Health and Safety Executive

OCE Pressure cleaning – external structures Offshore COSHH Control approach R essentials Respiratory protective equipment

This information will help offshore What this sheet covers dutyholders (owners, operators and This sheet describes good practice for pressure washing external contractors) to comply with the Control areas, eg to remove drilling residues, guano etc. It covers the key of Substances Hazardous to Health points you need to follow to help reduce exposure to an acceptable Regulations 2002 (COSHH), as amended, to level, as part of your COSHH assessment. protect workers’ health. This sheet does not cover ultra high-pressure water jetting.

This guidance consolidates good control practice and reinforces existing knowledge with additional information. It will help you carry out COSHH assessments, review existing assessments, deliver training and in supervising activities involving substances hazardous to health.

It is aimed at staff whose responsibilities include the management of substances hazardous to health on offshore installations (eg occupational health specialists, COSHH assessors, supervisors etc). It is also useful for trade union and Hazards employee safety representatives. 3 Pressure washing produces mists that contain harmful substances such as cleaning agent, oil, mud residues and disease organisms. Following the guidance is not compulsory 3 Health effects can include skin irritation, dermatitis, asthma and and you are free to take other action. But zoonoses. if you do follow this guidance you will normally be doing enough to comply with Access the law. Health and safety inspectors seek 3 Make a specific assessment if rope work or over-side work is required. to secure compliance with the law and may 3 Erect barriers and notices. refer to this guidance as illustrating good 3 Where necessary post a standby or sentry to raise the alarm in an practice. emergency.

Also see OCE0 Advice for managers. Equipment and procedures 3 Ensure that sensitive equipment and electrical fittings are suitably Welding essentials sheets: waterproof. www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/wlseries.htm 3 Dilute the cleaning agent to the right concentration. 3 Respiratory protective equipment is normally required. 3 First remove accessible heavy deposits by scraping. Shovel up waste. 3 Avoid tripping hazards with the water line to the spray lance.

Pressure cleaning – external structures OCE19 Respiratory protective equipment

3 Ensure that equipment is sufficiently well designed and constructed, that it is safe when first put into use, and remains safe during the foreseeable conditions of its use. 3 Choose equipment, wiring and connectors that can keep water out. Caution: Never direct the spray at any person.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) – see OCM3 3 Ensure that all items of PPE are compatible. Respiratory protective equipment (RPE) – see OCM4 3 Provide CE-marked RPE with an assigned protection factor of at least 20 for particles.

Other protective equipment 3 Provide a ‘slicker suit’ and a visor for low-pressure cleaning. Examination and testing RPE 3 Examine and test RPE thoroughly at least monthly and infrequently used RPE at least three monthly. Replace worn parts.

Records 3 Keep records of all examinations and tests for at least five years. Cleaning and housekeeping 3 Make sure that the cleaners know the hazards of the contaminant for removal. 3 Clean the area after the task, or as specified in working procedures. Waste 3 Residues are ‘hazardous waste’. Label containers clearly – include a UN number where appropriate. Store and dispose of waste safely.

Personal decontamination and skin care 3 Provide warm water, mild skin cleansers, nailbrushes, and soft paper, fabric towels or hot air for drying. Avoid abrasive cleansers. 3 Provide pre-work skin creams, which will make it easier to wash dirt from the skin, and after-work creams to replace skin oils.

Caution: ‘Barrier creams’ or ‘liquid gloves’ do not provide a full barrier.

Health surveillance 3 Conduct low-level health surveillance for dermatitis involving skin checks by suitably trained responsible person.

Training and supervision 3 Provide supervision – ensure that safe work procedures are followed. 3 Tell workers, including maintenance workers, what the hazards and risks are. 3 Explain the early signs of dermatitis.

Pressure cleaning – external structures OCE19 Respiratory protective equipment

3 Training includes toolbox talks on: Employee checklist n following safe working procedures; Is the standby person in n how to use equipment properly; place? n how to use the right safe working procedures Is the equipment in good n emergency procedures; condition and working n how to use RPE and check that it is working; and properly? n what to do if something goes wrong. Is your respirator working 3 Involve managers and supervisors in health and safety training. properly? Check it every time. Essential information Look for signs of wear OCE0 Advice for managers and damage to OCM3 Personal protective equipment (PPE) equipment. OCM4 Respiratory protective equipment (RPE) If you find any problem, get it fixed. Don’t just carry on working. Co-operate with health surveillance. Wash hands before eating, drinking or using the lavatory.

Other hazards n Noise

n Vibration

n Thermal – risk of overheating

n Thermal – cold

n Wet work

n Slips and trips

n Substances harmful to the

marine environment

Further information Avian Influenza: Avoiding the risk of infection on offshore installations Offshore Information Sheet 2/2007 HSE

Electrical risks from steam water pressure cleaners Plant and Machinery Guidance Note PM29 (Second edition) HSE Books 1995 ISBN 978 0 7176 0813 3

You can find the full Offshore COSHH essentials series at www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/index.htm

This guidance was developed by representatives from the UK offshore oil and gas industry and trade unions, with HSE.

© Crown copyright 2011 Published by the Health and Safety Executive 03/11