Barge Safety

Barge Safety

Training 

This training will address the specific hazards faced by employees on barges such as:

? Ways to prevent overboard incidents.ie- use of personal flotation devices, as well as awareness of the risks of carelessness/distractions while working on the deck or overextending oneself.

? Training on employee emergency plans to include man overboard rescue procedures and drills.

? Training for spud winch operators to include the use of spud securing pins or the proper way to use the winches, before a barge is moved to a different worksite.

? Hazards and recommended controls for implementing a barge safety program.

? Conduct a Job Hazard Analysis (Job Safety Analysis) to identify each step of a job for existing or potential hazards. Determining the best way to perform the job in order to reduce or eliminate the hazards. Information obtained from a Job Hazard Analysis can be used as the content for the training activities.

Minimizing Hazards on the Deck Barge

? Keep walking and working surfaces clean, dry, and unobstructed.

? keep all areas free of debris.

? Repair leaks of hoses, piping, and valves. Clean up and/or report any spill immediately. 

? Setback materials in a stable manner.

? Secure gear and equipment that is not in use.

? Keep stairs, doorways, walkways, and gangways free of equipment and stowed materials.

? Secure ramps during loading and offloading operations.

? Repair leaks from hoses, pipelines, and valves immediately.

? Use non-skid protective deck compound and do not paint over the non-skid compound with standard paint.

? Paint the perimeter and projecting tripping hazards in a contrasting color. (bright yellow).

Precautions in Walking on the Deck Barge

? Walk at a normal rate, keeping your hands out of your pockets.

? Slow down when moving between different surfaces.

? Do not run.

? Minimize short stops. Avoid sharp turns.

? Modify your way of walking to match the surface, such as an icy or wet deck.

? Do not jump from one barge to another. Use gangplanks to cross between barges.

? Do not climb on cargo, supplies, or equipment! Instead use a ladder. 

? Do not step on hatch covers.

? Avoid walking along the unguarded edge of a barge.

? Watch out for reduced visibility due to poor lighting and weather conditions. If working at night, be sure there is adequate illumination (e.g., flashlight, headlight, light tower).

Wearing Appropriate Footgear

? Wear safety shoes or boots with slip-resistant soles as appropriate.

? Keep shoes clean of mud, snow, ice, spilled liquids, and debris.

Preventing Elevated Falls

? Always maintain three-points of contact on a ladder—two hands and a foot, or two feet and a hand—so that only one limb is in motion at any one time.

? Avoid overextending the body when performing tasks such as checking sounders, checking lights, and wiring rigging, which can lead to falls from ladders.

? Falls from portable ladders are one of the leading causes of occupational fatalities and injuries. Use the following safe work practices when using ladders:

? Use ladders only for their designed purpose (i.e., step ladders should not be used as portable rung ladders).

? Position the ladder so that for every four feet in height, the ladder extends out from the vertical surface at the base approximately one foot.

? Make sure that the ladder is long enough for the job—if used for access to an upper landing surface the side rails must extend at least three feet above that surface.

? Make sure that there is proper footing to keep the ladder from slipping or sliding.

? Tie the ladder to a secure object. Remember that the vessel(s) that the ladder is secured to can move. 

? Use the buddy system, if possible, so that one person can hold the ladder to stop it from moving.

? Never use portable metal ladders near energized electrical equipment (such as conductors or electric arc welding machines).

? Keep your body near the middle of the step and always face the ladder while climbing.

? Do not move, shift, or extend ladders while in use. Move the ladder instead of stretching or leaning to the side to reach your work.

? Use hand lines or a tool bag/belt to keep hands free when using a ladder.

? Fully enclosed slip-resistant footwear should always be worn when using ladders.

? An adequate guard rail should be installed or employees should wear Personal Fall Arrest Systems when work is being performed above a solid surface (e.g., to prevent falls from the barge to the dock).

? Use gangplanks with guardrails to prevent falls on the dock or pilings.

? All deck holes, openings, and hatches should be covered or guarded.

? Pigeon holes should not be used to access barge walking or working surfaces.

? Keep bumpers and or flexible wedges between two moving and adjoining barges 

Falling Overboard

A Job Hazard Analysis can be conducted to prevent overboard incidents. Employers and employees can conduct a joint job hazard analysis to identify conditions that may contribute to overboard incidents. 

Appropriate control measures and training can be implemented to reduce the hazards associated with falling overboard. 

? Mark the edge of the deck with contrasting paint or, if practical, install guardrails or handrails.

? If the deck of a barge or work platform is not equipped with an OSHA compliant railing system, employees walking or working on deck must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket or buoyant work vest, also called a life preserver or personal flotation device. (PFD). Personal Flotation Devices are under U.S. Coast Guard Regulations. There are different classifications of PFD’s. Check to see which classification of flotation device applies for the task. 

? A PFD may not be required to be worn while an employee is inside an enclosed cab or equipment compartment on a barge, however they should have a PFD accessible at all times. This precaution will allow employees the opportunity to don a PFD in a reasonable amount of time during an emergency (i.e., vessel sinking, fire, etc.).

? Each individual on board a support vessel must have an approved and readily available PFD.

? All lifesaving equipment designed to be worn is required to be readily available and in serviceable condition.

? Each vessel 26 feet or longer must have at least one approved ring life buoy which is immediately available. All lifesaving equipment designed to be thrown into the water is required to be immediately available and in serviceable condition.

? PFDs should be fully buckled, snapped, or zipped whenever there is a hazard of falling into the water, regardless of the size of the barge or when on the water in a vessel. 

? Approved PFDs must have approved retro reflective material installed.

? If wearing a PFD while welding or cutting, consider the type of PFD used or implement a covering to keep from it being damaged by sparks.

? If there is a separation between a barge, dock or another vessel and is more than 12 inches, a gangway or ladder must be used. 

? It is important to look for warning signs such as employee fatigue, complacency, and lack of concentration, and resolve these issues before an overboard incident occurs. 

Machinery and Equipment Hazards

Hazards related to the use of machinery and equipment can result in injuries to hands, feet, or limbs that become caught in moving machinery; head and other injuries from being struck by falling objects or moving equipment; and burns. Other potential hazards include getting pinned under a load; falling off equipment; and electric shock. To reduce hazards from machinery and equipment:

? Inspect all equipment before use.

? Maintain equipment properly. 

? Shut down and lockout the power source before repairing mechanical systems. Make repairs according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

? Ensure that the person using the equipment is trained in its proper use and maintenance.

? Install appropriate rails, temporary or permanent to avoid equipment being driven off the barge or dock.

? Ensure retaining pins are properly installed and positively secured with a keeper or locking device.

? Emergency shut-offs must be easily accessible, and sufficient guarding should be used for equipment controls.

Hoists, Cranes and Derricks on a Barge

? Hazards of hoists include being struck by a heavy object, such as the boom or the load being moved. To reduce these hazards:

? Stay clear when a hoist is being used unless you are part of the procedure and, in which case, never stand under a load or boom with a suspended load.

? Wear personal protective equipment, such as head, foot, eye, and hand protection at all times.

? Assess the hoisting systems for structural soundness by inspecting regularly for problems with welds, rivets, chains, pulleys, lines, blocks, hooks, etc.

? Secure power blocks with a safety chain.

? Ensure that cranes in use are secured to the barge.

? Do not try to help lift a load being hoisted.

Winches

Operating or working near winches may potentially expose employees to hazards such as body parts caught in a winch drum, being struck by a broken line or cable, and tripping over a line or cable. Pinch points should be protected. 

? Use a device or tool, never your hand, to keep the winch line spooling properly.

? Enclose the winch drum in a cage, if practical.

? Stay off the deck unless you are part of the operation.

? Never stand in, on, over, or in line with lines or cables connected to winches when they are under tension. 

? The danger zone lies within 15 degrees of either side of a line under tension.

? Never step on or walk over the winch drum.

? Inspect the winch system regularly for problems associated with general or localized deterioration, cracked welds, and other structural, mechanical, or electrical deficiencies.

? Inspect lines and cable systems regularly, including blocks, hooks, and associated components, for signs of damage or deterioration.

? A guard should be installed between the winch operator and the connected cables to protect the operator from potential whiplash.

? Never stand in the bight (a loop or slack curve in a rope) of a line.

? Excessive noise may be generated. Implement a hearing conservation program.

Hazards Associated with Confined/Enclosed Spaces

On some barges there may be a confined space. Confined or enclosed spaces on barges may have an atmosphere that is unsafe, causing injury or death. 

The main hazards include:

? Oxygen deficiency

? Explosive or flammable atmospheres

? Atmospheres containing toxic compounds. 

Hazards can be found in watertight compartments or other areas with little or no ventilation. An oxygen-deficient atmosphere inside a tank can be caused by many factors. One example is rusting that may occur in a steel tank where water or water vapor is present. If the tank is airtight, as they are designed to be, then the rusting process would remove oxygen from the tank atmosphere until there is not enough oxygen in the space to support human life. Another example is displacement of oxygen by another gas or vapor, which may occur when a tank is sealed after it, is freshly painted. The paint coating may not have time to cure, resulting in the paint vapor displacing oxygen. An explosive or flammable atmosphere can develop from many sources.

If you are leasing a barge, a previous user may have dumped waste into the space or used it as a slop tank. Check it out using confined space safe work practices. 

A spill of diesel fuel or gasoline on deck may have entered the tank, resulting in an explosive atmosphere.

The paint or coating system applied to the tank could ignite if not locally removed prior to hot work.

Before beginning work in, near or around a confined space or compartment, a visual inspection must first be performed in order to identify potential physical, atmospheric and fire hazards.

The atmosphere must be tested using a combustible gas meter, prior to entry into the space and also if you plan on doing hot work on a tank exterior. Conducting hot work on the exterior of a tank can be just as dangerous as when done internally if an explosive atmosphere or a flammable coating is present, which could result in a fire or explosion.

Toxic atmospheres are generally the most difficult to identify and can only be determined through testing, which should only be conducted by a qualified person (i.e., marine chemist, competent person, etc.). The potential for a toxic atmosphere is always present and can come from several sources including:

A space that is painted and sealed up before the paint has time to cure, causing the off-gassing of the fresh paint to release toxic levels of paint and solvent vapors into the secured space.

A tank cover inadvertently left open that allows nearby engine exhaust to raise the amount of carbon monoxide in the tank to dangerous levels. Contents from a chemical spill deck above) entering the space

Multiple waste or slop dumped into a space that creates a toxic compound.

Entry into any confined/enclosed space or any space with limited ventilation space on a deck barge should be done with caution.

Fire Hazards

Steps that can be taken to prevent fires on board a barge include the following:

? Store engine fuel tanks and compressed gas tanks away from sources of ignition. Only keep onboard quantities of flammable and combustible materials that are necessary for operations and maintenance. 

? Post appropriate danger signs. (I.e. hot permit)

? If there is a source of ignition through a flame or spark (hot work), such as welding, cutting, burning, drilling, grinding, etc., Follow these precautions:

? Ensure the space is properly tested by a qualified or shipyard-competent person and deemed safe before work is begun. 

? Make sure that proper fire extinguishing equipment is near the work area and maintained. Hand-portable fire extinguishers must be of the "B" type (i.e., suitable for extinguishing fires involving flammable liquids, greases, etc.). Hand-portable fire extinguishers must have a metal name plate listing the name of the item, rated capacity (gallons, quarts or pounds), name and address of person/firm for whom approved, and the manufacturer’s identifying mark. Inspect the fire extinguishers monthly and service annually or per mfger requirements. They must be tagged with inspection records kept.

? A minimum number of B-II hand-portable fire extinguishers required to be on board motor vessels and on the barge, if a hot permit is issued.

? Annually fire extinguisher training is to be provided to employees.

? Do not leave oxygen or acetylene hoses unattended.

? Consider where sparks will fall when doing hot work and employ a fire watch. (30-60 minutes)

? Shield fuel sources to protect them from ignition sources.

? Cover openings to prevent sparks from entering.

? Stop any hot work if you smell fuel or gas until the source has been identified and the problem fixed.

? When welding or burning on the deck of a barge, check the space below to ensure that no flammable atmosphere or combustible materials are present.

? Use good housekeeping practices to limit the amount of clutter, debris and combustible/ flammable material.

Electrical 

Follow these safety measures to help prevent electrical fires:

? Make sure that electrical systems are installed by a qualified marine electrician and that electrical systems are inspected regularly.

? Regularly conduct visual inspections of connections, switches and wiring, which may be subject to corrosion from saltwater and damage from use.

Regular Barge Maintenance and Inspection

Barges should be inspected by employers on a regular basis and as necessary, to prevent problems related to missing equipment, hazardous working surface conditions, and mechanical failures that could contribute to falls overboard. 

? Check for missing or damaged PFDs, missing lifelines and burned out lights.

? If a barge is moored, each barge must have at least certified one mile away flashing barge light positioned on the deck. If a barge is moving, running lights should be installed.

Training

OSHA standards require employers to train employees in the safety and health aspects of their jobs. 

It is the employer’s responsibility to limit certain job assignments to employees who are certified, competent, or qualified —that is, to employees who have received training either on-site or off-site. 

Training is an essential for protecting employees from injuries and illnesses. 

To control or eliminate any hazards or other exposure to illness or injury, employees must be trained in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions and the regulations applicable to their work environment. 

Some of the topics to be addressed in training for employees on deck barges are:

? Employee Emergency Plans

? Medical Services and First Aid

? Explosive and Other Dangerous Atmospheres

? Fire Protection and Prevention

? Handling and Storage of Materials

? Machinery and Machine Guarding

? Toxic and Hazardous Substances

? Storage of Gases and Fuels

? Gear and Equipment for Rigging and Material Handling

? Tools and Related Equipment

? Stairways and Ladders

? Fall Protection

? Communication procedures

? Confined Space

? Man Overboard

? Spill Containment

Man Overboard Rescue Procedures

Have clear procedures in place in case someone falls overboard. Man-overboard procedures should incorporate the use of stand-by boats, life rings with appropriate length of rope (90 feet minimum), and ladders that extend three feet below and above the water surface. 

If an employee falls overboard, they will need assistance to get back on board. This must be accomplished quickly, particularly if the water is frigid, the person is not wearing a life jacket, is tangled in a line or caught in a current. 

Crews should practice man overboard drills regularly.(at least monthly) Additionally, in regions such as Alaska, where employees are at a greater risk of hypothermia, additional precautions (e.g., use of immersion suits) should be considered when there is a chance of falling overboard.

Have a written plan in place. Each crew member must be given a written description of the plan and be familiar with the emergency rules duties and vessel signals.

The first set of drills shall be conducted within 24 hours of the vessels occupancy.

The plan must include instructions for mustering the personal after being overboard.

Records of any man overboard drills must be kept on file. 

Fall Overboard Prevention “Best Practices”

Policies/Practices

? Avoid walking on the outboard edges of the barges in a tow except when absolutely necessary.

? Carry loads on the outside shoulder if it is necessary to walk on the outboard gunwale (gunnel).

? Announce known "bumps" and brace yourself.

? Never walk the notch.

? Do not step on manholes/hatches.

? Make sure manholes/hatches are closed.

? Notify the pilothouse any time someone goes on the tow.

? Use the “buddy system” while on a tow. Identify a buddy and maintain visual contact while on a tow.

? Discuss all known hazards (duck ponds, notches, etc.) with the off-going watch.

? Shovel/sweep all dry cargo spilled on deck.

? Keep walkways clear of obstructions/debris.

? Never walk or stand on the outboard gunwale (gunnel) when barges are coming together.

? Notify the pilothouse any time someone goes on the tow.

? Never jump to or from moving equipment.

? Shuffle your feet when handling line on deck to avoid stepping in the bight of the line or tripping.

? Attempt to stand on the inboard side of the barge/boat when loosening or tightening rigging or line.

? Never walk backwards when on the boat or tow.

? If a task requires two people, never attempt to perform the task alone. 

? Face the water or outboard when working (line handling, washing down, etc.).

? Always step over rigging; never step on it.

? Face a ladder when climbing up or down.

? Notify management of every fall overboard incident.

? Investigate fall overboard incidents and root causes.

? Investigate near miss fall overboard incidents and root causes.

? Maintain frequent radio contact with the wheelhouse.

? Do not walk or step between the forward corner deck fittings and the end of barges.

? Walk with one hand free.

? Do not step over open water.

? Illuminate shadows before walking through them.

? Turn on lights when someone has to go outside the vessel after dark.

Equipment

? Provide flashlights to all employees working on deck.

? Protect duck ponds (line, netting, etc.).

? Provide head lights to all employees working on deck.

? Wherever possible, provide non-skid deck paint on walking surfaces.

? Paint the perimeter of barges with a contrasting color.

? Paint all tripping hazards (hatches, face wire leads, bitts, cavils/kevels, etc.) with a contrasting color.

? During ice or snow conditions, use “spikes” (ice cleats).