- IACS has published new safety guidelines (Rec. 184) to protect Class Surveyors from occupational hazards.
- The guidelines focus on risk management, fitness for work, fatigue management, and standardized safety practices.
- Key areas of concern include working at height, boat transfers, confined spaces, and extreme weather exposure.
The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) has introduced Rec. 184, a set of safety guidelines aimed at improving occupational health and safety (OHS) standards for Class Surveyors. These professionals often face various hazards during inspections and surveys, making it essential to implement robust safety measures. The guidelines offer a structured, industry-wide approach to risk management, fatigue prevention, and emergency response, ensuring a safer and more sustainable maritime industry.
Comprehensive Risk Management for Surveyors
One of the primary focuses of Rec. 184 is risk assessment and situational awareness. Surveyors must conduct thorough risk evaluations before starting work to prevent accidents, injuries, and property damage.
The guidelines emphasize proactive safety measures, ensuring that surveyors are well-prepared to handle potential hazards in complex environments.
Enhancing Collaboration and Safety Culture
IACS encourages surveyors to share safety-related experiences and challenges, fostering a collaborative safety culture across classification societies.
By exchanging best practices, the maritime industry can continuously improve OHS standards and reduce incidents through shared learning.
Ensuring Physical and Mental Fitness for Work
Recognizing that a surveyor’s well-being directly impacts safety, the guidelines stress the need for regular medical checkups and fitness assessments.
Surveyors are advised to monitor their physical and mental readiness to minimize risks associated with fatigue, stress, or underlying health issues.
Fatigue Management and Adequate Rest
Fatigue is a significant factor in workplace accidents, and IACS highlights the importance of sufficient rest and regulated working hours.
The guidelines advocate for strict fatigue management policies, ensuring that surveyors remain alert and capable while performing inspections.
Stop Work Authority: Empowering Surveyors
The guidelines introduce a Stop Work Authority, allowing surveyors to halt operations if safety conditions are compromised.
This ensures that corrective actions are taken before work resumes, reinforcing a strong commitment to safety-first decision-making.
Mandatory Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
To minimize exposure to risks, surveyors must wear appropriate PPE, including helmets, gloves, and harnesses.
The guidelines specify inspection, maintenance, and replacement requirements for PPE, ensuring that protective gear remains effective at all times.
Standardising Safety Practices Across the Industry
IACS aims to unify safety protocols, ensuring that all classification societies adhere to consistent safety standards.
This standardization minimizes variability in safety practices, leading to a more secure working environment for surveyors globally.
Addressing High-Risk Activities
Surveyors often face hazardous tasks such as working at height, transferring between vessels, and operating in confined spaces.
The guidelines provide tailored safety recommendations for these activities, along with measures for managing pressure tests, electrical energy, extreme weather, and hazardous material exposure.
The document also includes travel safety guidelines, ensuring that surveyors remain protected not only during inspections but also while commuting to remote locations.
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Source: IACS
