Working with dangerous and irritating substances and radiations

• Pages: 68-70

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17. Working with dangerous and irritating substances and

radiations1

17.1. General provisions

17.1.1. This chapter should be read in conjunction with Chapter 7 which refers to

publications and codes containing essential information on the handling of dangerous

goods.

17.1.2. Dangerous and irritating substances should be handled only under the

supervision of a responsible officer.

17.1.3. Seafarers should wear appropriate personal protective equipment (see

Chapter 5).

17.1.4. Seafarers should be aware that materials such as residual fuel oil and used

or spent engine oil contain substances known to be carcinogenic. In addition to any

carcinogenic effects, contact between oil and human skin may lead to a range of skin

complaints ranging from mild irritation to severe oil acne. Contact must be avoided by

taking suitable precautions, e.g. the owner should provide barrier creams and personal

protective equipment.

17.1.5. Masters should ensure that the data sheet information provided by the

manufacturers with their products is made available to all seafarers who may come into

contact with these products.

17.2. Work with unsaturated polyesters

17.2.1. Composite bonding material can contain unsaturated polyesters which may

cause skin irritation which can be difficult to control. Appropriate personal protective

clothing should be worn when using substances which contain unsaturated polyesters.

17.3. Work with adhesives

17.3.1. Many adhesives emit fumes which are detrimental to health. Appropriate

respiratory equipment should be worn and work spaces should be well ventilated.

17.3.2. Fire precautions should be observed when working with adhesives.

1 Detailed guidance on protecting workers from these and other substances may be obtained from

the following ILO publications: Occupational exposure limits for airborne toxic substances,

Occupational Safety and Health Series No. 37, third edition (Geneva, 1991), and The provision of the

basic safety standards for radiation protection relevant to the protection of workers against

ionizing radiation, Occupational Safety and Health Series No. 55 (Geneva, 1985).