Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2018L01173:body:0:p95
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2018L01173
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 245736–248595

used.
   20.2  Recreational facilities
The operator should take into account the MLC Guidelines B3.1.11 to ensure that the recreational facilities meet the needs of seafarers living and working on the vessel.
Where there are rooms furnished with equipment to maintain physical fitness, all equipment should be installed, secured and used in accordance with the manufacturer's instruction. Free weights are dangerous and should not be used at sea.
Seafarers should be encouraged to maintain health and fitness. It may not be safe to use certain gym equipment when the ship is moving in a seaway. Regular inspection and maintenance of gym equipment should be conducted.
Where a swimming pool is available, warning signs should be placed around the pool to discourage dangerous activities such as swimming alone or diving.
The swimming pool should be emptied when heavy weather is expected. A net should be stretched across the pool and properly secured whenever the pool is empty.
The water in the swimming pool should be changed at regular intervals and the pool should not be filled with water that might be hazardous to health.
   20.3                       Sewage systems
The risk of gases from sewage systems finding their way into working and living spaces should be eliminated or minimised so far as is reasonably practicable. An operational procedure should be introduced for reporting, recording inspections, maintenance of the sewage system and the action taken to deal with complaints of foul or musty smells which may be due to toxic or oxygen-depleted gases.
The use of toilet cleaning products that kill germs and bacteria should be avoided as they may destroy the bacteria which are essential to the aerobic operation of sewage treatment plants. The manufacturer of the treatment plant should be consulted for details of appropriate non-harmful cleaning products.
If entry into the sewage tanks or work on the system is necessary, all personnel engaged on this work need to follow confined space procedures due to the risk of encountering oxygen-depleted, toxic and flammable gases (see section 7).
When inspecting a sewage system, ensure that:
       all drainpipes have satisfactory water/gas tightness and adequate water seals and traps to prevent the back flow of gases into the respective compartments;
       all sanitary fittings are securely fastened to prevent relative movements at pipe joints;
       where toilet pans are fitted with vacuum-breaking arrangements at the back of the water trap, such as individual air pipes or patented back flow prevention valves, these are in a satisfactory condition and operation;
       there is an adequate supply of flush water to clear toilet pans and to replenish water seals, and
       drains and air vents are clear of obstructions and are in sound water/gas tight condition throughout