Hatch beams and covers handling

They must be arranged in stable piles and kept at least three feet (.91 m) away from the hatch coaming, except for one specific working-side exception. Under 1918.43(a) hatch covers or pontoons stowed on the weather deck abreast of hatches shall be arranged in stable piles not closer than three feet (.91 m) to the coaming. As an exception, on the working side of the hatch, covers or pontoons may be spread one high between the coaming and bulwark with no space between them only if the hatch coaming height is at least 24 inches (.61 m) see 1918.43(a)(1).

No. On seagoing vessels, hatch boards or similar covers removed from a section of a partially opened hatch must not be stowed on the boards or covers left in place within that section. This requirement is stated in 1918.43(a)(2).

Hatch beams must be laid on their sides or stood on an edge close together and lashed, unless they meet specific design criteria that make upright storage stable. 1918.43(b) requires beams to be laid on their sides or stood on edge and lashed; the exception applies only where the beam's flange width is 50 percent or more of the web height and the flange rests flat on the deck when the beam is upright (1918.43(b)(1) and 1918.43(b)(2)).

They must not block clear fore-and-aft or coaming-to-bulwark passageways and must be lashed or otherwise secured to prevent accidental dislodgement. 1918.43(c) requires that removed strongbacks, hatch covers, and pontoons placed on the weather deck shall not obstruct required passageways and shall be lashed or otherwise secured. When stowed on steel decks, dunnage or other suitable material must be used under and between tiers to prevent sliding.

Hatch covers unshipped on an intermediate deck must be placed at least three feet (.91 m) from the coaming or removed to another deck. 1918.43(d) requires either the three-foot spacing or removal to ensure safety when covers are unshipped on an intermediate deck.

Strongbacks unshipped on an intermediate deck must be at least six inches (15.24 cm) from the coaming, and if placed closer than three feet (.91 m) they must be secured so they cannot be tipped or dragged into a lower compartment; otherwise they must be moved to another deck. 1918.43(e) sets the six-inch minimum and requires securement or removal when within three feet of the coaming.

All portable, manually handled hatch covers (including those fastened together to form a larger cover) must be removed from any working section and adjacent sections unless they are securely lashed. 1918.43(f) requires removal or secure lashing to prevent covers from falling into or obstructing the working section.

The roller hatch beam at the edge of the open section must be lashed or pinned back so that it cannot move toward the open section. 1918.43(f)(1) requires this securement to prevent accidental displacement toward the opening.

They must be secured against unintentional movement while in the open position. 1918.43(f)(2) requires that rolling, sectional, or telescopic hatch covers of barges opening fore-and-aft be secured to prevent unexpected movement when open.

They must be positively secured when upright unless the cover system is designed so that unintentional movement cannot occur. 1918.43(g) requires positive securement of hinged or folding covers stored approximately vertical, except where the design itself prevents unintentional movement.

No. Hatches shall not be opened or closed while employees are in the square of the hatch below. 1918.43(h) explicitly prohibits operating the hatch with people in that lower working space.

All loose materials such as dunnage, lashings, twist locks, or stacking cones must be removed from the hatch cover or secured so they cannot fall off before the hatch cover is moved. 1918.43(i) requires this to prevent falling objects during movement.

Hatch covers or night tents must be used to cover a hatch; partial coverings like alternate hatch covers or strips of dunnage must not be covered by a tarpaulin. 1918.43(j) requires full hatch covering methods and prohibits using a tarp to cover only partly-covered hatches.

No. The one-high, no-space spread on the working side is allowed only when the hatch coaming height is at least 24 inches (.61 m); otherwise covers must be stowed not closer than three feet (.91 m) from the coaming. 1918.43(a) and 1918.43(a)(1) set the 24-inch condition for the exception.

OSHA does not impose a single, universal rule that every hook used in every lift must have a latch, but where a latch is a feasible means to prevent accidental disengagement employers should use them and follow related longshoring rules. 1918.43 notes that certain paragraphs apply to covers handled by cranes; OSHA's letter of interpretation explains that whether a latch is required depends on the activity and that other maritime standards do require latched or otherwise secured hooks to prevent accidental load disengagement (see OSHA's letter on safety latches at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2006-01-10-0). Employers should use latched hooks where they prevent accidental disengagement, follow the applicable longshoring crane-hook rules, and ensure safe rigging practices.

Any hatch beam or pontoon left in place next to an open hatch section being worked must be locked or otherwise secured so it cannot be accidentally displaced. 1918.43(e) requires this securement to prevent accidental movement into the opening.

You must use dunnage or other suitable material under and between tiers to prevent sliding, and you must lash or otherwise secure the items so they can't accidentally dislodge. 1918.43(c) specifies dunnage between tiers and positive securement to prevent sliding or dislodgement on steel decks.

Failure to lash or pin back the roller hatch beam can allow it to move toward the open section and create a hazard of falling covers or equipment and serious injury below. 1918.43(f)(1) requires the beam to be lashed or pinned back to prevent such accidental movement.

No, you do not need additional securing if the design of the system itself prevents unintentional movement; otherwise the covers must be positively secured. 1918.43(g) states hinged or folding covers stowed approximately vertical shall be positively secured unless the design prevents unintentional movement.

They must be removed from the hatch cover or secured to prevent them from falling off the cover before it is moved. 1918.43(i) requires removal or securement of these materials to prevent falling-object hazards during movement.