GUIDANCE ON THE SAFE OPERATION OF OIL POLLUTION

COMBATING EQUIPMENT

Preface

1 Article 6.2(a) of the International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness,

Response and Co-operation (OPRC Convention) requires that each Party shall establish a
minimum level of pre-positioned oil spill combating equipment commensurate with the risk
involved. In addition, article 8.4 of the OPRC Convention calls for the development of
standards for compatible oil pollution combating techniques and equipment through the
International Maritime Organization or other competent international organizations.

2 The Marine Environment Protection Committee, at its sixtieth session, having

considered the proposal by the Islamic Republic of Iran to develop guidelines addressing the
safe performance of oil pollution combating equipment, approved the inclusion of a new item
in the work programme and the agenda of the OPRC-HNS Technical Group on
‘Development of guidance on the safe operation and performance standards of oil pollution
combating equipment’. The OPRC Technical Group, having discussed this issue for several
sessions, invited the Islamic Republic of Iran to further develop the ‘Guidance on the Safe
Operation of Oil Pollution Combating Equipment’. This Guidance provides information on the
identification, assessment and mitigation of the risks to the responders in transporting and
operating oil pollution combating equipment, taking into account the lessons learnt by
government and industry from the oil spill response operations in recent years. The
Guidance also provides best practices for the operation of equipment and reduction of injury
to responders in oil spill response operations.
 Table of Contents

Chapter 1 – Introduction 3

Chapter 2 – Definitions 1

Chapter 3 – Scope of guidance 3

Chapter 4 – Technical guidance and best practices for response personnel 1

4.1 Hazard factors 1

4.1.1 Direct primary risk factors 1

4.1.2 Indirect secondary risk factors 2

4.2 Hazard identification 6

4.3 Risk assessment methods 8

4.4 Risk evaluation 9

4.5 Risk mitigation 9

4.6 Risk assessment for oil pollution combating equipment 10

4.7 Best practices 12

Chapter 5 – Documentation and reporting 16

Bibliography 17

Appendix 1 – Risk assessment form 19

Appendix 2 – Additional safety control 25

Appendix 3 – Best practice for oil pollution combating equipment 27

Appendix 4 – Reporting form for injuries from oil pollution combating equipment 36

Appendix 5 – Safety checklist for oil pollution combating equipment 37

Chapter 1 – Introduction

1.1 This document aims to provide technical guidance for the safe operation of oil spill
combating equipment and use of materials to minimize risks to personnel involved in oil
pollution response operations. Oil spill response activities may be conducted in different
locations and environments, and involve many different processes. Such operations make
use of a combination of human resources, equipment and materials.

1.2 The safety of responders is of utmost importance when conducting effective oil spill
responses. It is crucial to ensure that procedures are performed correctly, with safe use of
response equipment and materials. Currently there is no guidance available for the safe
operation of oil spill response equipment. Analytical information from the National
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) regarding the Deepwater Horizon
clean-up operations indicated that 459 cases of injury occurred during the seven-week
operation (23 April to 20 June 2010), including 14 shoulder injuries, 17 eye injuries, 21 neck
injuries, 29 head/face injuries, 46 ankle/foot injuries, 54 knee/leg injuries, 59 back injuries,
76 arm/elbow injuries, 126 hand/finger injuries and 17 other cases. Moreover, among the
personnel involved in the oil pollution combating operation for Erika (1999) there were 439
cases of backache, 317 cases of headache, 230 cases of skin irritation, 126 cases of eye
irritation, 98 cases of breathing difficulty and 91 cases of nausea and vomiting (Figures 1 and
2).

Figure 1: Injuries resulting from Deepwater Horizon oil pollution incident

(Figure compiled from statistics found in NIOSH, 2010)

difficulty breathing
98

Figure 2: Injuries resulting from M/T Erika oil pollution incident (Figure compiled from statistics
found in Cellule Interrégionale d’Epidémiologie Ouest et al (2000))
1.3 Responder injuries can inflict significant financial cost upon
administrators/operators. Some costs are obvious, such as sick pay for injured personnel,
while others are harder to identify. Less obvious costs may include the increase in
insurance premiums, as well as loss of production, customers and even reputation.

1.4 In addition to using personal protective equipment during an oil spill combating
operation, responders should also have adequate knowledge of the potential hazards they
may encounter while operating oil spill response equipment and materials in order to
minimize such hazards and protect their health and safety.

1.5 Identifying these hazards and potential risks and taking them into consideration
protects the personnel from possible physical or psychological harm, while also increasing
the efficiency of response operations.
Chapter 2 – Definitions

Hazards or threats

Hazards or threats are existing conditions which may lead to undesirable events.

Event

An event is an occurrence that has an associated outcome.

Controls

Controls refer to the measures taken to prevent hazards from causing undesirable events.
Controls can be physical (safety shutdowns, redundant controls, conservative designs, etc.),
procedural (written operating procedures), and can also address human factors (employee
selection, training, supervision).

Risk

Risk is defined as the product of the frequency with which an event is anticipated to occur
and the consequence of the event’s outcome. Risk level is a qualitative or quantitative
assessment of the risk.

Risk = Frequency X Consequence

Frequency

The frequency of a potential undesirable event is expressed as events per unit of time. The
frequency should be determined from historical data if a significant number of events
have occurred in the past.

Consequence

Consequence can be expressed as the number of people affected (injured or killed).

Likelihood

A generic term covering either frequency or probability, depending on the analysis used.

Risk mitigation

Mitigating or reducing the risk of injury from the operation of oil pollution combating equipment.

Limitations

The use of oil pollution combating equipment is subject to a number of limitations or factors
which impact its effectiveness. The limitations may be divided into different categories, of
which environmental limitations and operational limitations are common. An understanding
of such limitations by the response personnel will lead to safer operations.

Environmental limitations

Environmental limitations are those connected to the environment, e.g. temperature, sea
state, inclines, space, time and noise.
Operational limitations

Operational limitations are those connected to the operation, e.g. intended use of
equipment, maximum breaking load of chains or ropes to be used, the capacity, pressure,
load, range of fluids, substances, resistance, weight, etc. that might be involved, and the
maximum noise allowance for the responders.

Emotion

A physiological state of agitation or disturbance which can affect an individual's normal ability
to perform required tasks.

Personal problem

A problem that pre-occupies the emotions and reduces the ability to perform required
tasks. Examples include physical disabilities, death or illness.

Injury

Physical damage to the body, which reduces mental or physical capability.

Mental illness

Psychotic or erratic behaviour, depression, hallucinations or other forms of abnormal

behaviour.

Fatigue

A reduction in physical and/or mental capability as the result of physical, mental or emotional
exertion which may impair nearly all physical abilities, including strength, speed, reaction
time, coordination, decision-making or balance.
Chapter 3 – Scope of Guidance

3.1 This document provides technical guidance and best practices for the personnel
involved in oil spill response operations, with a view to minimizing the risk associated with the
operation of oil pollution combating equipment.

3.2 This Guidance also provides a uniform risk management approach for the
identification, assessment, evaluation and control of risks involved in the operation of oil
pollution combating equipment.

3.3 In this Guidance, the risks originating from different types of oil pollution response
operations on shorelines and at sea are identified and best practices for the safe operation
of oil pollution combating equipment are provided.
Chapter 4 – Technical guidance and best practices for response personnel

4.1 Hazard factors

The operation of oil pollution combating equipment poses potential health threats to
response personnel. These threats are categorized into direct factors (e.g. equipment) and
indirect factors (e.g. location of operation, type of oil, oil spill combating technique or
knowledge and experience of response personnel). The type of threat depends on the type
of equipment used for the operation. However, the intensity of the threat will be determined
by a combination of factors including the above-mentioned direct and indirect factors, during
and after the operation. The definition and types of factors are set out below.

4.1.1 Direct primary risk factors

Combating equipment and materials

Containment and recovery of oil at sea and onshore requires different equipment and
materials, depending on the various morphological, oceanographic and environmental
conditions that may be present. These differences relate to the design, form, size, type and
weight of the materials used in producing the equipment. Such differences complicate the
range of risks from, and hazards associated with, the equipment used for combating oil spills.
Although in certain conditions, such as on shorelines or in rivers or shallow waters, oil spill
clean-up can be carried out using non-specialized, widely available equipment and materials,
specialized equipment and materials, known to have better performance and effectiveness,
are often used. This equipment is classified as follows:

.1 Containment devices: Booms are the most commonly used oil containment devices.
There are many different types of boom to suit a variety of different needs and
conditions. Even though all boom types are designed on the same principle, they
are made of a variety of materials and have differing features, dimensions and
physical characteristics;

.2 Recovery devices: Skimmers are the most popular oil recovery devices. A diverse
range of skimmers are available to recover floating oil from the water surface. They
have been developed to work under a variety of operating conditions. Generally,
they are designed to work on a suction or adhesion basis. They exhibit different
physical characteristics based on manufacturer design and component materials;

.3 Vessels and specialized vessels: Vessels play an important role in oil spill response
operations. Vessels are used for storing and carrying equipment and in some cases
for storing recovered oil at sea. Supply boats, tugs and buoy tender vessels are
generally used during response operations. There are also specialized vessels for
oil recovery that are equipped with the necessary devices to enable the collection
and on-board storage of small quantities of oil;

.4 Temporary storage and handling facilities: The provision of safe and suitable
temporary storage and handling facilities is crucial for the success of an oil spill
response operation. There are a variety of temporary storage facilities that can be
used to support recovery operations at sea or on shorelines. Vessel tanks, barges,
towable floating tanks, drums and terrestrial fast tanks are the most recognized
types of temporary storage facilities. Handling facilities consist mainly of oil lightering
devices, fixed, floating and submerged pumps;

.5 Ignition devices: To conduct in-situ burning of oil on water, ignition devices should
be used;
.6 Shoreline clean-up devices and accessories: There are different types of equipment
that can be used for shoreline clean-up that are not especially designed for this
purpose. Rakes, shovels, scrapers, dustbins, vacuum trucks and tanks, graders,
bulldozers, tractors, high and low pressure cleaners, steam generators and electric
generators are the most common types of shoreline clean-up devices;

.7 Dispersant spraying devices: Dispersants can be applied from aircraft, helicopters,

ships or individual small handheld pumps;

.8 Communications devices; and

.9 Pumps: Pumps are used for the transfer of oil between storage units or recovery
devices.

Dispersants and sorbents are common materials used in oil spill clean-up operations.
Dispersants are chemical agents that alter the physical behaviour of oil on the sea’s
surface. Dispersants are usually applied directly to the spilled oil by spraying from aircraft,
helicopters, ships or individual small handheld pumps. Sorbents are materials used for either
absorption or adsorption of oil at sea. Although they have similar functions, they are made
from different materials and in different forms and shapes.

4.1.2 Indirect secondary risk factors

Location of response operations

The location of an oil spill clean-up operation is an important factor in determining other
parameters related to the response, e.g. type of equipment and number and level of trained
personnel needed for the operation. The conditions and specific characteristics of each
geographical location will determine the type of equipment to be used for the clean-up, as
well as any possible hazards present. It will also influence the skill set and capabilities
required of the personnel and the likely success of the operation.

Oil spills may occur in different environmental conditions and extend beyond these. Also
clean-up operations may be conducted in different places, such as:

 rivers;

 estuaries;

 creeks;

 port and harbour areas;

 areas adjacent to oil handling facilities;

 shoreline;

 shallow waters; and

 deep sea/open water.

The physical characteristics of the equipment needed may vary depending on the
environment served. Type, form, size and weight of equipment are among the main
characteristics that determine the right choice of equipment for each location and
environment.
Type of oil spilled

Both the OPRC Convention and MARPOL define oil as petroleum in any form, including
crude oil, fuel oil, oil refuse and refined products.

Initiating a proper response to an oil spill is partly dependent on identifying the type of oil
spilled, thus determining the most suitable equipment and materials required for the clean-
up.

Potential hazards to operation personnel will therefore be determined by the type of oil
spilled, which will also influence decisions about the type of equipment and how it is used.

Oil spill response options

Implementing an oil spill response operation will expose response personnel to a certain
level of risk from equipment or materials. Decisions regarding the best option for responding
to an oil spill and determining the type of equipment to be used during the operation will
therefore define the extent and scope of the risks to personnel.

Recent technological developments have made available the following number of oil spill
response options:

 no action other than monitoring and evaluating the fate and behaviour of the oil;

 containment and recovery of the oil at sea and/or in other water bodies (rivers,
harbours, etc.);

 chemical dispersion of the oil at sea;

 burning the floating oil at sea; and

 shoreline clean-up.

Knowledge and experience of response personnel

The level of knowledge and experience of personnel involved in a response operation should
be considered an indirect factor that defines a large proportion of risks associated with
equipment. Oil spill combating operations make use of a combination of human resources,
equipment, materials and vessels. Not every responder needs the same level of knowledge
and experience. While traditionally most of the personnel involved in onshore clean-up
activities have only basic skills (except for their managers and supervisors) and use simple
equipment, operations conducted at sea largely require specialized personnel and
specialized equipment operated in a satisfactory manner.

Safety should be taken into account from the design stage of the equipment and should be
kept in mind at all the subsequent stages in the life cycle of the equipment: manufacture,
installation, adjustment, operation, maintenance and eventual scrapping.

Personnel involved in response operations should be fully familiar with the potential safety risks
from the equipment. Common sources of hazard include:

 materials;

 handling;
  ergonomics;

 operating position;

 control system;

 moving parts;

 installation errors;

 extreme temperatures;

 fire;

 explosion;

 noise;

 vibrations;

 emission of hazardous materials and substances;

 trapped with equipment/in machine; and

 cleaning of equipment.

Hazards associated with collision and boom/wire under tension

In order to prevent other ships from colliding with units involved in an oil spill combating
operation and/or booms and wires under tension, it is important to identify the high-risk area
during an operation and prevent uninvolved people and units from entering. The hazardous
areas related to towing of barges/storage tanks or booms in order to move the oil slick are
illustrated in Figures 3 to 6 below:

Figure 3: Hazardous area of wires under tension

Figure 4: Hazardous area in J configuration

Figure 5: Hazardous area in U configuration

Figure 6: Hazardous area in V configuration

4.2 Hazard identification

Before beginning any task, it is important to fully identify and evaluate all the associated
hazards and risks. This is an important task for oil spill combating operations due to the wide
variety of potential activities and challenges to control at work sites. A number of questions
should be asked:

1) Where will the work be performed: in marshes, on the beach, on inland

waters, offshore, at docks or in work staging areas?

2) What type of oil pollution will the combating equipment be used for?

3) Will the work be carried out from vessels (small or large) or barges?

4) What stage of the clean-up will the personnel be involved in?

5) Will the personnel be monitoring the activities of others or directly involved

in clean-up activities?

6) What can go wrong? What are the possible consequences?

7) What types of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be required?

8) What hazards could occur and how likely are they?

9) Who might be harmed by the identified hazards, and when?

10) What parts of the machine could cause injury?

11) Who will operate the machine, when, and why?

Potential misuse should be foreseen, including the possibility of equipment being operated
by untrained personnel, and people other than operators who might be present in the
workplace, such as cleaners, security staff, visitors and members of the public.

In general, hazards can arise from the spilled product itself and the chemicals involved in the
response operation.

This Guidance aims to identify the hazards of operating oil pollution combating equipment during:

 Transportation;

 Deploying an oil recovery boom;

 Blowing up an oil recovery boom by air blower pump;

 Towing an oil recovery boom;

 Operating a power pack;

 Operating noisy equipment;

 Operating a skimmer;

 Pumping recovered oil;

  Operating high pressure cleaners;

 Manoeuvring aircraft;

 Igniting and burning of oil at sea;

 Splashing and blowback of oil spill dispersant to personnel;

 Towing barges/floating tanks;

 Using absorbent materials;

 Working on trucks and with shoreline clean-up vehicles/equipment; and

 Working on shore at temporary storage facilities

Consideration should be given to the possibility of entanglement, crushing, cutting from tools,
sharp edges on the equipment, stability of the equipment, noise, vibration, chemicals, and
the emission of substances being processed. Other factors such as radiation also need to be
considered, as well as burns from hot surfaces, or friction from the high-speed equipment.

Fundamental to determining the safe operation of oil pollution combating equipment is an

assessment of the risks associated with working with this equipment in different locations, as
well as with the different equipment to be utilized throughout the various stages of the
response. The typical stages for at sea response, when mechanical methods have been
chosen, are as follows:

.1 Loading of equipment onto the trucks in stockpiles;

.2 Transportation of equipment to the shore or loading berth/jetty;

.3 Loading of equipment onto a vessel/barge or boat;

.4 Transportation of equipment from loading point to the combating area;

.5 Deployment of the oil recovery boom including the blowing of inflatable type
of boom;

.6 Towing of booms;

.7 Recovery of oil by skimmers;

.8 Collection of skimmers;

.9 Recovery of booms;

.10 Returning of equipment to the unloading point;

.11 Washing of equipment; and

.12 Returning of equipment to the stockpiles.

4.3 Risk assessment methods

Once the hazards of a system or process have been identified, a risk assessment should be
conducted to estimate the frequency of occurrence for the related hazardous events.

Many different analysis techniques and models have been developed to assist in conducting
risk assessments. Key to any successful risk assessment is choosing the right method (or
combination of methods) for the situation at hand. It should be noted that some of these
methods (or slight variations) can be used for more than one stage in the risk assessment
process. Common risk assessment methods are listed below:

 Hazard Identification (HAZID) methods, including:

- Hazard Identification (HAZID) technique;

- Checklist analysis;

- Hazard and Operability (HAZOP) analysis;

- Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA); and

- Contribution of ‘human factors’ issues.

 Frequency assessment method

- Analysis of historical data;

- Event Tree Analysis (ETA);

- Fault Tree Analysis (FTA);

- Common Cause Failure Analysis (CCFA); and

- Human reliability analysis.

 Consequence assessment methods, including:

- The Risk Assessment Process generally consists of three basic steps to

determine risk levels:

- Hazard identification;

- Risk analysis, including frequency assessment and consequence

assessment; and

- Risk evaluation.

The amount of information needed to make a decision varies considerably. In some cases,
having identified the hazards, qualitative methods of assessing frequency and consequence
are satisfactory to carry out a risk evaluation. In other cases, a more detailed quantitative
analysis is required. Once the likelihood (frequency/probability) and severity of risks have
been considered, the available precautions should be examined to determine their
effectiveness.
The level of risk can be calculated utilizing a two-dimensional matrix combining likelihood
and consequence.

Risk = Likelihood (Frequency) X Consequence

4.4 Risk evaluation

Once the hazards and potential risks or events have been identified and the frequencies and
consequences associated with these events have been estimated, the relative risks
associated with the events can be evaluated. There are a variety of qualitative and
quantitative techniques used to carry out risk evaluation. The common methods are:

 Risk prioritization

In this technique, the analysis team identifies potential scenarios using structured
hazard analysis techniques (e.g. HAZOP, FMEA). The analysis team subjectively
assigns each scenario with a priority category based on the perceived level of risk.
Priority categories can be: low, medium, high or very high.

 Risk categorization

In categorizing, the analyst should define the likelihood and consequence categories
to be used in the evaluation and also the level of risk associated with this
likelihood/consequence category combination. Frequency and consequence
categories can be developed in a qualitative or quantitative manner. In this method,
the level of risk for further decisions can also be categorized.

4.5 Risk mitigation

Although the most effective way of managing risk is to eliminate it, this is not always possible
and other options need to be considered. The least effective way of managing risk is to use
PPE as a control method, and this is an indication that the hazard is still present to some
degree. When applying risk controls, the timescale applied may vary. The aim is to control
the highest rated risks first. It may still be necessary to apply low level risk controls before
high risk controls, depending on the operating conditions of equipment and the weather
conditions. Attention to the manufacturer’s recommendations and use of precautionary
measures before any action is taken is the primary objective of risk mitigation. In this
Guidance, control measures are suggested for each task in the process of oil pollution
combating.

4.5.1 Additional safety control

When the level of risk is high and it is impractical to reduce it by current or normal measures,
this hierarchy of safety precautions should be followed to eliminate or reduce the risk. The
main safety precautions to control high risk tasks are as follows:

.1 Elimination: Whenever possible, the best method of dealing with a hazard

is to eliminate it. Once the hazard has been eliminated, the potential for
harm will be removed;

.2 Replacement: Examining whether the hazard source can be replaced with

less hazardous combating equipment. For example, aircraft can be
replaced with a boat for spraying oil spill dispersant in low cloud weather
conditions;
 .3 Engineering controls: Possible adaptation of the equipment, for example
installation of an additional mechanism for easier sliding during deployment
of oil recovery booms;

.4 Administrative: This can include training, installation of warning labels,

implementation of safe working procedures and site safety
inspections/audits; and

.5 Personal Protective Equipment: This can include lifejackets, safety

harnesses, safety glasses/goggles, safety helmets, safety boots and gloves.

A typical additional safety control form can be found in Appendix 2 to this Guidance. When
the risk level is identified as high, additional safety control measures should be identified and
recorded in this form and adhered to during the operation.

4.6 Risk Assessment for oil pollution combating equipment

The method of Risk Assessment for oil pollution combating equipment introduced in this
Guidance is a combination of frequency, consequence and FMEA methods. This method
identifies hazards or risks and consequential effects on personnel from working with oil
pollution combating equipment such as oil booms, skimmers, pumps, high pressure
machines, floating tanks, etc. A form to assist the assessment of risk when working with oil
pollution combating equipment is displayed in Appendix 1.

Hazard identification depends on the amount of oil spilled at sea or on shorelines and the
equipment needed, which may vary considerably.

The combination of consequence (severity) and frequency collectively define the risk, and
can be represented by a risk value or Risk Priority Number (RPN).

The advantages of this method are:

.1 All the stages of risk assessment can be viewed alongside each other;

.2 It combines qualitative and quantitative approaches, which can give the

score for each level of frequency and severity; and

.3 The hazard type and the level of risk will vary depending on the location,
type and extent of the oil spill, the response method used, and the
equipment and facilities available. Therefore, the table provided for risk
assessment does not mention the score of each separate task and its
consequences to personnel. The safety officer or risk assessment analyst
can choose any score from Table 1 or Table 2 below to calculate the
degree of severity or probability.

In this method, the risk priority value is calculated by multiplying consequence or severity by
frequency or probability, which will fall between 1 and 100, as follows:

.1 1 ≤ x < 30: risks that are permitted to exist and can be controlled to prevent
incidents from occurring. They are identified as Low Risk (LR);

.2 30 ≤ x < 60: risks that are under control, but need to be reconsidered and
lowered to permissible levels. They are identified as Moderate Risk (MR); and

.3 60 ≤ x ≤ 100: risks that need to be eliminated or lowered to permissible

levels. They are identified as High Risk (HR).
The method for measuring the severity or consequence, which enables prioritization during
risk assessment, is elaborated in the table below:

Score Consequence Effect on personnel

Danger without
10 Death
warning
9 Danger with warning Disablement
8 Very high Loss of body parts, restricted duty, occupational illness

7 High Level 3 burns

Break or sprain, strain or injuries to muscles (which can be

6 Medium
treated similar to level 2 burns)
Contusions, level 1 burns, redness of skin, medical aid
5 Low
needed
4 Very low Minor effect on body, interim surgery, first aid needed
3 Negligible Abrasion, scrape of hand

2 Very negligible Small cuts

1 No effect No injuries or damage

Table 1 – Severity/consequence index

Score Frequency Frequency per time

risk/hazard

10 Danger without Regularly

warning
9 Danger with warning Once per week
8 Very high Every 2 weeks
7 High Monthly
6 Medium Seasonally
5 Low Less than once per year
4 Very low Annually
3 Negligible Every 1 to 5 years
2 Very negligible Every 5 to15 years, accidental
1 No effect Rarely

Table 2 – Frequency/probability of risk

After carrying out the risk assessment, it is important to make a judgement on whether the
risk is acceptable or not. Where a risk is assessed as low, the risk of operation may be
accepted. If the level of the risk is high, the risk should be eliminated or lowered and new
options should be put in place with the aim of reducing the level of risk. The monitoring and
review of risk assessments is a gradual process which requires continuous improvement.

4.7 Best practices

After the risk assessment has been completed and the action techniques have been
determined for operational teams, the response team, especially the response equipment
operators, need to pay sufficient attention to the health and safety considerations specified in
contingency plans and also those defined by equipment manufacturers. The best practices
are therefore defined giving consideration to the response procedures and the equipment
used in each oil spill response operation.

As mentioned in section 4.1 (Hazard factors), the main response techniques such as
containment and recovery are mechanical in nature, including in-situ burning and shoreline
clean-up. These techniques usually include the use of mechanical equipment such as booms
to contain the oil slick, as well as skimmers and pumps to recover and transfer the spilled oil
from the water surface. The best practices for these techniques need to be considered fully
before, during and after using such equipment. Moreover, there are technical guidelines
provided by equipment manufacturers, as well as checklists for their safe and optimal use by
operational teams so as to prevent danger and harm to the personnel and equipment.

The proposed checklists include safe operation methods for most available oil spill response
equipment, and are intended to complement the operation booklets provided separately for
each item of equipment. The importance of personal protective equipment and clothing is
also recognized and some related recommendations are also provided in this section.

Based on the requirements for the safe operation of oil spill combating equipment, the
following measures are recommended:

4.7.1 General requirements

.1 Assess, manage and reduce the risks to responders which may arise from
combating operations to as low a level as reasonably practicable, so as to
prevent anyone from coming to harm, to maintain a safe and healthy
environment and to minimize incident;

.2 Enhance safety culture and share safety values with parties involved in the
operation;

.3 Report any incident and take remedial actions to prevent its recurrence;

.4 Provide adequate medical treatment to all personnel involved in the

combating operations and establish an efficient hazard evacuation system
in work areas;

.5 Establish safety procedures and practices in all operations to work towards

an incident-free work place;

.6 Ensure a Risk Assessment has been completed before initiating

operational activities;

.7 Ensure all personnel working on the response have received adequate

materials, equipment (including PPE) and instructions which enable them to
undertake their work in a safe manner;
 .8 Ensure that the operational facilities and working areas have been
established in a safe manner; and

.9 Make sure that measurement and monitoring equipment for safe working
(e.g. gas detection and flashpoint) are available and in operation.

Before commencing a combating operation, it is important to ensure that all equipment and
personnel are fully prepared in every respect. For this purpose, a checklist has been
provided in Appendix 5 to this document.

4.7.2 Personnel responsibilities

It is important to select the ‘best person’ who is trained, motivated and ‘fit to function’ for the
job, and to ensure that adequate additional training is given to all relevant personnel.

Safety officer

To facilitate the control of safety aspects in an oil pollution combating operation, it is

recommended that an appropriate person be appointed to act as safety officer. The safety
officer is responsible for conducting safety procedures, implementing risk control and
reporting any accident or injury that occurs during any phase of the response operation.

On-scene coordinator/commander

The on-scene coordinator/commander in charge of the response is also responsible for

implementing this safety guidance.

Contractors/volunteers

The implementation of operational safety measures should be reflected in the contracts of

the contractors/volunteers, as a line of responsibility at all times.

The application of safe operation policy is the direct responsibility of the on-scene
coordinator and all employees and contractors/volunteers involved in its day-to-day
application. For this purpose, the following actions are recommended:

.1 Promote safety consciousness among employees, contractors/volunteers

and sub-contractors to prevent accidents and injuries;

.2 Provide the best possible care in operation of combating equipment and

facilities;

.3 Continue to take a proactive stance towards health and safety matters;

.4 Make arrangements for the elimination and mitigation of health risks in

connection with all operational activities;

.5 Implement innovative measures to continuously improve safety practices;

.6 Conduct effective safety training; and

.7 Brief all personnel, in particular new and inexperienced volunteers about

safety issues. This could be by way of a short introductory course, including
information about safe working and the possible hazards associated with oil
spill response.
Master of the oil pollution combating vessel/barge/boat

The master is the safety operation representative on board a ship and is required to fulfil
specific instructions and guidelines. In other words, the master holds the ultimate
responsibility on board for matters affecting the safety of the operation, as well as the health
and safety of crew and personnel.

All personnel

Applicable national law may provide that every person has a statutory duty to take
reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and also others who may be
affected due to working with oil pollution combating equipment. With regard to the statutory
duties imposed on their employer, they should cooperate with their employer to enable
him/her to comply with the relevant statutory requirements.

4.7.3 Personal protective clothing and equipment

Personal protective clothing and equipment are not substitutes for effective engineering
control, safe working conditions or sound work practices, but are provided to play an
essential role in the protection of workers. Their use does not eliminate hazards, but is an aid
to controlling individuals’ exposure to adverse health effects and to prevent/minimize injuries.

All PPE should be provided to employees as needed. The employer is responsible for
providing the necessary PPE to all its personnel; however, it is the responsibility of all
individuals to protect their PPE from damage.

All damaged PPE should be reported to the relevant supervisor immediately. All PPE should
be of approved types and no modification should be made to the equipment.

Types of PPE and their application

Head protection

Safety helmets should be worn at operational worksites at all times for protection against
head injury.

Eye and face protection

Approved eye or face protective equipment such as goggles and face shields should be worn
while carrying out tasks that might harm the eyes and face, such as operating high pressure
machinery.

Body protection

Overalls should be worn at all times. Loose clothing should not be permitted at the worksite.
Overalls or long trousers and shirts should be worn with rubber aprons for protection against
acid and chemical splashes as needed. Leather aprons should be worn when handling
molten metal or shielding against a heat source.

Hearing protection

There are two basic types of ear protective equipment – earmuffs and earplugs. These
should be worn when working in areas where there is long-term excessive noise (above 85
dB), such as when operating a power pack or aircraft.
Foot and leg protection

Employees should wear safety shoes when working in an environment with a danger of
sparks or falling objects.

Respiratory protection

Appropriate respirators should be worn in atmospheres contaminated by gas, fumes or

vapours. An approved type of air supply respirator should be worn when toxic gases are
found. When an airline mask is used and air is supplied from a compressor, measures
should be taken to ensure that oil, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and other contaminants
are within the permissible limit. A self-supplied respirator should be used if the atmosphere is
contaminated with highly toxic vapour or oxygen deficient.

Safety gloves

Leather gloves should be used for handling heavy equipment, rough material, loading and
unloading pipe work, handling wire lines, slings and cables and also for welding. Cloth gloves
afford adequate protection when handling pipes or other relatively smooth surfaced material.
Chemical resistant rubber gloves are to be used when handling acids, alkalis or other
corrosive chemicals.

Personal flotation devices

Lifejackets or personal flotation devices (PFDs) should be worn if the water is more than one
metre deep.

The risks, causes and remedies for different cases are illustrated in detail in Appendix 3 of
this Guidance. Persons involved in combating operations should pay attention to the
recommendations contained in this appendix at all stages of the oil pollution combating
operation.
Chapter 5 – Documentation and reporting

Documentation and reporting is an important issue with regards to the implementation and
promotion of this Guidance. The on-scene commander/coordinator or the safety officer
should make the necessary arrangements for documenting and reporting hazards resulting
from oil spill response equipment during response operations. All parties involved in oil
pollution combating should be informed of the existence of such arrangements and be able
to implement them.

Operational personnel should be encouraged to report any risks, near-misses, injuries

and illnesses resulting from the operation of oil pollution combating equipment or materials.
These reports should be analysed to assess the working conditions with equipment or
chemicals, so that actions can be taken by the safety officer to prevent similar risks, while
considering the lessons to be learnt from previous experience. The assessment findings
and analysis results will therefore be provided as beneficial feedback to the equipment
manufacturers.

The collected forms showing the types and severity of injuries, as well as the connection
between incident cause and equipment type, should be considered and analysed and the
findings employed as lessons to be learnt for future operations.

Hazards related to equipment operation or chemicals and dispersant exposure commonly

include, but are not limited to, the following:

 Skin injuries

 Back and joint pain

 Bone fractures

 Eye, nose and throat irritation

 Headache

 Electric shock

 Poisoning

 Hand and finger injuries

 Foot and leg injuries

 Burns

A typical hazard exposure report form is illustrated in Appendix 4 to this Guidance.

Bibliography

1. IMO (2000), Marine Accident and Incident Investigation Training Manual, IMO,
London, U.K.

2. ABS (2000), Guidance Notes On Risk Assessment Applications for the Marine and
Offshore Oil and Gas Industries, ABS, New York, U.S.A.

3. IPIECA (2002), Oil Spill Responder Safety Guide, Volume 11, IPIECA, London,
U.K.

4. IMO (2005), Manual on Oil Pollution, Section IV – Combating Oil Spills, Edition
2005, IMO, London, U.K.

5. OHSAS (2007), Occupational Health and Safety, 18001:2007 – TUVNORD,

OHSAS.

6. IMO (2000), Marine Accident and Incident Investigation Training Manual, IMO,
London, U.K.

7. Keivan Rod, N. (2009), Reducing Human Risks and Increasing Efficiency of Oil
Spill Response Operation at Sea, Interspill 2009, Marseille, France.

8. NIOSH (2010), Report of BP Injury and Illness Data (April 23 – June 20, 2010),
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health, NIOSH.

9. Cellule Interrégionale d’Epidémiologie Ouest et al (2000), Troubles de santé des

personnes ayant participé au nettoyage des sites pollués par la marée noire de
l’ERIKA.

10. NIOSH (2010), Reducing Occupational Exposures while Working with

Dispersants during the Deepwater Horizon Response, Interim Information,
update 07/02/2010, NIOSH.

11. IMO (2010), Manual on Oil Spill Risk Evaluation and Assessment of Response
Preparedness, 2010 Edition, IMO, London, U.K.

12. OSHA (2010), Safety and Health Awareness for Oil Spill Clean-up Workers, Oil
Spill Cleanup Initiative, Worker Education and Training Program, 1-800-321-OSHA
(6742).

13. OSHA (2001), Oil Spill Response: Training Marine Oil Spill Response Workers
under OSHA’s Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard,
U.S. Department of Labor, OSHA 3172.

14. AMSA (2011), Oil Spill Response Occupational Health and Safety Manual, AMSA,
Canberra, Australia.

15. PMO (2012), Bandar Abbas Port Risk Assessment Booklet 2012, Ports and
Maritime Organization, Shahid Rajaee Port, Iran.

16. NIOC (2012), National Iran Oil Company Risk Assessment for SBM in Qeshm
Island, National Iran Oil Company, Iran.

17. Nerland, J. (2001), Norwegian Oil Spill Contingency and Risk based Governmental
 Contingency Planning, Norwegian Pollution Control Authority (SFT), Horten,
Norway.

18. IMO (2005), Oil Pollution, Preparedness and Co-operation (OPRC), Level 3, Model
Course, IMO, London, U.K.

19. ITOPF (2010), Use of Skimmers in Oil Pollution Response, Technical Information
Paper, Canterbury, U.K.

20. The American Club, Shipboard Safety, Shipowners Claims Bureau Inc., American
Steamship Owners Mutual Protection and Indemnity Association Inc.

21. Fingas, M. (2001), The Basics of Oil Spill Cleanup, Second Edition, Levis
Publisher.

22. Cedre (2005), Using Dispersant to Treat Oil Slicks at Sea, Airborne and Shipborne
Treatment, Response Manual, Cedre.

23. Cedre (2004), Oil Spill Waste Management, Operational Guide, Cedre.

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28. www.ro-cleandesmi.com
 Appendix 1
Risk assessment form

Risk assessment Risk evaluation

LR MR HR

Consequences
Task title Hazard identified Cause of hazard Effect of hazard Risk mitigation

Probability
on the person RPN

Transport of equipment Equipment falling  Incompetent person for Severe injury to / or 1 8 8   Using competent crane operators
(stockpile) to/from on the person lifting equipment loss of body part  Considering Safe Working Load
loading point Strain of body part 3 6 18  (SWL) of lifting system
 Using Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE)
Loading and lashing Equipment striking  Incompetent person for Severe injury to / or 3 8 24   Using competent crane operators
of equipment on boat the person lifting equipment by loss of body part  Considering SWL of lifting system
crane Strain of body part 3 6 18   Using PPE
 Damaged wires  Standing clear when loading and
discharging
 Checking the wire before
operation

Transportation by Man overboard  Improper securing of Death 3 10   Using life jackets

boat/vessel equipment  Proper securing of equipment
Equipment striking  Improper securing of Injury to the  Using proper boats for
the person equipment person transportation
 Rough sea
 Risk assessment form
Risk Assessment Risk Evaluation
LR MR HR

Consequences
Task Title Hazard Identified Cause of hazard Effect of hazard Risk Mitigation

Probability
on the person
RPN

Shoreline temporary Vacuum lorry  Not considering Very minor effect on  Considering accessibility for
oil storage upsetting plastic-lined accessibility for vehicle the body vehicle
pits Eye injury  Using safety mark
 Not using safety marks
Vehicle accident Occupational illness  Using competent drivers
Person falling into the  Incompetent drivers  Using pits not deeper than 1.5 m
pits  Using PPE
Heavy plastic bags  Bags fragmenting during Strain or sprain  Using approved bags
falling lift Face and eye injury  Using PPE
 Using proper wires
 Damaged wire
Pumping oil from Electric shock  Unapproved pumps Death  Using approved pumps
temporary storage to Level 3 burn  Using safety placards
shore tank  Using PPE
Shoreline manual Pipe/hose suddenly  Improper coupling and Eye injury  Using PPE
cleaning/high pressure uncoupling Face injury
cleaner hydraulic pipe/hose
Heat exhaustion  Fatigue Eye injury  Using PPE
Falling into water  Long-term exposure to Skin injury  Drinking enough water
Insect bites
sunlight
Face injury  Conducting fatigue and stress
recovery
 Not using PPE  Following Threshold Limit Value
(TLV) procedures
Shoreline cleaning by Vehicle striking  Fatigue Severe injury to / or  Using safety marks
vehicles personnel  Not using safety marks
loss of body part  Conducting fatigue and stress
recovery
 Risk assessment form
Risk Assessment Risk Evaluation
LR MR HR

Consequences
Task Title Hazard Identified Cause of hazard Effect of hazard Risk Mitigation

Probability
on the person RPN

Treating injured Injured  Injuries not inspected Increased injury to  First aid and treatment to injured
personnel personnel and treated person involved personnel delivered only by
not treated appropriately due to qualified personnel
appropriately  Patient not transported mistreatment and  Taking all due care in the
safely to treatment unsafe transport to transportation of patient and
facility reporting to supervisor at final
health care
destination
provider
Operation of power pack Noise pollution  Standing closer than Damage to hearing  Following TLV manual
allowable TLV system  Using PPE
Hydraulic pipe  Improper coupling and Eye injury  Using PPE
suddenly hydraulic pipe Face injury  Training personnel involved
uncoupling Level 1 burn  Following safety checklists
Deployment and blowing Body parts  Poor seamanship Injury to personnel;  Following safety manual and
of boom caught in lines or  Hydraulic failure Partial and/or checklist
cables during permanent disability  Using PPE
deployment
Boom  Over-blowing or Very minor effect  Not using back-handling blower
chamber damage by sharp items to body pump when operating at less than
breaking 50 cm from ground or boat deck
 Keeping the boom clear of sharp
items
 Monitoring chamber pressure
when blowing
Blower pipe  Failure of coupling or Sprain, strain or  Checking connection before
uncoupling pipe muscular injuries blowing
 Risk assessment form
Risk Assessment Risk Evaluation
LR MR HR

Consequences
Task Title Hazard Identified Cause of hazard Effect of hazard Risk Mitigation

Probability
on the person RPN

Skimmer deployment Skimmer falling onto  Damaged wires Strains and sprain  Using competent operator
someone  Incompetent crane Broken bone  Keeping clear of crane operation
area
operators
 Using PPE
Oil recovery Hydraulic pipe  Improper coupling and Skin injury  Checking coupling before
suddenly hydraulic pipe Eye injury operation
uncoupling  Using PPE
Oil recovery  Damaged hoses Eye injury  Checking the hose before
pipe bursting  Hose damaged by sharp operation
 Keeping clear of the hose
items
 Using PPE
Oil recovery and pumping Falling into barge  Safety placard Broken bone  Installing safety placards
hatch uninstalled Disablement  Keeping clear of any oil on barge
Face injury deck
 Not wearing safety
 Following operation checklist for
clothing offshore response
 Oil contamination on  Considering safe sea condition for
barge response
 Rough sea  Using PPE
Fire  Smoking Death  Observing smoking regulations
 Unapproved equipment Level 3 burn  Using approved equipment
Broken bone  Keeping firefighting equipment
available
 Keeping first aid available
Hydraulic pipe  Damaged hoses Level 1 burn  Avoiding keeping hydraulic pipes
bursting Strain in sunlight for long periods
 Improper connections
 Checking hydraulic pipes before
operation
 Risk assessment form

Risk Assessment Risk Evaluation

LR MR HR

Consequences
Task Title Hazard Identified Cause of hazard Effect of hazard Risk Mitigation

Probability
on the person RPN

Skimmer Oil leaking  Incomplete drainage Skin injury  Draining the hose before
collection Eye injury collection
 Standing clear of crane operation
area
Skimmer falling  – Damaged wires Broken bone  Standing clear of crane operation
 Incompetent crane Disablement area
 Using competent crane operator
operators
 Checking wire and lifting as crane
SWL
Collection of oil Body parts  Insufficient coordination Broken bone  Keeping clear of boom reel
recovery boom caught in lines or between operator and  Placing boom reel in proper
cables during position
other personnel
collection  Not pulling boom by hand
 Incompetent operators
 Using only necessary personnel
Hydraulic pipe  Hydraulic system  Using PPE
suddenly malfunction
uncoupling
Oil splash on the  Improper connection Strain  Checking coupling before
person  Damaged connection operation
 Using PPE
Body parts caught in
lines or cables

Hydraulic pipe  Not observing safety Skin injury  Considering wind direction
suddenly issues  Using PPE
uncoupling Eye injury
 Risk assessment form
Risk Assessment Risk Evaluation
LR MR HR

Consequences
Task Title Hazard Identified Cause of hazard Effect of hazard Risk Mitigation

Probability
on the person RPN

Spraying of Oil spill Dispersion of  No attention to safety Very minor effect  Using PPE
dispersant (OSD) by boat OSD in the precautions or wind on body
 Considering wind direction
workplace direction
Spraying of OSD by Crash  Pilot error Death  Following safety and operational
helicopter  Helicopter malfunction preventative maintenance for
airplanes
 Using competent pilots
 Providing training for pilots
 Using PPE
 Assessing rest cycle by
supervisor
Injury  Using PPE
OSD tank falling  Improper securing Injury  Using proper wire and securing it
 Unapproved wires correctly
Spraying of OSD by Crash  Pilot error Death  Following safety and operational
airplane  Airplane malfunction Injury PM for airplanes
 Using competent pilots
 Providing training for pilots
 Using PPE
 Assessing rest cycle by
supervisor
 Appendix 2

Additional safety control

Personal Protective
Task Elimination Replacement Engineering Control Administrative
Equipment
 Appendix 3

Best practice for oil pollution combating equipment

A. Mechanical oil pollution combating

1. Shore transportation

Item Hazard Cause Remedy

1 Items falling from
heights
2 Items falling from
trucks, etc.
o Corroded wires
o Loading above the permissible weight
o Loading by cranes or forklifts
o Incompetent operator
o Insufficient equipment lashing
o Insufficient lashing
o Insufficient truck control
o Checking wires before use
o Considering permissible weight
o Staying away from loading of
cranes or forklifts
o Using skilled operators
o Controlling equipment lashing
o Using PPE
o Checking lashing
o Using skilled drivers

2. Loading onto vessel or barge

Item Hazard Cause Remedy

1 Chain snapping and o Insufficient equipment lashing o Using PPE
items falling during o Items hitting personnel o Staying away from working
loading o People present near working cranes cranes
o Loading above the permissible weight o Checking cranes before use
o Locating crane in proper
position

3. Transfer to the scene and back

Item Hazard Cause Remedy

1 o Unfavourable weather/sea conditions
Man overboard
2 Grounding
3 Sun and heatstroke
4 Equipment striking
personnel
o PPE such as lifejackets not used
o Fatigued personnel
o Sailing in shallow waters
o Lengthy exposure to direct sunlight
o Insufficient equipment lashing
o Considering weather forecast
o Considering wave and wind
conditions
o Using PPE, such as lifejackets
o Considering working hours
o Considering safety depth for
sailing
o Avoiding exposure to direct
sunlight
o Providing drinking water and
first aid
o Using PPE
o Checking equipment lashing
4. Inflating and deploying booms

Item Hazard Cause Remedy

1 Man overboard o Ignoring safety requirements o Observing safety requirements
o Rough sea conditions and personnel's o Avoiding boom operation in
lack of balance rough sea conditions
o Heatstroke and dizziness o Ensuring sufficient rest for
personnel
2 Gasoline spilling on o Using portable back-pack blowers o Avoiding portable back-pack
personnel during blowers when the air inlet is
inflation lower than 50 cm from ground
or deck

3 Equipment falling o Insufficient equipment lashing o Checking equipment lashing

overboard

4 Sliding o Slippery materials on deck o Keeping deck surface dry and

clean

5 Boom hitting o Ignoring safety distance o Observing safety distance

personnel o Operator's inability to control boom

6 Chain becoming o Ignoring safety requirements

o Observing safety requirements
entangled with o Using hands instead of necessary
personnel's hands tools

7 Explosion o Naked fires, smoking or sparks o Avoiding naked fires, smoking

or sparks

8 Boom becoming loose o Operator's inability to control boomo Ensuring suitable lashing of
boom end
o Using skilful operators
o Keeping a few metres of boom
on board with auxiliary tools
9 Excessive stretching o Inability to control boom on towing o Using skilled operator
and swaying of boom boat o Maintaining sufficient radio
o Insufficient radio communication communication as well as one
back-up channel

10 Air escaping boom o Air leakage from boom inlet covers o Ensuring suitable coverage of
chambers boom inlets
5. Boom operations and oil slick transfer
Item Hazard Cause
1 Man overboard while o Insufficient attention to safety
handling equipment requirements
o Insufficient attention to turbulence
caused by helicopter while hovering
above the scene
o Fatigued personnel
2 Ropes snapping o Insufficient equipment lashing
and equipment o Master's insufficient skill towing boats
falling overboard o Insufficient radio communications
o Insufficient attention to boat engine
power
o Insufficient attention to wind and
current speed and direction
o Insufficient coordination between
relevant units
o Insufficient attention to boom location
3 Boom ropes o Insufficient attention to boom pulley
becoming entangled location during deployment
with propellers o Using longer ropes than required
4 Sun and heatstroke o Lengthy exposure to direct sunlight
5 Boom chambers o Sharp objects hitting boom
rupturing o Other vessel hitting boom
Remedy
o Observing safety requirements
o Considering turbulence caused
by helicopter
o Using stanchions on board
deploying ship
o Using PPE such as lifejackets
o Ensuring sufficient rest for
personnel
o Checking equipment lashing
o Using skilled master
o Ensuring sufficient radio
communications
o Considering boat engine power
o Considering wind and current
speed and direction
o Ensuring sufficient coordination
between relevant units
o Considering boom location
o Fixing boom pulley in a suitable
place
o Using suitable length of rope
o Avoiding exposure to direct
sunlight
o Providing drinking water and
first aid
o Using PPE such as sunglasses
o Keeping sharp objects away
from boom
o Keeping safe distance between
vessels and booms
6. Oil spill recovery

Item Hazard Cause Remedy

1 Man overboard while o Insufficient attention to safety o Observing safety requirements
handling equipment requirements o Using PPE such as lifejackets

2 Equipment falling o Insufficient equipment lashing o Checking equipment lashing

overboard

3 Sliding o Slippery materials on deck o Keeping deck surface dry and

clean

4 Man overboard o Fatigued personnel o Ensuring sufficient rest for

personnel
o Using PPE such as lifejackets

5 Fire o Naked fires, smoking or sparks o Avoiding naked fires, smoking

or sparks

6 Oily substances getting o Insufficient attention to safety o Observing safety requirements

into contact with requirements o Using PPE
personnel’s skin

7 Oily substances getting o Insufficient attention to safety o Observing safety requirements

in personnel’s eyes requirements o Using PPE

8 Inhaling oily fumes o Insufficient attention to safety o Observing safety requirements

requirements o Using PPE

9 Personnel falling into o Barge storage tanks left open o Keeping barge storage tanks
barge storage tanks o Absence of warning signs closed
o Providing sufficient warning
signs
7. Boom recovery and returning equipment to stockpile
Item Hazard
1 Man overboard while
handling equipment
2 Equipment falling
overboard
3 Sliding
4 Man overboard
5 Fire
6 Oily substances
getting into
contact with
personnel’s skin
7 Oily substances
getting in
personnel’s eyes
8 Inhaling oily fumes
9 Boom becoming loose
10 Chains becoming
entangled with
personnel’s arms/legs
Cause
o Insufficient attention to safety
requirements
o Insufficient equipment lashing
o Slippery materials on deck
o Fatigued personnel
o Naked fires, smoking or sparks
o Insufficient attention to safety
requirements
o Insufficient attention to safety
requirements
o Insufficient attention to safety
requirements
o Operator's inability to control boom
o Insufficient attention to safety
requirements
o Insufficient knowledge about boom
operation
o Too many people near boom recovery
area
o Using hands to reel back the boom
Remedy
o Observing safety requirements
o Checking equipment lashing
o Keeping deck surface dry and
clean
o Ensuring sufficient rest for
personnel
o Using PPE such as lifejackets
o Avoiding naked fires, smoking
or sparks
o Observing safety requirements
o Using PPE
o Observing safety requirements
o Using PPE
o Observing safety requirements
o Using PPE
o Ensuring sufficient training on
boom operation and safety
distance
o Observing safety requirements
o Observing safety requirements
o Using experienced personnel
o Using appropriate number of
personnel
o Using auxiliary tools
8. Equipment washing, repair and maintenance

Item Hazard Cause Remedy

1 Sliding o Slippery materials on deck o Keeping deck surface dry and
clean

2 Fire o Naked fires, smoking or sparks o Avoiding naked fires, smoking

or sparks
o Keeping fire-fighting equipment
available
3 Oily substances getting o Insufficient attention to safety o Observing safety requirements
into contact with requirements o Using PPE
personnel’s skin
4 Oily substances o Insufficient attention to safety o Observing safety requirements
getting in requirements o Using PPE
personnel’s eyes
5 Inhaling oily fumes o Insufficient attention to safety o Observing safety requirements
requirements o Using PPE
6 Boom becoming loose o Operator's inability to control boom o Ensuring sufficient training on
o Insufficient attention to safety boom operation and safety
requirements distance
o Observing safety requirements
7 Chains o Insufficient knowledge about boom o Observing safety requirements
becoming operation o Using experienced personnel
entangled with o Too many people near boom recovery o Using appropriate number of
personnel’s area personnel
arms/legs o Using hands for reeling back the boom o Using auxiliary tools

8 Equipment falling o Insufficient equipment lashing o Checking equipment lashing

9 Burns from hot water
or steam
o Insufficient attention to safety
requirements for washing equipment
o Misconnection of hot water hose
o Corrosion of hot water hose
o Using PPE, such as safety
goggles
o Using correct hoses
o Checking hot water hose
connections
o Keeping first aid equipment
available
B. Chemical oil pollution combating

1. Dispersant spraying from aircraft or helicopter

Item Hazard Cause Remedy

1 Main or rear rotor
striking personnel
2 Fire
3 Aircraft or helicopter
crashing
4 Dispersant tank falling
5 Dispersant spilling on
personnel
6 Personnel falling into
the water
o Insufficient attention to safety o Only approaching helicopter
requirements when signalled to by helicopter
crew
o Maintaining safety distance
from helicopter
o Approaching the helicopter
from the front
o Bending over when
approaching the helicopter
o Keeping first aid equipment
available
o Static charge when landing o Discharging static charge
o Refuelling with engines running before landing
o Earth cable not connected while o Observing flight safety
refuelling requirements
o Firefighting team standing by
at scene
o Using PPE
o Earth cable connected while
refuelling
o Insufficient radio communication o Observing flight safety
o Fatigued flight crew requirements
o Flying in unfavourable conditions and o Ensuring sufficient radio
low visibility communication
o Flying low without autopilot o Continuous training on aerial
o Insufficient coordination between flight manoeuvre
crew and pilots o Using flight PPE
o Observing permissible flight
hours for crew
o Flying in favourable conditions
o Keeping first aid/fire-fighting
equipment available
o Using incorrect wires or connections o Using correct wires or
o Inefficient lashing connections
o Checking wires and
connections
o Avoid carrying out operations
in crowded areas
o Dispersant tank leakage o Ensuring sufficient radio
o Operation in crowded areas communication
o Insufficient attention to wind direction o Checking tank before flight
o Insufficient radio communication o Ensuring a safe distance from
crowded areas
o Considering wind direction
o Using PPE
o Flying low in crowded areas o Ensuring sufficient radio
o Insufficient radio communication communication
o Ensuring a safe distance from
crowded areas
o Using PPE such as lifejackets
2. Dispersant spraying from vessels
Item Hazard
1 Hose rupturing or
connections breaking
2 Dispersant spilling on
personnel due to wind
blowing, hose rupturing
or connections
breaking
C. In-situ burning
Item Hazard
1 Fire starting materials
spilling on personnel
2 Fire, involving personnel o Insufficient attention to wind direction
o Insufficient attention to safety
3 Inhaling thick smoke
4 Fire resistant boom
bursting
5 Sun and heatstroke
Cause
o Non-standard hoses and connections
used for dispersant spraying
equipment and systems
o Non-standard or corroded hoses and
connections used in dispersant
spraying equipment and systems
o Wind blowing
o Vessel swaying during operation
Cause
o Insufficient attention to wind direction
o Insufficient attention to safety
requirements
requirements
o Incomplete burning of hydrocarbons
o Excessive heat
o Working in excessive heat conditions
Remedy
o Using standard hoses and
connections with sufficient
resistance to pressure for
dispersant spraying equipment
and systems
o Continuous inspection
o Ensuring dispersant nozzles
are placed properly
o Considering wind direction
o Using PPE
Remedy
o Using PPE
o Considering wind direction
o Observing safety requirements
o Using PPE
o Considering wind direction
o Observing safety requirements
o Keeping fire-fighting equipment
available
o Remaining an appropriate
distance upwind
o Considering wind direction
o Using PPE
o Using PPE
o Providing drinking water and
first aid
o Observing permissible working
hours
D. Shoreline clean-up

Item Hazard Cause Remedy

1 Personnel falling from o Rocky shore clean-up o Using PPE, such as safety
height straps
2 Sun and heatstroke o Working in excessive heat conditions o Using PPE
or in direct sunlight o Providing drinking water and
o Fatigued personnel first aid
o Observing permissible working
hours
3 Clean-up equipment o Insufficiently skilled driver/operator o Providing warning signs in the
hitting personnel o Operating in crowded areas operation area
o Fatigued personnel o Using skilled personnel
o Observing permissible working
hours
4 Burns from hot water o Insufficient attention to safety o Using PPE, such as safety
or steam requirements for washing equipment goggles
o Misconnection of hot water hose o Using correct hoses
o Corrosion of hot water hose o Checking hot water hose
connections
o Keeping first aid equipment
available
5 Dispersant spilling on o Insufficient attention to safety o Considering items mentioned
personnel requirements on MSDS1
o Using PPE
o Keeping first aid equipment
available
6 Personnel o Insufficient attention to safety o Considering health
suffers animal requirements for working in areas with recommendations
bite animals present o Using PPE
o Keeping first aid equipment
available

E. Temporary storage on shoreline

Item Hazard Cause Remedy

1 Personnel falling into o Insufficient warning signs and lighting o Providing warning signs and
storage pits (for night operation) lighting
o Making pits maximum 1.5 m
deep
2 Equipment falling into o Insufficient warning signs and lighting o Providing warning signals and
storage pits (for night operation) lighting
o Insufficiently skilled driver o Using skilled drivers
3 Plastic bags containing o Corroded wire or plastic bags o Checking wires before use
recovered oil falling o Loading above the permissible weight o Observing permissible weight
o Unskilled operator o Ensuring operator's skills
o Using PPE
4 Electric shock from o Using electric pumps o Using PPE
pumps o Avoiding electric pumps
5 Fire o Using PPE, firefighting and
o Using electric pumps keeping first aid equipment
available
o Avoiding electric pumps
6 Cuts to hands o Insufficient attention to safety o Considering health
requirements for temporary storage recommendations

1
MSDS: Material Safety Data Sheet
 Appendix 4

Reporting form for injuries from oil pollution combating equipment

Reporting form for injuries from oil pollution combating equipment

1. Source of pollution:

2. Type of oil:

3. Date and time:

4. Position of response operation:

5. Weather conditions:

6. Hazard origin (if the origin is combating equipment, record the name of equipment and
manufacturer):

7. Cause of hazard:

8. Type of injury:

9. Action taken:

10. Medical treatment or first aid availability:

11. Name of person injured:

12. Duty of the person injured:

13. Age of the person injured:

14. Occupational experience of the person injured:

Reporter's Name and Signature:

 Appendix 5

Safety checklist for oil pollution combating equipment

The following checklist should be completed by officers in charge prior to moving or operating
oil pollution combating equipment. The safety operation requires all questions to be
answered affirmatively, and if this is not possible, the reason should be provided and
appropriate precautions taken. (The following questions are provided as examples. The list is
not exhaustive and can be added to or deleted as appropriate.)

Control considerations Yes No Remarks

1. Are cranes/forklifts in good condition and
proportionate to equipment types?
2. Are moving wires in good condition and
proportionate to equipment weight (Safe
Working Load (SWL))?
3. Are hooks in good condition and proportionate to
equipment weight (SWL)?
4. Are equipment’s hydraulic connections in good
condition?
5. Are equipment’s hydraulic oil pressure gauges in
good condition?
6. Is there any leakage from fuel pipes?
7. Has the appropriate fuel been chosen as
specified in the equipment’s user manual?
8. Are the operating personnel qualified to operate
this type of equipment?
9. Are the operating personnel using appropriate
PPE?
10. Is the route for moving the equipment safe?
11. Is the equipment properly secured on trucks?
12. Are cranes for moving equipment to vessels in
good condition and proportionate to the
operation?
13. Are the places designated on deck appropriate
for the equipment?
14. Has the equipment been properly secured on
board the vessel?
15. Have the dangerous areas for working with the
equipment on board the vessel been correctly
identified and marked?
16. Is the water and fuel available on board the
vessel(s) appropriate considering the distance to
the operation area?
17. Has the weather forecast for the operation area
been considered?
18. Are operation personnel using appropriate PPE?
 Control considerations Yes No Remarks
19. Have dangerous areas including ropes and
wires under tension been identified and correctly
marked for personnel?
20. Have nautical charts been used to assess the
grounding risk in the operational area?
21. Is there sufficient firefighting and medical first
aid equipment available on board?
22. Are there sufficient life-saving appliances
available on board for operating personnel?
23. Is appropriate communication equipment
available and operational on board?
24. Has the combating method been decided?
25. Have the duties of the operating personnel been
designated and communicated to them?
26. Have personnel been assigned
accommodation?
27. Has the operational area been zoned and
assessed for risk?
28. Have forces affecting the boom(s), such as
current and wind, been calculated?
29. Are the ropes chosen for mooring the boom(s)
appropriate to the forces affecting it/them?
30. Is appropriate equipment being used for
deploying the boom(s)?
31. Is the boom located at an appropriate angle for
deployment?
32. Have unnecessary equipment and tools been
removed from boom deployment area?
33. Have necessary measures been taken to
prevent accidental release of the boom(s),
especially at its/their end(s)?
34. Are the hydraulic hoses connecting skimmer
head reel(s) and power pack(s) securely
coupled?
35. Is there any fuel leakage from blower(s)?
36. Do the cogs and belts of the power pack(s) have
appropriate protective covers?
37. Is appropriate equipment for deploying skimmer
head(s) available on board the vessel?
38. Are skimmer heads provided with protective
covers to prevent damage to operators' hands?
39. Are auxiliary ropes provided for appropriate
deployment of skimmer(s)?
40. Are storage tanks and barges correctly secured?
41. Have appropriate measures been taken to
maintain the balance of storage tanks and
 Control considerations Yes No Remarks
prevent their overflow?
42. Are pipes transferring oily materials securely
coupled and correctly located?
43. Have the operational personnel involved in
dispersant application been informed about the
MSDS of the dispersant(s) used?
44. Is the flight crew familiar with their dispersant
spraying tasks?
45. Are the tanks holding dispersants to be sprayed
correctly secured on board helicopters?
46. Are appropriate communication tools provided
on board aerial and surface operational units?
47. Has wind direction been considered in deciding
the manoeuvre method of dispersant spraying
vessel(s)?
48. Are pipes and connections for hot water beach
clean-up equipment securely coupled?
49. Are drivers and operators for clean-up
equipment familiar with their tasks?
50. Have appropriate notices and markings been
provided for beach clean-up operations?
51. Have appropriate notices and markings been
provided for beach temporary storage tanks?
52. Have resting and logistics camps been provided
for the personnel involved in beach clean-up
operations; are they equipped with food, water,
clothes, firefighting equipment and medical first
aid?
53. Are safe pyrotechnics being used to ignite fire?
54. Are measures being taken to prevent excessive
spread of fire during in-situ burning operations at
sea?
55. Has wind direction been considered while
planning in-situ burning operations at sea?
56. Are sufficient firefighting and personal protective
equipment provided for in-situ burning
operations at sea?
57. Are fire-resistant booms and chains being used
for in-situ burning operation at sea?

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