Work on electrical systems and safety guideline for cargo ships

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Work on electrical systems and safety guideline for cargo ships

Work on electrical systems and equipment onboard a cargo ship is considered a specialized work. It must be undertaken only by qualified personnel from the ship's staff or shore contractors. Work on electrical equipment in an area where an explosive atmosphere may be present requires special precautions and the Master's permission. He should ensure that qualified persons are doing the work, in compliance with regulations in force and with adequate safety precautions in place. The Master shall ensure that personnel is supervised and all measures are taken to avoid any fatalities. Reference is to be made to the relevant sections of the Safety and Environmental Procedures.

Electrical equipment and installation: Surveyors should ensure that the details and arrangements of the electrical equipment and its installation comply with the statutory regulations. Generators, motors, and transforming equipment intended for services in connection with the propulsion and safety of the ship should be inspected during construction. The works and shipboard tests should also be personally supervised. Machines and transforming equipment of less than 100kW could be accepted without a survey at the manufacturing works if satisfactory maker's test certificates are supplied, detailing the tests' results to determine the operating characteristics, temperature rise, insulation resistance, and dielectric strength.

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Where reasonably practicable, installations and equipment should be designed and located such that services that are essential for the propulsion and safety of the ship will not fail in the event of partial flooding of the ship's machinery space. Due consideration should be given to space limitations and the intended service of the ship. The load shedding, or other arrangements provided, should not interfere with the supply to electrical services, which are essential for the propulsion and safety of the ship and which must be maintained after shedding non-essential loads. The essential services include those auxiliaries necessary for propulsion, bilge, and fire pumping, navigation lights, essential lighting, steering gear, navigational aids required by the Merchant Shipping Regulations, communication and alarm systems required for safety, watertight doors and engine and boiler room ventilation.

Explained below a brief guideline on the electrical system and work requirement:

Work Performance : Whenever work is to be carried out on electrical equipment, or equipment powered by electricity, in a dangerous gas zone, the electrical supply of the equipment has to be isolated. Warning signs must be posted adequately. The use of portable electrical equipment or wandering leads is prohibited unless the zone is gas-free for hot work, and a hot work permit is issued. Intrinsically safe equipment shall be used within their maker's parameters and company regulations only.

Cold Work on Electrical Equipment: Work shall not be carried out on any apparatus or wiring, nor shall any flammable – proof or explosion-proof enclosures be opened. The unique safety characteristics provided in connection with conventional apparatus be impaired until all voltage has been cut-off from the apparatus or wiring concerned. The voltage shall not be restored until work has been completed, and safety measures have been fully re-instated.

Hot Work on Electrical Equipment: A Hot Work Permit must be issued as per company regulations. Work is permitted provided that the area has first been made safe and certified gas-free, and no hazardous situation exists – such a safe situation should be maintained in that condition as long as the work is in progress. No such work shall be left unattended or without supervision. All regulatory and company safety precautions shall be taken.

High Voltage Systems (Defined here as Voltages exceeding 1000 volts)

All maintenance and testing of high voltage equipment must only be carried out by qualified staff, strictly following the Company Safety Regulations, and the Permit to Work documentation must be completed before the commencement of any maintenance.

Work by Contractors: The Master shall ensure that whenever contractors are employed, they must be qualified professionally for the work. Arrangements must be such that their understanding of and compliance with all safe working practices are ensured. They are fully qualified to do the work effectively, and they are supervised and controlled by an officer. Checks must be made regularly to ensure that work is being done professionally, that time is not wasted and that correct spares and materials are used.

Verification: It is of vital importance for the safe execution of the work on electrical equipment and fittings to comply with all regulations and recommendations in force. The materials used shall conform to the regulations and certification provided where applicable.

Circuit Breakers: Main Circuit Breakers are to be clearly labeled to ensure that engine room staff do not inadvertently trip or try to close an incorrect circuit breaker.

Documentation: The planning for electrical work in a dangerous gas zone, including safety precautions, are taken shall be recorded in the logbook and by use of the company Hot Work procedures, checklist, and certification.

Unauthorised Electrical Equipment: The installation of unauthorized electrical equipment, temporary wiring, and portable equipment is prohibited. Advice from classification society must be sought for changing any configurations. It includes temporary cooling ducts and any other apparatus which requires a panel or circuit to be exposed to the atmosphere.

Flameproof & Intrinsically Safe Equipment: All electrical equipment in potentially hazardous atmospheres must be carefully inspected and maintained following the manufacturer's instructions, Company instructions, Classification requirements, and the regulations of the Flag state administration.

Summarized below are some essential check items before doing any electrical maintenance job. These procedures are only indicative, not exhaustive, and must always be guided by practices of good seamanship.

Checklist for Electrical work on High Voltage Equipment (over 1000V) (to be completed by responsible person)

Has pre-meeting been held and personnel clearly instructed of work scope, procedure, and precautions?

Our working personnel aware that some circuits in the equipment may be on even if the power supply is off?

Is the integrity of cords of portable lamps and electrical tools confirmed and are they properly grounded?

Are personnel carrying out the work, aware of the measures to be taken to treat electrical shock?

If handling electrolytic liquid, are anti-acid gloves, apron, protective eyeware etc available?

Have other permit to work systems been followed as necessary?

Is the concerned equipment dead and isolated from the system?

Isolation points: Have circuit main earths been applied to the equipment?

Application points: Have safety locks been fitted?

Locations/Lockset identities: Have caution/danger notices been applied to all isolation points and safety signs appropriately positioned?

TREAT ALL OTHER APPARATUS AND AREAS AS DANGEROUS!

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