Lesson 9 Danger Zones

2.1 Match the words with the definitions

coil - a length of rope, hair or wire, arranged into a series of circles one above or outside
the other
unguarded opening - an opening which is not guarded or protected

slippery surface - a surface which is wet or smooth so that it causes something to slide

exhaust gas - the waste gas from an engine, especially a car’s

obstruction - something that blocks a road, passage, entrance, etc., so that nothing can
go along it or the act of blocking something in this way

hot surface - the outer or top part or layer of something under high temperature

Lesson 9 Danger Zones

3.1 Label the picture

hot surface

unguarded opening

exhaust gas

coil

slippery surface
 obstruction

Lesson 9 Danger Zones

7 Skim the text and check your guesses.
7 Skim the text and check your guesses.

Working on board ship can be hazardous and dangerous but accidents can be avoided if
proper safety rules are followed. Assessing risk on board ship is an important step in
developing a strong and effective safety culture, so take time to study your work place to
see where the likely risks to safety are.

Some everyday tasks, such as carrying a steaming pot of soup from the galley to the
mess area, or simply using tools and equipment, can be a recipe for disaster if you trip
over. But knowing basic safety rules and following them will help you to stay healthy and
safe.

Most accidents on board ship are caused by slips, trips or falls but by taking some extra
care you can decrease the chances of these kinds of accidents. You should be careful of
slippery places, obstructions on deck and unguarded openings.

Each year, many seafarers are injured through incorrect lifting, carrying, pulling and
levering of loads. Falling and moving objects are common causes of serious injury on
board. All dangerous parts of machinery should be securely guarded and you should
make sure that these guards are in position before the equipment is used. When working
on electrical or electronic equipment on a ship, the risks of electric shock are usually
much greater than they are ashore because wetness, high humidity and high
temperature reduce the contact resistance of the human body. The general rule here is
to be aware of danger and follow safety instructions.

Ships can be dangerous working environments but the deck can be an extremely
slippery place to be when it is continually made wet by the sea – meaning there is a
greater chance of accidents occurring on this part of the ship.

Aside from slips and falls, there are also many other types of accidents on deck,
including injuries from falling objects, cables and winches, which can result in broken
bones, head injuries or even death. In engine rooms, engineers can face many dangers,
with hazards including falls from ladders and staircases into the engine room,
entanglement in machinery, cuts and exposure to exhaust gases. But as a responsible
seafarer you can prevent such accidents by following basic safety rules.