The American P&I Club has issued a poster to underline that safe working practices while working aloft are imperative.
According to the American Club, the importance of working aloft permits, risk assessments and effective risk mitigation measures should all be considered before starting work. Thus, the club suggests the following:
Working aloft permit:
Normally required for work when there is a risk of falling 2 meters (6 feet) or greater. (See Company SMS) Must specify permit duration. Must be signed by an officer.
Risk assessment
- Expected weather and ship’s motion
- Activities below the aloft work area
- Exhaust fumes, gases, steam, and wind direction
- Complexity of the task and how long the task will take
- Crew’s expertise in staging, baskets, bosun’s chair, scaffolding
- Any other work taking place that could endanger the person aloft
Risk mitigation
A toolbox meeting for all involved:
- Fall arrestors such as:
- Full-body harness
- Shock-absorbing lanyards
- Self-retracting lanyards
- Safety lines
- Safety nets
- Inspect all equipment to be used
- Designate a standby person
- Plan way to talk with the person aloft
- Secure ship’s whistle, radar, and electrical systems as needed
- Re-evaluate if conditions change
- Notify the bridge before the work aloft is started
