1918.31(a) No cargo,
dunnage, or other material shall be loaded or unloaded by
means requiring the services of employees at any partially opened
intermediate deck unless either the hatch at that deck is
sufficiently covered or an adequate landing area suitable for
the prevailing conditions exists. In no event shall such work
be done unless the working area available for such employees
extends for a distance of 10 feet (3.05 m) or more fore and
aft and athwartships.
1918.31(b) Cargo shall
not be landed on or handled over a covered hatch or between-decks
unless all hatch beams are in place under the hatch covers.
1918.31(c) Missing,
broken, or poorly fitting hatch covers that would not protect employees
shall be reported at once to the officer in charge of the vessel. Pending
replacement or repairs by the vessel, work shall not be performed in the
section containing the unsafe covers or in adjacent sections unless the
flooring is made safe.
1918.31(d) Hatch covers
and hatch beams not of uniform size shall be placed only in the hatch,
deck, and section in which they fit properly.
1918.31(e) Small trimming
hatches in intermediate decks shall be securely covered or guarded while
work is going on in the hatch in which they are found, unless they are
actually in use.
[62 FR 40141, July 25, 1997]
|