Shipping Marine and Fishing Engineering PPE

Shipping Marine and Fishing Engineering PPE

Personal Protective Equipment May be the Best Way to Promote Marine Safety

The global economy lives and dies with the health of the shipping industry.  Despite its global importance, workers in the shipping industry face marine safety hazards that make their workplace one of the most dangerous in the world.  Maritime job injuries can happen in almost any occupation in the industry.  Could appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) help mitigate risks?

Using Shipping Marine and Fishing Engineering PPE to Promote Marine Safety

A study recently published in Risk Analysis: an International Journal seeks to understand the causes, and the best ways to reduce, the frequency of occupational injuries among seafarers.  Safer work conditions for seafarers directly benefits shipping companies in the form of reduced insurance premiums, liabilities and legal costs, which in turn certainly benefits the consumer.

The Risk Analysis study addresses the causes of workplace injuries and accidents.  Researchers found that marine safety campaigns focusing on personal protective equipment (PPE) for workers can be the most effective at reducing risks and subsequent injuries.

The article referred to a study called “Quantitative Risk Assessment of Seafarers Non-fatal Injuries Due to Occupational Accidents Based on Bayesian Network Modeling.” Conducted by a team of Singapore-based researchers, the survey collected extensive data from seafarers about their working practices and their records of injuries.

Data Collection about Marine Safety Practices

Researchers collected 354 responses from seafarers in Singapore, China, South Korea, and Vietnam.   Workers in these countries represent a high percentage of the workers in the international seafaring market.  The responses recorded information designed to test certain potential risk factors including:

• Demographics – Sex, age, experience, nationality, ship type, position, time in position, tour duration, change of ship, familiarity, training, adequate rest, distraction.
• Work-Related Factors – Job risk awareness, job risk assessment, risk communication from employers, procedure design, housekeeping shore visit frequency, maintenance, accident feedback loop ,and injury during workers’ latest tour.
• PPE Use – Defective equipment or tools, PPE availability, PPE training, PPE usage, and reasons for not using PPE.

Shipping Marine and Fishing Engineering PPE /Marine Safety and PPE Study Results

The results of the survey suggested:

• 14% of seafarers suffered at least one injury during their latest tour.
• The most influential risk factors were age, risk awareness, sea experience, and PPE availability.
• 4% of marine workers reported never receiving proper PPE training.
• The injury rate among respondents untrained in PPE was as much as 33% higher than others.
• Overall, PPE availability had the greatest potential to decrease probability of injuries.
• Risk awareness can be improved through training.
• 18% of respondents reported their company did not retrain or refresh training after a maritime injury accident hurt a co-worker.

Overall, PPE availability is the most significant factor for promoting marine safety, indicating that:

• Maritime management should focus on improving and maintaining the supply of proper and effective PPEs aboard their vessels.
• A periodic review of the need for PPE for each task and subsequent updates of the type, size, and quality of PPE would be a particularly effective new marine safety campaigns for employers to implement.
• Companies should ensure all workers receive appropriate training on the proper use of PPEs, because this training is easily as important as the availability of the equipment itself.
• Risk awareness among employees can be improved by sharing information and anecdotes of common injuries.
• Communicating risk assessment results and posting warning signs at the sites of potential marine safety hazards can also be effective.
• Selecting PPE that do not sacrifice workplace efficiency will promote workers using them more regularly.
• Developing a workplace culture that promotes using PPEs at all times may also be effective.

Types Of Shipping Marine and Fishing Engineering PPE Most Effective at Protecting from Marine Safety Hazards

Shipping Marine and Fishing Engineering PPE The viability of the shipping industry depends on a safe and effective workforce.  That is, seafarers who are competent and whose employers provide safe and healthy working conditions.  The following types of PPEs keep maritime workers safe as they labor in this very dangerous industry.

Protective Clothing

The most common piece of protective clothing is a coverall, which protects the body from injuries due to hazardous substances like hot water, or a welding spark.  Maritime workers popularly refer to a coverall as a dangri or a boiler suit.

Helmet

Some of the most devastating injuries maritime workers incur are head injuries.  Hard hats or helmets with chin straps can guard against head injuries even if the worker trips or falls.

Safety Shoes

Bulky cargo and machinery, welding, falling objects, and slick surfaces create conditions that benefit from appropriate footwear.  Safety shoes help workers to find their footing safely, which prevents slip and fall accidents.  Also, safety shoes protect feet from crushing injuries.  Safety shoes should be both non-skid and steel toed.

Gloves

Gloves of many different descriptions can be provided on board a ship as PPE.  Some are heat resistant gloves for working on a hot surface. Cotton gloves improve grip. Welding gloves protect from burns. And chemical gloves prevent toxic exposure.

Eye Protection

Daily working conditions on a ship create many opportunities for eye injury.  Protective glasses or goggles are essential for eye protection, and welding goggles should always be used during welding operations.

Hearing Protection

Ear muffs or ear plugs are necessary in engine rooms where sound levels can easily reach 110 or 120 decibels.  Consequently, even a few minutes of exposure to volume of that level can cause headaches or even hearing loss.

Respirators

Many jobs in the maritime industry involve working around hazardous particles.  Painting, welding, and sandblasting are a few examples.  Workers on older ships also risk exposure to substances like asbestos and silica dust, which are common in the maritime industry.  Respirators can prevent respiratory injury or illness due to dangerous particle exposure.

Chemical Suit

Many maritime workers will face exposure to toxic chemicals in the course of their work.  Some of the chemicals are very dangerous if they come in contact with human skin. Wearing a chemical suit or hazmat suit can avoid burns and other injuries due to hazardous chemicals.

Safety Harnesses

Seafarers regularly climb high and elevated surfaces to perform routine maintenance and other operations on the ship.  Many times crew members must attempt to reach areas that are not easily accessible.  As a result of the ships movement, the risk of a fall from heights is quite high, and requires the use of a safety harness.  Safety harnesses must be worn by the operator at one end and tied to a strong point at the other end to catch a worker in case of a fall.

Welding Shield

Welding is a daily occurrence on board most ships because it is absolutely essential for structural repairs.  Welders should have access to a welding shield or mask to protect their eyes and face from coming into direct contact with the ultraviolet rays of the weld and intense sparks from the metal.

Discover Our Top Shipping Marine and Fishing Engineering PPE Products for Workers and Contractors in the Maritime Industry

Shipping Marine and Fishing Engineering PPE for Maritime Industry is integral in keeping the Australian Maritime Industry globally afloat, a sector crucial to our island nation. This broad sector employs thousands of workers who operate Australia’s shipping networks, ports, offshore rigs, tourism vessels, research vessels and facilities, fishing and aquaculture industries, emergency rescue services, and more.

The demanding environments of the Maritime sector mean that PPE usage and hazard reduction in the workplace are daily concerns for everyone from deckhands to engineers and superintendents. Maritime PPE must be reliable, appropriately fitted, and well-made to protect workers, contractors, and apprentices. Here are our best VISION Safe PPE items for the Maritime Industry.

The Convenience of Uncorded Foam Ear Plugs in the Maritime Industry

Hearing loss is an extremely dangerous hazard in the Maritime Industry due to the high noise levels on ships, offshore rigs, and ports. Workers in these environments are often subjected to constant background noise from machinery and sudden bursts of sound from equipment or routine operations. Given this level of exposure, it is no surprise that hearing damage is such a serious issue for those who work in Maritime.

Appropriately fitted hearing Shipping Marine and Fishing Engineering PPE for use in loud areas ensures workers can continue performing their vital roles without risking their hearing. Considering that workers in the Maritime Industry may have to work in tight spaces where earmuffs may feel cumbersome, the best solution to reduce the risk of accidental noise exposure is to provide high-quality Foam Earplugs as an in-ear protection option.

Our VISIONSafe Uncorded Foam Earplugs offer class 5 hearing protection and come in individually packaged pairs. These plugs provide grab-and-go convenience and the comfort of fitted foam technology for Maritime Industry workers.

Stainless Steel Cylinder Restraints for Stowage in Maritime Industry Settings

Whether cylinders are stowed on board a vessel or stored in shipyards and workshops, they must be secured safely and correctly. Cylinders used in maritime workplaces range in size and shape depending on use, and may include gas cylinders, oxygen tanks, fire extinguishers, and large drums.

In the Maritime Industry, most cylinders must be secured vertically with wall brackets in a well-ventilated area and strictly spaced according to their contents. The complexity of safe cylinder stowage requires a high-quality restraint system, which can span multiple areas of the vessel or shipyard. The Bottlechock Cylinder Restraint system is the perfect solution.

Bottlechock restraints are made from water-resistant and corrosion-resistant stainless steel, ideal for use in maritime environments. Bottlechock Restraints grip each cylinder with complete contact to prevent horizontal or vertical movement.

Workers can snap cylinders into place with Bottlechock’s flexible pinch design, access valves as needed, and remove elevated cylinders easily – making lifting easier and safer. The Bottlechock Cylinder Restraint system is customisable, easy to install, and ensures safe stowage of cylinders in the workplace.

Bottlechock Oxygen Acetylene

The Best Lightweight Grip Gloves for Lightwork in the Elements

Maritime Industry workers are constantly exposed to the elements, which can take a toll on their hands. Whether working offshore or on land, Maritime Industry workers need to be equipped with the right PPE gear from trusted safety equipment suppliers to protect them from the elements and keep them safe. Light grip gloves are an essential part of that PPE.

Lightweight grip gloves provide increased grip, protection, and dexterity, making it easier for workers to stay safe and productive. Grip gloves can also offer protection from cuts and scrapes, and their thin design makes them ideal for workers who are constantly on the move.

The Gripguard Gloves by Guardsman are our top selling option for lightweight grip gloves. With their extra fingertip and palm grip for slippery surfaces, these gloves are perfect for the versatility Maritime Industry workers need. Gripguard Gloves are comfortable, adjustable and completely washable, and they are the best PPE solution for lightwork.

PPE Eyewear Goggles to Protect Maritime Workers from Injury

In the maritime industry, workers are constantly engaged in a variety of tasks that can potentially put their eyes at risk. Whether performing routine maintenance or standard operations, there are always potential hazards that could put workers’ eyes at risk. For these reasons, eyewear PPE, such as sturdy safety goggles, is vital for workers.

Safety goggles protect against flying debris and splashes of hazardous materials to reduce the risk of eye irritation or injury. Many goggles also have anti-fog features to ensure enhanced clarity and visibility even in challenging conditions. PPE goggles are an essential tool for ensuring Maritime Industry workers’ safety and helping them work effectively.

Our Garrison 363 Goggles are certified for medium impact protection for shard hazards and a protective seal against sweat and chemical splashes. The Garrison 363’s ergonomically designed frame is comfortable, fits prescription glasses, and features venting to maintain proper airflow. The anti-fog and anti-scratch lenses are ideal for the Maritime Industry environments where PPE must be durable for tough conditions.

A Safe Utility Knife for Workers in Every Maritime Industry Environment

Workers in the Maritime industry know the importance of safe utility knives. These tools are used daily and are designed with an extra layer of protection to prevent accidents. Utility knives have a guard that covers the blade when not in use and a locking mechanism that prevents the blade from being extended when not needed. In the Maritime Industry, it is essential that utility knives are made from durable materials that resist corrosion and drop damage.

This heavy-duty knife has a rigid die-cast metal body with inset rubber grips on both sides. Blades for the SKR100 are easily replaceable and can be set to either 15mm or 20mm cut depth, meaning workers can use the right cut for the job and reduce the risk of injury.

VISIONSafe’s SKR100 Utility Knife is the ideal option for maritime environments.

Shipping Marine and Fishing Engineering PPE For Maritime Workers

The shipping industry is one of the greatest contributors to the world’s economy, and its workers face the highest workplace risks, including death, on a daily basis. Understanding the reasons behind sea occupational injuries and successfully lowering their frequency benefits both seafarers and shipping companies.

Seafarers have to perform hazardous tasks, such as repairing and patching ships, refloating shipwrecked vessels, and even putting out fires. And they are regularly exposed to airborne particulate matter, biohazards, chemicals, heat and electrical hazards.

A study conducted by a team of researchers from Singapore indicates that the availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) for seafarers greatly reduces the daily injuries and risks faced by these workers. The study revealed that 4 percent of the workers that had not received proper training on the use of PPE suffer an injury rate as high as 33 percent. Thus, companies have the responsibility of ensuring that their workers have access to the best quality PPE and receive sufficient training on their use.

The use of personal protective equipment also increases work efficiency. For example, if you are working with chemicals, you can easily handle a huge quantity with confidence if you have the right PPE, which serves as the first line of defense against such risks. Protective gear such as eye goggles provides safety against liquid or chemical splash and fumes from vapors. Gloves protect your hands against heat and corrosive substances. A coverall or overall, a.k.a. “boiler suit,” protects the body against hot water, acid and other chemicals.

Other examples of PPE are: a high-quality helmet with a chin strap to protect against head injuries; steel-toed and non-skid shoes to protect the feet; an ear muff to prevent hearing damage; and a welding shield to protect the body.

When choosing PPE, you should consider these factors: the type and level of protection required, functionality, fit, sustainability of material, and comfort and ergonomics. Choosing the right PPE is necessary for the physical and psychological safety of seafarers. Knowing the risks that workers face is key to finding the right protective gear.

Health and safety on ships

Skip to contents of guide

Contents

1. Overview
2. Risk assessments
3. Safe working practices
4. Protective equipment
5. Noise and vibration
6. Small commercial vessels
7. Seagoing passenger vessels
8. Safety on vessels on inland waters
9. Marine engineering
10. Fire prevention
11. Safety in ports

Shipping Marine and Fishing Engineering PPE Protective equipment

Workers must be given suitable protective equipment if performing dangerous tasks.

You should only use protective equipment when risks cannot be avoided or reduced to an acceptable level by safe working practices. This equipment should:

• meet the required standards
• be a correct fit for the worker or adjustable
• be compatible with any other equipment the worker has to use
• be easily accessible, properly stored and maintained
• be provided free of charge (unless it’s also used outside the workplace)