22 PROTECTION OF PERSONNEL
22.1 Deckhouses and Superstructures
The structural strength of any deckhouse or superstructure should comply with the requirements of one of the Classification Societies listed in 4.2.1.1, as appropriate to the vessel and its areas of operation.
22.2 Bulwarks and Guard Rails
22.2.1 Bulwarks and/or guardrails on all accessible decks should be 1000 mm high except that on vessels built to 1959 Load Line Rules these may be 915mm high. Any opening should not exceed 380 mm. Where no bulwarks are fitted, or bulwark height is less than 230mm, the lowest opening should not exceed 230mm. They should be supported at intervals not exceeding 2.2 metres. Intermediate courses of rails or wires should be evenly spaced.
22.2.2 Satisfactory means (in the form of guard rails, life lines, gangways or underdeck passages, etc.) shall be provided for the protection of the crew in getting to and from their quarters, the machinery space and all other parts used in the necessary work of the craft.
22.2.3 Where the function of the vessel would be impeded by the provision of bulwarks and/or guard rails complying with 22.2.1, alternative proposals detailed to provide equivalent safety for persons on deck should be submitted to the Administration for approval.
22.3 Safe Work Aloft, Overside, and on the Bowsprit of Sailing Vessels
22.3.1 When access to the rig, bowsprit, or overside working is required, provision should be made to enable people to work safely, in accordance with national standards, see National Annex.
22.3.2 The arrangements provided should be based on established safe working practices for the type of vessel. The arrangements may include but not be limited to:-
.1 Safety nets below the bowsprit.
.2 Safety grabrails in wood (or jackstays in metal) fixed along the bowsprit to act as handholds and safety points for safety harnesses.
.3 Mandatory use of safety harnesses aloft, overside, and for work on the bowsprit.
.4 Sufficient footropes and horses in wire (or rope) permanently rigged to enable seamen to stand on them whilst working out on the yards or on the bowsprit.
.5 Safety jackstays (in metal) fixed along the top of the yards, to provide handholds and act as strong points for safety harnesses.
.6 Means of safely climbing aloft, such as:-
(i) fixed metal steps or ladders attached to the mast; or
(ii) traditional ratlines (rope) or, rattling bars (wood/steel), fixed across the shrouds to form a permanent ladder.
22.4 Personal Clothing
It should be the responsibility of an owner/managing agent/skipper to advise that the following requirements for items of personal clothing should be met:
.1 Each person on board a vessel should have protective clothing appropriate to the prevailing air and sea temperatures.
.2 Each person on board a vessel should have footwear having non-slip soles, to be worn on board.
22.5 Noise
Attention is drawn to the IMO Code on Noise Levels on Board Ships, Resolution A.468 (XII), published 1982.
22.5.1 Vessels covered by this Code should meet the recommendations so far as is reasonable and practicable.
22.5.2 The IMO Code on Noise on Board Ships promotes the control of noise within the framework of internationally agreed guidelines, whilst recommending methods of measuring noise at listening posts.
22.5.3 For safe navigation, it is important that sound signals and VHF communications can be heard, at the navigating position in normal operating conditions.
22.5.4 For machinery spaces, workshops and stores which are manned either continuously or for lengthy periods, the recommended limits are 90dB(A) for machinery spaces and 85dB(A) for workshops and stores.
For machinery spaces which are not intended to be continuously manned or are attended for short periods only, the recommended limits are 110dB(A).
The limits have been set from hearing damage risk considerations and the use of suitable ear protectors.
22.5.5 To indicate the need to wear ear protectors, safety signs, sign with symbol and supplementary warning notice should be displayed at all entrances to spaces in which the noise level exceeds 85dB(A).