Signal Shipyard Committee Releases New Focus on Safety

Asbestos Safe Work Practices: Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals with high heat resistance and durability. Commonly found in shipbuilding for insulation and fireproofing, SOLAS regulations prohibit the new installation of Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM) in all ships since 2011. 

Compressed Gas and Gas Welding Safety (OSHA 1915): This summary outlines OSHA 1915-compliant safety practices for handling, storing, and using compressed gas cylinders in shipyard and maritime environments. It includes narrative guidance and bulleted best practices for quick reference.

Hazardous Materials Storage & Handling of LPGs: Propane, also known as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), is widely used in shipyards for heating, cutting, and powering forklifts. While efficient, propane poses significant hazards, including fire, explosion, and asphyxiation. Proper handling, storage, and personal protective equipment (PPE) are essential for safety.

Safe Handling of Compressed Gas Cylinders: This toolbox talk provides guidance for the safe handling, transportation, and storage of compressed gas cylinders in shipyard and ship repair operations. Following OSHA standards helps prevent leaks, fires, and explosions.

Confined Space Atmosphere Hazard: A confined space is an area that is large enough and configured for an employee to enter and perform work, has limited or restricted means of entry or exit, and is not designed for continuous employee occupancy. A permit-required confined space is one that contains, or has the potential to contain, a hazardous atmosphere; includes material that could engulf an entrant; has an internal configuration that could trap or asphyxiate an entrant; or presents any other recognized serious safety or health hazard.

Atmospheric hazards are a significant concern, as confined spaces can contain invisible dangers that may cause serious injury or death in a very short time.

Permit Required Confined Space Safety: This summary provides key safety requirements for confined space entry, aligned with OSHA standards. It is intended for shipyard workers and should be used as a discussion topic during pre-shift safety meetings to express the importance of the entry permit process.

Shipyard Competent Person (SCP) 1915 Compliance Guide: This guide summarizes the OSHA Part 1915 requirements for a designated Shipyard Competent Person (SCP) who ensures spaces are safe for entry and work on vessels, vessel sections, and landside shipyard operations. Core duties include atmospheric testing, authorization of certain hot work (1915.14(b)), maintaining safe conditions, posting/understanding warning signs, and documentation.

Shipyard Safety: The Confined Space Challenge: A confined space is an area with limited or restricted access for entry and exit, not designed for continuous human occupancy. These spaces often have limited ventilation and can create or aggravate hazardous exposures. Examples include double bottom tanks, cofferdams, voids, and ballast tanks.

The Exit Strategy - Confined Space Control Measures: A confined space is an area that is large enough and configured for an employee to enter and perform work, has limited or restricted means of entry or exit, and is not designed for continuous employee occupancy. A permit-required confined space is one that contains, or has the potential to contain, a hazardous atmosphere; includes material that could engulf an entrant; has an internal configuration that could trap or asphyxiate an entrant; or presents any other recognized serious safety or health hazard.

The True Dangers of Confined Spaces: Confined spaces are among the most hazardous work environments in shipyards. The risks are real and often fatal if proper procedures are not followed. This summary provides key facts, updated statistics, and OSHA references for shipyard safety discussions.

Ladder Safety in Shipyards: Best Practices & Violations: Ladder safety is critical in shipyard operations where workers face unique hazards including electrical conductors, arc welding operations, and metal structures. This toolbox talk covers the mandatory requirements in 29 CFR 1915.72 (Shipyard Ladder Standards) and industry best practices to prevent injuries from slips, trips, and falls. All workers must understand the specific requirements for ladder selection, use, and maintenance in shipyard employment.

JHA O2 Fuel Gas System Setup & Drop Test Procedures: This Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) outlines the steps, hazards, and controls for setting up an oxygen-fuel gas system in shipyard environments. It incorporates OSHA regulatory requirements under 29 CFR 1910.253 and 1915.55, industry best practices, and includes Drop Test procedures. Signal also offers virtual 1-hour safety training to help workforce leaders develop JHA skills.

JHA for Shipyard Workers: A Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) is a structured process for identifying hazards associated with specific tasks and determining the safest way to perform them. Many workplace injuries occur during routine operations, often because workers are less vigilant with familiar tasks. Performing a JHA for every job helps prevent accidents by ensuring hazards are recognized and controlled.

Check out our full Focus on Safety Library on the Safety Resources page.

If you have suggestions for a Focus on Safety topic that could help your company or the Mutual, please get in touch with your local Signal Safety Manager.