Its people are any Class Society’s most valuable resource and their health and safety is paramount. In particular, protecting Class Surveyors who are often faced with various occupational health and safety (OHS) risks, requires robust measures to address the challenges they face during inspections and surveys. Recognising the critical need to address these risks, the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) has published guidelines on safety standards for work, Rec. 184. With a focus on collaboration and sharing of experiences, this comprehensive document offers a structured approach aimed at enhancing safety practices, reducing incidents, and promoting uniform safety practices across the industry.
Designed to creating safer working conditions for surveyors and all personnel engaged in maritime operations, these guidelines outline critical measures to mitigate risks and addresses key areas such as risk assessments and situational awareness, ensuring that they are equipped to handle the hazards they may encounter.
By introducing these guidelines, IACS aims to enhance OHS standards, prioritising the safety and well-being of surveyors and all associated personnel. This initiative supports the development of consistent OHS practices across classification societies and contributes to a safer and more sustainable maritime industry.
Key highlights of the guidelines include:
Comprehensive Risk Management: The document provides guidance for surveyors to exercise appropriate risk assessment and situational awareness prior to commencing work for prevention of accidents, near-misses, injury or ill health to surveyors, associated personnel and damage to property.
Increased Focus on Collaboration: IACS encourages surveyors to share experiences and safety challenges to improve the overall safety culture across the maritime industry.
Fitness for Work: The guidelines emphasize the importance of physical and mental readiness, including undertaking all periodical medical checkups required by their society.
Fatigue Management: The guidelines stress the importance of ensuring adequate rest to prevent fatigue, which can impair performance and increase the risk of accidents.
Empowering Surveyors to Use Stop Work Authority: Surveyors are empowered to stop work if they believe safety conditions are at risk, ensuring that corrective measures are taken before continuing with tasks.
Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): The guidelines mandate the use of appropriate PPE and provide instructions on the maintenance and replacement of worn or damaged gear.
Standardised Safety Practices: The guidelines reinforce the importance of uniform safety practices, ensuring that surveyors adhere to a consistent set of safety protocols regardless of the work environment.
The guidelines further address activities that pose elevated OHS risks for surveyors, providing tailored recommendations to enhance safety. These include working at height, transfers between boats, and performing surveys in confined spaces or using rafts. The document also covers managing pressure tests, control of stored/electrical energy, and participation in sea trials. Additionally, it highlights precautions for exposure to extreme weather conditions, hazardous materials, and travel-related safety concerns, ensuring surveyors are equipped to navigate the varied risks associated with their roles.
The guidelines are now available on the IACS website and serve as a valuable resource for surveyors, classification societies, and industry stakeholders aiming to uphold the highest standards of safety.
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Contact: Robert Ashdown, IACS Secretary General
E: robertashdown@iacs.org.uk T: +44 (0) 20 7976 0660
International Association of Classification Societies
Permanent Secretariat 4 Matthew Parker Street, London, England SW1H 9NP
T: +44 (0)20 7976 0660
Notes to Editors:
- Dedicated to safe ships and clean seas, the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) makes a unique contribution to maritime safety and regulation through technical support, compliance verification and research and development. More than 90% of the world’s cargo carrying tonnage is covered by the classification design, construction and through-life compliance Rules and standards set by the twelve Member Societies of IACS.
- More information about IACS can be found by visiting iacs.org.uk and in our Annual Review available online at http://www.iacs.org.uk/about/iacs-annual-review/
