Remove all combustible materials, flammable or
explosive, from the area where welding or cutting is to
be done.
When welding or cutting a bulkhead, deck, floor,
or other structure, you should check both sides of the
structure to ensure that no materials near the structure
will be damaged or will become a possible fire hazard.
Post fire watches on both sides of a deck or
bulkhead before welding or cutting operations can be
started. Personnel assigned fire watches should be
thoroughly familiar with fire watch responsibilities and
outfitted with the proper safety gear, such as gloves,
proper eye protection (particularly when arc welding),
and safety shoes. To make sure no fire hazards exist,
personnel assigned to the duties of a fire watch must
remain at the location at least 30 minutes after the job is
completed.
Keep approved fire-extinguishing equipment
near welding and cutting operations. Usually, a CO2
extinguisher is adequate. If the space is small or if the
access is only a small opening, CO2 is not the
extinguishing agent to use. CO2 could fill the small
space, and the small opening would not allow for
breathable air to enter. The small entry or exit may also
hinder any rescue attempts should you be overcome by
suffocation. If CO2 is not recommended, the use of
water spray from a fog nozzle is preferred. In the event
the fire is caused by electricity, secure power before
using the water spray.
Welding or cutting operations aren’t permitted in
or on the outer surfaces of a compartment or tank that
contains or has contained a flammable or explosive
substance, unless applicable safety precautions are
observed.
ROTATING MACHINERY
The safe operation of rotating machinery and tools
requires the operator to be thoroughly knowledgeable in
the equipment operation. It also requires strict
adherence to established operating procedures. The
operators should be familiar with the safety precautions
for their own particular machinery. However, when
operating rotating machinery, the following general
safety precautions should be observed:
Never place any part of your body into moving
machinery. Never attempt to ride machinery that is not
designed for human conveyance.
Never wear jewelry, neckties, or loose-fitting
clothing.
Wear proper protective clothing and equipment
suited to the operation being performed (hearing
protection; eye, hand, and foot protection; dust and
paint respirators; and so on).
Before attempting to perform repairs or
preventive maintenance on any equipment, ensure that
it is de-energized and/or depressurized and properly
tagged out of service before beginning to work.
When working in the vicinity of electrical
equipment or electrical cables, be alert to the presence
of dangerous voltages and avoid striking such
equipment with tools of any kind. Should such damage
inadvertently occur, report it immediately to the ship’s
electrical officer.
Don’t use compressed air to clean parts of your
body or clothing or to perform general space cleanup.
Compressed air may be used to clean machinery parts
that have been properly disassembled provided that the
supply air pressure does not exceed 30 psi and a safety
shield tip is used.
Reinstall shaft guards, coupling guards, deck
plates, handrails, flange shields, and other protective
devices removed as interference immediately after
removal of machinery, piping, valves, or other system
components during maintenance to prevent injury to
personnel.
Inspect and/or test, according to scheduled PMS
and other type commander (TYCOM) requirements, all
installed safety devices, alarms, and sensors. Assign a
high priority to repair of defective safety devices.
Cleanliness of machinery and its spaces
profoundly affects the safety of personnel and
equipment. Correct oil leaks at their source. Wipe up
spills of any kind immediately, and dispose of the
19-17
Student Notes:
