Chemicals

  • 20.04.2015
  • 13:33

When using dangerous chemicals, one should always reduce the amount to a minimum and chose the less harmful substance.

It is important to be aware of both short term and long term hazards when selecting which chemicals to use. Both chemical and biological factors may pose a risk to the safety and health of the individual.  Exposure may occur through the skin, through inhalation or through swallowing. The duration of exposure and the properties of the chemicals are decisive in determining the level of danger one is exposed to. The effect of the chemical may be immediate in form of poisoning or chemical burns, but may also in the long term be carcinogenic, allergenic, etc.

Records of substances and products

Records of substances and products shall be kept on all chemicals on board, in which data sheets on every chemical is registered. The records must be organized in such a manner that it is easy to access information about the individual chemical.
Information must be stated in Norwegian and be concise and easy to understand.  It is the responsibility of the employer to ensure that the workers who do not understand Norwegian, receive enough written information and training based on the information contained in the records.

Risk assessment

Any exposure to chemicals which poses a health risk to workers shall be the subject of risk assessment.  

If risk to the safety and health of workers is identified, necessary measures to remove or reduce such risk shall be taken before the work begins.

Measures in the event of non-anticipated exposure

An emergency preparedness plan shall be prepared for unforeseen situations and accidents which may cause abnormally high exposure.

Protective measures and equipment

Personal protective equipment shall be easily available.
When handling dangerous substances, one must ensure that the protective gloves are approved for the chemical in question. This also applies to the other protective equipment such as protective goggles, respiratory protective equipment and other protective clothing.
When dangerous, air polluting substances are used, correct and adequate ventilation, local extraction or other technical measures must be implemented. If the risk assessment deem this inadequate, correct respiratory protective equipment must be used.

Storage

It is required that storage, handling and transportation of chemicals or biological agents is carried out without health risk to the workers. Storage must be sufficient to maintain safety also when the weather conditions result in rough seas. Example: Is the container tightly closed and securely fastened so as to avoid damage in rough sea? Chemicals shall be appropriately marked and stored in their original packaging. Some chemicals have properties requiring a particular type of storage, or they must be stored separate from other substances.

Training and information

Relevant information and training is required, for instance to ensure safe routines for handling chemicals on board. Training shall be provided before commencing work, be repeated at regular intervals and be adapted to new or changed conditions.  The training shall be documented in writing.  

Read more in Regulation concerning the working environment, health and safety of workers on board ship, chapter 11.

Risk assessment

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Risk assessment with FiskRisk

The application FiskRisk is a useful tool for charting risk associated with operations carried out on your vessel.

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