895 Deck Barge Safety

Minimizing Hazards on Deck

Barge decks can present many hazards if not properly maintained. Slips, trips, falls, and struck-by incidents are common, especially in areas where equipment, materials, or liquids are present. Following safe work practices is important to protect employees from injury. Below are key safety practices, each with an example of how to apply them:

• Keep all areas free of debris:
  – A crew member picking up loose tools and removing packaging scraps to prevent tripping.
• Clean up and/or report any spill immediately:
  – Reporting a hydraulic fluid spill near a hatch and placing absorbent pads to prevent a slip hazard.
• Stack materials in a stable manner:
  – Placing coiled hoses flat and secured to prevent them from rolling or tipping.
• Secure gear and equipment that is not in use:
  – Tying down an unused winch cable to prevent it from swinging or becoming a trip hazard.
• Keep stairs, doorways, walkways, and gangways free of equipment and stowed materials:
  – Relocating a toolbox that was blocking a stairway entrance.
• Secure ramps during loading and offloading operations:
  – Locking a loading ramp in place before moving cargo to prevent shifting or collapse.
• Repair leaks from hoses, pipelines, and valves immediately:
  – Replacing a leaking valve gasket on a fuel line to avoid a fire or slip hazard.
• Use non-skid protective deck compound and do not paint over the non-skid compound with standard paint:
  – Reapplying non-skid compound to a worn section of deck instead of painting over it with smooth paint.
• Have de-icing procedures in place when necessary:
  – Spreading de-icing salt on the deck before a cold weather shift begins.
• Paint the perimeter and tripping hazards in a contrasting color:
  – Painting the edge of a raised hatch cover yellow to improve visibility and reduce trip hazards.

Following these safe work practices helps reduce the chance of injury and ensures that the deck remains a safe environment for all employees.

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