Controlling Maritime Electrical Hazards

The Naval Safety Command reports a 10-year high in Class A afloat mishaps in FY 2024, highlighting escalating safety concerns within the maritime industry. Electrical hazards are a significant contributor, particularly on military vessels. Illustra Pro delivers specialized training to mitigate these risks for personnel working on complex maritime electrical systems.

In this article, we will cover critical safety protocols for controlling maritime electrical hazards. In addition, we’ll also draw insights from the Navy’s OPNAV handbook and supplement them with key OSHA guidelines.

Understanding Maritime Electrical Hazards on Military Vessels for Contractors

Military vessels present unique and complex electrical systems, operating under harsh conditions. These conditions include constant saltwater exposure, incessant vibrations, and demanding operational tempos that strain equipment beyond typical industrial standards.

These factors significantly elevate the risk of maritime electrical hazards, requiring specialized safety protocols. Some of the key types of electrical hazards include: 

1. Electric Shock

Electric shock remains a primary concern; even low voltages can be dangerous, with higher voltages posing fatal risks. The human body’s reaction to current varies, from a slight tingle to ventricular fibrillation, depending on the current’s magnitude and path. Potential gradients, voltage differences between energized objects and grounded workers, create pathways for current flow. The presence of moisture and conductive surfaces on ships exacerbates these risks.

2. Arcs and Blasts

Electrical arcs and blasts generate extreme heat, reaching temperature distances. The confined spaces within a vessel increase the potential for these events to cause catastrophic damage.

3. Workplace Dangers

Beyond direct electrical dangers, personnel may encounter hazardous materials like asbestos and PCBs, commonly found in older electrical insulation and equipment. Disturbing these materials during maintenance can lead to severe health consequences.

4. Confined Spaces

Confined spaces, such as equipment rooms or cable tunnels, present risks of oxygen deficiency and combustible gas accumulations, further compounding the dangers of working with electrical systems. Poor ventilation and the presence of flammable materials increase the potential for explosions and fires.

Contractor Safety Procedures For Controlling Maritime Electrical Hazards

Some key safety procedures as outlined in the OSHA Publication 3075 “Controlling Electrical Hazards” include:

1. Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Procedures

Prior to any maintenance or repair of electrical equipment, a rigorous lockout/tagout procedure is mandatory. In the maritime industry, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures are crucial for safety during maintenance and repairs, ensuring workers are protected from unexpected energization or release of stored energy, including electrical. LOTO involves isolating and de-energizing machinery or equipment, applying locks and tags to energy-isolating devices, and verifying isolation before work begins.. This systematic approach is the cornerstone of preventing maritime electrical hazards during maintenance. 

• Controls that are to be deactivated during the course of work on energized or deenergized equipment or circuits must be tagged.
• Equipment or circuits that are deenergized must be rendered inoperative and have tags attached at all points where such equipment or circuits can be energized.
• Tags must plainly identify the equipment or circuits being worked on.

2. Grounding Procedures

Proper grounding creates a low-resistance path that connects to the earth to help prevent the buildup of voltages that could cause an electrical accident. Some of the key procedures for grounding include: 

• Installing temporary grounds close to the worksite to create an equipotential zone.
• Inspecting grounding cables for damage and ensuring tight, secure connections.
• Connecting the ground and clamp first and removing them last, using hot sticks when necessary.

3. Insulation for Electrical Safety

Proper insulation prevents unintended contact with live electrical components, reducing the likelihood of electrocution. Some insulation measures for electrical safety include:

• Coating wires and cables with high-dielectric rubber or thermoplastic insulation.
• Using protective barriers such as insulated blankets, sleeves, and mats when handling energized components.
• Inspecting insulations for cracks, moisture intrusion, or degradation.

4. Guarding Live Electrical Components

Guarding live electrical components can help prevent accidental contact with energized parts. Some of the key strategies for this preventive measure include: 

• Using enclosures and barrier guards to house live electrical components.
• Restricting access to high-voltage areas with warning signs.
• Installing interlocking systems that prevent access to energized components.

5. Circuit Protection Devices

Circuit protection devices are used to limit or stop the flow of current automatically in order to help prevent electrical overloads, short circuits, and arc faults. Some of the key devices for these preventive measures include:

• Fuses and circuit breakers to prevent overheating and fire hazards.
• Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) shut off power in wet or high-risk areas.
• Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) to detect and mitigate arc faults.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Personnel working on or near electrical systems must wear appropriate protective clothing. This includes long-sleeved, non-conductive apparel, free of metallic fasteners or jewelry. Flame-resistant clothing is mandatory within flash protection boundaries.

Proper footwear, such as ANSI Z41-rated shoes, is also essential for general safety and protection against maritime electrical hazards. Some specific PPE requirements include:

• Hand Protection: ANSI Z89.1 type hard hats, rated for 20,000 volts, are required.
• Eye and Face Protection: ANSI 287.1 Eye and face protection with impact-resistant lenses and side shields are necessary.
• Hand Protection: Rubber gloves, meeting ASTM F 18 standards, are used for electrical work, with leather palm gloves for general protection.
• Hearing Protection: Ear plugs or muffs are used in high-noise areas, with proper fitting crucial.
• Respiratory Protection: NIOSH-certified respirators are required in confined spaces or hazardous atmospheres.
• Appropriate skin protection ointments should be used where needed.

In addition to PPE equipment, work area protective equipment is also necessary. Such equipment includes temporary protective insulation, including rubber gloves, sleeves, and blankets, which are used to isolate workers. Plastic guard equipment and live-line tools are also essential for safe operation.

Worker Qualifications and Responsibilities

Qualified workers possess the training to recognize and avoid electrical hazards. Unqualified workers must be supervised and kept away from exposed energized parts. Supervisors ensure safety compliance, while workers adhere to procedures and report hazards. Employers as well as all personnel share responsibility for maintaining a safe working environment.

Mishap Handling and Reporting

Despite strict safety measures, electrical mishaps can still occur. Proper response and reporting protocols are essential to minimize injuries and prevent future incidents. Critical mishap handling and reporting protocols for electrical safety include:

• First Aid and CPR: Personnel must be trained in first aid and CPR, specifically for electrical shock victims. Rapid response and proper treatment are critical in mitigating injuries.
• Reporting Procedures: All electrical mishaps, regardless of severity, must be reported immediately. This ensures timely investigation, corrective actions, and prevention of future incidents.

Final Thoughts

Controlling electrical hazards on military vessels requires rigorous procedures and strict adherence to regulations. Illustra Pro offers comprehensive training to empower personnel with the knowledge and skills necessary to prevent maritime electrical hazards. Want to ensure your crew is fully prepared for maritime electrical hazards? Contact us today for expert maritime safety training!