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Subchapter 18. Ship Building, Ship Repairing and Ship Breaking Safety Orders
Article 9. Personal Protective Equipment

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Appendix A



Code of Safe Practices

(This is a suggested code. It is general in nature and intended as a basis for preparation by the employer of a code that fits the yard's operations more exactly.)

GENERAL

1. All injuries are to be reported to the immediate supervisor promptly so that adequate medical attention may be given.

2. Companionway hatch covers should be checked regularly for faulty securing devices. Do your part by reporting such faults.

3. Compressed gases are not to be used for purposes other than their designated uses. They are not to be used to clean clothing,machines, tools, empty containers of liquids, or for ventilation.

4. Good housekeeping must be maintained at all times aboard ship and the adjacent berth or dock. Aisles and passageways in shops,warehouses, and yard areas are to be kept clear of material. Welding leads, burner hose, air hose, and other temporary lines should be arranged so that they do not produce a tripping hazard on staging, walkways, ladders, stairways, and companionways.

5. Deck openings are not to be covered by loose material. All openings are to be protected so that no one can step or fall into them.

6. All safety precautions are to be followed against harmful and explosive gases when entering tanks, voids, or compartments. If in doubt, the supervisor should have the area certified safe by a qualified person.

7. Rules, regulations, and signs placed for the protection of personnel and equipment are to be obeyed.

8. Smoking, open flames, or other sources of ignition are not permitted in areas where a fire hazard may exist.

9. Safety devices are not to be tampered with, nor are the warning tags placed on them to be removed except by the person or persons placing them.

10. Employees shall keep out from under suspended loads at all times.

11. Cranes are to be equipped with effective warning devices. In congested areas, the signal should be automatically operated to sound continuously while the crane is in operation. If the device becomes inoperative it should be brought to the attention of supervision and repaired immediately.

12. Shipyard traffic rules are to be strictly obeyed while operating a vehicle, regardless of type.

13. Wiping cloths and oily waste should be disposed of in designated containers.

14. All employees shall be given frequent accident prevention instructions.

15. Anyone known to be under the influence of drugs or intoxicating substances which impair the employee's ability to safely perform the assigned duties shall not be allowed on the job.

16. Horseplay, scuffling, and all other acts which tend to have an adverse influence on the safety or well-being of the employees shall be prohibited.

17. Work shall be well planned and supervised to prevent injuries in the handling of materials and in working together with equipment.

18. No one shall knowingly be permitted or required to work while the employee's ability or alertness is so impaired by fatigue, illness, or other causes that it might unnecessarily expose the employee or others to injury.

19. Air hoses shall not be disconnected at compressors until hose line has been bled.

20. Crowding or pushing when boarding or leaving any vehicle or other convenience shall be prohibited.

21. Employees shall not handle or tamper with any electrical equipment machinery, or air or water lines in a manner not within the scope of their duties unless they have received instructions from their foreman.

22. When lifting heavy objects, the large muscles of the leg instead of the smaller muscles of the back shall be used.

23. Appropriate footwear shall be worn.

24. Materials, tools, or other objects shall not be thrown from elevated structures until proper precautions are taken to protect others from the falling of objects.

25. Employees shall cleanse thoroughly after handling hazardous substances, and follow special instructions from authorized sources.

26. Work shall be so arranged that employees are able to face ladders and use hands while climbing.

27. Gasoline shall not be used for cleaning purposes.

28. No burning, welding, or other source of ignition shall be applied to any enclosed tank or vessel, even if there are some openings, until it has first been determined that no possibility of explosion exists, and authority for the work is obtained from the foreman or superintendent.

29. Any damage to scaffolds, falsework, or other supporting structures shall be immediately reported to the foreman and repaired before use.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

30. Machines, valves, switches, turrets, elevators, etc., must be checked and everyone must be in the clear before such devices are put in operation.

31. Safeguards are not to be altered or removed from tools and equipment.

32. Temporary services such as air, steam, water, and electricity furnished by the employer are not to be altered or tampered with.

33. Proper equipment is to be used for loading or unloading material or tools to or from staging or hatchways, proper equipment is to be used for this purpose.

34. Tools and equipment are to be secured, to prevent falling when working aloft.

35. All tools and equipment shall be maintained in good condition.

36. Damaged tools or equipment shall be removed from service and tagged “DEFECTIVE.”

37. Only appropriate tools shall be used for the job.

38. TOOLS shall not be altered by the addition of handle- extensions or “cheaters.”

39. Portable electric tools shall not be lifted or lowered by means of the power cord. Ropes shall be used.

40. Electric cords shall not be exposed to damage from vehicles.

41. In locations where the use of a portable power tool is difficult, the tool shall be supported by means of a rope or similar support of adequate strength.

MACHINERY

42. Only authorized persons shall operate machinery or equipment.

43. Loose or frayed clothing, or long hair, dangling ties, finger rings, etc., shall not be worn around moving machinery or other sources of entanglement.

44. Machinery shall not be serviced, repaired or adjusted while in operation, nor shall oiling of moving parts be attempted, except on equipment that is designed or fitted with safeguards to protect the person performing the work.

45. Where appropriate, lock-out procedures shall be used.

STAGING

46. Safe access is to be provided to and from all staging.

47. Properly installed staging is to be used at all times.

48. Staging scaffolds, safety lines, or other barricades erected by the shipyard force are not to be altered except by authorized employees.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

49. Hard hats and other personal protective equipment are to be used in accordance with yard instructions.

50. Appropriate respirators and or body protection are to be worn whenever materials or working conditions may create a health hazard.

51. Approved eye and/or face protection suitable for the conditions encountered are to be worn when working near welding operations, grinding, chipping, or wire brushing, or when working with acids or other harmful substances.

52. Safety belts and lanyards are to be worn where required.

Note: Authority cited: Section 142.3, Labor Code. Reference: Section 142.3, Labor Code.

HISTORY

1. Amendment filed 1-22-88; operative 2-21-88 (Register 88, No. 6).

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