Chapter 5

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Personnel Protection and Safety Devices

5.1 Canadian modification - Suitable protective clothing and equipment, such as studded boots or studded overshoes and hard hats, should be provided for the protection of crew members.

5.2 During the course of the voyage, if there is no convenient passage for the crew on or below the deck of the ship giving safe means of access from the accommodation to all parts used in the necessary working of the ship, guard lines or rails, not more than 330 mm apart vertically, should be provided on each side of the deck cargo to a height of at least 1 m above the cargo. In addition, a lifeline, preferably wire rope, set up taut with a tightening device should be provided as near as practicable to the centreline of the ship. The stanchion supports to all guard rails or lifelines should be spaced so as to prevent undue sagging. Where the cargo is uneven, a safe walking surface of not less than 600 mm in width should be fitted over the cargo and effectively secured beneath, or adjacent to, the lifeline.

5.3 Canadian modification - Upon completion of loading and securing, fencing or means of closing should be provided for all openings in the stow such as at masthouses, winches etc.

5.4 Where uprights are not fitted or where alternatives to the provisions of subsection 5.2 are permitted, a walkway of substantial construction should be provided having an even walking surface and consisting of two fore and aft sets of guard lines or rails about 1 m apart, each having a minimum of three courses of guard lines or rails to a height of not less than 1 m above the walking surface. Such guard lines or rails should be supported by rigid stanchions spaced not more than 3 m apart and lines should be set up taut by tightening device.

5.5 As an alternative to 5.2, 5.3 and 5.4, a lifeline, preferably wire rope, may be erected above the timber deck cargo such that a crew member equipped with a fall protection system can hook onto and work about the timber deck cargo. The lifeline should be:

1. erected about 2 m above the timber deck cargo as near as practicable to the centreline of the ship;
2. stretched sufficiently taut with a tightening device to support a fallen crew member without collapse or failure.

5.6 Properly constructed ladders, steps or ramps fitted with guard lines or handrails should be provided from the top of the cargo to the deck, and in other cases where the cargo is stepped, in order to provide reasonable access.

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