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IMCA publishes safety rep handbook

Published on 2 February 2015

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has published a new tool for the industry – the ‘Safety Committee Representative’s Handbook’ (IMCA SEL 035), for use by safety committees on board vessels undertaking marine operations, recognised by IMCA as an excellent way of promoting and managing safety issues.

“To do their job properly on these committees, members need to understand their roles and responsibilities, and this is just what the new publication sets out,” explains Jane Bugler, IMCA’s technical Director.

Mark Bosson, HSE Manager of Technip Marine Operations Services, and Chairman of IMCA’s Safety Environment & Legislation (SEL) Core Committee adds:”It was recognised that developing an easy to use piece of guidance, which provided a working knowledge and an overview of how all the relevant marine and shore-based legislation fitted together would enable safety committee representatives to do a better job.”

The handy wire bound A5 handbook is international in scope, and is written in straightforward and simple language. As well as providing guidance and information on a range of safety related topics it also covers the ‘nuts and bolts’ of how a safety committee works including:

  • The function, remit and structure of safety committees
  • How they affect welfare and the working environment
  • Where safety representatives can find further information.

There is a chapter on some of the fundamental safety processes that are of importance to offshore personnel including risk assessment, safe systems of work, control of hazardous substances, manual handling, working at height and lifting operations.

“It was developed by the industry for the industry,” explains Jane Bugler.”A draft version was prepared ahead of the 2014 IMCA Safety Seminar held in Houston earlier in the year so that the safety experts there could pore over it and provide invaluable feedback. Many of their excellent ideas were then considered and included. It is now available for downloading free of charge for members and non-members alike at www.imca-int.com, and printed copies are available at £10 for members and £20 for non-members from [email protected].”

Mark Bosson adds:”The handbook will be yet another welcome piece of guidance that IMCA members can utilise. I encourage anyone involved in a vessel safety committee to draw upon it and make full use of the information it contains.”