S.I. No. 322/1975 - Shipbuilding and Ship-Repairing (Safety, Health and Welfare) Regulations, 1975

• (2) Such pipes or hoses shall be securely attached to the apparatus and other connections by means of suitable clips or other equally effective appliances.

• (3) Efficient reducing and regulating valves for reducing the pressure of the gases shall be provided and maintained in connection with all cylinders containing oxygen or any flammable gas or vapour under pressure while the gases or vapours from such cylinders are being used in any process of cutting, welding or heating metal.

• (4) Where acetylene gas is used for cutting, welding or heating metal—

( a ) a properly constructed and efficient back-pressure valve and flame arrester shall be provided and maintained in the acetylene supply pipe between each burner or blow-pipe and the acetylene generator, cylinder or container from which it is supplied, and shall be placed as near as practicable to the burner or blow-pipe and the acetylene generator, cylinder or container from which it is supplied, except that these requirements shall not apply where an acetylene cylinder serves only one burner or blow-pipe, and

( b ) any hydraulic valve provided in pursuance of sub-paragraph (a) of this paragraph shall be inspected on each day by every person who uses the burner or blow-pipe on that day and it shall be the duty of every person employed who uses the burner or blow-pipe to inspect the hydraulic valve accordingly.

• (5) The operating valves of burners or blow-pipes to which oxygen or any flammable gas or vapour is supplied for the purpose of cutting, welding or heating metal shall be so constructed, or the operating mechanism shall be so protected, that the valves cannot be opened accidentally.

• (2) Supply valves of cylinders, generators and gas mains shall be securely closed.

• (3) Movable pipes or hoses used for conveying oxygen or flammable gas or vapour shall, in the case of a vessel undergoing construction, be brought to the topmost completed deck or, in the case of a vessel undergoing repair, to a weather deck or in either case to some other place of safety which is adequately ventilated to prevent any dangerous concentration of gas or fumes:

Provided that where, owing to the nature of the work, it is impracticable to comply with the foregoing requirements of this paragraph, the pipes or hoses shall be disconnected from cylinders, generators or gas mains, as the case may be.

• (4) When cylinders or acetylene generating plant have been taken below deck in accordance with the provisions of Regulation 56 (2) such cylinders or acetylene generating plant shall be brought to a weather deck or, in the case of a vessel undergoing construction, to the topmost completed deck.

( a ) to be applied to, or to be in, any part of a tanker unless, since oil was last carried in that tanker, a naked light certificate has been obtained and is in force in respect of those parts of the tanker for which, in the opinion of a competent analyst, a naked light certificate is necessary:

Provided that a naked light, fire, lamp or heated rivet of a kind specified in writing by a competent analyst may be applied to, or be in, any part of the tanker so specified,

( b ) (i) to be in any oil-tank on board or in a vessel in which oil-tank the oil last carried was oil having a flash point of less than 23 degrees Celsius (Abel closed test) or was liquid methane, liquid propane, liquid butane or liquified petroleum gas unless a naked light certificate has previously been obtained on the same day and is in force in respect of that oil-tank and of any oil-tank, compartment or space adjacent thereto,

• (ii) to be applied to the outer surface of any oil-tank on board or in a vessel in which oil-tank the oil last carried was such oil as aforesaid, unless a naked light certificate has previously been obtained on the same day and is in force in respect of that oil-tank,

• (iii) to be applied to the outer surface of, or to be in, any compartment or space adjacent to an oil-tank on board or in a vessel in which oil-tank the oil last carried was such oil as aforesaid, unless a naked light certificate has previously been obtained on the same day and is in force in respect of that compartment or space:

Provided that where in any such case referred to in clause (i), (ii), or (iii) of this sub-paragraph a competent analyst has certified that daily naked light certificates are unnecessary or are necessary only to a specified extent, such a daily certificate need not be obtained or, as the case may be, need only be obtained to the specified extent,

( c ) to be applied to the outer surface of, or to be in, any oil-tank on board or in a vessel unless, since oil was last carried in that oil-tank, a naked light certificate has been obtained and is in force in respect of that oil-tank.

( d ) to be applied to the outer surface of, or to be in, any compartment or space adjacent to an oil-tank on board or in a vessel unless, since oil was last carried as cargo in that oil-tank, a naked light certificate has been obtained and is in force in respect of that compartment or space.

• (2) Notwithstanding anything in paragraph (1) of this regulation, heated rivets may be permitted in any place without a naked light certificate being in force in respect of that place if expressly so authorised by a competent analyst who certifies that after adequate and suitable testing he is satisfied that having regard to all the circumstances of the case, including the likelihood or otherwise of the atmosphere becoming flammable, the place is sufficiently free from flammable vapour; but such heated rivets shall, where practicable, be passed through tubes.

• (3) A person (whether or not a person employed) shall not introduce, have or apply a naked light, fire or lamp (other than a safety lamp of a type approved for the purpose of this Regulation) or any heated rivet into, in or to any place where they are prohibited by this regulation.

• (4) In this regulation the expression "competent analyst" means an analyst who is competent to give a naked light certificate.

• (2) A person (other than a responsible person entering as aforesaid) shall not be allowed or required to enter or remain in an oil-tank on board, or in a vessel in which oil-tank the oil last carried was oil having a flash point of less than 23 degrees Celsius (Abel closed test) unless, since the oil-tank last contained oil, a responsible person has certified that the atmosphere is sufficiently free from flammable mixture.

• (3) It shall be the duty of persons employed to comply with the provisions of this regulation.

• (2) The said cleaning and ventilation shall be carried out by the following methods:—

( a ) the oil-tank shall be treated in such manner and for such period as will ensure the vaporisation of all volatile oil;

( b ) all residual oil and any sludge or other deposit in the oil-tank shall be removed therefrom;

( c ) after the oil-tank has been so cleaned:—

• (i) all covers of manholes and other openings therein shall be removed and it shall be thoroughly ventilated by mechanical or other efficient means with a view to the removal of all oil vapour, and

• (ii) the interior surfaces, if any deposit remains thereon, shall then be washed or scraped down.

• (2) If (in the case of a vessel other than a tanker), during the course of work in any oil-tank or in any compartment or space adjacent thereto, any pipe or tank joint is opened or broken or any other event occurs so that there is a risk of oil vapour entering or arising in the oil-tank or in any compartment or space adjacent thereto, work shall be suspended and thereafter any certificate of entry previously issued in respect of the oil-tank and any naked light certificate previously issued in respect of the oil-tank or any compartment or space adjacent thereto shall be no longer in force.

• (2) This regulation shall apply to bilges, shaft tunnels, pump rooms, lamp rooms, and to compartments and spaces other than those to which paragraph (1) (d) of Regulation 60 applies.

• (i) to the outer surface of an oil-tank on board or in a vessel; or

• (ii) in or to the outer surface of any compartment or space adjacent to any such oil-tank,

in cases where the only oil last carried was oil having a flash point of 66 degrees Celsius or above (Pensky Martens closed test);

Provided that adequate areas of the interior and exterior surfaces of the oil-tank or, as the case may be, of the compartment or space adjacent thereto, in the immediate neighbourhood of the part to be repaired shall be free from oil or sludge; whenever repairs are to be carried out to the outer surface of an oil-tank below the level of any oil in that tank only the exterior surface of that oil-tank need be so free.

( b ) In every case to which that paragraph applies appropriate special precautions shall be taken for preventing and extinguishing fire.

• (2) The provisions of paragraphs (1) (a) and (1) (b) (iii) of Regulation 60 in relation to naked light certificates shall not apply in the case of minor repairs involving the application of a naked light to the outer surface only of the hull of a tanker in which the only oil last carried as cargo was liquid methane, liquid propane, liquid butane or liquified petroleum gas being liquid methane, liquid propane, liquid butane or liquefied petroleum gas at atmospheric pressure, provided that a naked light certificate has previously been obtained on the same day and is in force in respect of the space between the hull and any oil-tank on board, and the space is adequately and continuously ventilated by mechanical means so as to ensure that flammable concentration of gas or vapour cannot be formed in it during the period for which the naked light certificate is in force.

• (3) The provisions of paragraph (1) (a) of Regulation 60 shall not apply to any part of a tanker where naked lights were allowed when the vessel was in service afloat:

Provided that the said paragraph (1) (a) shall apply whilst any oil-tank in the tanker is open except an oil-tank in respect of which a naked light certificate is in force.

• (4) The provisions of paragraph (1) (a) of Regulation 60 shall not apply in the case of tankers in which the only oil last carried was oil used for the purpose of a basin trial or a trial trip.

( a ) the air pressure shall be kept to a minimum value and in any case shall not exceed 5 pounds per square inch gauge (.24 Bar);

( b ) where for special reasons it may be necessary to use air at a pressure exceeding 3 pounds per square inch gauge (.20 Bar) all persons shall be evacuated from the test area except the persons directly involved in the test operation;

( c ) each tank shall be provided with a suitable appliance to prevent the test pressure being exceeded;

• (2) Where a relief valve is to be used, the following provisions shall be observed—

( a ) two relief valves shall be fitted to each tank;

( b ) each relief valve shall be of the dead weight type with an orifice diameter larger than the diameter of the air inlet connection;

( c ) two correct pressure gauges with clear scales to read not more than 15 pounds per square inch (1 Bar) shall be provided;

( d ) the pressure gauges shall be placed close together to facilitate comparison of readings;

• (3) Each test shall be supervised by a competent person who shall also ensure that the relief appliance and pressure gauges are serviceable and suitable for each test.

• (4) In every case where there is a failure of a tank under test the Minister shall be notified forthwith in writing of any such failure.

• (5) In this regulation "tank" means ships' tanks, hatch covers and any like structure.

( a ) all inlets through which any substance might otherwise enter that compartment or space from any other part of the deluging system shall be disconnected from that part, or

( b ) all valves or taps controlling such entry shall be closed and securely locked.

PART VI.*Miscellaneous Safety Provisions.*

( a ) every set-screw, bolt or key on any revolving shaft, spindle, wheel or pinion of the machinery shall be so sunk, encased or otherwise effectively guarded as to prevent danger; and

( b ) all motors, flywheels, gearing, friction drivers, cams, bolts, pulleys, chains, pinions, worm gears and other transmission machinery liable to present danger, when in motion, to any person coming into contact therewith, shall be so designed or otherwise effectively guarded, as to prevent such danger.

• (2) Every dangerous part of any machinery used for the purposes of the operations to which paragraph (1) of this regulation does not apply, shall be securely fenced, unless it is in such a position or of such construction as to be as safe to every person employed as it would be, if securely fenced.

• (3) Every power driven abrasive wheel shall, as far as is reasonably practicable, be provided with a guard of such design and so constructed to contain every part of the abrasive wheel in the event of any fracture of the abrasive wheel, or any part thereof, occurring while the abrasive wheel is in use.

• (4) Nothing in paragraphs (1), (2) or (3) of this regulation shall require any part of the machinery used for the purposes of the operations to be fenced during an examination of that part, or during any lubrication, adjustment or repair shown by such examination to be immediately necessary, being an examination, lubrication, adjustment or repair which is carried out by a competent person who has attained the age of eighteen years, and, which it is necessary to carry out while the part of the machinery is in motion:

Provided that a person shall not clean, oil or grease nor be required to clean, oil or grease any machinery, including transmission machinery, which is used for the purposes of the operations, while it is in motion if the cleaning, oiling, or greasing thereof would expose the person to risk of injury from any moving part either of that machinery or of any other adjacent machinery.

• (5) A person shall not use any machinery which is used for the purposes of the operations and for which guards are provided without those guards being in position, nor shall be required to use any such machinery without the guards provided being in position.

• (6) A person using any machinery for the purposes of the operations, or any other person, shall not make inoperative the guards provided for the machinery.

• (7) In case, and for so long as, machinery is being installed, adjusted, repaired or maintained for the purposes of the operations the requirements of paragraphs (4) and (5) of this regulation shall not apply in relation to the machinery, and, in lieu thereof, all practicable steps shall be taken to ensure that a person is not exposed to danger from any moving part of the machinery.

• (8) In the case of a shipyard, the provisions of paragraph (1) of this regulation to the dangerous parts of any machinery to which that paragraph applies modify sections 22 (1), 23 (1) and 28 of the Act.

( a ) have marked upon it, so as to be plainly visible the safe working pressure,

( b ) in the case of a receiver connected with the air compressing plant, either be so constructed as to withstand with safety the maximum pressure which can be obtained in the compressor, or be fitted with a suitable reducing valve or other suitable appliance to prevent the safe working pressure of the receiver being exceeded,

( c ) be fitted with a suitable safety valve so adjusted as to permit the air to escape as soon as the safe working pressure is exceeded,

( d ) be fitted with a correct pressure gauge indicating the pressure in the receiver,

( e ) be fitted with a suitable appliance for draining the receiver,

( f ) be provided with a suitable manhole, handhole, or other means which will allow the interior to be thoroughly cleaned, and

( g ) in a case where more than one receiver is in use, bear a distinguishing mark which shall be easily visible.

• (2) The requirement of paragraph 1 (e) of this regulation shall not apply to any vessel such as is mentioned in sub-paragraph (c) or sub-paragraph (d) of paragraph (8) of this regulation.

• (3) For the purpose of the provisions of paragraph (1) (c) and (d) of this regulation, any set of air receivers supplied with air through a single pipe may be treated as one receiver.

• (4) In a case where a suitable reducing valve or other suitable appliance to prevent the safe working pressure being exceeded is required to be fitted to a set of air receivers supplied with air through a single pipe, paragraph (3) of this regulation shall not apply unless the valve or appliance is fitted on the single pipe.

• (5) Every air receiver and its fittings shall be of sound construction and properly maintained.

• (6) Every air receiver shall be thoroughly cleaned and examined at least once in every period of twenty-six months, but in the case of a receiver of solid drawn construction—

( a ) the person making any such examination may specify in writing a period exceeding twenty-six months but not exceeding four years within which the next examination is to be made, and

( b ) if it is so constructed that the internal surface cannot be thoroughly examined, a suitable hydraulic test of the receiver shall be carried out in lieu of internal examination.

• (7) Every examination and test pursuant to paragraph (6) of this regulation shall be carried out by a competent person and a report of the result of every such examination and test, containing the prescribed particulars (including particulars of the safe working pressure), shall be entered in or attached to the general register.

• (8) In this Part of these Regulations, "air receiver" means—

( a ) any vessel (other than a pipe or coil or an accessory, fitting or part of a compressor) for containing compressed air and connected with the air compressing plant,

( b ) any fixed vessel for containing compressed air or compressed exhaust gases and used for the purpose of starting an internal combustion engine,

( c ) any fixed or portable vessel (not being part of a spraying pistol) used for the purpose of spraying by means of compressed air any paint, varnish, laquer or similar material,

or

( d ) any vessel in which oil is stored and from which it is forced by compressed air.

• (2) Where, in a harbour or wet dock, the control of a ship apart from the operations remains with the shipowner, the ship's permanent lighting shall be maintained in operation by him to the extent that it may be required for the purpose of lighting—

( a ) the ship, and

( b ) the means of access to the ship where that access is provided by the shipowner;

Provided that, if the shipowner has given written notice to every contractor undertaking any of the operations for which the ship's permanent lighting is required that, for a specified period (for reasons connected with the management or working of the ship or the use, repair or maintenance of its equipment), the permanent lighting will not be maintained in operation by him or will be maintained in operation by him only to a specified extent, the foregoing provisions of this paragraph shall, for that period, not apply or, as the case may be, shall, for that period, apply only to the extent that the permanent lighting is maintained in operation.

In this paragraph—

"contractor" means a person who has contracted with the shipowner or his agent to carry out any of the operations; and

"shipowner" means the shipowner or master or officer in charge.

• (3) A person shall not be held not to have complied with the foregoing provisions of this regulation by reasons only of a failure of the electricity supply; provided that, in the case of such failure, alternative means of lighting, which shall be sufficient and suitable in the circumstances, shall be provided as soon as practicable.

• (4) Portable lamps (including hand lamps carried by persons employed) used for the purposes of the operations shall be maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair and in the case of lamps in which liquid fuel is used the lamp shall have a properly fitting screw lid or stopper and be so constructed as to prevent, so far as practicable, the development of leaks.

• (5) Petroleum spirit or naphta shall not be used in lamps used for lighting and only paraffin or another liquid having a flash point over 38 degrees Celsius (Abel closed test or Pensky-Martens closed test, whichever is appropriate) shall be so used.

• (6) A person (whether or not a person employed) shall not, unless duly authorised or in case of necessity, interfere with or remove any means of lighting provided in pursuance of this regulation.

• (2) Before any person employed enters any steam boiler which is one of a range of two or more steam boilers, either—

( a ) all inlets through which steam or hot water might otherwise enter the boiler from any other part of the range shall be disconnected from that part, or

( b ) all valves or taps controlling such entry shall be closed and securely locked.

• (3) While persons employed remain in any steam boiler to which paragraph (2) of this regulation applies, all such inlests as are specified in that paragraph shall either remain disconnected or all such valves or taps as are therein referred to shall remain closed and securely locked.

• (4) A person employed shall not be allowed or required to enter or remain in, and a person shall not enter or remain in, any steam boiler to which paragraph (2) of this regulation applies, unless the provisions of that paragraph are complied with.

PART VII.*Protective Wear.*

• (2) There shall be provided and maintained for the use of all persons employed when engaged in the process of electric welding —

( a ) suitable helmets, suitable head-shields or suitable hand-shields to protect the eyes and face from hot metal and from rays likely to be injurious, and

( b ) suitable gauntlets to protec- the hands and forearms from hot metal, and from rays likely to be injurious.

• (3) ( a ) When electric welding is in progress at any place and persons other than those engaged in that process are employed in a position where the rays are likely to be injurious to their eyes, screens shall, where practicable, be provided at that place for the protection of those persons.

( b ) Where it is not practicable to provide effective protect of those persons by screening, suitable goggles shall be provided for their use.

( a ) the cutting out or cutting off of cold rivets or bolts from boilers or other plant or from ships;

( b ) the chipping, scaling or scurfing of boilers or ships' plates;

( c ) drilling by means of portable machine tools;

( d ) dry grinding of metals.

• (2) Where any process or operation specified in Regulation 76, 77 or paragraph (1) of this regulation is carried on a person shall not be employed in such process or operation or be required or permitted to carry on any such process or operation without utilising such protective wear as is specified under the said provisions.

• (2) It shall be the duty of the persons employed in any of the kinds of work specified in this regulation to use the breathing apparatus provided for their use in pursuance of this regulation.

• (2) Each protective helmet shall be marked with a distinguishing mark which shall be used to identify the person to whom such helmet has been issued for general use and shall not be issued to any other person unless and until it has been cleaned and disinfected.

( a ) any person who by the reason of the nature of his work is required to continue working in the open air during rain, snow, sleet, or hail,

( b ) any person who by the reason of the nature of the task is required to work in particularly dirty circumstances.

shall be available in every shipyard.

PART VIII.*Miscellaneous Health Provisions.*

PART IX.*Training and Supervision.*

• (2) Any young person under the age of sixteen shall, when employed in the operations in a shipyard or dry dock, be placed under the charge of an experienced workman.

• (2) In every shipyard and dry dock, a person or persons experienced in the work shall be appointed to exercise supervision with regard to the requirements of these Regulations, to enforce the observance of them, and to secure the safe conduct of the work generally. The person or persons so appointed shall not be required to carry out any other duties if so doing would prevent or unnecessarily delay the due carrying out of any duty or work necessary for securing the safety or health of persons employed.

• (3) This regulation shall not be construed as preventing two or more employers from jointly appointing the same person or persons to perform some or all of the aforesaid duties for those employers.

• (4) In every shipyard and dry dock other than a public dry dock, the name or names of the person or persons so appointed shall be entered on the copy of these Regulations required to be displayed in pursuance of Regulation 6 of these Regulations.

• (5) The person or persons appointed in pursuance of this regulation shall investigate all accidents and shall keep a record of the investigations made and of measures taken to prevent their recurrence. Such records shall on the application of any inspector be produced by the person in charge thereof.

PART X.*Miscellaneous General Provisions.*

( a ) conveniently located and enclosed so as not to be exposed to dust from any process,

( b ) furnished with sufficient tables (having impervious table top surfaces) and chairs or benches with back rests,

( c ) furnished with adequate means for warming food and boiling water,

( d ) provided with adequate facilities for the washing and rinsing of cooking and eating utensils,

( e ) provided with an adequate supply of clean and wholesome drinking water,

( f ) provided with suitable and adequate arrangements to enable persons employed to store their food during working hours,

( g ) maintained in a clean state,

( h ) provided with effective means for securing and maintaining a temperature of not less than 14 degrees Celsius during meal intervals, and

( i ) placed under the charge of a responsible person;

Provided that these requirements shall not apply to any shipyard or dry dock employing 20 persons or less if the facilities provided are otherwise satisfactory for the purposes of this regulation.

( a ) suitably situated cupboards,

( b ) at least one hook or peg for each person, the pegs or hooks to be not less than 310 millimetres (12 inches) apart laterally, or

( c ) other suitable arrangements.

• (2) Adequate and suitable accommodation shall be provided for the deposit of special protective clothing used for work and kept, when not in use, at or in the immediate vicinity of the working place.

( a ) for washing hands, and

( b ) for the taking of baths by persons who may be employed in particularly dirty work.

• (2) Facilities for the washing of hands provided in pursuance of paragraph (1) (a) of this regulation shall include clean running hot and cold or warm water, soap, non-abrasive nail brushes and clean towels, and, in addition, either—

( a ) a trough with a smooth impervious surface of such length (or, in the case of a circular or oval trough, of such circumference) as to allow six hundred millimetres of length for every five persons making use thereof and fitted with suitable jets or sprays serving each six hundred millimetres of length or circumference (as the case may be) and with a waste pipe, or

( b ) for every fifteen persons at least one basin with a smooth impervious surface of suitable size fitted with suitable sprays and with a waste pipe.

• (3) Facilities for bathing provided in pursuance of paragraph (1) (b) of this regulation shall consist of at least one shower bath which has an adequate supply of hot and cold water supplied from one fixture together with a sufficient supply of soap and clean towels.

( a ) a sufficient number of suitably constructed sling stretchers or other similar appliances for raising injured persons,

( b ) a sufficient number of carrying or wheel stretchers and

( c ) a sufficient supply of suitable reviving apparatus and oxygen.

• (2) At least one responsible person shall be appointed in every shipyard and dry dock whose duty it shall be to summon an ambulance or other means of transport, if needed, in cases of accident or illness occurring during working hours. A notice indicating the name and workplace of every person so appointed shall be prominently displayed in every shipyard and dry dock.

• (3) In every shipyard and dry dock other than a public dry dock, in which the number of persons employed—

( a ) normally exceeds two hundred or

( b ) normally exceeds fifty and which is more than ten miles from a hospital,

there shall be provided and maintained in good order and in clean condition a properly constructed ambulance room containing at least the approved equipment.

• (4) An ambulance room provided pursuant to paragraph (3) of this regulation shall be used only for the purpose of treatment and rest and shall be in the charge of a suitably qualified person who shall always be readily available during working hours, and a record shall be kept of all cases of accident or sickness treated at the room. The ambulance room shall—

• (i) be conveniently accessible to injured persons and ambulances,

• (ii) be provided with adequate heating and lighting,

• (iii) have interior surfaces which may easily be kept in a clean and dust-free condition, and

• (iv) be kept clean, properly maintained and be ventilated by clean and fresh air.

( a ) oil, grease, solvents, liquids or materials likely to cause risk of fire or explosion are stored,

( b ) welding operations of any kind are carried on and

( c ) buildings are used solely for the generation, transformation and distribution of electrical energy.

92.

GIVEN under my Official Seal, this 22nd day of December, 1975.

MICHAEL O'LEARY,

Minister for Labour.

EXPLANATORY NOTE.

These regulations prescribe safeguards for persons engaged in shipbuilding work and ship-repairing.