs) whenever exposed to loud noises and in areas marked as requiring hearing protection.

20. All personnel at the Fleet shall wear long pants, no shorts or cutoff pants are allowed.

21. Consistent with 29 CFR 1910.134, respirators shall be worn while scraping paint, during sandblasting, spraying, or other operations where dust, fumes, airborne particles, or noxious gases may be present.

22. Protective gear shall be worn during water blasting consisting of a hard hat, safety glasses, face shields, shin guards (baseball type) and steel rigidlum guard foot protectors. The Supervisor and/or his designee shall inspect the protective gear worn by the operator prior to starting operation.

23. Personnel operating a sandblasting machine shall wear protective gear consisting of leather gloves, hood, and leather apron. The Supervisor shall inspect the protective gear worn by the operator and shall instruct the operator in its proper use.

24. When assisting the Welder/Burner, Personnel shall wear flash goggles/glasses. The Welder/Burner shall provide the goggles/glasses and shall instruct personnel in their proper use.

25. Personnel must report all accidents resulting in injury, regardless of how slight they may be, to their supervisor and to the Safety Officer so that the injury can be treated, if necessary, and recorded. This must be done immediately on the day of injury.

26. Asbestos Hazard Considerations‐‐the exposure of unprotected personnel to airborne asbestos fibers shall be prevented. While many studies and air samplings have been conducted under varying conditions within the Reserve Fleet environment, no conditions have been found to require special protective clothing or breathing protection while engaged in routine operations of the Fleet. Personnel shall not disturb insulation, or perform repairs on insulation or overhead or bulkhead panels that may contain asbestos.

The following general policies will apply:

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

b) Repairs or removal of asbestos located at any MARAD facility, or aboard any vessel under MARAD jurisdiction, shall not be conducted by MARAD personnel. Such work shall be conducted by a contractor in the Fleet or at a shore repair facility. When work requires the possibility of exposure to airborne asbestos, or work is in any way associated with asbestos, (in anchor windlass room) a half‐mask, air‐purifying respirator, equipped with high‐efficiency filters, shall be worn. Disposable respirators/dust masks are prohibited.

c) Compressed Air shall not be used to blow down engine rooms in the process of cleaning. Also, broom sweeping such debris is prohibited. Only vacuum cleaning equipment with special HEPA filter attachment is authorized for this purpose, unless vacuuming and/or wet cleaning are not feasible.

d) Asbestos warning signs shall be posted at the access door of all regulated areas, and suitable personal protective equipment shall be worn by personnel entering the space(s).

27. No work shall be performed in any void, tank, or compartment until it has been declared gas free with sufficient oxygen after being tested by trained personnel and the results recorded (LOG OF INSPECTIONS AND TESTS BY COMPETENT PERSON) and posted, unless tested by a Marine Chemist, who will post the results. An employee shall not inspect or perform work in confined or enclosed spaces such as closed cargo holds or tanks of ships until the following criteria are met:

a) Space shall be tested for oxygen deficiency/excess and dangerous vapors by a Shipyard Competent Person or Marine Chemist.

b) Rescue gear shall be available.

c) When going into an enclosed space an employee must have a handheld oxygen meter on their person.

28. No person shall be allowed to work aloft on staging, masts, etc., four (4) feet or more above the working surface, without using prescribed safety harnesses and securing lines with approved fastenings and without being properly supervised and instructed during the operation.

29. No openings shall be left unprotected. This includes the removal of hatch boards, bilges, manhole covers, floor plates, and any other opening into which a person may inadvertently step or fall. All areas with an opening that cannot be closed shall be roped off.

30. Gangway doors on vessels not equipped with gangways shall be closed and secured. In the event the door is missing or it cannot otherwise be closed, the opening shall be chained off or wired with several strands of heavy wire.

31. In using gasoline and diesel powered equipment in enclosed spaces, adequate ventilation for the dissipation of exhaust fumes must be provided.

32. Electrical lines, air lines, hoses, etc., used in preservation work shall be triced up on deck clear of walkways and passage areas.

33. Under no circumstances shall any employee cross from ship to ship by any means other than gangways or crosswalk properly fitted with hand rails. Prior to installation of a permanent walkway between ships, a portable walkway with rails shall be utilized.

34. When ascending or descending ladders, at least one hand shall be free to grasp handrail.

35. All work gang supervisors or leaders of personnel assigned to remote locations and skiffs shall carry a Fleet issued UHF transceiver while on location. Procedures for daily testing of hand held radios and those on the various support craft will be devised at each site. All members of each gang shall 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 group at all times.

36. Gasoline, varsol, xylene, and other 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.

37. Drip tanks or pans shall be used when parts are being cleaned and when draining oil or fuel from motors, engines, etc. Varsol, xylene or other solvents will be used from approved safety cans.

38. Safety can valves and flexible metal hose spouts must never be painted. They are to be treated with preservation oil.

39. Outboard motor operators must leave gas can vents open when they store them on the access can rack.

40. Under no circumstances shall anyone wear gloves, jewelry (especially neck chains), neck ties, long sleeves, loose clothing, or wear his/her shirt tail out when working around exposed moving machinery.

41. Metal shavings shall be cleaned up from around machines by means of brushes.

42. Oil spilled in decks, ladders, etc., shall immediately be wiped up and, if necessary, sanded.

43. 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 and rubber aprons and gloves shall be worn when watering batteries. Also, do not attempt to connect or disconnect battery terminals until the charger has been disconnected or turned off.

44. Flame burning/cutting and welding shall be kept to a minimum at the Fleet, and shall be accomplished by qualified Fleet personnel and contractors, only when duly authorized, and in accordance with BRF’s Fire Prevention Plan. Please refer to “BRF’s Fire Prevention Plan” before conducting hot work. A marine chemist’s certificate is required for hot work conducted at BRF.

45. Never look directly at arc welding because of the potential for serious eye injury.

46. Prior to any personnel working over the side of, or in a precarious location or position inside of a service craft at the access dock (where applicable) the warning light at the end of the dock shall be activated.

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

48. During high or low‐pressure water blasting, a supervisor or his designee shall assure that appropriate signs are posted at all entrances to the work areas.

49. Personnel shall promptly report, and correct if possible, all potentially dangerous areas and conditions to their supervisors and provide Safety Observer reports containing details of the hazard, and if the hazard is corrected, the action taken. In addition all “Near Misses” shall be reported on the Safety Observer reports.

50. The flood alarms are energized at all times and should be handled with care. If a flooding alarm cord is cut or damaged in any way or must be moved to another location, contact the electrical department for assistance.

51. Each work gang shall have with it at all times a fully equipped First Aid Kit. This equipment shall be inspected weekly. Items found short or missing shall be replaced immediately. See the Occupational Safety and Health Specialist for an updated First Aid Kit equipment list.

52. Gangways, crosswalks and other crossings shall be inspected by a Rigger or Supervisor prior to initial use and frequently by all personnel using them thereafter. Defective conditions shall be immediately repaired or reported to the respective supervisor, and shall be included as part of the Safety Observer's Report showing action taken to correct the problem. All shackles used on gangways and walkways shall have the pin seized with wire in a manner to prevent its becoming loose.

53. All scaffolding and work platforms must be built and maintained in accordance with OSHA specifications. All ladders must be in safe condition without broken rungs or split side rails. Damaged ladders shall be removed from service. Ladders shall be secured at the top and bottom and extend three (3) feet past the working surface. Metal ladders around electrical work are prohibited. A step ladder shall never be used as an extension ladder. A step ladder must only be used when fully opened with braces locked.

54. The proper tool for each job shall 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. Tools shall always be placed or stowed in such a manner as to prevent injuries.

55. All portable equipment shall be properly grounded prior to and during use. This includes fueling hoses, portable electrical equipment, etc. Any equipment with damaged wiring and any damaged plugs must be replaced or repaired before using.

56. Air compressors shall not be operated until ALL installed safety devices are in working order. Only safety devices designed for the specific machine shall be used. Substitute devices shall not be installed.

57. Oxygen and acetylene bottles shall be properly secured during transportation and while aboard ship. Bottles shall be lashed upright, caps in place when not in use, and threads shall be SOAPED if leaks are suspected (never oil or grease threads). Be sure bottles and fittings are protected to prevent oil or grease from contacting valve threads and fittings, which could cause bottles to explode. Whenever oxygen and acetylene are not in use for an extended period of time (more than twenty‐four hours), they shall be stored separately, at least twenty feet apart, or with a firewall between them.

58. Extreme precautions shall be taken when compressed air is used in any operation. Gauges shall be tested periodically.

Relief valves must be tested weekly. Pressurized air hoses are not to be directed toward any part of the human body.

Whenever a gas/diesel driven air compressor is used for any breathing apparatus, such as an air line respirator, sand blasting helmet, etc., a gas selector alarm and air purifier must be installed. Only approved NIOSH and MSHA respirators are to be used.

59. All compressed air hose connections shall be triced together prior to applying compressed air.

60. All hoses (air, water, and especially oxygen and acetylene) and wires (welding leads, extension cords, etc.) will be disconnected and pulled clear of access doors, port holes, etc. every evening so that access openings may be closed and to prevent leakage of gas, through oxygen and acetylene hoses, into ship. Note: All oxygen and acetylene hoses, connections, gauges, and torch shall be inspected before and after pressure is turned on.

61. Personal electronic devices will not be used when operating equipment including cranes, forklifts, tractors, fleet craft, or any other heavy equipment, or assisting in operations where this equipment is being used. This includes persons signaling cranes, rigging, or otherwise engaged in the area where such operations are taking place.

Personnel engaged in fuel transfer, pumping operations, or otherwise engaged in operations that have potential to cause environmental damage will not use personal electronic devices while engaged in these activities

Cell phones must be turned off in any area containing flammable/combustible vapors, e.g. turpentine system, methanol system, fueling stations, oil and propane storage tanks, flammable/combustible material storage areas.

Cell phone use for non‐business purposes shall be limited to brief and reasonable use (ex. notification of work schedule changes, contact regarding family emergencies, etc.).

Otherwise, placing or receiving calls by a cell phone during scheduled work hours should be avoided

62. Seatbelts should be worn while operating or riding in any Government vehicle, when traveling to and from out‐ported RRF working areas or anytime a vehicle is used in the performance of a work related duties.

63. Distracted driving. All federal employees are prohibited from text messaging when they are behind the wheel of government vehicles and from texting in their own cars if they use government‐issued phones or are on official government business and prohibited from talking on cell phone while driving in school zones.

64. Personnel crossing from vessel to vessel shall follow the safe path arrows from crosswalk to crosswalk.

65. Rows containing more than three vessels moored together shall have an emergency escape pilot's ladder available for deployment. This ladder shall be stowed in a portable box located in the area where ladder can be placed over the side of vessel when needed on the outboard vessel(s) not fitted with a gangway.

66. Firearms, alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs are not allowed on BRF property or in BRF vehicles at any time. The use or possession of illegal drugs or alcoholic beverages on the jobsite will result in immediate termination.

67. Response to chemical releases from surrounding facilities:

Personnel, visitors, contractors must remain aware of surroundings, stay in radio contact, and listen for alarms from E. I. DuPont Beaumont Industrial Park. Test blasts occur daily at 10:00 am. DuPont's alarm signal list is below:

TEST Two 10 sec. Blasts

DISASTER Two 30 sec. Blasts FUME RELEASE Staccato Signals followed by area of release fire signal.

HEAD COUNT One 30 sec. Blast ALL CLEAR One 10 sec. Blast

RESCUE TEAM ASSEMBLY 10 sec. Interrupted Staccato Signal followed by area fire signal.

NOTE: In addition to the foregoing safety rules, other instructions (in writing or orally) may be issued as warranted.

Failure to comply with these safety rules can result in disciplinary action or removal from the work area.

Revision No. Description of Change Page # Date

2 Update 1 07‐12‐2011

3 Revised, rule 44 addressing BRF fire Prevention Plan 10 10‐27‐2011