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closed Spaces and Other Dangerous

Atmospheres in Shipyard Employment.

This regulation applies to all shipyard employment, involving vessels, vessel sections, and shoreside operations, re- gardless of location.

OSHA regulations require all em- ployers to designate one or more com- petent persons in accordance with 29

CFR 1915.7. The regulation specifi es the parameters for designating a com- petent person. The only exception is if all duties of the competent person, under 29 CFR part 1915, are carried out by a marine chemist.

A certifi ed marine chemist holds a valid certifi cate issued by the National

Fire Protection Association (NFPA), establishing the holder as a person qualifi ed to determine whether con- struction, alteration, repair, or layup of vessels can be undertaken with safety. Such operations may involve hazards covered by the Standard for the Control of Gas Hazards on Ves- sels, NFPA 306.

According to the NFPA, “the United

States Coast Guard and the Occupa- tional Safety and Health Administra- tion (OSHA) require that a gas-free

Certifi cate issued by a Marine Chemist be obtained before hot work or fi re-pro- ducing operations can be carried out in certain spaces aboard a marine vessel.

In complying with both the U.S. Coast

Guard and OSHA regulations, the Ma- rine Chemist applies the requirements contained in NFPA 306. This standard describes the conditions that must ex- ist aboard a marine vessel. A survey by the Marine Chemist ensures that these conditions are satisfi ed.”

A Safe Environment

The marine confi ned space envi- ronment can be dangerous. Ships car- ry dangerous cargoes. Substances in confi ned spaces and tanks are left over or carry over from previous hauls and were never meant to be there. Work- ers and personnel may never realize the hazards that confi ned spaces pose.

The paramount goal when it comes to confi ned-space entry is to ensure the safety of personnel. Marine operators as well as repair facilities and shipyards that do not put confi ned-space-entry safe practices as a paramount goal risk heavy fi nes from regulatory bodies, as well as injury or death of personnel.

The use of advanced technol- ogy and gas detection tools that are maintained and calibrated, combined with safety training and implemen- tation of safety practices, is a smart strategy to avert the risks inherent in confi ned-space entry and keeps workers safe. Wireless gas detection systems, including some using mesh radio networking, are now available with a broad range of options, includ- ing standard 110V/220V AC power, battery power, and solar operation/ charging. These options marine safety and risk reduction managers a new set of tools to deploy in a wide range of safety management situations. Other applications for wireless gas detection include HazMat response for a wide array of critical service application in- cluding sewage, cargo, fuel and bilge and ballast gas and leak detection, worker protection and hydrogen sul- fi de (H2S) safety.

Keith Lincoln is a senior product manager at RAE Systems Inc. by

Honeywell (http://www.raesystems. com). His expertise includes detector repair, operation, applications, with specifi c expertise in docking systems and wireless technologies. He has specifi c focus in the marine industry and offers adept counseling for any gas monitoring and detection needs. ([email protected]) www.marinelink.com

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