5 Things to Know About Shipyard Fire Protection Training Programs

There are an average of 14 work-related deaths every day in the United States. Many of these stem from workplace fires. The good news is that a large percentage of them are preventable, given the proper knowledge and training.

Some work environments, such as shipyards, rely on the use of combustible fuels that make it more likely for a fire to occur. They also are in environments that can make fires more difficult to contain or escape from. For this reason, quality shipyard fire protection training is paramount.

Below are five things you need to know about these programs. This information covers what to look for, so that you can choose the right training for you and your staff. It will make your workplace safer and your team better prepared to handle unexpected situations involving fires.

1. They Help Identify Hazards

One of the main goals of shipyard fire protection programs is to equip workers with the knowledge of potential fire hazards. This is as it relates to different aspects of their work environment. This includes ship building, ship repair, ship breaking, and other related tasks.

These jobs involve a great deal of welding, grinding, dealing with electrical components, and cutting metal using torches. Each of these presents unique fire hazards.

For instance, shipyard workers must know how to properly handle flammable fuels. These can be especially dangerous in oxygen-rich environments or those near wooden structures or cargo. Shipyard fire protection programs enable staff to take preventative steps to keep a fire from starting in the first place.

2. They Drill Down on Situational Safeguards

Identifying specific safety risks is important, but so is creating work environments that are less conducive to fires. Shipyard fire protection courses will instruct staff on doing so.

A common example is having adequate ventilation in areas where "hot work" happens. This includes any job involving welding, cutting, soldering, and brazing. This can go a long way to reduce factors that could make a fire more likely.

This also extends to scenarios where you are working on slag, sparks, or weld splatter. If close to flammable materials (such as wooden structures), certain precautions should be taken. In these circumstances, "fire watch" protocols are necessary.

Courses also teach staff how to inspect workspaces on a regular basis to ensure the proper level of safety. Often this is a responsibility left up to a supervisor or foreperson. Having all your staff up-to-date on protocols to reduce the chances of dangerous fires helps create a safer workplace.

For instance, this might include remaining in "hot work" areas for at least 30 minutes after completion of the job. This is to ensure that no potential for fire remains.

3. They Teach You How to Contain a Fire

A fire protection training course also provides workers with knowledge of how to address incidents that do occur. In general, this includes how to put together emergency plans of action in place that prioritize the safety of all workers on the job site.

These courses also teach how to confine fire to a particular compartment or region. They provide instructions on keeping fire away from combustible gases and other volatile materials.

Training will also teach workers how to put in place safety protocols for working in confined spaces where escape from a fire is more difficult (or even impossible). Courses teach how to address toxic fumes. They cover how to navigate environments with oxygen-deficient or extremely hot air.

A big part of this training component is recognizing fires in different phases. For instance, a fire in its initial stage can be controlled or even extinguished, versus one that has been burning out of control for a longer time. Training courses instruct staff on how to make these determinations.

4. They Explain the Permitting Process

One of the general advantages of shipyard fire protection training is that it gives you knowledge about permitting. Ones for environments where fire hazards exist are distinct from those free of such dangers.

This information is great for anyone involved in this process. It can help speed things along so that work can start as soon as possible.

These include specific guidelines for required fire safety training for shipyard staff. Participants in training courses will receive comprehensive training on who in a shipyard needs to be trained and in what areas. It also will provide information about requisite timelines for doing so.

Training will cover protocols that must be in place to receive a permit. A common example is making emergency plans available to employees (even untrained ones). Training will explain how often you must review and update these plans, based on current laws.

5. They Cover Regulatory Obligations

The main agency regulating shipyards is the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). They put out regular maritime standards for shipyard employment. It is imperative that your company keep with and meet these obligations.

However, there are others, including the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). While you can examine these standards on your own, a training course will condense them into a usable format.

Shipyard fire protection programs teach students about legal obligations. This includes the consequences for failing to put in place or follow safety standards.

Since regulations can change over time, it is imperative to keep up with the most recent ones. This will not only make your workplace safer but will keep you from receiving any citations for failing to meet regulatory standards.

Find a Shipyard Fire Protection Training Program Near You

Now that you know the basics of shipyard fire protection programs, you can choose one that is right for you. Doing so will create a safer work environment where your staff can focus on the task at hand and be fully prepared for the unexpected.

Since 2008, Compliance Training Online has been one of the most trusted online training companies for more than 31,000 businesses, government agencies, and educational institutions. Our main goal is to help our clients keep employees safe and their company compliant with relevant regulations. Reach out to us today to learn more.