MAC   SH Fact Sheet
Fall Protection Safety for Commercial Fishing
Working on commercial fishing vessels present unique fall hazards to employees.   
	

Both OSHA and the U.S. Coast Guard have regulations which apply to different activities in the fishing industry.  These activities would include the maintenance, cleaning, repair, alteration or overhaul of a vessel either at sea, dockside or in a shipyard.  Generally, anything that relates to the harvesting of fish or the normal operation of the vessel is governed by the U.S. Coast Guard.  OSHA regulates activities within 3 nautical miles of the coast line, except for the Gulf of Florida, Texas and Puerto Rico where the territorial waters extend for 3 marine leagues (approximately 9 nautical miles). Each year, dozens of fishermen are injured and killed due to falls on vessels.   

Remember the 5 Foot Rule:  Fall Protection is required under any circumstances where a fall of more than five feet may be incurred. (1915.77(c)) If at all possible, protection should be provided with handrails, chains or ropes at heights of 42 inches and 21 inches.  A standard 4-inch toe board should also be provided. 

Common Fall Hazards on Vessels Which Require Protection

   * Painting outside vessel rails
   * Welding on the outside of a vessel's hull
   * Work on gantries or masts
   * Elevated work over 5 feet from the deck
   * Work on fishing gear (stacks of pots)

Fall Protection and Prevention Methods

Fall Restraint System
A fall restraint system is recommended when guardrails or personal lift devices cannot be used. A fall restraint system prohibits the worker from falling off an edge. When your lanyard is connected to a properly located anchorage point, you cannot reach an area where you could fall.



Fall Arrest System
When a perimeter fall protection system is not available, and a fall restraint cannot be installed, a fall arrest system shall be used. A fall arrest system is not designed to prevent a fall but to arrest the fall with minimal injury to the worker. The components of a fall arrest system are as follows:
        *    Connecting Means
        *    Shock-Absorbing Lanyard, self-retracting lanyards and lifelines
        *    Full Body Harness
        *    Anchor Point  -    Capable of supporting at least 5000 lbs. per worker
                                       
            Hauling Station Fall Restraint on Bering Sea Longliner

Proper Care and Use of Fall Protection Equipment
            *    All fall protection equipment must be inspected for damage or wear before and after EACH use.  If any damage is found or a fall occurs, the equipment needs to be replaced
            *    Equipment needs to be rigged so that employees cannot fall more than six feet or impact the surface below them.
            *    When tying off the structure must be able to hold a 5000 lb. load. 

Some fall hazards found on vessels can be protected in the following ways:
Open Hatches are hazardous when not protected.  Openings should have a combing and be guarded at 36-42 inches and 21 inches, except where the use of such guards is made impracticable by the work actually in progress. (29 CFR 1915.73(c)) & (46 CFR 28.410)

Unguarded Edges of Decks, platforms, flats, and similar flat surfaces that are more than 5 feet above a solid surface.  These edges shall be guarded by adequate guardrails meeting the requirements of 1915.71(j)(1) and (2), unless the nature of the work in progress or the physical conditions prohibit the use or installation of such guardrails. (29 CFR 1915.73(d))

Boarding a Vessel from the Dock
A gangway of not less than 20 inches walking surface of adequate strength, maintained in safe repair and safely secured shall be used. If not practicable, a substantial straight ladder, extending at least 36 inches above the upper landing surface and adequately secured shall be provided. When conditions are such that neither a gangway nor a straight ladder can be used, a Jacob's ladder may be used. 29 CFR 1915.74. 

Ladders:
         *    Never stand on the top two rungs/steps of a portable ladder 
         *    Face the ladder when climbing and always grasp with at least one hand
         *    Secure and stabilize all ladders before climbing them.
         *    Maintain ladders free of oil, grease and other slipping hazards
Additional Fall Protection Recommendations:
         *    Use proper equipment not body belts or ropes around the waste
         *    Identify and eliminate fall hazards such as deck openings/edges and stairwells
         *    Establish a proper gangway or ladder to board the vessel
         *    Practice good housekeeping.  Keep cords, fishing lines, out of walkways or work areas
         *    Do not lift someone with a crane unless it is specifically approved for lifting personnel  
