Surface prep includes mechanical paint removal operations such as abrasive blasting, flame removal, use of
power tools (e.g., needleguns, scalers, sanding) and the use of high-pressure
equipment. These operations may expose workers to:
Some of these operations may also be considered Hot Work.
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Fire and Explosion
Hazards |
Potential Hazards:
Mechanical paint removal operations include the following hazards:
- Working in or around
spaces that are not "gas free."
- Flammable and combustible residues (e.g., combustible dust, oil
residue).
Requirements and Example Solutions:
- Equipment that can generate static electricity (e.g., ventilation
systems, abrasive blasting) must be grounded/bonded. [1915.13(b)(11)]
- Hot work
is only authorized in non-designated areas after visually inspecting of
the area to ensure the area is free of fire hazards. [1915.503(a)(2)]
- Personnel using fire fighting equipment must be instructed in
anticipated fire hazards and how to use the equipment. [1915.508] See
the
Fire Protection: Training page.
- Flame or heat must not be used to remove soft or greasy coatings. [1915.34(b)(2)]
Note:
When hot work is being performed, it is the employers'
responsibility to ensure that precautions are taken in
adjacent spaces. [1915.503(a)(2)]
Additional Resources:
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Figure 1: Drums and containers of flammable cleaning solvents.
Figure 2: Worker spray painting in enclosed space increases fire hazard.
Figure 3: Warning sign clearly informs workers of fire and explosion hazards of smoking and hotwork in a spray area.
Figure 4: Shipyard Competent Person testing flammability and other hazards in spray area. |
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Respiratory Hazards |
Potential Hazards:
Mechanical paint removal operations produce dust, which may present significant health
hazards when used in confined or enclosed spaces. Hazards include:
- Dry ice (C02) when used as blast
media.
- Heavy metal dust including lead, arsenic, cadmium, chrome and beryllium.
- Silica dust.
- Toxic fumes produced by flame removal of paint.
Requirements and Example Solutions:
- Ensure adequate ventilation to maintain concentrations below the PEL.
[1915.34(a)(4)]
- Airline respirators may be necessary if ventilation is not adequate.
- Abrasive blasters working in enclosed and confined spaces must be protected by
hoods and airline respirators. [1915.34(c)(3)]
- When not working in enclosed and confined spaces, abrasive blasters
must be protected with
appropriate respirators. [1915.34(c)(3)(ii)]
- Other employees near the area of operation require appropriate
respiratory protection. [1915.34(c)(3)(ii)]
- Respiratory protection for heavy metal and silica dusts require as a
minimum a high efficiency filter (HEPA). See Respiratory Protection eTool.
- Workers must be protected by an airline respirator when doing flame
removal of paint. [1915.34(b)(1)]
- Respirators must be NIOSH approved and used in accordance with 1915.154.
[1910.134]
Additional Resources:
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Figure 5: Workers protected from toxic cleaning solvents.
Figure 6: Ventilation provided for painting in confined space.
Figure 7: Airline respirator for use when ventilation does not provide adequate safety. |
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Limited Access |
Potential Hazards:
When working in confined or enclosed spaces workers may become trapped and unable to exit due to:
- Improperly located equipment.
- Ventilation ducts and hoses running through the opening.
Requirements and Example Solutions:
- When employees work in confined spaces with limited access, access
must not be blocked or impeded by ventilation ducts, hoses or
other equipment. [1915.76(b)(2)]
- More than one means of access shall be provided where practical. [1915.76(b)(1)]
- Additional openings should be provided for ducts, hoses, and other
equipment.
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Figure 8: Ventilation hoses blocking exit from opening.
Figure 9: Special ventilation hose (flat) to avoid blocking exit.
Figure 10: Two access holes for equipment or access. |
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Slips and Trips |
Potential Hazards:
Workers performing mechanical paint removal are exposed
to slick conditions and tripping hazards. Vision may also be
obstructed by high levels of airborne dust.
- Slipping and falling on oily decks.
- Slipping on slick, wet or grit covered surfaces.
- Tripping over equipment, hoses, and vessel structures.
- Pressure changes causing surges in blast hoses.
Requirements and Example Solutions:
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Figure 11: Wet and oily surfaces create slipping hazard.
Figure 12: Tripping hazards due to poor housekeeping.
Figure 13: Lead racks used to remove tripping hazards (welding leads, hoses, etc.) from the deck.
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Fall Hazards |
Potential Hazards:
Fall hazards are a leading cause of shipyard fatalities. Shipyard employees are often required to work in dangerous
environments that may include fall hazards. Accidents involving
elevation equipment such as ladders and scaffolds are often serious,
even fatal.
Abrasive and Water Blasting
- Surges from drops in pressure in the hose line may be able to
throw the worker from the work surface.
- Blasting can create static electricity. This may shock the
worker and
result in a fall.
Deck Openings and Edges
- Falls from deck openings.
- Falls into open holes.
Scaffolds
- Falls from ladders.
- Falls from scaffolds.
Requirements and Example Solutions:
Abrasive and Water Blasting
- Blasters shall be protected by proper fall protection.
[1915.34(c)(3)(v)]
- Blasters who's vision is obstructed by the hood, shall not
work from ladders. [1915.77(c)]
- Blaster should wear appropriate boots and gloves to
insulate from static electricity.
- Blasting equipment should be grounded and bonded.
Guarding of Deck Openings and Edges
- Openings and deck edges must be guarded. [1915.73]
- Flush manholes and other small openings must be guarded after opening. [1915.73(b)]
- During the installation of guards on large openings and deck
edges, fall protection (e.g., harness with lanyard) must be used. [1915.73(d)]
- When floor plates or gratings (e.g., bilges, engine rooms,
pump rooms, machinery spaces) are removed, the
openings must be guarded or planked. [1915.73(f)]
Fall Protection for Scaffold Work
- Guardrails or other appropriate fall protection shall be
used when working on scaffolds five feet above surfaces. [1915.71(j)]
- Fall protection must be used during the installation of guards on
scaffolds. [1915.73(d)]
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Figure 14: Improper use of step ladder.
Figure 15: Several unguarded deck openings.
Figure 16: Properly guarded deck edges.
Figure 17: Worker on scaffold protected by guardrails. |
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Maritime
Labor/Industry Recommendations |
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SHAC recommends that personal fall protection including
lanyards and harnesses be used and secured during installation
of guardrails.
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Work Environment Temperature Related Hazards |
Potential Hazards:
Environmental hazards include temperature, humidity, and air movement within the work area. A combination of PPE
use, heat producing equipment, work activity, and environmental conditions can cause temperature related illnesses.
Heat related illnesses include:
- Heat Stress
- Heat Stroke
- Heat Cramps
- Dehydration
Cold related illnesses include:
Additional Resources:
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Figure 18: Full body suit can increase potential heat related illnesses for worker.
Figure 19: Air supplied to hood also reduces heat related problems. |
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Maritime
Labor/Industry Recommendations |
Example Solutions:
SHAC recommends the following for heat related
illnesses:
- Plenty of fluids
- Frequent breaks
- Ice vest
- Shaded or cooled break areas
- Ventilation
- Awareness training
SHAC recommends the following for cold related illnesses:
- Appropriate insulated PPE
- Warming areas for breaks
- Awareness training
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Figure 20: Workers can be trained to recognize and avoid temperature related hazards. |
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High-Pressure Hazards |
Potential Hazards:
The use of high pressure equipment may expose the operators and
bystanders to the following hazards:
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Contact with high-pressure steam, water, or air streams from cleaning
equipment.
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Contact by uncontrolled high-pressure hoses.
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Contact with steam, water, or air leaks in the high-pressure equipment.
Injuries associated with these hazards include:
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Loss of body parts (e.g., fingers, hands, etc.)
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Lacerations
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Burns
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Loss of sight
Requirements and Example Solutions:
- Steam guns must be insulated to prevent heat burns to the
operator. [1915.33(e)]
- Appropriate PPE shall be used. [1915.34(c)(3)
and 1915.152]
- Access to the area should be controlled.
- Use dead man control. [1915.34(c)(1)(iv)]
- Nozzle and hose couplings shall be secured with metal
couplings. [1915.34(c)(1)(ii) and
(c)(1)(iii)]
- Hoses and connections should be inspected prior to use.
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Electrical Hazards |
Potential Hazards:
Employees who work with electrical equipment in wet
or damp locations have an increased risk of getting shocked or
electrocuted due to:
- Faulty electrical connections in power tools.
- Open lighting parts.
- Broken insulation on power cords.
- Blasting may cause shocks from static electricity.
Requirements and Example Solutions:
- Portable electrical tools must be grounded or double
insulated. [1915.132(a)]
- Temporary lighting must be grounded. [1915.92(c)]
- Power and lighting cables must be inspected by a person
competent to evaluate electrical hazards. (Note: This
is not the Shipyard Competent Person).[1915.36(a)(5)]
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Figure 21: Worker inspecting broken insulation on
power cable.
Figure 22: Portable electrical tools must be double insulated or properly grounded. |
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Maritime
Labor/Industry Recommendations |
- All electrical tools or equipment should undergo a visual
inspection prior to use.
- All portable electric hand tools and temporary lighting
systems should utilize Ground Fault Interrupters (GFI).
- Electrical tools and equipment should correspond with the
requirements of the job.
- Electrical equipment and tools should be used with proper
circuit protection for the voltage and amperage used.
- Only qualified electricians should attempt repair of
electrical tools and equipment in use.
- A Ground Assurance Program should be in place for all
electrical tools and equipment used including:
- Records of tools inspected and repaired.
- Records of electrical boxes inspected and repaired.
- Records of electrical extension cords inspected and
repaired.
- Recall of records of the above.
- The requirements of the Ground Assurance Program should be performed on a
regular basis.
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Figure 23: Visual inspection takes defective welding
tong out of service. |
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Excessive Noise |
Potential Hazards:
Mechanical paint removal produces excessive amounts of noise,
which may cause hearing loss. Some of the loudest operations
include:
- Abrasive Blasting
- Needle Gunning
- Scaling
- Grinding
Requirements and Example Solutions:
Additional Resources:
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Impact Hazards |
Potential Hazards:
Mechanical paint removal operations may expose workers to impact from:
- Blasting agents (e.g., sand)
- Sparks
- Mental particles
- Grinding debris
- Paint debris
Injuries may include:
- Particles becoming imbedded in the skin
- Eye damage
- Skin burns
- Skin trauma
Requirements and Example Solutions:
- Proper use of PPE.
- Portable rotating tools must be adequately guarded to
protect both the operator and nearby workers from flying
objects. [1915.34(a)(2)]
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