First aid and lifesaving equipment

Employers must instruct employees to report every injury, regardless of severity. This requirement is stated in 1917.26(a).

• Make the reporting requirement clear in training and workplace communications.
• Document how employees should report (who to tell, how to contact them) and ensure reporting can be done promptly.

Yes — a first aid kit must be available at the terminal and at least one person holding a valid first aid certificate must be at the terminal when work is in progress. See 1917.26(b).

• "Valid first aid certificate" means training from an accepted provider and documentation that the person completed the course.
• Employers may provide more than one trained person depending on terminal size, number of workers, or hazards present.

First aid kits must be weatherproof, have individually sealed sterile packages for items that must remain sterile, contain contents determined by a person certified in first aid who knows the marine cargo handling hazards, and be checked at intervals that allow prompt replacement of used items. See 1917.26(c).

• Have a certified first-aid person identify kit contents based on site hazards.
• Keep a checklist and a replacement log with inspection intervals so kits are replenished quickly after use.

OSHA does not set a single fixed response time in 1917.26, but requires a certified first-aider on-site when work is in progress and emphasizes prompt bleeding control as a best practice. See 1917.26(b) and OSHA's guidance on bleeding control in the Letter of Interpretation "First aid and bleeding control" (June 19, 2019) at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2019-06-19.

• The 2019 LOI states OSHA recognizes the importance of rapid bleeding control and that employers may adopt additional measures (kits, training) beyond the minimum standard.
• Ensure on-site first-aiders can respond quickly by positioning personnel and communication devices to minimize delay.

For each vessel being worked there must be available one Stokes basket stretcher or its equivalent permanently equipped with bridles for attaching to hoisting gear. See 1917.26(d)(1).

• A Stokes basket is designed for hoisting an injured person safely; alternatives must provide equivalent capability and secure hoisting attachment points.

Stretchers must be kept close to vessels, positioned to avoid damage, and stretchers in permanent locations must be mounted to prevent damage and protected from the elements if outdoors; if concealed from view, closures must be marked to indicate the lifesaving equipment location. See 1917.26(d)(2) and 1917.26(d)(7).

• Mount stretchers off the ground and under cover or in weatherproof cabinets when outdoors.
• Mark doors or closures clearly so rescuers can find equipment quickly.

Stretchers must have at least four sets of effective patient restraints in operable condition. See 1917.26(d)(4).

• Restraints should secure the patient at head, torso, hips, and feet (or equivalent) to prevent movement during hoisting or transport.
• Inspect straps and buckles regularly and replace any worn or damaged parts.

Lifting bridles must be strong enough to lift 1,000 pounds (454 kg) with a safety factor of five, be maintained in operable condition, and bridles must be provided for making vertical patient lifts at container berths; stretchers used for vertical lifts must have foot plates. See 1917.26(d)(5).

• Safety factor of five means the bridle and its components must be rated for at least 5,000 pounds breaking strength.
• Ensure bridles, shackles, and connection points are inspected and tagged per your inspection program.

Stretchers shall be maintained in operable condition; struts and braces must be inspected for damage, wire mesh must be secured and free of burrs, and damaged stretchers must not be used until repaired. See 1917.26(d)(6).

• Include stretcher inspection in regular safety checks and after every use.
• Remove and tag any stretcher with structural damage, loose mesh, or compromised restraints until repaired by qualified personnel.

A blanket or other suitable covering must be available with the stretcher. See 1917.26(d)(3).

• Keep a weather-appropriate blanket (or thermal/space blanket) with each stretcher to prevent shock and exposure.
• Store coverings in a weatherproof container with the stretcher so they remain dry and usable.

A telephone or equivalent means of communication must be readily available. See 1917.26(e).

• "Equivalent" can include radios, cellular phones, or other systems that allow rapid contact with emergency services and on-site first-aiders.
• Test communication devices regularly and ensure batteries and charging systems are maintained.

Where employees' work exposes them to the hazard of drowning, a U.S. Coast Guard approved 30-inch life ring with at least 90 feet of line must be available at readily accessible points, employees on bridges or structures leading to detached vessel berthing must wear U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices unless protected, and a ladder to access the water must be provided within 200 feet. See 1917.26(f).

• Keep life rings and lines inspected and ready for immediate use.
• Provide PFDs and enforce wearing when required; ensure PFDs are U.S. Coast Guard approved and properly sized.

Employees working on any bridge or structure leading to a detached vessel berthing installation must wear U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices except where protected by railings, nets, or safety belts and lifelines. See 1917.26(f).

• If protective guardrails, safety nets, or proper belts and lifelines are in place and used, a PFD may not be required for that specific exposure.
• Employers should document the protections in place that justify not requiring a PFD.

Yes — employers may provide bleeding-control kits and training as part of their first-aid program, and OSHA recognizes the value of rapid bleeding control; OSHA does not certify training programs or trainers but expects that first-aiders be adequately trained. See OSHA's Letter of Interpretation "First aid and bleeding control" (June 19, 2019) at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2019-06-19 and 1917.26(b)–(c).

• The 2019 LOI states employers can adopt additional measures (kits, training) beyond minimum standards to address uncontrolled bleeding.
• Maintain records of training and ensure those who are designated to render aid are trained to use the specific supplies provided.

No — OSHA concluded that Part 1917 specific requirements do not apply to a designated waterfront facility used solely for bulk storage, handling, and transfer of liquids or gases; therefore certain marine terminal and Part 1910 provisions may not apply in that situation. See the Letter of Interpretation "Applicability to waterfront facilities" (May 31, 2017) at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2017-05-31 and 1917.

• If your facility falls into this category, consult the LOI and other applicable OSHA parts or industry-specific standards to determine which rules apply.
• When in doubt, contact OSHA's Office of Maritime Enforcement for clarification.

Employers must remove damaged stretchers from service and not use them until they are repaired; struts, braces, and mesh must be inspected and repaired as needed. See 1917.26(d)(6).

• Tag damaged stretchers "Do Not Use" and store them separately until repaired.
• Keep maintenance and repair records as part of your equipment maintenance program.