Coswop Flashcards
What does Coswop stand for
Code of safe working practises for Merchant Seafarers
What does Coswop do?
The code gives regulatory framework for health and safety on board ships and overall responsibilties under that framework.
It is not mandatory for pleasure vessels
Who publishes the Code, how is it updated?
Published by the MCA
Updated by The Stationary Office (TSO)
Who is the code addressed to?
To everyone on a ship regardless of rank or rating, and to those ashore responsible for safety
Which vessels require a safety officer?
Where is this recorded?
Every sea going ship on which more than 5 workers are employed
The master should record the appointment in the official logbook
Who is the Safety officer?
Safety adviser aboard the ship
Should have attended a suitable safety officers training course
He may conduct risk assessments himself, however, should take an independant view of safety on behalf of the company
The safety officers role should be a positive one, the officer should do the following:
- be on the lookout for any potential hazards and preventing incidents
*Develop a safety culture on board
*Become an advisor on safety that the captain and crew will turn to
*When unsafe practise is observed, approach those involved to suggest improvements. If necessary involve HoDs or Captain - Ensure each new worker is given a safety induction, as per Chapter 2, safety induction
*Where possible, ensure each new worker shadows an existing safety conscious crew member
*Remind experienced seafarers of the importance of H+S and of setting an example to less experienced members
How often should safety inspections be carried out?
Safety Officer should carry out an inspection at least every 3 months, or more frequently if there have been changes in the condition of work
When does the duty to stop work apply?
Safety officer has the duty to stop any work in progress immediately which may cause accident and inform the master.
Master decides when work can be resumed
This does not apply in an emergency action to save life or ship
requirements for safety representatives?
Vessels with more than 5 crew onboard
Elected by other crew
At least 2 years consectutive sea service since 18
On tankers at least 6 months service on such a ship
Unlike the officer, Safety representatives have powers, not duties.
Representatives should:
*Put forward views in a firm but reasonable manner
*Be sure of the facts
*Be aware of the legal position
*Be conscious of what is reasonably practical
*Having made recomendations, request to be kept informed of follow up actions
What is a safety representative feels obstructed?
Report to safety officer or Master
Aim to resolve matter onboard or throught the company
If that fails, report to trade union (Nautilus) or MCA
Who is on the safety comittee
Chaired by the master
As a minimum, the Safety officer and representative
When do safety appointments end?
Safety officer - As soon as he ceases to work on that ship
Safety Rep - Cannot be terminated, they can resign, or be replaced by another elected rep
Difference between safety officer and Rep?
Officer, appointed by the company
Rep, elected by the crew
What is Coswop chapter 2?
Safety Induction
Who gets a safety induction?
What should it contain?
*How to communicate with others onboard on safety matters and understand safety symbols, signs and alarms
* know their muster duties in a MOB, Fire or smoke, Fire or abandon alarm sounds
* identify muster and embarkation stations, emergency escape routes, locate and don lifejackets
*How to raise the alarm
*Use of portable fire extinguishers
*take immediate action if an accident or other medical emergency occurs
*Close and open fire, weathertight and watertight doors.
Which vessels are required to comply with the ISM code?
What does it require?
Ships of 500GT and over
To operate a safety management system
What is the relationship between ISM and Coswop
Coswop is not manadatory on pleasure vessels
ISM is mandatory and requires that the companies SMS should take into account the codes, guidelines and standards recomended by the Administration. Coswop is one such code
When should PPE be used?
Only when risks cannot be avoided or reduced to an acceptable level by safe working practices. As PPE does not reduce the hazard, and protects only the person wearing it
What does PPE include
Helmets
Bump caps
Hair protection
Ear muffs/plugs
Gogggles and spectacls
Facial shields
Dust masks
Respirators
breathing apparatus
gloves
Safety boots
safety suits
Harnesses
aprons
high vis clothing
lifejackets
buoyancy aids
lifebouys
immersion suits
anti-exposure suits
What is a risk assessment
A process to Identify hazards present
analyse the likelihood vs the severity to determine the level of risk
Identifies control measures to reduce the risk
Re-assesses the the hazards to detemine if the risk has been sufficiently mitigated
An effective risk assessment will?
*correctly and accurately identify all hazards
*Identify who may be harmed and how
*determine the likelihood of the harm arising
*Quantify the severity of the harm
*Record significant findings
*Provide or improve control measures
*Provide a basis for review and updating
What is a level 1 RA
Known as generic risk assessments
Done at a high level in the company
To ensure safeguards and control measures are contained within the companies SMS in the form of policies and procedures
What is a lvl 2 RA
Task Based risk assessment (TBRA)
Carried out onboard by those involved in the work
For vessel and task specific duties
2 types:
Can be generic for low risk/day to day duties (RASOPS)
Specific high risk jobs that are not routine, eg aloft or enclosed space. (Permit to work)
Lvl 3 RA?
Toolbox talk, in support of a Task based risk assessment
Talk though the findings of the TBRA
full and active participation should be encouraged
Questions or concerns discussed and considered
Tool-box talk should be carried out prior to to work being carried out, that involves more than 1 person and where there is significant risk to person or assets
Lvl 4 RA?
Personal assessment of risk (Dynamic Risk Assessment)
Informal assessment of day to day risks
Awareness of the environment, changes, task at hand
take a step back and consider
If necessary. move back to level 2
Which tasks are subject to a risk assessment?
Every taask on board,
this does not mean a written RA every time
But the existing RA should be referred to as part of a tool-box talk
What is a permit to work?
Consists of an organised and predefined safety procedure, A permit to work does not itself make the job safe. but contibutes to measures for safe working.
What should be in a permit to work?
*relevant and accurate as possible
*Location and details of work to be completed
*results of any tests undertaken and measures in place to make the job safe.
*period thatthe permit is valid for, Max 24 hrs
*only the work specified on the permit should be carried out
*All safety precautions should be in place before being signed by the authorising officer
*Authorising officer remains responsible until completion orhanded over to another, who should also sign the permit
*signed by person carrying out the work to show their understanding
*Permit should be canceled on completion of the work
*Authorising officer cannot be the same person as carrying out the work
Which jobs need a permit to work?
Aloft/over the side
Enclosed space
Hot work
machinery spaces
more
Examples of enclosed spaces
Any space that is a closed and not opened for some time:
Machinery spaces
Holds and cargo spaces
Tanks, double bottoms
Chain lockers
voids
battery lockers
store rooms
Characteristics of enclosed spaces
Limited means of entry and exit
Limited ventilation and lighting
Not designed for continuous work or occupancy
Where do we get guidance on entering enclosed spaces
COSWOP and MGN 659
what is the O2 requirement for entry?
20.8% to be tested before entry, and multimeter kept inside while work is being carried out
What counts as working at height?
Any location where there is a risk of falling that could cause injury, including inside tanks, near openings
No specific height requirement. (the old 2 meter rule does not apply)
Where do we get more guidance on working at height?
MGN 410
What is the MAIB? what do they do?
Marine Accident Investigation Branch
Investigates marine accidents on UK vessels worldwide and on other vessels in UK waters
Where do we get more info on accident reporting?
MGN 458
Key points for the MAIB?
MAIB is not an enforcement or prosecuting body
Applies to all types of vessels
Accidents must be reported by the quickest means available by the captain or senior surviving officer
Some fun chapters from COSWOP?
2 safety induction
4 drills and procedure
5 fire precautions
6 Security on board
8 PPE
9 safety Signs
10 Manual handling
13 safety officals
14 permit to work
15 enclosed spaces
17 work at height
24 hot work
26 anchoring mooring and towing arrangements
What is the latest MAIB report?
le google
Scot carrier/karin hoj collision - no lookouts
Safety bulletin for Rib rides spinal injuries
Type of anchor on Aquila?
Stockless
Potentially Poole or Hall
Checklist for anchoring (for anchor party)
Tool box talk, briefing
Comms with bridge
sufficient crew with PPE
Check brake is securely on
Check over the side before dropping
walk chain out 1st or fully.
If chain does not run, do not shake the chain, brake on, gear in, walk out
Checklist for Mooring
Sufficient crew with PPE
Briefing in bridge for plan
Comms with mooring stations
Tool box talk
decks lit and clear of trip hazards
all gear ready and in good condition
checklist for mooring to bouys
Briefing
comms between ship and tender
Lifejackets and lifebouys for crew in the tender
Boarding ladder ready for crew who fall in
Where do we get guidance on planning a lifting operation
MGN 618 Rigging and lifting plan
