OSHA Maritime Standards (1915, 1917, 1918)
Work on ships and docks is covered by its own OSHA standards, separate from general industry (Part 1910) and construction (Part 1926). Which one applies depends on what kind of work you do and where.
- Shipyards
- Marine Terminals
- Longshoring
The parts
| Part | Covers |
|---|---|
| 1915 | Shipyard employment: ship repair, shipbuilding and shipbreaking |
| 1917 | Marine terminals: cargo handling on piers, wharves and terminals |
| 1918 | Longshoring: loading and unloading vessels |
| 1919 | Gear certification: cranes, derricks and cargo gear used on vessels |
Some general industry rules (such as hazard communication and recordkeeping) also apply. Shipyard construction work may fall under the construction standards. See General Industry (1910) and Construction (1926).
Typical hazards
- Confined and enclosed spaces on ships such as tanks, holds and voids, with low oxygen or toxic gas. See Confined Spaces.
- Hot work in spaces that may hold flammable vapors. See Hot Work Permits.
- Falls from ladders, staging, gangways and between vessel and dock.
- Struck-by hazards from cargo, cranes, containers and vehicles.
- Falling into water and drowning. See Working Over Water.
- Noise, welding fume, asbestos and lead in older vessels.
Key protections
- Competent persons test and certify spaces before entry and hot work.
- Safe access to vessels: gangways, ladders with handrails and nets or lines where needed.
- Lifejackets or buoyant work vests where there is a drowning hazard.
- Cargo gear and cranes are tested and inspected, with records.
- Training for equipment, hazards and emergency procedures.
Note: Coverage can be complicated: a vessel at sea, a Coast Guard inspected ship or a federal yard may be covered by other agencies. See Who OSHA Doesn't Cover.
Standards & references
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