Working aloft

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• A man working at a height may not be able to give his full attention to the job and at the same time
guard himself against falling. Proper precautions should therefore always be taken to ensure personal
safety when work has to be done aloft or when working outboard. It must be remembered that the
movement of a ship in a seaway will add to the hazards involved in work of this type. A stage or
ladder should always be utilized when work is to be done beyond normal reach.
• Seamen under 18 years of age or with less than 12 months experience at sea, should not work aloft
unless accompanied by an experienced seamen or otherwise adequately supervised.
• A safety harness with lifeline or some other arresting device should be continuously worn when
working aloft, outboard or overside. A safety net should be rigged where necessary and appropriate.
Additionally, where work is done overside, buoyancy garments should be worn and a lifebuoy with
sufficient line attached should be kept ready for immediate use.
• Men should not work overside while the vessel is underway.

• Before work is commenced near the ships whistle, the officer responsible for the job should ensure
that power is shut off and warning notices posted on the bridge and in the machinery spaces.
• Before work is commenced on the funnel, the officer responsible should inform
the duty engineer to ensure that steps are taken to reduce as far as practicable
the emission of steam, harmful gases and fumes.
• Before work is commenced in the vicinity of radio aerials, the officer responsible
should inform the radio officer so that no transmissions are made whilst there is
risk to the seafarer. A warning notice should be put up in the radio room.
• Where work is to be done near the radar scanner, the officer responsible should
inform the officer on watch so that the radar and scanner are isolated. A warning
notice should be put on the set until the necessary work has been completed.
• On completion of the work of the type described above, the officer responsible
should, where necessary, inform the appropriate officer that the precautions
taken are no longer required and that warning notices can be removed.
• Unless it is essential, work should not be done aloft on a stage or Bosun’s chair in
the vicinity of cargo working.
• Care must also be taken while work is being done aloft or at a height, to
avoid risks to anyone working or moving below. Suitable warning notices
should be displayed. Tools and stores should be sent up and lowered by
line in suitable containers which should be secured in place for stowage of
tools or materials not presently being used.
• No one should place tools where they can be accidentally knocked down
and may fall on someone below, nor should tools be carried in pockets
from which they may easily fall. When working aloft it is often best to wear
a belt designed to hold essential tools securely in loops.
• Tools should be handled with extra care when hands are cold or Grady and
where the tools themselves are greasy.