Introduction
Constructing offshore platforms in shipyards requires the critical involvement of sandblasting and painting companies. In some cases, offshore platforms can be subjected to extreme stress, resulting in danger to personnel. Because of this, these places must be equipped with enhanced protective measures to prevent people from being injured or killed.
For employees, another substantial threat is the use of the necessary equipment for working with sandblasting materials. These devices are constantly under high pressure, so people must be extra careful. In addition, devices such as hoses can injure workers because they are also under high pressure.
Personal Protective Equipment
To prevent incidents involving injuries to people on the platform, managers must provide subordinates with all the necessary means to protect themselves from incidents. Individuals should be issued with personal protective equipment (PPE), which can be goggles, heavy suits, and hard hats (Shaw, 2019). In addition to direct physical injury, workers on platforms can also suffer from inhalation of paint fumes, which can lead to poisoning. Such working conditions oblige the director to provide workers with the necessary respirators for respiratory safety. Following basic workplace safety rules can go a long way in helping people avoid injury or death.
Risks Analysis
Skin and Respiratory Hazards
Among the hazards that workers in a sandblasting and paint company face is paint getting onto their skin. Protective clothing designed to protect the skin from the effects of irritation or allergic reaction to the paint is an essential element that workers should not neglect. In addition, respiratory protection is also necessary since inhaling microdust particles can significantly damage the respiratory tract. Surface sandblasting can be dangerous for some workers. They must be familiar with all the rules of conduct when performing work. This will help them maintain a better level of health in the future without inhaling paint particles and dust (Shaw, 2019).
Working at Heights
Working at high altitudes is one of the hazards that workers in paint and sandblasting companies may face. Offshore platforms are located at a high level above the water surface. This means that there is a possibility of injury or death of employees if they accidentally fall (Shaw, 2019). To reduce the possible incident on the ground, an inspector should work who will control the wearing of safety belts by employees.
Blasting Injuries
Another hazard in these companies is blasting parts of the body. When sand and paint are fired at high pressure, they can easily remove body parts if the worker is not wearing suitable PPE. To keep their employees safe, organizations should provide them with all the necessary personal protective equipment, such as steel-toed boots.
Communication Risks
Communication is also a hazard in a sandblasting and paint company. Workers must communicate effectively to ensure they work safely and efficiently (Shaw, 2019). Poor communication can lead to accidents and injuries. Ensuring that all employees receive training to improve communication skills can significantly help in this situation. However, wearing PPE can also be associated with traumatic events in some cases. In this regard, company management must ensure that all employees are instructed to wear such protective equipment correctly.
Chemical Exposure
Paint or paint solvents getting in the eyes can be a hazard in a sandblasting and paint company. Solvents can, in many cases, adversely affect the mucous membrane of the eyes and irritate them. To avoid the harmful effects of work, management must provide workers with protective goggles.
Conclusion
Working in organizations that deal with sandblasting and painting can be a dangerous place to work for people. High-pressure equipment, paint inhalation, paint on the skin, dust inhalation, working at heights, blasting body parts, poor communication, and inadequate PPE can all lead to severe injuries or illnesses. Given the risks and dangerous situations that may arise when working on platforms, all personnel must be provided with personal protective equipment.
Reference
Shaw, R. K. (2019). Inland river shipyard safety. Murray State’s Digital Commons. Web.