Reference to AMSA Marine Notice 08/2020 Working at Heights
Masters and crew intending to hold clean, whilst anchored off the Port of Bunbury, are reminded of the requirements of AMSA Marine Notice 08/2020. This marine notice highlights the number of incidents that involved falls whilst working at heights during hold cleaning operations.
Two of these incidents resulted in fatalities.
Additionally, in late 2020, there was a fatality at the anchorage off the Port of Bunbury, during hold cleaning operations.
Masters are advised that local sea and swell conditions at the anchorage are not always suitable to facilitate working at heights and should ensure safety procedures are followed which may require working at heights being suspended until suitable conditions are met.
Mariners are reminded that it is possible to reduce this number of incidents by adhering to MN 08/2020, ensuring crew are using suitably certified equipment for the use of working at heights, are familiar with working at height risk assessment and procedures and ensuring working at heights is adequately supervised.
Marine Notice 08/2020 can be found using this link:
https://www.amsa.gov.au/about/regulations-and-standards/082020-working-height
It is recommended that a copy of this document is printed and kept on the Bridge for the use of all watch keeping officers.