Job: Topside OperatorPDA.pdf · 21/12/2008 · Operator uses the ship’s gear (gantry, crane or derrick) to load or unload materials from the ship’s hold to the dock. Cargo can

Physical Demands Analysis – Topside Operator

Last Revised: December 21, 2008

ErgoRisk © 2008 Page 1 of 11

Job: Topside Operator Description: Operates the Ship’s Gear and acts as Signalperson

Equipment Assessed: Ship Gantry (Steel ship), Ship Derrick (Logs)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

1. Operating the Ship’s Gear A) Sitting B) Handling Controls C) Operating Foot Pedals

2. Signalperson

3. Ascending/Descending the Ship’s Gear and Pre-Job Inspection

Non Essential Duties:

� Keep inside of the gantry or derrick cab clean

� Clean gantry or derrick cab windows

Shift Schedule:

Two operators are assigned to per 8hr shift. The operation of the ship’s gear is divided between the two operators (4 hours each). While one worker operates the ships gear, the other works as a signalperson (if needed).

Staffing:

Two operators are assigned to operate the gantry or derrick on a vessel. Only one operator is in the cab at a time. The second person acts as a signalperson if needed.

DESCRIPTION OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

1. OPERATING THE SHIP’S GEAR (GANTRY, CRANE OR DERRICK)

Frequency

� Operates the ships gear for 4 hrs out of an 8-hour shift.

Equipment

� Variety of ship gantries, cranes or derricks. Each ship is different and condition of equipment may vary.

Task Description

� Operator uses the ship’s gear (gantry, crane or derrick) to load or unload materials from the ship’s hold to the dock. Cargo can include bulk, break bulk, steel, or logs.

� This is completed by manipulating the hand controls in the cab of the gear that control the gantry, crane, or derrick.




� Cycle time varies by type of cargo but typically range from 4 to 6 minutes. Cycle time can take much longer depending on the type of load and the complexity of the transfer (e.g. kicking logs into the wings of a vessel, lifting equipment in/out of hold).

� Constant attention to the load, people in the area (on deck, in the hold), and parts of the ship (stanchions, hatch cover, railings etc.) is required.

� When operating a ship derrick or crane, the operator works closely with the signalperson when the load is over the edge of the ship since the topside operator is unable to see the dock, the load or hazards that may exist.

A SITTING Equipment Seat in Ship’s Gear

Duration up to 4 hours Frequency sustained Force n/a

Task Overview

� Frequent and sustained neck and back flexion when hunching forwards to look down through the gantry floor

windows to see the work. � Due to the need for constant vigilance and awareness, this

posture may be sustained for long periods of time.

Microbreaks occur when the load is being attached and when gantrying.

� Frequent rotation of the neck to the left or right when gantrying to the left or right or when looking at the position

of the load relative to the ship or hold.

� When working in a gantry or crane, the operator is seated for the duration of the operating task. When operating a derrick, the operator

may stand or sit (second picture to the right). � Natural seated posture is typically a rounded upper back and forward

head posture. � Forward flexion of the torso eliminates the ability of using the backrest.

� Whole-body vibration when gantry is in operation.

� Significant jolts may occur when travelling over transitions or changing directions.

B HANDLING CONTROLS Equipment Joysticks, handles, switches, button controls

Duration up to 4 hours Frequency Constant when operating Force Minimal

Task Overview

� Due to the variety of cabs (gantry, crane, derrick), age of the equipment (some ships have newer cabs and equipment) and condition of the

equipment, there can be significant differences in the controls used to

operate the ship’s gear.

� However, the controls are electric, hydraulic and easy to move. Force is

minimal.

� The operator maintains control of joysticks or handles on either side of




the operator. One hand normally controls moving (gantrying, derrick arm, (luffing handle)) and the

other controls the hoist wire. Radio controls are also frequently used.

� There are many other controls, gauges and alarms that the operator

must visually monitor for any emergency concerns.

� The gantry operator’s seat has a right arm console for hoist controls

and a left arm console for trolley controls. Each console has a joystick,

various button and switch controls. � There is also a wall control panel with less frequently used controls,

such as for lights, etc. � Various different grips may occur including power grip, pinch grip and

modified pinch grips are required to handle the controls � Operators must lean and twist the torso and reach backwards with an

outstretched arm and shoulder to access the wall console.

� When handling the joysticks and leaning forward to view the operation, the operator’s shoulders are typically in an extended position.

Additional shoulder extension is required when operators reach further back to access other controls located behind the joystick.

� Small wrist movements in all directions may be required to manipulate the different controls.

� There are significant dexterity requirements to make fine adjustments to the gear. � The arms are typically unsupported during all these control movements.

� Static head forward posture and shoulder abduction frequently occur when operating the gantry controls (up to 4 hours).

C OPERATING FOOT PEDAL Equipment Radio Pedal

Duration up to 4 hours Frequency Intermittent when operating Force Minimal

Task Overview

� In some gantries, there is a single foot pedal on the floor of the crane cab to operate the radio.

� Operating the foot pedal requires ankle flexion and extension.

� The pedal is operated by the right foot and the operator depresses it to open the radio channel for him to speak to the checker.

� However, typically, the operator carries a handheld radio and uses this to communicate.

FUNCTIONAL DEMANDS with MSI POTENTIAL

�� Operating the Ship’s Gear (Gantry, Crane or Derrick)

Neck � Neck rotation, flexion and extension places stress on the tissues of the cervical

spine.

� Rounded upper back and forward head posture from sitting hunched can put stress on the neck and upper back.

� Reaching excessively far forward with unsupported arms, if seat is not adjusted correctly can also stress the upper back and neck.




File photos

Back

� Lumbar spine rounds when sitting which places increased stress on the discs and other spinal tissues.

� Increased C-curve forward leaning postures place increased mechanical stress on the back.

� Static use of back muscles from sitting for extended periods can increase

fatigue. � Twisting or side bending postures stress spinal tissues such as when

looking behind or leaning out of window. � When changing directions with a load or while starting and stopping while gantrying, there can be

significant jolts causing the worker to sway while in a forward flexed posture.

Shoulder � Static shoulder extension while operating the joystick controls while leaning forward

can stress the shoulder joint. � Sideways reaching with an unsupported arm to grasp the joystick, handles or

controls. This posture may be sustained for the majority of the work period.

� Awkward arm and shoulder movements may be required to access controls beyond seated reach and behind the worker.

Elbow/Wrist

� Complex wrist and grips are required in all directions when

operating the controls � Repetitive pinch grip is required for some knobs, controls,

switches and dials. � Repetitive thumb or finger movements are required to push

buttons and manipulate joystick for small movements.

� Static small finger extension can occur when trying to stabilize the hand for fine tuning movements with the joystick.

STRATEGIES TO MINIMIZE MSI

�� Operating the Ship’s Gear (Gantry, Crane or Derrick) Neck � Stretch the neck muscles often to allow tissue recovery

resulting from awkward postures. Try tucking the chin to place the neck in proper alignment with the spinal column

and then rotate the head to one side or the other. Hold the stretch for 20 seconds.

� Keep neck in neutral spinal alignment by avoiding forward

head postures. � As much as possible turn body rather than twisting neck for viewing the load.

� When stationary or not required to view the load, return the neck to a neutral position and look straight ahead (or perform a stretch) until required to look down again.




Back

� As much as possible, avoid sitting for extended periods of time to minimize static use of back muscles. Stand and stretch whenever waiting for hook-ups or during other

breaks from activity. In the derrick, take this opportunity frequently (controls allow standing).

� Take the opportunity to stretch or walk during scheduled breaks to restore blood flow

to the spinal tissues. � Minimize the degree of torso twisting by turning whole body in the seat when

checking the load position while stopped for unloading. � Minimize hunched sitting posture by taking the time to adjust seat for best fit.

� When leaning forward, focus on flexing or hinging from the hips and maintaining a neutral three curve spine.

� Where possible, try to maintain a mild contraction of the lower abdominal muscles in

order to provide support for the structures of the low back. � Reverse forward leaning postures by arching the back, squeezing the shoulder blades together and

sticking the chest out (see picture above).

Shoulders

� Take hands off of the joystick or controls when not operating the

controls. Let shoulders and hands relax and rest hands in the lap or on the leg until required to reach back for the joystick again.

� Rest the left hand and shoulder when not gantrying or using the left control to travel. Where possible, rest the right hand and shoulder

when not raising or lowering the load.

Elbow/Wrist/Hand

� Maintain neutral wrist posture when operating hand joysticks, controls or

levers; move the whole arm from the shoulder joint to operate the control rather than just small wrist movements.

� Take hands off of the joystick or controls when not operating the controls. Let shoulders and hands relax and rest hands in the lap or on the leg until

required to reach back for the joystick again.

� Rest the left hand and shoulder when not gantrying or using the left control to travel. Where possible, rest the right hand and shoulder

when not raising or lowering the load. � Avoid static, awkward postures of the wrist or fingers (e.g. stabilization

with small finger).

� Perform wrist and forearm stretches to promote blood flow and minimize fatigue or discomfort as able.




2. SIGNALPERSON

Frequency

� Two to four times per shift depending on whether the operators are working 4hrs on/4 off or working 2hrs on/ 2 hrs off.

Equipment � Radio, hand signals

Task Description

� Signalpersons act as the eyes for the topside operator when they can’t see over the side of the vessel.

� The signalperson observes the activities over the side of the ship and sometimes inside the hold (location of the block, slings and labourers) and uses a series of hand signals to instruct the topside operator which direction to move the load (up, down, in, out , left , right). The signalperson will move around the deck to ensure his/her ability to view the load and to communicate effectively with the topside operator.

� Signalperson’s are used primarily with derricks and cranes since they are stationary. When the ship has a gantry, the signalperson may stay in the area and perform miscellaneous tasks such as delivering air bags to the hold (non-essential task).

SIGNALPERSON Equipment Radio, hand signals

Duration <30s Frequency ~2-3X/10 minutes for 4 hours of shift

Force Minimal

FUNCTIONAL DEMANDS WITH MSI POTENTIAL

�� Signalperson

Neck

� Frequent and sustained neck flexion occurs when monitoring the tasks

being performed on the dock or in the water (logs).

� Significant neck extension occurs when monitoring the slings or load passing overhead.




Shoulder

� Reaching above shoulder height and making repetitive hand signals occurs frequently throughout the shift.

� Shoulder extension was observed when instructing the operator to lower the load.

� Shoulder flexion, abduction and crossing of the mid-line are associated

with some hand signals.

Hip/Knee � When moving about the deck, there are stairs and many

obstructions and trip hazards. Failure to identify a hazard and move over/around can result in a slip, trip,

fall or contusion.


�� Signalperson Neck

� Avoid sustained neck flexion when observing the work over the edge of the ship or hold. When possible, find a position that minimizes visual obstructions and minimizes looking directly below (e.g.

slightly off to the side but still in the line of sight of the topside operator).

Shoulder � Avoid sustained awkward postures of the shoulder

when giving signals. � When not performing signals, perform appropriate

shoulder and neck stretches to counter the postures

assumed when performing signals and when operating the topside operator position.

Hip/Knee/Ankle � Always be aware when moving around on the deck. Monitor the deck for trip hazards, obstacles, oil

or ropes.

� Maintain good housekeeping of ropes and obstacles in the high travel areas. Encourage ship crew to clean up oil or spills as necessary.

� Where possible, use three point contact when climbing or descending stairs on the ship deck.




3. ASCENDING AND DESCENDING THE SHIP AND SHIP’S GEAR/PRE-JOB INSPECTION

Frequency

� Two to four times per shift depending on whether the operators are working 4hrs on/4 off or working 2hrs on/ 2 hrs off.

Equipment � Gangway, stairs, ladders

Task Description

� This is the most physical aspect of this job. � Operators must access the ship via a gangway. The

angle of the gangway can vary significantly. The gangway is comprised of steps and two handrails.

� Once on board, the Topside Operator needs to access the work area. To access a derrick or crane, the access may be through vertical ladders and hatchways.

� The operator normally carries a handheld radio into the cab. Operators may also carry a small backpack as the cab as well (not required).

� Access can also include walking on the ship’s deck, and over around obstacles in order to access the appropriate ladder or stairwell.

� The operator is also responsible for a pre-job visual inspection of the ship’s equipment.

� This requires additional climbing to access the visual inspection points (green ovals indicate some of the inspection points).

� Vertical ladders, and walking on exposed railings is required (fall protection may be worn).




ASCENDING & DESCENDING THE GANTRY Equipment Radio

Duration 2-5 minutes Frequency 2-4 times/shift Force Support bodyweight when climbing; Use body weight when

opening doors or barriers

FUNCTIONAL DEMANDS WITH MSI POTENTIAL

�� Ascending & Descending the Ship’s Gear

Neck

� Significant neck flexion may occur as the operator looks down to ensure his footing when ascending

or descending the stairs or ladders.

Shoulder

� Reaching above shoulder height and holding on is required when climbing ladders. The operator may also need to move through hatchways which

constrain movement and can increase awkward shoulder postures. This can

stress the structures of the shoulders and arms. � The shoulder and forearm muscles must be able to sustain the weight of the

worker especially if a foot slips or if clothing (e.g. hi vis vest or backpack) snags on a part of the stair, ladder or hatchway.

Hip

� Supporting and propelling body weight against gravity when ascending or descending stairs or ladder can put stress on the structures around the hip and knee.

� Significant hip flexion is required when climbing up or down ladders and stair ladders. � Possibility for high impact force when descending stairs or ladders.

� Impact force when descending the last step of the ladder can put stress on the structures around the knee, especially if jumping down from the bottom step.

Knee

� Supporting and propelling body weight against gravity when ascending or descending stairs or ladder can put stress on the structures around the knee.

� Possibility for high impact force when descending stairs or ladders. � Impact force when descending the last step of the ladder can put stress on the structures around the

knee, especially if jumping down from the bottom step.

Ankle � Supporting and propelling body weight against gravity when ascending or descending stairs or ladder

can put stress on the structures around the knee. � Jumping down from the last step may place stress on tissues in and surrounding the ankle joint.





�� Ascending & Descending the Ship’s Gear Neck

� Avoid sustained neck flexion when ascending or descending. Check footing then return to looking in

front when climbing in/out.

Shoulder

� Avoid extreme overhead reaching when climbing ladders. Keep arms in close to the side of the body to increase the stability through the shoulder joint.

� Ensure all equipment (backpack, radios, hi-vis vests) are firmly secured before climbing in order to

reduce unexpected forces and eliminate the likelihood that you will get caught up on a ladder.

Hip/Knee/Ankle

� Use the handrail or ladders rungs to help with balance and to assist in pulling up on body weight when ascending or descending or to slow the rate of descent when coming down the stairs, ladder or

gangway.

� Always maintain three points of contact when climbing up or down in order to protect against slips, trips or falls.

� Always maintain control when climbing up or down and be able to stop at any time. Avoid losing control or jumping down from lower steps or stairs.

� Maintain an awareness of foot placement at all times when on the ship, deck or ladders. Oil,

obstacles, precipitation and other hazards can contribute to slips or trips.

4. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS

Exposure to Elements

� The operator exposed to outside elements when acting as a signalperson, performing pre-job inspection of ship’s gear and when accessing the ship or ship’s gear.

Uneven Surfaces

� When walking on the deck of the ship there are many potential trip hazards (parts of the ship, ropes, oil, grease, steps, stairs, door sill, pipes).

Vibration

� The operator is exposed to whole body vibration throughout operation of the gantry. There are also significant bumps and jolts as the crane changes direction or when gantrying, particularly if moving over a transition.




5. PHYSICAL DEMANDS SUMMARY TABLE

Job Demands Max. Weight/

Avg. Weight

Duration

per

exposure h=hrs

s=secs, m=mins

h=hrs

Frequency

UNABLE

to perform Comments

Lifting/Carry N May lift airbags (17kg) – not essential task

Push/Pull <3kg 5-30s F Topside operator, constantly manipulating controls,

buttons, switches.

Supporting Body Weight 10m O Topside operator climbs multiple stairs, ladders when

accessing work area and performing initial inspection.

Gripping / Handling 5-30s F Constant moving of the joystick, handles and other controls (4hr/shift). S

TRENGTH

Fine Motor Skills <10s F Complex small movements of the controls

Sitting 4h F Constant sitting when operating gantry or crane.

Driving N

Standing 4hr O/F Signalperson stands for the majority of the 4hr

Walking <30s O Signalperson may walk from side of ship to side of

hold repetitively through the ship.

Bending/ Stooping 4h F Ship gantry workers may bend forward up to 45

degrees for the majority of the 4 hr.

Sustained Crouching/

Kneeling N

Climbing Stairs 10m O To access ship and ship’s gear.

Climbing Ladders 20m O To access ship’s gear. Up to 50’.

Crawling N

Balancing N

Throwing N

POSTURE & MOBILITY

Overhead Reach <30s O Signalperson needs to make signals to side of body

and overhead.

Exposure to Elements 4h F Constant for 4 hr when working as signalperson

Uneven Surfaces <30s O When travelling on the deck of the ship (from the side

of the ship to the hold)

Proximity to moving objects

4h F Overhead loads and slings.

Vibration (upper

extremity) N

ENVIRONMENT

Vibration (whole body) 4h F Low amplitude vibration exists when operating gantry.

Frequency Ratings:

N: Never

R: Rare - Not daily or up to 1% of shift (<5mins/day)

O: Occasional - 1%-33% of shift (up to 2.5hrs)

F: Frequent - 34%-67% of shift (2.5-5hrs)

C: Constant ->67% of shift (>5hrs)

Documents

Job: Topside OperatorPDA.pdf · 21/12/2008 · Operator uses the ship’s gear (gantry, crane or derrick) to load or unload materials from the ship’s hold to the dock. Cargo can