PROCEDURE FOR SEEKING EXEMPTIONS UNDER THE MERCHANT SHIPPING AND FISHING VESSEL (NOISE AT WORK) REGULATIONS 2007 AND THE MERCHANT SHIPPING AND FISHING VESSEL (CONTROL OF VIBRATION AT WORK) REGULATIONS 2007
This consultation closes 26 MARCH 2012
You are invited to consider and comment upon the two draft Marine Guidance Notices which provide guidance on how to seek an exemption the requirements of minimum Noise and Vibration exposure levels.
The Merchant Shipping and Fishing Vessel (Noise at Work) Regulations only allow the MCA to only grant an exemption from the noise at work requirements in respect of work on a particular ship, where, because of the nature of the work, the full and proper use of personal hearing protectors would be likely to cause greater risk to health and safety, than not using such protectors - for example; if it impairs the necessary communication between workers.
In the case of the Merchant Shipping and Fishing Vessel (Vibration at Work) Regulations an exemption may be granted ;but only when the MCA is satisfied that the state of the art, and the specific characteristics of the ship do not make it possible to comply with the whole body exposure limit value, whatever technical and organisational measures are adopted.
Each Marine Guidance Notice seeks to advise the shipowner of the requirements from which they are able to seek an exemption from, and assist them in providing the necessary information to make a comprehensive case to the MCA seeking approval for an exemption.
If you require a hard copy of the consultation documents please email: seafarer.s&h@mcga.gov.uk with your address details to send to.
The consultation will run for a period of 12 weeks. The consultation period will close on the 26 March 2012.
Please send your comments in writing to;
Seafarer Safety & Health Branch
Bay 1/29 Spring Place
105 Commercial Road
Southampton
SO15 1EG
Email : seafarer.s&h@mcga.gov.uk
View Consultation documents :
Code of Practice for Consultation