Health
3.1 Persons carrying out sampling should be aware that solvents or other materials used
for sampling may be harmful. Wet paint which is sampled may also be harmful. In these
cases, the material safety data sheet (MSDS) for the solvent or paint should be read and
appropriate precautions should be taken. This will normally include the wearing of long
sleeve solvent resistant gloves of suitable impervious material, e.g. nitrile
rubber.
3.2 Quantities of dry anti-fouling paint removed during sampling from ships' hulls will
normally be too small to cause significant health effects.
Safety
3.3 Access to ships to carry out sampling safely may be difficult. If a ship
is moored alongside, persons carrying out sampling must ensure they have safe access to
reach the hull from, for example, platforms, crane baskets, cherry pickers or gangways.
They must ensure that they are protected by railings or a climbing harness or take other
precautions so that they cannot fall into the water between the quay and the ship. If in
doubt a lifejacket, and possibly a safety line, should be worn when sampling.
3.4 Access to ships in dry dock should be made by secure means. Scaffolding
should be securely constructed and cherry pickers or dock-arms should be properly
constructed and maintained if they are to be used to gain access. There should be a
system to record the presence of the inspector in the dock area, and he or she should
preferably be accompanied. Safety harnesses should be worn in cherry-picker baskets, if
used.