Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2018L01173:body:0:p32
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2018L01173
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 83125–85818

entered, for example if the space does or may contain explosive fumes special electrical safety standards need to be applied.
Both fixed and portable lighting should be checked to ensure proper operation and safe rigging before use.

6.4              Protection around cargo hatches and other openings
Marine Order 32 (Cargo handling equipment) sets out mandatory requirements for protective fencing around cargo hatches and other deck openings and machinery moving parts.

Any openings through which a person might fall should be fitted with secure guards or fencing.
Guard-rails or fencing should consist of an upper rail at a height of 1 metre and an intermediate rail at a height of 0.5 metres. The rails may consist of taut wire, rope or chain.
If constructed of rope or chain, the fence should be fitted with tensioning devises to keep the rope or chain as taut as possible Guard-rails or fencing should have no sharp edges and should be properly maintained. If necessary, locking devices and suitable stops or toe-boards should be provided.
Open hatches for handling cargo or stores, through which persons may fall or on which they may trip, should be closed as soon as work stops, except during short interruptions or where they cannot be closed without risk to safety or mechanical efficiency because of the heel or trim of the ship. Where hatch covers are raised, temporary fencing can be used as a control measure to prevent falls.
Hatch covers, pontoons and beams that have been removed should be placed so as to leave a safe walkway from rail to hatch coaming and fore and aft.

Hatches and openings that provide access to holds should be checked to ensure:
       they are protected by coamings
       there is adequate clear space around the coamings to allow easy access
       hinged and pontoon hatch covers are secured, or removed if not adequately secured, to prevent them from accidentally closing during access
       approaches to a hold and an access hatch are kept unobstructed to reduce the risk of falls and to enable holds to be evacuated quickly in an emergency
       hatch covers are closed when the hatch is not in use to eliminate the risk of falls, and
       means of access includes a ladder which is clear of the hatchway through which cargo is loaded or unloaded.

Mechanically operated hatch covers
Mechanical, hydraulic or electrically powered hatch covers should only be operated by designated members of the ship's crew or other authorised people. When operating these types of hatch covers:
       warn people in the vicinity of the hatch cover before the hatch is opened or closed and instruct them to move to a safe area
       clear people