The Seafarer Safety and Health Branch of UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency has issued a notice to inform interested parties of the updated safety standards applicable to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Provision of PPE
PPE must be provided to the seafarer by the shipowner or employer, free of charge, except when use of the equipment is not exclusive to the workplace. In this case seafarers and other workers may be required to contribute towards the cost.
The equipment issued must be “suitable” which is defined as:
- appropriate for the risks to which the seafarer or other worker is exposed and to the task which they are performing without itself leading to any increased risk;
- correctly fitting the seafarer or other worker, or capable of being adjusted to fit; – taking into account ergonomic requirements and the seafarer’s or other worker’s state of health;
- compatible with any other equipment the seafarer or other worker has to use at the same time, so that it continues to be effective against the risk.
Where seafarers and other workers provide or choose to supply their own PPE it must meet the appropriate standard and be used when engaged in work. This will not exempt the shipowner and/or employer from their duty to supply PPE free of charge and they will remain responsible for ensuring that seafarers and other workers are correctly equipped with suitable PPE.
Storage and maintenance of PPE
In addition, the shipowner and employer must ensure that the PPE supplied is easily accessible, properly stored and maintained. Where appropriate, instructions must be available to seafarers and other workers who are required to carry out any maintenance. The equipment must be regularly inspected in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, and its operation checked.
Respiratory protective equipment must always be checked before and after use.
Use of PPE by seafarers and other workers
The shipowner and employer must ensure so far as practicable that PPE is used as instructed – e.g. that it is only used for the purpose for which it is designed, and that it is worn correctly.
Seafarers and other workers must receive appropriate training on the risks against which the PPE is designed to protect them, how and when to use it, and how to look after it correctly.
Seafarers and other workers are required to wear and use the PPE which has been issued to them when appropriate, and to comply with any instruction provided on wearing and maintenance.