What are Hazards Related Job Activities in the Engine Room?

Various hazards are involved while working in the engine room. Some cases are
discussed here are to be used for guidance and may not be complete. It is
recommended that hazards related to job activities are to be identified and discussed
among the crew to improve the safety procedures and to prevent accidents.

a. Drilling hole on metal using bench drill machine.

Point of Hazards:
i. Not wearing of safety goggles or glass. Metal chip/ powder may likely enter the eyes.
ii. Wearing of gloves.                                             
The hands maybe caught by the rotating elements of the machine.
iii. Work piece is unsecured and is using the hand. Work piece must be fastened by securing tool to avoid swinging and thrown due to rotating force that may cause injury to a person.

b. Grinding work on bench grinder.

Point of Hazards:
i. Work supporting block clearance (d) is too big. Block clearance must be adjusted to minimum distance to support the work piece and to avoid flying off.
ii. Work piece is secured by pliers. Pliers cannot support the work piece securely and may cause the work piece to fly-off .

c. De-burring work.

Point of Hazards:
i. The work is not secured completely, it maybe sent off flying.
ii. The air sander may “jump-off” from the hand that can hurt the user .


d. Cleaning of filter elements in the workshop.

Point of Hazards:
i. Cleaning of filter while welding jobs is being carried out on the other side. This can cause fire in the area, if the chemical is combustibles and used as cleaning materials.
ii. Do not work at welding area as this may injured your eyes.
iii. Water shall not be used near the welding area otherwise electric shock may occur

e. Lifting/Carrying of objects while in the Engine Room

Point of Hazards:
i. Lifting position.Even though the lifting position is correct and the weight is enough, never attempt to lift object above you.This will cause “tip-off” especially when the ship experience rolling or pitching.
ii. Non-secure objects. Avoid manual lifting of heavy object and as much as possible ensure that it
is fully secure. Use lifting devices as necessary or ask assistance when carrying heavy objects. Be careful with stairs. When lifting object in stairs, always free up one hand to hold on rail

f. Working with ladder.
Point of Hazards:
i. Falls from height above the ground.Select the right ladder for the job.Never splice two ladders at a time.
ii. Falling tool and equipment.Secure all tools that are being used on top.
iii. Slips.Be sure to position the ladder and properly secure.

 g. When entering a tank for inspection or
maintenance.

Point of Hazards:
i. Asphyxiation from oxygen deficiency.Oxygen content of the tank must be continuously monitored as most of accidents inside the tanks are caused by oxygen deficiency.
ii. Falls.As the tank was not cleaned, be precautions in stepping at the steps and flooring.
iii. Communication Failure.Common problems when entering tanks is communication. Use buddy
system and always confirm that proper communication is established at all times