Safety update for welding on tankers What are the revisions in OCIMF SIRE 2.0 and what actions do you need to take to stay compliant?
Safety update for welding on tankers
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Introduction Seafarers have to carry out a variety of challenging tasks to ensure optimal maintenance and smooth operation of the vessel. Welding and other hot work can be particularly risky. Fires or explosions onboard tankers are especially dangerous as flammable cargoes can potentially cause crew fatality and destroy the entire vessel. Hence, proper safety standards and inspections must be enforced to ensure the safety and welfare of crew members at all times.
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Launched in 1993, the OCIMF governs tanker safety through its risk assessment tool and Inspection Report Program (SIRE) database, with the Vessel Inspection Questionnaire Seventh Edition (VIQ 7) requiring all ship operators to annually inspect and replace/refurbish all critical gas equipment every five years.
Human factors take center stage in new approach The SIRE inspection regime has now been revised and enhanced, with the launch of SIRE 2.0 expected in Q4 2022. SIRE 2.0 transforms operational safety culture through a risk-based approach that takes human factors into account across the entire inspection process. As an example, the questionnaire comparison below clearly illustrate the difference between VIQ 7 and SIRE 2.0 on Hot Work Procedures and Management:
VIQ 7 Q5.24
SIRE 2.0 Q5.5.2
Are Officers aware of the requirements for hot work and are hot work procedures in accordance with the recommendations of ISGOTT and OCIMF guidelines?
Were the Master, Officers and, where directly involved, Ratings familiar with the company hot work procedure, and was evidence available to demonstrate that hot work had been conducted in accordance with the procedure?
Everything you need to know to comply Based on the SIRE 2.0 Question Library and supporting documentation, this brochure explains the key updates for welding and how tanker operators can remain compliant with the new regulations.
SIRE 2.0 Q10.3.7: Gas Welding & Cutting Equipment (VIQ 7 Q5.26) updates – changes you need to implement • Use of flashback arrestors on both torch and gas regulators for long lengths of AC-OX gas hoses. • Ensure the AC-OX gas hoses are in compliance with ISO 3821 / EN 559 and in good condition by performing bend test and visual inspection. • Ensure good safety practices by purging all remaining gases in-line and keeping the gas equipment and cylinder valves closed after completion of the work. • Ensure all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Gas Welding and Cutting use is well maintained. • Ensure signages and safety posters are available, especially “No Smoking” signs.
Safety update for welding on tankers
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SIRE 2.0 Q10.3.8: Electric Arc Welding Equipment (VIQ 7 Q5.25) updates – changes you need to implement • Ensure Engineers, Officers and Ratings are all aware of safety precautions for electric arc welding equipment and its use, with written guidelines posted in the vessel workshop. • Ensure adequate main power supply capacity with auto cut-off in event of a fault.
Welding Workshop Welding Curtains
• Ensure the welding machine’s open circuit voltage (OCV) is in compliance i.e., max 25 VAC or 70 VDC, and that the machine is in well-maintained condition. • Ensure the welding machine’s accessories e.g., electrode holder, return clamp and welding cables are in good condition and fully insulated. The return clamp must be clamped as close as possible to work piece and not on the ship’s structure. Twisty-type electrode holder with no electrode should be left on holder after completion of work.
Welding Safety Poster
Welding Fume Extraction Unit
Appropriate Welding PPE
Fire Extinguisher
Approved Main 1P/3P Power Supply Ratings Return clamped to workpiece Compliant Welding Power Source
Good, well insulated and approved welding accessories
Welding Consumables Storage
• Ensure proper storage for welding consumables. • Ensure all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Electric Arc Welding use is well maintained. • Ensure the welding fumes extraction unit, welding curtains or screens are in good condition.
Helping you stay compliant with SIRE 2.0 for Welding Safety
Welding Safety Inspection (WSI) Our Global Port Service Engineers provide an annual inspection service to help you ensure safe management of welding equipment and accessories onboard your vessels.
Compliant Products Through our global network we provide easily available, high-quality welding and cutting products that are safe and compliant with maritime regulations and requirements including SIRE 2.0.
Global Technical Support Members of our global technical support team are always on hand to help you with technical and product enquiries, as well as providing advice on Welding Standardization.
Reference: https://www.ocimf.org/ja/news-and-events-7/news/bulletins/sire-2-0-question-library-published
Safety update for welding on tankers
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Wilhelmsen Ships Service Phone: (+47) 67 58 40 00 Fax: (+47) 67 58 40 80 Postal Address: PO Box 33, NO-1324 Lysaker, Norway wilhelmsen.com Contact your local WSS customer service for prices and availability. Notice: The information and guidelines in this Welding Safety Updates are based on general
information and knowledge at hand and are believed to be accurate and reliable, but the information
and guidelines are not to be taken as a guarantee or warranty for a special purpose. The information and guidelines are provided to the customers solely for his/her own consideration, and Wilhelmsen Ships Service AS assumes no legal responsibility or liability for eventual damages and/or losses
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to force majeure, other events beyond the reasonable control of Wilhelmsen Ships Service AS or
events that could not reasonably be foreseen by Wilhelmsen Ships Service AS when this document was made. Wilhelmsen Ship Service AS is in no event liable for indirect, incidental or consequential damages or losses, including damages for loss of profits. These conditions are automatically accepted by anybody using the information and guidelines in this Welding Safety Updates.
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