Dear Members,
Austal is a global shipbuilder, designing, constructing and supporting defence and commercial vessels.
Steel fabrication activities currently make up a large portion of on-site works. With this, we see cutting, grinding and sanding causing fine particulates to become airborne, causing risk of foreign objects entering eyes. In many cases the risk is more prevalent in areas where work spaces are confined or restricted, or when working overhead, or when personnel complete a task and are in the process of removing clothing/headwear/PPE.
Current minimum PPE safety requirements include:
- Safety Glasses
- Face Shield (for known at risk activities)
Some of the improvement strategies implemented to date include:
- Trial of foam back safety glasses (little to no benefits identified)
- Safe PPE doffing procedures/training
- Removal of compressed air (where possible)
- Substituting tooling (where possible)
We are seeking guidance from Best Practice Network as we would like to hear from other companies that have implemented strategies that have proven benefits in reducing the risk of foreign objects entering the eye, specifically in regards to steel fabrication activities.
We would welcome feedback, suggestions or strategies from organisations within Best Practice Network and would love the opportunity to discuss further.
Please contact me via email or phone + 61 429 415 733.
Your assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Best regards,
Mat Vellacott
Environmental – HSE Advisor
Henderson, WA, Australia
AUSTAL AUSTRALIA