Working in machinery spaces

• Pages: 85-92

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21. Working in machinery spaces

21.1. General provisions

21.1.1. All operations in machinery spaces should be performed by a competent

person under the supervision of a responsible officer or senior rating.1

21.1.2. The regulations of the competent authority on the guarding of every

dangerous part of a vessel's machinery should apply (see also Chapter 13).

21.1.3. Reference should be made to Chapter 5 concerning protective equipment.

Particular attention should be paid to protecting seafarers from the effects of noise.2

Spaces in which hearing protection needs to be worn should be indicated by warning

signs.

21.1.4. No work other than routine duties should be undertaken except on the

orders of a responsible engineering officer. Maintenance work should be carried out in

compliance with manufacturer's instruction manuals. When necessary, specific work

should be carried out within the "permit-to-work" system (see Chapter 4).

21.1.5. Moving parts of machinery should be provided with permanent guards or

other safety devices such as railings or fencing.

21.1.6. If the use of any piece of machinery or equipment is considered to be

temporarily unsafe, it should be immobilized or put in a safe place or condition

immediately and, if necessary, a warning notice should be posted adjacent to or at the

control position.

21.1.7. No guard, fencing or shielding should be removed for repair or

maintenance except when the machinery to which it relates has been stopped. The

machinery should not be restarted until the fencing or shielding has been replaced and

secured.

21.1.8. All valves, pipes and fittings should be adequately supported and fixed or

clamped to avoid vibration and possible fracture. All such fixtures and supports should be

properly maintained and replaced after maintenance.

21.1.9. All items such as steam pipes, exhaust pipes and fittings which, because of

their location and operating temperature present a hazard, should be adequately lagged or

shielded.

1 At a minimum, in accordance with the STCW Regulations, Chapter III or any subsequent

revision. Reference should be made to sections 20-25 of the IMO/ILO Document for Guidance.

2 See also the Guarding of Machinery Convention, 1963 (No. 119), and the Working Environment

(Air Pollution, Noise and Vibration) Convention, 1977 (No. 148). Further guidance may be obtained

from the ILO Code of Practice on Protection of Workers against Noise and Vibration in the Working

Environment (Geneva, 1984).