EDUCATIONAL ARTICLE SERIES

Boat Yard Safety

by Captain Frank Lanier

            While boaters are typically cautious when it comes to safety on the water, many let their guard down once ashore.  This reduction in situational awareness is bad enough when doing something as mundane as driving to the grocery store, but it can be downright deadly when hauled and dealing with the unfamiliar, ever changing environment of a typical boatyard. 

            Accidents wait to claim the careless in every corner of a boatyard, from loose scaffolding and falling ladders, to slippery floors and exposure to toxic chemicals, harmful dusts, or even electrocution.  While the potential hazards are real and plentiful, the vast majority are also preventable by combining a proactive attitude towards safety with a healthy dose of common sense.   Here’s a few tips on how to navigate the treacherous shoal waters of boatyard projects and reach the end of your yard period with all body parts attached and in working order.

Safety basics

            First off, always wear appropriate personal safety equipment (safety glasses, goggles or face shields, earplugs, respirators, dust masks, etc) when working. This includes wearing suitable safety foot wear (no sandals, open-toed or canvas shoes) and proper apparel (no loose-fitting clothes that might become snagged while climbing or entangled in power tools).  Remove watches, rings, and other jewelry (particularly during electrical work) and of course don’t work when ill, taking strong medications, fatigued or while consuming alcohol or smoking.

            Good housekeeping goes a long way towards preventing accidents.  Clean storage and work areas at the end of each day and stow or organize items (extension cords, blocks, etc) that could result in trip hazards.  You’ll also want to properly dispose of trash, oily rags and other such items that could ignite under the right conditions. 

            The best yards have electrical outlets at each work area, however a more common sight is a daisy chain of mismatched extension cords knotted together in efforts to provide power from some distant outlet.  Less is more (in terms of how many extension should be used) while larger diameter cords will provide better service, particularly if you have some distance to cover.  Check that boat yard outlets are three pronged and protected with GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupters).

            Surroundings within a boatyard are constantly changing – keep an eye our for safety hazards and plan for “what if” scenarios, such as keeping a hose or bucket of fresh water handy to rinse accidental chemical splashes off skin or flush eyes of sanding dust.  Make sure your work area is well lighted if working after dark and keep a flashlight handy for those nocturnal forays into the bowels of the boatyard, where trip hazards and head-banging dangers can lurk in every shadow. 

Finally, know the location of the nearest fire extinguisher and first aid kit.  It’s also a good idea to have a list of emergency and after hours contact numbers for boatyard staff.

General tool safety

            Most every hazard involving the use of tools can be prevented by following five basic safety rules:

1. Keep all tools in good condition by performing regular maintenance.
2. Use the right tool for the job.
3. Examine each tool for damage before use.
4. Operate according to the manufacturer's instructions.
5. Use proper protective equipment.

            Modern power tools offer more power and adaptability than ever before, however with enhanced tool performance comes additional responsibility, particularly with regards to safety.  General power tool safety tips include the following:

• Don’t use power tools in a damp, wet and/or explosive atmosphere.
• Verify no electrical circuits, water pipes, fuel lines, etc are hidden behind bulkheads or other such areas prior to drilling or sawing.
• Disconnect tools when not in use, before servicing, and when changing accessories such as blades, bits and cutters.
• Never remove or defeat guards, barriers or other safety-related devices.
• Repair or remove damaged power tools from use immediately.  The most serious danger here is the possibility of electrocution, however even a minor shock can lead to serious injury, such as the case of an unexpected spark or shock causing the user to fall off a ladder or other elevated work surface.

            Hand tools (screwdrivers, wrenches, hammers, etc) are simpler than their power driven cousins, but can still do some serious damage to careless operators. The greatest hazards posed by hand tools result from misuse and improper maintenance.  Inspect all tools for damage prior to use (chisels with mushroomed heads or wooden handled tools with splinters or cracks) and always use the right tool for the job at hand (i.e. no using a screwdriver as a chisel or a knife as a screwdriver).

Ladders and scaffolding

            Few boaters use ladders or scaffolding on a regular basis, however while in the yard you can expect to use one or the other on an almost daily basis.  Falls from ladders and scaffolding rank high on the list of boatyard accidents, with potential injuries ranging from sprains to death.  Here’s how to avoid becoming a statistic.

Ladders

The two most commonly used ladders in the boatyard are stepladders (A-frame) and straight or extension ladders.  Both have specific safety requirements (which we’ll discuss individually in a moment) but when using any ladder:     

• Always read the manufacturer's instructions, which contain both safety guidelines, as well as the ladder’s weight and height limits.
• Inspect the ladder before use, ensuring all parts are intact and that rungs are clean and free of mud or grease (shoes with nonskid soles are a plus).
• Never climb a shaky ladder and ALWAYS secure them it in place prior to use (have someone hold the ladder firmly until tied). 
• Ensure all ladder feet are on a firm, level surface (no boards, blocks, etc).
• Always use a ladder tall enough for the job at hand – many accidents occur from using a ladder that’s too short.
• Avoid carrying tools or equipment while climbing a ladder – use a tool belt, bucket and rope, or have someone hand the equipment to you.
• Face the ladder when climbing up and down, keeping your body centered between both side rails.
• While using a ladder keep your weight evenly distributed and don't overextend your reach (a good general rule is never let your belt buckle past the ladder sides).

            When using a step ladder, always ensure spreaders (the devices that hold a stepladder in the open position) are completely open and locked prior to use. Avoid stepping or sitting on the top two steps and never climb the back of the ladder.  It’s also a bad idea to lean a stepladder against a hull or wall for use as a straight ladder.

            With extension ladders, selecting the proper length is extremely important.  Ensure the ladder extends at least 3 feet above the upper support area (such as the gunnel or railing when used for vessel access) and that the horizontal distance between the bottom or foot of the ladder and the support against which it’s placed is equal to one-fourth the height of the ladder at the top point of support (see figure below).

For example, if the railing that the ladder will rest on is 12 feet off the ground, the foot of the ladder should be 3 feet out.

Scaffolding

            The time spent in setting up scaffolding for major hull projects is easily justified in terms of safety and productivity.  Most modern yards provide metal uprights for support of planks or scaffolding catwalks (typically aluminum frames with plywood overlays) and while these may be safer than planks resting on wooden sawhorses, there’s still safety requirements that need to be addressed prior to use.

            The first step is making sure the scaffolding is put together according to the manufacturer's instructions, to include guardrail systems along all open sides and ends of platforms and a safe, unobstructed means of access.  Make sure the scaffolding is plum, square and level, and if equipped with wheels, make sure each is locked (to prevent movement) prior to use.

            Once in place, tie or otherwise secure catwalks and planks to prevent sliding.  Check catwalks for damaged plywood and planks for saw cuts, fungi, dents, large knots, and splits, each of which could cause weakness.  Make sure planks extend over the end frame at least 10 inches, but no more than twelve (to reduce chances of the unwary walking into them).    

            Keep scaffolding clean and free of debris and use ramps or rope and pulley arrangements to lift heavy objects from ground level.  Lastly, don’t use makeshift steps or ladders on scaffolding platforms to increase working height and never use scaffolding or ladders during storms or high wind conditions.

PS:  I want to thank Frank for sharing his articles with HRF30.  I plan to try to publish one article with each newsletter.  For those of you who do not know Frank, he is a multiple award winning marine journalist and owner of Capt F.K. Lanier & Associates, LLC Marine Surveyors and Consultants of Chesapeake, VA.  He can be reached at (757) 287-3770 or via his website at  www.captfklanier.com

Eric's Boat of the Year Award
 

Are you in the market for a new vessel?  Well, here is one that just might meet your needs.

In addition to being massive, the futuristic design is replete with features that would impress even the most finicky mega yachtsman, including a 100-foot swimming pool and a health spa.
 

The plans call for a drive-in garage, two 98-foot day boats and a helipad with a hanger, so well-heeled skippers will be able to bring their other toys onboard.

The yacht, which would have a range of 6,500 nautical miles, comes standard with plenty of entertainment options to help pass the time on long voyages. There's a nightclub, a casino and a dual-level cinema for film buffs who want a more authentic movie-going experience.

The floating folly would have rooms for 45 guests, including 10 VIP rooms, 22 guest suites and the owners' deck. It would also have space to accommodate 70 crew members.  And with a maximum speed of 28 knots and a cruise speed 20 knots, the ship would be surprisingly fast for its size.
 

However, the project is still very much in the planning phase and with the global economy still struggling it's not likely to be launched anytime soon. Emocean said it would take at least four years to complete the design and build the yacht if someone ordered it today. The firm acknowledged that the economic climate is not ideal for such an ambitious plan, but added that some mega yacht owners may be looking to upgrade soon as conditions improve.

Editor's Report:
 

Hi.  I like my Mac.  But I am not a big fan of "pages" - yet.  That is the reason for the layout of this issue.  I do believe it is better for you to get the information rather than be waiting around for me to figure out what the 5 million boxes on the "pages" screen mean!!!  KISS - I can cut and paste all day long.

If you want photos, please go to the website www.fleet30.org where Dick Partos does an amazing job of keeping all of our data up to date.

Sorry about the size of the text.  I did have a larger font but lost it.  And, I was unable to get it to go back.  OK, where can i get a PC now?
 

go sailing.  have fun.
 

eric fee