2.8.1 The Company should establish procedures
by which the ship's personnel receive relevant information on the
Safety Management System(16) in a working language or languages
understood by them.
2.8.2 When deck cargo is being lashed and secured,
special measures may be needed to ensure safe access to the top of,
and across, the cargo so that the risk of falling is minimized. Safety
helmets, proper footwear and non-obstructive high visibility garments
should be worn during work on deck.
2.8.3 The risk of slipping should especially be
considered during winter time when loading timber packages covered
by plastic wrapping or tarpaulins. Plastic wrapping on packages with
lumber of uneven length should be avoided or otherwise clearly identified.
2.8.4 Lighting during loading and discharge operations
should be reasonably constant and arranged to minimize glare and dazzle,
the formation of deep shadows and sharp contrasts in the level of
illumination between one area and another.
2.8.5 Any obstruction such as lashings or securing
points in the access way of escape routes and spaces essential to
operation of the vessel, such as machinery spaces and crew's quarters,
as well as obstructions to safety equipment, fire-fighting equipment
and sounding pipes, should be clearly marked. In no case should an
obstruction prevent safe access or egress of escape arrangements and
spaces referred to above.
2.8.6 During the course of the voyage, if there
is no convenient passage for the crew on or below the deck of the
ship(18) giving safe means of access from the accommodation
to all parts used in the necessary working of the ship, guard lines
or rails, not more than 330 mm apart vertically, should be provided
on each side of the deck cargo to a height of at least 1 m above the
cargo. In addition, a lifeline, preferably wire rope, set up taut
with a tightening device should be provided as near as practicable
to the centreline of the ship. The stanchion supports to all guardrails
or lifelines should be spaced so as to prevent undue sagging. Where
the cargo is uneven, a safe walking surface of not less than 600 mm
in width should be fitted over the cargo and effectively secured beneath,
or adjacent to, the lifeline.
2.8.7 Fencing or means of closing should be provided
for all openings in the stow such as at masthouses, winches, etc.
2.8.8 Where uprights are not fitted or where alternative
to the provisions of 2.8.6 are permitted, a walkway of substantial
construction should be provided having an even walking surface and
consisting of two fore and aft sets of guardlines or rails about 1
m apart, each having a minimum of three courses of guardlines or rails
to a height of not less than 1 m above the walking surface. Such guardlines
or rails should be supported by rigid stanchions spaced not more than
3 m apart and lines should be set up taut by tightening devices.
2.8.9 As an alternative to 2.8.6, 2.8.7 and 2.8.8,
a lifeline, preferably wire rope, may be erected above the timber
deck cargo such that a crew member equipped with a fall protection
system can hook on to it and work about the timber deck cargo. The
lifeline should be:
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.1 erected about 2 m above the timber deck cargo
as near as practicable to the centreline of the ship;
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.2 stretched sufficiently taut with a tightening
device to support a fallen crew member without collapse or failure.
2.8.10 Properly constructed ladders, steps or
ramps fitted with guard lines or handrails should be provided from
the top of the cargo to the deck, and in other cases where the cargo
is stepped, in order to provide reasonable access.
2.8.11 Personnel safety equipment referred to
in this chapter should be kept in an easily accessible place.
2.8.12 When lashings need to be checked and/or
retightened during voyage, the Master should take appropriate actions
to reduce the motion of the vessel during such operation.
2.8.13 Additional guidance regarding work safety
and work environment aspects can be found in the relevant International
Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions(17).
2.8.14 Noting the particular arrangements of a
ship loaded with timber deck cargo, pilot boarding arrangements should
be carefully considered (see also SOLAS regulation
V/23).