Ensuring Workplace Safety: Best

Practices for Tool and Equipment

Usage in Shipyard Operations

Submitted By:
Maha Tahir
Areesha Anwar
Usama Bin Khalid Mirza
Shayan Mir
 INTRODUCTION

The shipyard industry involves various

operations and activities that require the use of
tools and equipment.
While these tools and equipment are essential
in carrying out tasks efficiently, they also pose a
significant risk if not handled properly. It is
crucial for all shipyard workers to be aware of
the best practices for utilizing these tools and
equipment to ensure a safe working
environment.
 RISK ASSESSMENT:
• Risk assessment in shipyard
operations refers to the process of
identifying, evaluating, and
prioritizing potential risks or
hazards that may arise during
shipbuilding, repair, maintenance,
or other related activities in a
shipyard. It involves analyzing and
assessing the likelihood and
consequences of those risks to
ensure the safety and well-being
of workers and the environment.
The risk assessment process typically includes the
following steps:
• Hazard Identification: Identifying potential
hazards in shipyard operations, such as heavy
machinery, confined spaces, electrical systems,
hazardous substances, fire hazards, noise, etc.
• Risk Analysis: Evaluating the likelihood and
severity of each hazard by considering factors like
the probability of occurrence
• Risk Evaluation: Assessing the level of risk
associated with each identified hazard and
comparing them to pre-determined criteria or
guidelines to prioritize risks for the
implementation of control measures.
 Training of Workers at Shipyards

WORKERS TRAINING:
A skilled and knowledgeable workforce is
vital for safe and efficient shipyard
operations to ensure all employees receive
proper training on the correct usage of tools
and equipment. Training should also include
safety protocols and emergency procedures
to handle unforeseen situations.
 Maintenance and Inspection

MAINTENANCE:
Regular maintenance and inspection of tools and
equipment is essential to identify any defects or
malfunctions. Implement a schedule for routine
checks to ensure everything is in optimal
condition. Effective maintenance practices are also
critical to preventing equipment failures, reducing
downtime, and extending the lifespan of vessels.
 COMMON HAZARDS IN SHIPYARD
OPERATIONS
1. Falling Objects:
Tools, materials, or equipment falling from elevated surfaces.
2. Electrical Hazards:
Exposure to live electrical circuits during welding or electrical work.
3. Noise Hazards:
High levels of noise from machinery and equipment.
4. Mechanical Hazards:
Moving machinery parts causing crush injuries or amputations.
5. Improper Tool Use:
Incorrect use of tools leading to accidents.
 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Head Protection:
Use hard hats to protect against falling objects and head injuries.
Eye and Face Protection:
Wear safety glasses or goggles to shield against flying particles, sparks, and chemical splashes.
Hearing Protection:
Use earplugs or earmuffs in areas with loud machinery or equipment to prevent hearing damage.
Respiratory Protection:
Utilize respirators when working with hazardous materials, in confined spaces, or in areas with poor air
quality.
Body Protection:
Wear appropriate clothing to protect against specific hazards, such as flame-resistant clothing for welding
operations.
Emergency Procedures:
1. Emergency Response Plan:
•An emergency response plan is a comprehensive strategy
developed by organizations or communities to effectively
respond to and manage various emergencies or disasters. four
pillars: Mitigation, Preparation, Response and Recovery.

2. First Aid and Medical Facilities:

• Ensure that first aid kits are readily available, and workers
are trained in basic first aid. Establish access to medical facilities
for more severe injuries.

3. Emergency Evacuation Routes:

• Clearly mark evacuation routes and conduct regular drills
to ensure workers are familiar with procedures.
4. Communication:
• Establish clear communication channels for
emergencies, including alarms, signals, and a
means to contact emergency services.

5. Training:
• Provide regular training to workers on
emergency procedures, including the use of fire
extinguishers, first aid, and evacuation routes.

6. Incident Reporting:
• Incident reporting is the process of recording
worksite events, including , injuries, and
accidents.
CONCLUSION:
• In order to maintain safety in shipyard, it should be
ensured that workers clear their working space first.
There should be no unwanted material like tools,
ropes, planks, paint tins etc lying around.

• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration

(OSHA).An Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is a
written document required by some OSHA standards )
to help facilitate and organize employer and employee
actions during workplace emergencies.

This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-ND.