12
External Access System
11/01/10
Appendix A
MARINE GUIDANCE NOTE
MGN 422 (M)
Use of Equipment to Undertake Work Over the Side
on Yachts and Other Vessels
Notice to all Shipowners, Masters and Crew
This notice should be read with the Code of Safe Working Practices for
Merchant Seamen Chapters 4 and 15
PLEASE NOTE:-
Where this document provides guidance on the law it should not be regarded as definitive.
The way the law applies to any particular case can vary according to circumstances - for
example, from vessel to vessel and you should consider seeking independent legal advice if
you are unsure of your own legal position.
Summary
This MGN provides guidance on the use of “rail and trolley” and similar systems for
undertaking “overside” work on yachts and other vessels. The main points are:
•
to ensure that new systems comply with BS standards;
•
to ensure that existing systems have been checked to an equivalent standard;
•
to ensure operators have been trained in their use;
•
to ensure maintenance is carried out to the manufactures advice
Annex 1 give details of the relevant legislation that applies and Annex 2 give details of testing
and operation.
1. Introduction
1.1 The use of single point safety “rail and trolley” systems is becoming more prevalent on
vessels, especially mega-yachts. These allow crewmembers to work outside conventional
guardrails for cleaning and maintenance purposes on yachts or other vessels. In recent
years there have been a number of accidents using substandard equipment of this type.
Also there has been evidence that the manufacturers’ instructions on their use are not
being followed. The purpose of this notice is to give guidance on their use.
1.2 Most consist of two travellers linked in tandem that can be separated if necessary into
independent units. These are fitted to a metal track rail which allows the travellers to glide
along it. There is the option of having more than one traveller on the rail. However, many of
these systems have been designed, and installed, for the sole purpose of sail handling and
not for supporting workers working over the side of the vessel.
1.3 Equipment which is used for lifting persons must be designed for the purpose and it is not
acceptable to use a work station harness or a bosun’s chair attached to a rail and trolley
system designed for sail handling to enable window cleaning or other overside
maintenance to be undertaken.
- 1 -
MARINE GUIDANCE NOTE
MGN 422 (M)
Use of Equipment to Undertake Work Over the Side
on Yachts and Other Vessels
Notice to all Shipowners, Masters and Crew
This notice should be read with the Code of Safe Working Practices for
Merchant Seamen Chapters 4 and 15
PLEASE NOTE:-
Where this document provides guidance on the law it should not be regarded as definitive.
The way the law applies to any particular case can vary according to circumstances - for
example, from vessel to vessel and you should consider seeking independent legal advice if
you are unsure of your own legal position.
Summary
This MGN provides guidance on the use of “rail and trolley” and similar systems for
undertaking “overside” work on yachts and other vessels. The main points are:
•
to ensure that new systems comply with BS standards;
•
to ensure that existing systems have been checked to an equivalent standard;
•
to ensure operators have been trained in their use;
•
to ensure maintenance is carried out to the manufactures advice
Annex 1 give details of the relevant legislation that applies and Annex 2 give details of testing
and operation.
1. Introduction
1.1 The use of single point safety “rail and trolley” systems is becoming more prevalent on
vessels, especially mega-yachts. These allow crewmembers to work outside conventional
guardrails for cleaning and maintenance purposes on yachts or other vessels. In recent
years there have been a number of accidents using substandard equipment of this type.
Also there has been evidence that the manufacturers’ instructions on their use are not
being followed. The purpose of this notice is to give guidance on their use.
1.2 Most consist of two travellers linked in tandem that can be separated if necessary into
independent units. These are fitted to a metal track rail which allows the travellers to glide
along it. There is the option of having more than one traveller on the rail. However, many of
these systems have been designed, and installed, for the sole purpose of sail handling and
not for supporting workers working over the side of the vessel.
1.3 Equipment which is used for lifting persons must be designed for the purpose and it is not
acceptable to use a work station harness or a bosun’s chair attached to a rail and trolley
system designed for sail handling to enable window cleaning or other overside
maintenance to be undertaken.
- 1 -
