Maritime Safety Publications and Helpful Links
NAVSEA Standard Items 009-74 - Occupational, Safety and Health Requirements for Shipyard Employment
3.21 Repair and maintenance employees working aboard vessels, dry docks and piers shall have a valid 10 hour OSHA Maritime Shipyard Employment Course#7615 or NAVSEA approved equivalent completion card within 60 days of employment.
3.21.1 The authorized maritime trainer shall have successfully completed the OSHA 5400 trainer course in occupational safety and health
standards for the maritime industry. The authorized maritime trainer shall have a current OSHA Training Institute ID number and shall follow the OSHA outreach training program guidelines.
3.21.2 Maintain current copies of the training documents required by the guidelines for reference by the SUPERVISOR. Submit one legible copy in approved transferable media when requested by the SUPERVISOR.
NOTES:
4.1 The term “medical treatment” is defined in 2.6.
4.2 Requests for deviations/waivers of training requirements will only be approved by NAVSEA and on a case-by-case basis. This includes equivalent training for foreign nationals.
4.3 Contractors may provide the OSHA outreach training program report as documentation of completing Course #7615 until completion cards are received.
4.4 The term “repair and maintenance employee” is defined as one whose employment relates to or is in conjunction with ship repairing, shipbuilding, or ship breaking work, including, but not restricted to, inspection, testing, and employment as a fire watch. This excludes employees who provide incidental services that do not influence shipyard employment such as delivery services.
OSHA Final Rule Affects Shipyard Employment Standards
OSHA has issued a final rule: here, aimed at streamlining and simplifying various standards, including those affecting the shipbuilding and repair industry. This effort was directed by President Obama's initiative and Executive Memo on reducing employer regulatory burdens and a periodic Agency review.
Final Sub-part F Rule: General Working Conditions in Shipyard Employment
OSHA published the final Sub-part F Rule: General Working Conditions in Shipyard Employment. The rule becomes effective and enforceable on August 1, 2011, except for the provisions in § 1915.89 (Lockout/Tagout), which become effective and enforceable on October 31, 2011.
Find the new rule here: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2011/pdf/2011-9567.pdf
OSHA has released a list of frequently asked questions on the newly released Subpart F. While this is not an extensive list it may provide some information as we review and implement the new standard.
Find the FAQs here: http://www.osha.gov/dts/maritime/standards/general_working_conditions_faqs.html
Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS)
The purpose of this document is to describe the United Nations Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS), why it was developed, and how it relates to the sound management of chemicals. The full official text of the system is available on the web.
Whistleblower Protection
In a March 12 memo to OSHA Regional Administrators and whistleblower investigative staff, OSHA's Deputy Assistant Secretary Richard Fairfax addressed workplace policies and practices that can discourage workers from reporting injuries and could constitute unlawful discrimination and a violation of section 11(c) of the OSH Act, or other whistleblower protection statutes. Some of these policies and practices may also violate OSHA's record keeping regulations, particularly the requirement that ensures workers can report work-related injuries and illnesses.
Ensuring that workers can report injuries or illnesses without fear of retaliation is crucial to protecting worker safety and health. If workers do not feel free to report injuries or illnesses, an entire workforce is put at risk: Employers do not learn of and correct dangerous conditions that have resulted in injuries, and injured workers may not receive the proper medical attention or the workers' compensation benefits to which they are entitled. For more details read the memo and visit OSHA's Whistleblower page.
New Safety Guide for Rigging
OSHA has released a new safety guide for rigging. The "Safety and Health Injury Prevention Sheets" - or SHIPS for short - includes written guidance, analysis of fatal accidents, illustrations, video animations of dangerous situations, and posters. The guide goes beyond connecting cables or ropes to loads and addresses falls, avoiding electrical shocks, and where to not stand when working near heavy equipment such cranes and hoists.
Heat Stress Information
Workers who are exposed to extreme heat or work in hot environments may be at risk of heat stress.
Heat Stress Fact Sheet
Heat Stress Poster
NIOSH Workplace Safety and Health Topics
OSHA Safety and Health Topics
New Resources for Cranes & Derricks Rule
Additional compliance assistance resources for the cranes and derricks in construction final rule have been posted to the OSHA Web site. These resources include:
Asbestos and Mesothelioma Prognosis and Treatment Information
Asbestos.com provides the most up to date information on asbestos related illnesses. They have a team of patient advocates that work one on one with patients and their families connecting them with doctors, treatment centers, support groups and much more during and after diagnosis.
mesotheliomagroup.com a team of healthcare professionals, patient advocates, and communication specialists who have one goal: to lead the way in supporting and encouraging mesothelioma patients and their families.
OSHA Shifts on Noise Exposure Standards
OSHA is reversing the enforcement policy it has used since 1983, which allows most employers to use PPE and a hearing conservation program rather than engineering and administrative controls.
A "proposed interpretation" document published in the October 19, 2010 Federal Register may be an enforcement milestone for OSHA because it reverses the policy it has used for 27 years in general industry and construction cases involving workers' exposure to noise. Since 1983, the agency has not cited employers who used PPE and a hearing conservation program rather than engineering and administrative controls, unless the noise is so high that it borders on 100 dBA when the most effective hearing protectors are used or the controls cost less than an effective hearing conservation program would cost. In practice, controls are almost always more expensive, so citations for failure to use them are rare. But they apparently will increase soon.
Signed by OSHA Assistant Secretary Dr. David Michaels, the document explains that OSHA proposes now to interpret 29 CFR 1910.95(b)(1) and 1926.52(b) as they are written - and in accordance with the hierarchy of controls, which begins with engineering and administrative controls to reduce or eliminate exposures. These sections of the two noise standards are almost identical. They say, "When employees are subjected to sound exceeding those listed [in tables within the standard], feasible administrative or engineering controls shall be utilized. If such controls fail to reduce sound levels within the levels [of the tables], personal protective equipment ... shall be provided and used to reduce sound levels within the levels of the table."
The document says OSHA proposes to interpret "feasible" in the standards as meaning the same thing as it does in section 6(b)(5) of the OSH Act: "capable of being done" or "achievable." The agency further explained that it proposes to consider administrative or engineering controls economically feasible "if they will not threaten the employer's ability to remain in business or if the threat to viability results from the employer's having failed to keep up with industry safety and health standards."
OSHA Training Standards Policy Statement
MEMORANDUM FOR: REGIONAL ADMINISTRATORS
FROM: DAVID MICHAELS, PhD, MPH Assistant Secretary
SUBJECT: OSHA Training Standards Policy Statement
The purposes of this memorandum are to reiterate OSHA's policy that employee training required by OSHA standards must be presented in a manner that employees can understand, and to provide enforcement guidance to the area and regional offices relative to the Agency's training standards. This position applies to all of the Agency’s agriculture, construction, general industry, and maritime training requirements.
Most Frequently Requested Publications from OSHA
The following were the 20 most frequently requested publications from OSHA:
OSHA Offers Guidance on Shipyard Fire Protection Standard
OSHA recently posted new information on its web site to help employers and workers better understand the Shipyard Fire Protection Standard.
Shipyard Fire Protection Frequently Asked Questions is divided into three sections: general questions, fire watch questions, and questions about fuel gas and oxygen supply lines.
Additional Helpful Publications
Assistance for the Maritime Industry
This section of the OSHA web site, devoted to the Maritime Industry, covers topics such as:
3.21 Repair and maintenance employees working aboard vessels, dry docks and piers shall have a valid 10 hour OSHA Maritime Shipyard Employment Course#7615 or NAVSEA approved equivalent completion card within 60 days of employment.
3.21.1 The authorized maritime trainer shall have successfully completed the OSHA 5400 trainer course in occupational safety and health
standards for the maritime industry. The authorized maritime trainer shall have a current OSHA Training Institute ID number and shall follow the OSHA outreach training program guidelines.
3.21.2 Maintain current copies of the training documents required by the guidelines for reference by the SUPERVISOR. Submit one legible copy in approved transferable media when requested by the SUPERVISOR.
NOTES:
4.1 The term “medical treatment” is defined in 2.6.
4.2 Requests for deviations/waivers of training requirements will only be approved by NAVSEA and on a case-by-case basis. This includes equivalent training for foreign nationals.
4.3 Contractors may provide the OSHA outreach training program report as documentation of completing Course #7615 until completion cards are received.
4.4 The term “repair and maintenance employee” is defined as one whose employment relates to or is in conjunction with ship repairing, shipbuilding, or ship breaking work, including, but not restricted to, inspection, testing, and employment as a fire watch. This excludes employees who provide incidental services that do not influence shipyard employment such as delivery services.
OSHA Final Rule Affects Shipyard Employment Standards
OSHA has issued a final rule: here, aimed at streamlining and simplifying various standards, including those affecting the shipbuilding and repair industry. This effort was directed by President Obama's initiative and Executive Memo on reducing employer regulatory burdens and a periodic Agency review.
Final Sub-part F Rule: General Working Conditions in Shipyard Employment
OSHA published the final Sub-part F Rule: General Working Conditions in Shipyard Employment. The rule becomes effective and enforceable on August 1, 2011, except for the provisions in § 1915.89 (Lockout/Tagout), which become effective and enforceable on October 31, 2011.
Find the new rule here: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2011/pdf/2011-9567.pdf
OSHA has released a list of frequently asked questions on the newly released Subpart F. While this is not an extensive list it may provide some information as we review and implement the new standard.
Find the FAQs here: http://www.osha.gov/dts/maritime/standards/general_working_conditions_faqs.html
Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS)
The purpose of this document is to describe the United Nations Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS), why it was developed, and how it relates to the sound management of chemicals. The full official text of the system is available on the web.
Whistleblower Protection
In a March 12 memo to OSHA Regional Administrators and whistleblower investigative staff, OSHA's Deputy Assistant Secretary Richard Fairfax addressed workplace policies and practices that can discourage workers from reporting injuries and could constitute unlawful discrimination and a violation of section 11(c) of the OSH Act, or other whistleblower protection statutes. Some of these policies and practices may also violate OSHA's record keeping regulations, particularly the requirement that ensures workers can report work-related injuries and illnesses.
Ensuring that workers can report injuries or illnesses without fear of retaliation is crucial to protecting worker safety and health. If workers do not feel free to report injuries or illnesses, an entire workforce is put at risk: Employers do not learn of and correct dangerous conditions that have resulted in injuries, and injured workers may not receive the proper medical attention or the workers' compensation benefits to which they are entitled. For more details read the memo and visit OSHA's Whistleblower page.
New Safety Guide for Rigging
OSHA has released a new safety guide for rigging. The "Safety and Health Injury Prevention Sheets" - or SHIPS for short - includes written guidance, analysis of fatal accidents, illustrations, video animations of dangerous situations, and posters. The guide goes beyond connecting cables or ropes to loads and addresses falls, avoiding electrical shocks, and where to not stand when working near heavy equipment such cranes and hoists.
Heat Stress Information
Workers who are exposed to extreme heat or work in hot environments may be at risk of heat stress.
Heat Stress Fact Sheet
Heat Stress Poster
NIOSH Workplace Safety and Health Topics
OSHA Safety and Health Topics
New Resources for Cranes & Derricks Rule
Additional compliance assistance resources for the cranes and derricks in construction final rule have been posted to the OSHA Web site. These resources include:
- OSHA's Cranes and Derricks in Construction Final Rule page contains the complete text of the rule, additional fact sheets, a PowerPoint presentation, an archived Web chat and answers to frequently asked questions.
- Sub-part CC PowerPoint presentation provides an overview of Sub-part CC.
- Assembly and Disassembly fact sheet addresses the requirements for crane and derrick assembly and disassembly under Sub-part CC of the rule.
- Operator Qualification and Certification fact sheet addresses the requirements for operator qualification and certification under Sub-part CC of the rule.
- Qualified Rigger fact sheet is a guide for determining if a worker is qualified to properly rig the load for a particular job under Sub-part CC of the rule.
- Signal Person fact sheet explains the proper qualifications for a worker whose job is to direct a crane operator under conditions such as when the crane's point of operation is not in full view of the operator or the operator's view is obstructed in the direction the equipment is traveling.
Asbestos and Mesothelioma Prognosis and Treatment Information
Asbestos.com provides the most up to date information on asbestos related illnesses. They have a team of patient advocates that work one on one with patients and their families connecting them with doctors, treatment centers, support groups and much more during and after diagnosis.
mesotheliomagroup.com a team of healthcare professionals, patient advocates, and communication specialists who have one goal: to lead the way in supporting and encouraging mesothelioma patients and their families.
OSHA Shifts on Noise Exposure Standards
OSHA is reversing the enforcement policy it has used since 1983, which allows most employers to use PPE and a hearing conservation program rather than engineering and administrative controls.
A "proposed interpretation" document published in the October 19, 2010 Federal Register may be an enforcement milestone for OSHA because it reverses the policy it has used for 27 years in general industry and construction cases involving workers' exposure to noise. Since 1983, the agency has not cited employers who used PPE and a hearing conservation program rather than engineering and administrative controls, unless the noise is so high that it borders on 100 dBA when the most effective hearing protectors are used or the controls cost less than an effective hearing conservation program would cost. In practice, controls are almost always more expensive, so citations for failure to use them are rare. But they apparently will increase soon.
Signed by OSHA Assistant Secretary Dr. David Michaels, the document explains that OSHA proposes now to interpret 29 CFR 1910.95(b)(1) and 1926.52(b) as they are written - and in accordance with the hierarchy of controls, which begins with engineering and administrative controls to reduce or eliminate exposures. These sections of the two noise standards are almost identical. They say, "When employees are subjected to sound exceeding those listed [in tables within the standard], feasible administrative or engineering controls shall be utilized. If such controls fail to reduce sound levels within the levels [of the tables], personal protective equipment ... shall be provided and used to reduce sound levels within the levels of the table."
The document says OSHA proposes to interpret "feasible" in the standards as meaning the same thing as it does in section 6(b)(5) of the OSH Act: "capable of being done" or "achievable." The agency further explained that it proposes to consider administrative or engineering controls economically feasible "if they will not threaten the employer's ability to remain in business or if the threat to viability results from the employer's having failed to keep up with industry safety and health standards."
OSHA Training Standards Policy Statement
MEMORANDUM FOR: REGIONAL ADMINISTRATORS
FROM: DAVID MICHAELS, PhD, MPH Assistant Secretary
SUBJECT: OSHA Training Standards Policy Statement
The purposes of this memorandum are to reiterate OSHA's policy that employee training required by OSHA standards must be presented in a manner that employees can understand, and to provide enforcement guidance to the area and regional offices relative to the Agency's training standards. This position applies to all of the Agency’s agriculture, construction, general industry, and maritime training requirements.
Most Frequently Requested Publications from OSHA
The following were the 20 most frequently requested publications from OSHA:
- OSHA Poster (English) (OSHA Publication 3165)
- Department of Labor Poster Package (FLSA, FMLA, OSHA, EEO, and EPPA) (English) (OSHA Publication 5049)
- Record keeping Forms (OSHA Forms 300, 300A, 301)
- Best Practices Guide: Fundamentals of a Workplace First-Aid Program (OSHA Publication 3317)
- Employee Workplace Rights (OSHA Publication 3021)
- OSHA Poster (Spanish) (OSHA Publication 3167)
- Heat Stress Quick Card (OSHA Publication 3154)
- Small Business Handbook (OSHA Publication 2209)
- Department of Labor Poster Package (FLSA, FMLA, OSHA, EEO, and EPPA) (Spanish) (OSHA Publication 5052)
- Personal Protective Equipment (OSHA Publication 3151)
- Fall Protection Tips Quick Card (OSHA Publication 3257)
- Construction Pocket Guide (OSHA Publication 3252)
- Training Requirements in OSHA Standards and Training Guidelines (OSHA Publication 2254)
- How to Plan for Workplace Emergencies and Evacuations (OSHA Publication 3088)
- Medical and Dental Offices: A Guide to Compliance With OSHA Standards (OSHA Publication 3187)
- Chemical Hazard Communication (OSHA Publication 3084)
- Record keeping Brochure (OSHA Publication 3169)
- Electrical Safety Quick Card (OSHA Publication 3298)
- Aerial Lifts Quick Card (OSHA Publication 3267)
- Hand and Power Tools (OSHA Publication 3080)
OSHA Offers Guidance on Shipyard Fire Protection Standard
OSHA recently posted new information on its web site to help employers and workers better understand the Shipyard Fire Protection Standard.
Shipyard Fire Protection Frequently Asked Questions is divided into three sections: general questions, fire watch questions, and questions about fuel gas and oxygen supply lines.
Additional Helpful Publications
Assistance for the Maritime Industry
This section of the OSHA web site, devoted to the Maritime Industry, covers topics such as:
- Standards and Guidance
- Maritime Advisory Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (MACOSH)
- Enforcement
- Safety and Health
- Alliances and Partnerships
- Fire Protection
