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Gard Guidance Masters

2.8.5.6 WORKING THE ENGINE ROOM AND MACHINERY SPACES

Due to the increased noise level when engines and other large items of machinery are running, combined with the work space restrictions, working in the engine room and machinery spaces is hazardous.

Dangers can be reduced to a minimum by

following safe working practices

taking protective measures

wearing Personal Protective Equipment – please see section 2.8.4.1 Safe working clothes – Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Particular care and attention is needed when carrying out work in engine rooms as

communication is often difficult and sometimes impossible

warning shouts may have no effect

the work task may distract the person involved.

To reduce the likelihood of personal injury occurring whilst working in the engine room and working with electrical appliances, the following precautions should be taken

work must be carefully planned and those involved or carrying out such work must be familiar with the plans made

the working environment in the engine room must always be kept clean and free from oil, oily residues and oily rags, to prevent slips and falls

communication by hand signals or similar means should be agreed beforehand

devices should be installed on engines, auxiliaries, purifiers, pumps etc., undergoing maintenance or repair, making it impossible to run them and warning signs should be displayed

areas of open casings, open bilges or similar should be clearly fenced off and warning signs displayed

tools and materials used should be put back where they belong to prevent them becoming hazards or being left in gearboxes and causing damage to the engines and impairing the safety of the vessel.

2.8.5.6 Working in the engine room and machinery spaces