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eTools Home : Shipyard Employment Scope | Glossary | Additional Resources | Viewing / Printing Instructions | Credits General Requirements Shipbuilding Ship Repair Shipbreaking Barge Cleaning Shipyard Employment » Access and Guarding of Working Surfaces   Click on an area for more specific information. | Access to Vessels | Access to Cargo and Confined Space | | Guarding of Deck Opening and Edges | Working Surfaces | Improper access to vessels, spaces, dry docks, and marine railways increases the risk of falling, struck-by, and crushing hazards. Access to Vessels Access to Cargo Spaces and Confined Spaces Access and Guarding of Drydocks and Marine Railways Inadequate guarding of drydock and marine railway equipment exposes workers to crushing and caught-between hazards such as pinch-point. Deck edge and work surface guards are critical in preventing elevated falls. Guarding of Deck Opening and Edges Working Surfaces Note: Confined space entry is one of the leading hazards associated with barge cleaning. Review the Ship Repair: Confined/Enclosed Spaces and Other Dangerous Atmospheres chapter for information on how to protect workers from this hazard.  Requirements and Example Solutions: It is important to note that: Minimum walking surface such as gangway, cat walks, and temporary decking is 20 inches wide. [1915.73(f), 1915.74(b), 1915.75(a), 1915.75(g), 1915.74(a)(1), and 1915.77(d)] Typical guardrails are 42 inches high with a mid-rail. [1915.73(c), 1915.75(b), and 1915.77(d)] When working more than 5 feet over a solid surface, guardrails or personal fall protection must be used. [1915.73(d) and 1915.77(c)] When working over water, guardrails, personal fall protection, or personal flotation devices are required. [1915.73(e) and 1915.77(e)] Figure 1: Properly guarded gangway. Figure 2: Guarded deck opening. Figure 3: Scaffolds with guardrails in place. Back to Top     eTools Home : Shipyard Employment Scope | Glossary | Additional Resources | Viewing / Printing Instructions | Credits

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