Deck & Access Ways
Slipping, falling and tripping injuries are frequent aboard fishing vessels and the problem is far worse on a pitching deck than it is ashore.
- Watch where you walk and keep decks, floors, grates and stairs clean and dry.
- Don't let lines or gear clutter the decks in the engine room.
- Clean, and fix up leaks and spills as soon as possible. Leaks of fuels, oils, hydraulic fluids or other flammable liquids produce both slipping and fire hazards.
Gratings and deck plates that have been removed must be replaced as soon as possible to avoid injury.
- Non-skid paints or gratings should be applied and maintained on walking and working deck, around hatches, doors and passageways, around deck and anchor winches and around the liferaft.
Make sure that there is enough lighting for night-time activities in all areas.
Bulwarks & Railings
- All exposed working decks should be surrounded by bulwarks, rails, chains or wire ropes that provide protection to the crew.
- In heavy sea conditions the vessel should have appropriately placed bulwark rails or hand-grabs, storm rails on the outside of superstructures and deckhouses and guard rails, gangways, lifelines or under-deck passages in place between quarters, machinery spaces and other living and working areas.
- Inspect handrails, hand-grabs and lifelines regularly to be sure they are secure. Vessels with open stern ramps should have a means of protection fitted across the stern ramp when operations are not underway.
