Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2017L01588:front:0:p28
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2017L01588
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 77483–80238

lashing gear should be safely secured in designated stowage compartments, where available, in accordance with the vessel master's requirements—see Figure 2 below.
Figure 2 Preferred storage methods for lashing bars

    6.3           Working in ships' holds
Management of the risks associated with ships' holds includes the management of the atmosphere in a hold—see section 5.4—and the prevention of falls—see section 5.7. Workers should be provided with the relevant information, instruction and training to handle the relevant cargo safely. The work environment should be safe for plant to operate and clear of obstructions and risks of falling cargo. There should be a system to identify safe zones for workers, taking into account mobile plant that may be operating in the hold and crane operations.
This section provides further details on control measures for hatches and openings, ladders and for monitoring cargo operations in holds.

Working with hatches and openings
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.
Where hatch covers are raised, temporary fencing can be used as a control measure to prevent falls. Temporary fencing should be made up of:
       at least two parallel rails, ropes or chains
       the top rail, rope or chain is at least 1 metre above the walking surface
       the mid rail approximately half way between the top rail and the walking surface
       if made of rope or chain it should be kept as taught as practicable, and
       fencing uprights should be no more than 2.5 metres apart.
Further information is in the Code of Practice: Managing the risk of falls at workplaces.

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 and objects from the hatch cover before it is opened, and
       position