Page 278 - Introduction to Marine Engineering

252 Fire fighting and safety

taken with steam-operated or steam-using equipment to ensure no
pressure build-up can occur.
When lifting equipment during overhaul, screw-in eye bolts should be
used where possible. These should be fully entered up to the collar and
the threads on the eyebolt and in the equipment should be in good
condition. Any lifting wires should be in good condition without broken
strands or sharp edges.
Before any work is done on the main engine, the turning gear should
be engaged and a warning posted at the control position. Lubricating oil
in the working area should be cleaned up and where necessary suitable
staging erected. The turning gear should be made inoperative if not
required during the overhaul. Where it is used, care must be taken to
ensure ail personnel are clear before it is used.
Where overhead work is necessary suitable staging should be provided
and adequately lashed down. Staging planks should be examined before
use and where suspect discarded. Where ladders are used for access they
must be secured at either end. Personnel working on staging should take
care with tools and store them in a container.
Boiler blowbacks can cause serious injury and yet with care can usually
be avoided. The furnace floor should be free of oil and burners
regularly checked to ensure that they do not drip, particularly when not
in use. The manufacturer's instructions should be followed with regard
to lighting up procedures. Generally this will involve blowing through
the furnace (purging) with air prior to lighting up. The fuel oil must be
at the correct temperature and lit with a torch. If ignition does not
immediately occur the oil should be turned off and purging repeated
before a second attempt is made. The burner should be withdrawn and
examined before it is lit.
Entry into an enclosed space should only take place under certain
specified conditions. An enclosed space, such as a duct keel, a double
bottom tank, a cofferdam, boiler, etc. cannot be assumed to contain
oxygen. Anyone requiring to enter such a space should only do so with
the permission of a responsible officer. The space should be well
ventilated before entry takes place and breathing apparatus taken along;
it should be used if any discomfort or drowsiness is felt. Another person
should remain at the entrance to summon assistance if necessary, and
there should be a means of communication arranged between the
person within the space and the attendant. Lifelines and harness should
be available at the entrance to the space. The attendant should first raise
the alarm where the occupant appears in danger but should not enter
the space unless equipped with breathing apparatus.
Training in the use of safety equipment and the conduct of rescues is
essential for all personnel involved.