OSHA is considering revising and updating its safety standards that address access and egress, fall and falling object protection, and scaffolds in shipyard related employment

SUMMARY: OSHA is considering revising and updating its safety standards that
address access and egress (including stairways and ladders), fall and falling object protection, and scaffolds in shipbuilding, ship repair, shipbreaking, and other shipyard related employment (collectively referred to as “shipyard employment” in this document). 

The Agency has not updated these standards since adopting them in 1971.
To assist with this determination, OSHA requests comment, information and data on a number of issues, including: the workplace hazards these standards address, particularly fall hazards; the current practices employers in shipyard employment use to protect workers from those hazards; any advances in technology since OSHA adopted the standards in subpart E; and the revisions and updates to subpart E that stakeholders recommend. 

OSHA will use the information received in response to this RFI to
determine what action, if any, it may take.

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Shipbreaking » Fall Protection

Fall hazards are a leading cause of shipyard fatalities. Shipyard employees are often required to work in dangerous environments that may include fall hazards. Accidents involving elevation equipment such as ladders, scaffolds, and aerial lifts are often serious, even fatal. Potential Hazards: Deck Openings and Edges Falls from deck openings Falls into open holes Scaffolds Falls from ladders Falls from scaffolds Requirements and Example Solutions: Personal Fall Protection System If fall hazards are identified through the Hazard Assessment required in 29 CFR 1915.152(b), employees must be protected from falls by the use of personal fall protection equipment. [29 CFR 1915.152(a)] Guardrails may be used to protect workers along deck openings or edges, in lieu of personal fall protection, even though they are not required in shipbreaking.  For guardrail specifications, see 29 CFR 1915.71(j). Fall Protection for Scaffold Work Guardrails or other appropriate fall protection must be used when working on scaffolds 5 feet above surfaces. [29 CFR 1915.71(j)] For more detailed information, review Use of Personal Fall Protection Systems. Shipyard Employment » Shipbuilding Shipbuilding activities are some of the most hazardous shipyard operations. There are multiple types of construction which may include modular construction, traditional construction (from keel up), and fiberglass/composite material mold construction. Shipbuilding includes constructing, assembling, installing, cleaning, painting, outfitting, and testing. Hazards include exposure to toxic substances, hazardous atmospheres, electrocution, falls, fires, and explosions. These hazards can be eliminated or minimized through use of an effective safety and health program. The following modules have been adapted specifically to shipbuilding: Confined or Enclosed Spaces and Other Dangerous Atmospheres [29 CFR 1915 Subpart B] Cleaning and Other Cold Work [29 CFR 1915 Subpart C] Hot Work (including Welding, Cutting and Heating) [29 CFR 1915 Subpart D] Surface Preparation [29 CFR 1915 Subpart C] Painting and Other Coatings [29 CFR 1915 Subpart C] The following modules are common to both shipbuilding and ship repair: Access and Guarding of Work Surfaces [29 CFR 1915 Subpart E]  Electrical Circuits and Distribution Boards [29 CFR 1915 Subpart L] General Working Conditions [29 CFR 1915 Subpart F] Fire Protection [29 CFR 1915 Subpart P] Ladders [29 CFR 1915 Subpart E]  Machinery and Piping Systems [29 CFR 1915 Subpart J] Materials Handling (including Gear and Equipment for Rigging) [29 CFR 1915 Subpart G] Pressure Vessels, Drums and Containers [29 CFR 1915 Subpart K] Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) [29 CFR 1915 Subpart I]  Scaffolds (Staging) [29 CFR 1915 Subpart E]  Tools and Related Equipment [29 CFR 1915 Subpart H] Additional Resources: Applicable 1915 Shipbuilding Standards