IMCA Updates Guidance on Shipyard Safety

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has updated its ‘Guidance on Safety in Shipyards’ IMCA HSSE 032, IMCA M 221. The document provides guidance to vessel owners and operators when preparing contracts and procedures for vessel dry docking or extended maintenance periods alongside in a shipyard.

Originally published in 2013, the revised document addresses traffic management in shipyards.

Nick Hough, IMCA Technical Adviser – HSSE, Offshore Survey and ROV, said, “It is important to establish a safe working environment for all personnel working on and transiting the quayside area and/or the bottom of the dry dock – both of which should be considered as an extension of the vessel.

“Spatial awareness is important for crew members working in these places. Although it may be difficult for the vessel operator to influence control over traffic operating throughout the shipyard, reasonable measures should be taken to minimize risk in the working area around the vessel. In the revised guidance we highlight a number of key hazards and list measures that could be taken to minimize risk.”

Nick Hough (Photo: IMCA)

The revised guidance also includes information on occupational health and worker fitness/health in shipyards including: waste management, toilet facilities, drinking water, food hygiene control, disease prevention and local control of malaria or other diseases with vectors such as mosquitoes, flies and rodents.