Guidance safe operation of oil pollution combating equipment€¦ · GUIDANCE ON THE SAFE OPERATION OF OIL POLLUTION COMBATING EQUIPMENT Preface 1 Article 6.2(a) of the International

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)

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))

difficulty breathing

98

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

10 Danger without warning

Death

9 Danger with warning Disablement

8 Very high Loss of body parts, restricted duty, occupational illness

7 High Level 3 burns

6 Medium Break or sprain, strain or injuries to muscles (which can be treated similar to level 2 burns)

5 Low Contusions, level 1 burns, redness of skin, medical aid 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 risk/hazard

Frequency per time

10 Danger without warning

Regularly

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. 24. http://articles.latimes.com 25. www.blueoceantackle.com 26. www.gep.gr 27. www.oilspillsolutions.com

28. www.ro-cleandesmi.com

http://articles.latimes.com/

http://www.blueoceantackle.com/

http://www.gep.gr/

http://www.oilspillsolutions.com/

http://www.ro-cleandesmi.com/

Appendix 1 Risk assessment form

Task title

Hazard identified

Risk assessment

RPN

Risk evaluation

Risk mitigation

Cause of hazard

Effect of hazard on the person

P

rob

ab

ilit

y

C

on

se

qu

en

ces

LR MR HR

Transport of equipment

(stockpile) to/from

loading point

Equipment falling

on the person

Incompetent person for

lifting equipment

Severe injury to / or

loss of body part

1 8 8 Using competent crane operators

Considering Safe Working Load

(SWL) of lifting system

Using Personal Protective

Equipment (PPE)

Strain of body part 3 6 18

Loading and lashing

of equipment on boat

Equipment striking

the person

Incompetent person for

lifting equipment by

crane

Damaged wires

Severe injury to / or

loss of body part

3 8 24 Using competent crane operators

Considering SWL of lifting system

Using PPE

Standing clear when loading and

discharging

Checking the wire before

operation

Strain of body part 3 6 18

Transportation by

boat/vessel

Man overboard Improper securing of

equipment

Death 3 10 Using life jackets

Proper securing of equipment

Using proper boats for

transportation

Equipment striking

the person

Improper securing of

equipment

Rough sea

Injury to the

person

Risk assessment form

Task Title

Hazard Identified

Risk Assessment

RPN

Risk Evaluation

Risk Mitigation

Cause of hazard


P

rob

abili

ty

C

on

se

qu

en

ces

LR MR HR

Shoreline temporary oil storage

Vacuum lorry upsetting plastic-lined pits Vehicle accident Person falling into the pits

Not considering

accessibility for vehicle

Not using safety marks

Incompetent drivers

Very minor effect on the body

Considering accessibility for vehicle

Using safety mark

Using competent drivers

Using pits not deeper than 1.5 m

Using PPE

Eye injury

Occupational illness

Heavy plastic bags falling

Bags fragmenting during

lift

Damaged wire

Strain or sprain Using approved bags

Using PPE

Using proper wires

Face and eye injury

Pumping oil from temporary storage to shore tank Shoreline manual cleaning/high pressure cleaner

Electric shock Unapproved pumps Death Using approved pumps

Using safety placards

Using PPE

Level 3 burn

Pipe/hose suddenly uncoupling

Improper coupling and

hydraulic pipe/hose

Eye injury Using PPE Face injury

Heat exhaustion Falling into water Insect bites

Fatigue

Long-term exposure to

sunlight

Not using PPE

Eye injury Using PPE

Drinking enough water

Conducting fatigue and stress recovery

Following Threshold Limit Value (TLV) procedures

Skin injury

Face injury

Shoreline cleaning by vehicles

Vehicle striking personnel

Fatigue

Not using safety marks

Severe injury to / or loss of body part

Using safety marks

Conducting fatigue and stress recovery


Task Title

Hazard Identified

Risk Assessment

RPN

Risk Evaluation

Risk Mitigation

Cause of hazard


P

rob

abili

ty

C

on

se

qu

en

ces LR MR HR

Treating injured personnel

Injured

personnel

not treated

appropriately

Injuries not inspected and treated appropriately

Patient not transported safely to treatment facility

Increased injury to

person involved

due to

mistreatment and

unsafe transport to

health care

provider

First aid and treatment to injured personnel delivered only by qualified personnel

Taking all due care in the transportation of patient and reporting to supervisor at final destination

Operation of power pack Noise pollution Standing closer than allowable TLV

Damage to hearing

system

Following TLV manual

Using PPE

Hydraulic pipe

suddenly

uncoupling

Improper coupling and hydraulic pipe

Eye injury Using PPE

Training personnel involved

Following safety checklists Face injury

Level 1 burn

Deployment and blowing

of boom

Body parts

caught in lines or

cables during

deployment

Poor seamanship

Hydraulic failure

Injury to personnel;

Partial and/or

permanent disability

Following safety manual and checklist

Using PPE

Boom

chamber

breaking

Over-blowing or damage by sharp items

Very minor effect

to body

Not using back-handling blower pump when operating at less than 50 cm from ground or boat deck

Keeping the boom clear of sharp items

Monitoring chamber pressure when blowing

Blower pipe

uncoupling

Failure of coupling or pipe

Sprain, strain or

muscular injuries

Checking connection before blowing


Task Title

Hazard Identified

Risk Assessment

RPN

Risk Evaluation

Risk Mitigation

Cause of hazard


P

rob

abili

ty

C

on

se

qu

en

ces LR MR HR

Skimmer deployment Skimmer falling onto someone

Damaged wires

Incompetent crane

operators

Strains and sprain Using competent operator

Keeping clear of crane operation area

Using PPE

Broken bone

Oil recovery Hydraulic pipe suddenly uncoupling

Improper coupling and

hydraulic pipe

Skin injury Checking coupling before operation

Using PPE

Eye injury

Oil recovery pipe bursting

Damaged hoses

Hose damaged by sharp

items

Eye injury Checking the hose before operation

Keeping clear of the hose

Using PPE

Oil recovery and pumping

Falling into barge hatch

Safety placard

uninstalled

Not wearing safety

clothing

Oil contamination on

barge

Rough sea

Broken bone Installing safety placards

Keeping clear of any oil on barge deck

Following operation checklist for offshore response

Considering safe sea condition for response

Using PPE

Disablement

Face injury

Fire Smoking

Unapproved equipment

Death Observing smoking regulations

Using approved equipment

Keeping firefighting equipment available

Keeping first aid available

Level 3 burn

Broken bone

Hydraulic pipe bursting

Damaged hoses

Improper connections

Level 1 burn Avoiding keeping hydraulic pipes in sunlight for long periods

Checking hydraulic pipes before operation

Strain


Task Title

Hazard Identified

Risk Assessment

RPN

Risk Evaluation

Risk Mitigation

Cause of hazard


P

rob

abili

ty

C

on

se

qu

en

ces LR MR HR

Skimmer collection

Oil leaking Incomplete drainage Skin injury Draining the hose before collection

Standing clear of crane operation area

Eye injury

Skimmer falling – Damaged wires

Incompetent crane

operators

Broken bone Standing clear of crane operation area

Using competent crane operator

Checking wire and lifting as crane SWL

Disablement

Collection of oil recovery boom

Body parts caught in lines or cables during collection Hydraulic pipe suddenly uncoupling

Insufficient coordination

between operator and

other personnel

Incompetent operators

Hydraulic system

malfunction

Broken bone Keeping clear of boom reel

Placing boom reel in proper position

Not pulling boom by hand

Using only necessary personnel

Using PPE

Oil splash on the person Body parts caught in lines or cables

Improper connection

Damaged connection

Strain Checking coupling before operation

Using PPE

Hydraulic pipe suddenly uncoupling

Not observing safety

issues

Skin injury

Considering wind direction

Using PPE Eye injury


Task Title

Hazard Identified

Risk Assessment

RPN

Risk Evaluation

Risk Mitigation

Cause of hazard


P

rob

abili

ty

C

on

se

qu

en

ces LR MR HR

Spraying of Oil spill dispersant (OSD) by boat

Dispersion of OSD in the workplace

No attention to safety precautions or wind direction

Very minor effect on body

Using PPE

Considering wind direction

Spraying of OSD by helicopter

Crash Pilot error

Helicopter malfunction

Death Following safety and operational

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

Unapproved wires

Injury Using proper wire and securing it

correctly

Spraying of OSD by airplane

Crash Pilot error

Airplane malfunction

Death Following safety and operational

PM for airplanes

Using competent pilots

Providing training for pilots

Using PPE

Assessing rest cycle by

supervisor

Injury

Appendix 2

Additional safety control

Task Elimination Replacement Engineering Control Administrative Personal Protective

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

o Corroded wires o Loading above the permissible weight o Loading by cranes or forklifts o Incompetent operator o Insufficient equipment lashing

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

2 Items falling from

trucks, etc.

o Insufficient lashing o Insufficient truck control

o Checking lashing o Using skil led drivers

2. Loading onto vessel or barge

Item

Hazard

Cause

Remedy

1

Chain snapping and

items falling during

loading

o Insufficient equipment lashing o Items hitting personnel o People present near working cranes o Loading above the permissible weight

o Using PPE o Staying away from working

cranes o Checking cranes before use o Locating crane in proper

position

3. Transfer to the scene and back

Item

Hazard

Cause

Remedy

1 Man overboard

o Unfavourable weather/sea conditions o PPE such as lifejackets not used o Fatigued personnel

o Considering weather forecast o Considering wave and wind

conditions o Using PPE, such as lifejackets o Considering working hours

2 Grounding o Sailing in shallow waters o Considering safety depth for sailing

3

Sun and heatstroke o Lengthy exposure to direct sunlight o Avoiding exposure to direct sunlight

o Providing drinking water and first aid

o Using PPE

4 Equipment striking

personnel

o Insufficient equipment lashing o Checking equipment lashing

4. Inflating and deploying booms

Item

Hazard

Cause

Remedy

1 Man overboard o Ignoring safety requirements o Rough sea conditions and personnel's

lack of balance o Heatstroke and dizziness

o Observing safety requirements o Avoiding boom operation in

rough sea conditions o Ensuring sufficient rest for

personnel

2 Gasoline spilling on

personnel during

inflation

o Using portable back-pack blowers o Avoiding portable back-pack blowers when the air inlet is lower than 50 cm from ground or deck

3 Equipment falling

overboard


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

5 Boom hitting personnel

o Ignoring safety distance o Operator's inability to control boom

o Observing safety distance

6 Chain becoming

entangled with

personnel's hands

o Ignoring safety requirements o Using hands instead of necessary

tools

o Observing safety requirements

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 boom o 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

and swaying of boom

o Inability to control boom on towing boat

o Insufficient radio communication

o Using skilled operator o Maintaining sufficient radio

communication as well as one back-up channel

10 Air escaping boom

chambers

o Air leakage from boom inlet covers o Ensuring suitable coverage of boom inlets

5. Boom operations and oil slick transfer

Item

Hazard

Cause

Remedy

1 Man overboard while handling equipment

o Insufficient attention to safety requirements

o Insufficient attention to turbulence caused by helicopter while hovering above the scene

o Fatigued personnel

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

2 Ropes snapping

and equipment

falling overboard

o Insufficient equipment lashing o Master's insufficient skill towing boats 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

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

3 Boom ropes

becoming entangled

with propellers

o Insufficient attention to boom pulley location during deployment

o Using longer ropes than required

o Fixing boom pulley in a suitable place

o Using suitable length of rope

4 Sun and heatstroke o Lengthy exposure to direct sunlight o Avoiding exposure to direct sunlight

o Providing drinking water and first aid

o Using PPE such as sunglasses

5 Boom chambers

rupturing

o Sharp objects hitting boom o Other vessel hitting boom

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

handling equipment


o Observing safety requirements o Using PPE such as lifejackets

2 Equipment falling overboard



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

into contact with

personnel’s skin


o Observing safety requirements o Using PPE

7 Oily substances getting

in personnel’s eyes



8 Inhaling oily fumes o Insufficient attention to safety requirements


9 Personnel falling into barge storage tanks

o Barge storage tanks left open o Absence of warning signs

o Keeping barge storage tanks closed

o Providing sufficient warning signs

7. Boom recovery and returning equipment to stockpile

Item

Hazard

Cause

Remedy

1 Man overboard while

handling equipment



2 Equipment falling overboard



4 Man overboard o Fatigued personnel o Ensuring sufficient rest for personnel


5 Fire

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

6 Oily substances

getting into

contact with

personnel’s skin



7 Oily substances

getting in

personnel’s eyes





9 Boom becoming loose o Operator's inability to control boom o Insufficient attention to safety

requirements

o Ensuring sufficient training on boom operation and safety distance


10 Chains becoming entangled with personnel’s arms/legs

o Insufficient knowledge about boom operation

o Too many people near boom recovery area

o Using hands to reel back the boom

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


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 into contact with personnel’s skin



4 Oily substances

getting in

personnel’s eyes





6 Boom becoming loose o Operator's inability to control boom o Insufficient attention to safety

requirements

o Ensuring sufficient training on boom operation and safety distance


7 Chains

becoming

entangled with

personnel’s

arms/legs

o Insufficient knowledge about boom operation

o Too many people near boom recovery area

o Using hands for reeling back the boom

o Observing safety requirements o Using experienced personnel o Using appropriate number of

personnel 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 o Insufficient attention to safety

requirements o Only approaching helicopter

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

2 Fire o Static charge when landing o Refuelling with engines running o Earth cable not connected while

refuelling

o Discharging static charge before landing

o Observing flight safety requirements

o Firefighting team standing by at scene

o Using PPE o Earth cable connected while

refuelling

3 Aircraft or helicopter

crashing o Insufficient radio communication o Fatigued flight crew o Flying in unfavourable conditions and

low visibility o Flying low without autopilot o Insufficient coordination between flight

crew and pilots

o Observing flight safety requirements

o Ensuring sufficient radio communication

o Continuous training on aerial manoeuvre

o Using flight PPE o Observing permissible flight

hours for crew o Flying in favourable conditions o Keeping first aid/fire-fighting

equipment available

4 Dispersant tank falling o Using incorrect wires or connections o Inefficient lashing

o Using correct wires or connections

o Checking wires and connections

o Avoid carrying out operations in crowded areas

5 Dispersant spilling on personnel

o Dispersant tank leakage o Operation in crowded areas o Insufficient attention to wind direction o Insufficient radio communication


o Checking tank before flight o Ensuring a safe distance from

crowded areas o Considering wind direction o Using PPE

6 Personnel falling into the water

o Flying low in crowded areas o Insufficient radio communication


o Ensuring a safe distance from crowded areas


2. Dispersant spraying from vessels

Item

Hazard

Cause

Remedy

1 Hose rupturing or

connections breaking

o Non-standard hoses and connections used for dispersant spraying equipment and systems

o Using standard hoses and connections with sufficient resistance to pressure for dispersant spraying equipment and systems

o Continuous inspection

2 Dispersant spilling on

personnel due to wind

blowing, hose rupturing

or connections

breaking

o Non-standard or corroded hoses and connections used in dispersant spraying equipment and systems

o Wind blowing o Vessel swaying during operation

o Ensuring dispersant nozzles are placed properly

o Considering wind direction o Using PPE

C. In-situ burning

Item

Hazard

Cause

Remedy

1 Fire starting materials spilling on personnel

o Insufficient attention to wind direction o Insufficient attention to safety

requirements

o Using PPE o Considering wind direction o Observing safety requirements

2 Fire, involving personnel o Insufficient attention to wind direction o Insufficient attention to safety

requirements

o Using PPE o Considering wind direction o Observing safety requirements o Keeping fire-fighting equipment

available

3 Inhaling thick smoke o Incomplete burning of hydrocarbons o Remaining an appropriate distance upwind

o Considering wind direction

4 Fire resistant boom

bursting

o Excessive heat o Using PPE

5 Sun and heatstroke o Working in excessive heat conditions 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

height

o Rocky shore clean-up o Using PPE, such as safety straps

2 Sun and heatstroke o Working in excessive heat conditions or in direct sunlight

o Fatigued personnel

o Using PPE o Providing drinking water and

first aid o Observing permissible working

hours

3 Clean-up equipment hitting personnel

o Insufficiently skilled driver/operator o Operating in crowded areas o Fatigued personnel

o Providing warning signs in the operation area

o Using skilled personnel o Observing permissible working

hours

4 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

5 Dispersant spilling on

personnel


o Considering items mentioned

on MSDS1

o Using PPE o Keeping first aid equipment

available

6 Personnel

suffers animal

bite

o Insufficient attention to safety requirements for working in areas with animals present

o Considering health recommendations

o Using PPE o Keeping first aid equipment

available

E. Temporary storage on shoreline

Item

Hazard

Cause

Remedy

1 Personnel falling into

storage pits

o Insufficient warning signs and lighting (for night operation)

o Providing warning signs and lighting

o Making pits maximum 1.5 m deep

2 Equipment falling into

storage pits

o Insufficient warning signs and lighting (for night operation)

o Insufficiently skilled driver

o Providing warning signals and lighting

o Using skilled drivers

3 Plastic bags containing recovered oil falling

o Corroded wire or plastic bags o Loading above the permissible weight o Unskilled operator

o Checking wires before use o Observing permissible weight o Ensuring operator's skills o Using PPE

4 Electric shock from

pumps

o Using electric pumps o Using PPE o Avoiding electric pumps

5 Fire o Using electric pumps

o Using PPE, firefighting and keeping first aid equipment available

o Avoiding electric pumps

6 Cuts to hands o Insufficient attention to safety requirements for temporary storage

o Considering health 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?


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


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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Documents

Guidance safe operation of oil pollution combating equipment€¦ · GUIDANCE ON THE SAFE OPERATION OF OIL POLLUTION COMBATING EQUIPMENT Preface 1 Article 6.2(a) of the International