Subpart J
The standard covers safety requirements for ship's machinery and piping systems used in shipyard employment, including their installation, maintenance, and repairs. See the scope of 1915 Subpart J for the official title and coverage.
The employer is responsible for ensuring ship machinery and piping are maintained and made safe for employees to work on. Employers must follow the requirements in 1915 Subpart J and take reasonable steps to prevent hazards from machinery or piping systems.
Yes—piping that presents a burn hazard must be guarded, insulated, or otherwise protected so employees are not exposed to scalds or burns. The protective measures should be consistent with the safety goals of 1915 Subpart J.
Yes—employers must conduct regular inspections and maintenance to ensure ship machinery and piping remain safe and free of defects that could cause injury or property damage. Follow the inspection and upkeep expectations found in 1915 Subpart J.
Yes—after repairs, piping systems should be tested as appropriate to confirm they are leak-free and safe to place back into service. The testing and return-to-service practices should follow the safety intent of 1915 Subpart J.
Valves and control devices should be clearly identified so employees can safely operate and isolate lines. Marking and identification that reduce operator error are consistent with the requirements and purpose of 1915 Subpart J.
Before any hot work on or near piping, employers should ensure the system is properly isolated, drained, and purged of flammable or pressurized contents, and that hot work permits or controls are in place to prevent fire or explosion. These precautions align with the safety objectives of 1915 Subpart J.
Yes—rotating or moving machine parts that present hazards must be guarded or otherwise controlled so workers cannot contact them during normal operations or maintenance, consistent with the protective principles in 1915 Subpart J.
To safely depressurize a piping system, isolate energy sources, close and lock valves or otherwise isolate the line, drain and vent trapped fluids and vapors, and verify zero energy before starting work. These steps reflect safe work practices supported by 1915 Subpart J.
Work on machinery and piping that could expose employees to hazardous energy should be performed only after the energy is controlled and equipment is made safe; while detailed lockout/tagout procedures are addressed elsewhere, the need to isolate hazards is implicit in the safety requirements of 1915 Subpart J.
Employees must be trained to recognize hazards and to perform their assigned tasks safely on ship machinery and piping; training should cover safe isolation, hazards of the contents (e.g., hot or flammable fluids), and safe work procedures consistent with 1915 Subpart J.
Leaking hazardous fluids should be stopped or isolated promptly, and repairs made by trained personnel using appropriate controls; until safe, affected areas should be evacuated or restricted to prevent exposure, in line with the protective aims of 1915 Subpart J.
Temporary repairs may be used only if they make the system safe for the intended interim condition and are performed by qualified personnel; permanent corrective work should be scheduled as soon as feasible to meet the safety expectations of 1915 Subpart J.
When working on piping that carries flammable liquids or gases, employers must take steps to eliminate ignition sources, properly purge and ventilate the line, and use grounding/bonding where needed to prevent static ignition, consistent with the hazard control objectives in 1915 Subpart J.
Pressure testing should be performed by competent personnel familiar with testing procedures and hazards, using appropriate test pressures, equipment, and safeguards to protect workers, per the safety intent of 1915 Subpart J.
Yes—piping susceptible to corrosion must be regularly inspected and maintained to prevent failures, and protective measures (coatings, cathodic protection, or replacement) should be used where needed to manage the hazard in keeping with 1915 Subpart J.
If contents are unknown, do not assume the line is safe—identify the contents, isolate and purge the line, and use extreme caution and appropriate PPE until the system is verified safe, following the hazard-avoidance principles of 1915 Subpart J.
Yes—employers must provide safe access (platforms, walkways, ladders) and working space so employees can inspect and repair machinery and piping without undue risk, consistent with the access and safety goals in 1915 Subpart J.
PPE should match the hazards—common PPE includes gloves, eye protection, face shields for spray hazards, heat-resistant gloves for hot lines, and appropriate flame-resistant clothing when working on flammable systems; selection should be based on hazards consistent with 1915 Subpart J.
Hoses and flexible piping should be selected for the pressure, temperature, and chemical service they will encounter, inspected before use, and removed from service if damaged or deteriorated, in line with the safety expectations of 1915 Subpart J.
Piping must be adequately supported and braced to prevent movement, stress, or failure during operations and repairs; proper supports reduce the risk of accidental releases and align with the stability and safety objectives of 1915 Subpart J.
Employers should keep records of inspections, maintenance, and repairs that affect safety so hazards can be tracked and corrected; maintaining these records supports compliance with the safety program goals of 1915 Subpart J.
A qualified person has the training, knowledge, and experience to recognize hazards and perform the required work safely; employers must assign only qualified personnel to complex or hazardous tasks to meet the protective intent of 1915 Subpart J.
In an emergency release, immediately isolate the source if it can be done safely, evacuate or restrict access to the affected area, provide first aid or medical attention as needed, and initiate cleanup and repair by qualified personnel, consistent with the safety response principles of 1915 Subpart J.