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.