Personal Protective and Firefighting Equipment and Safety Arrangements

Suitable personal protective equipment is to be made available onboard for the protection of crew members who are engaged in the servicing, maintenance and repair of the ballast water management system. Such activities may include the storing, introducing or generating chemicals, as recommended by the product manufacturers. Unless stipulated otherwise, the protective equipment complement is to consist of large aprons, special gloves with long sleeves, suitable footwear, coveralls made from a rated chemical-resistant material, and tight-fitting goggles or face shields, or both. The protective clothing is to cover all open skin so that no part of the body is unprotected. This protective equipment must be provided for the sole purpose of operating and servicing the ballast water management system and is in addition to the personal protective equipment necessitated by other mandatory requirements. Work clothes and personal protective equipment are to be kept in easily accessible locations and/or in special lockers. Such equipment is not to be kept within accommodation spaces, with the exception of new, unused equipment and equipment which has not been used since undergoing thorough cleaning and disinfection. Notwithstanding the above, storage rooms for such equipment within accommodation spaces—where adequately segregated from living spaces such as cabins, passageways, dining rooms, bathrooms, etc.—may be used. When a ballast water management system storing, introducing or generating chemicals is installed on board, suitably marked decontamination showers and eyewash facilities are to be available and positioned in a convenient location that is within close proximity to the ballast water management system and the chemical storeroom(s). Whilst laws may differ around the world, it is good practice for companies to supply personal protective equipment to onboard personnel free of charge. These should be replaced, also free of charge, when the need arises.