QuestionsQuestions (DOLE DEPARTMENT ORDER NO. 132-13)
The Guidelines apply to all Philippine-registered ships plying domestic and international voyages where there is an employer-employee relationship or other engagement. Excluded are (a) warships and naval auxiliaries, (b) government ships not engaged in commercial operation, and (c) fishing vessels.
The shipowner must (1) arrange work so it does not endanger seafarers’ health and safety; (2) adopt and carry out reasonable procedures/techniques to prevent or reduce risk using acceptable industry standards; (3) provide each seafarer health and safety education in a language understood; and (4) ensure the designated Safety and Health Officer has undergone the appropriate training.
Seafarers must (1) work in accordance with shipowner safety standards and practices compliant with the Guidelines and generally accepted shipping practices; and (2) report unsafe conditions and practices to the designated Safety and Health Officer or Safety and Health Committee.
A Safety and Health Committee must be established onboard a ship with five (5) or more seafarers (and may also be onshore). Onboard members are: Chairman (Master), Secretary (Safety and Health Officer), and Member (seafarers’ representative).
The Safety and Health Officer must hold: (1) a BOSH Certificate issued by DOLE or a DOLE-accredited training organization; and (2) approved training in first aid and medical care as required by STCW.
A seafarer must not enter a confined space without a work permit. If hazardous substances may be produced, the space must be ventilated and seafarers granted access must use appropriate respiratory protective devices or breathing apparatus.
Electrical testing/work must follow Philippine Electrical Standards or equivalent international standards and may only be performed by seafarers with required training and skill. Seafarers must use insulated protection/tools, and if working on/near live or potentially live equipment, the equipment must be guarded.
A sufficient number of fire extinguishers must be provided in working and adjoining areas; hot work must not be performed where flammable gas/vapor/dust may be present; and gas cylinders must be properly placed and securely stored upright.
When a seafarer is granted access to an unguarded work area that is (a) more than two (2) meters above the nearest permanent safe level, (b) above moving machinery parts or any surface/thing that could injure a seafarer on contact, or (c) above an open hole.
Storage areas must be kept free of accumulation causing tripping, fire, explosion, or pest harborage. Working surfaces should be kept free of grease/oil or slippery substances and other hazards; perishable items must be handled in compliance with applicable regulations.
Fire protection equipment must be installed, inspected, and maintained per PMMRR Fire Detection and Extinguishing Equipment Regulations and relevant conventions; emergency procedures (evacuation/abandon ship) must be prepared per relevant conventions and PMMRR regulations; emergency notices must be posted in conspicuous accessible places; seafarers must be trained/instructed on emergency procedures and location/use of equipment; ships must carry life jackets accessible to all persons onboard and enough for persons on watch; ships with survival crafts without enclosures must carry at least two thermal protective aids in every craft.
At shipowner expense, protective equipment for eyes/face/hands/feet/shields/barriers must be furnished whenever necessary due to hazardous process/environment or chemical/physical/radiological/other risks. PPE must be of approved design appropriate to exposure; the shipowner is responsible for adequacy and proper maintenance; and no person may be exposed to hazardous conditions without proper protection.
The shipowner, in consultation with the Safety and Health Committee, must develop, implement, and monitor a program for hazard prevention (including ergonomic-related hazards) appropriate to ship size and hazards; conduct hazard risk evaluation/control (including risks from harmful chemicals, heat, noise, vibration, and machinery/equipment); and institute measures to monitor work environment, safe work procedures, machine/equipment safety, maintenance, materials handling, and proper use of PPE.
Emergency lighting must automatically operate upon lighting failure/power interruption to allow safe exit from confined spaces and through passageways/stairways to open deck. Lighting standards exclude vessels under 200 GT, the bridge, and exterior deck areas where lighting may hazard navigation. Average lighting must not be less than: 100 lux (storage/sanitary/dining/recreation); 200 lux (crew accommodation/boiler rooms/engine rooms/generator rooms/office/head of stair/ladder/hatchway); 300 lux (galleys/workshops for machine work/repair/medium inspection). Measurements must be made by a qualified person.
Workplace sound must be less than 85 dB; if not reasonably practicable, feasible engineering/administrative controls must be used; if still above limits, ear protective devices must be provided and used. Signage/warnings must be posted where levels are 85 dB or more. Accommodation/recreation/catering should be insulated as far as practicable from noisy machinery. Accommodation/recreation/catering must not be exposed to excessive vibration. A seafarer must not be exposed to continuous sound more than 75 dB in crew accommodation.
Hazardous substance containers must be properly labeled per GHS. No container may be accepted for use/handling/storage/disposal unless labeled with trade/chemical name, hazardous properties, hazard statements, precautionary statements, and manufacturer identity. Suppliers should provide Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and copies must be kept readily available on the ship. Seafarers must receive careful instructions for special precautions for operations producing fumes/depleted oxygen. Exposure must not exceed the Threshold Limit Value prescribed by OSHS.
The Occupational Health Program (OHP) must prevent accidents/illness/deaths and promote health, and comply with required DOH medical examinations for seafarers plus preventive services like immunizations and health awareness programs (including fatigue-related programs), and DOLE issuances on HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B, tuberculosis, and drug/alcohol dependency effects. The shipowner must provide adequate onboard medical services and ensure seafarers’ access in port to outpatient treatment, hospitalization when necessary, and emergency dental treatment, and must provide means of communication for medical advice (radio/satellite).
Shipowners must submit the Report on Safety and Health Organization and Shipowners Work Accident and Illness Report to DOLE Regional Office as accidents occur (template downloadable on DOLE site). For fatal accidents or permanent total disability: fax/online submit to the Bureau of Working Conditions within 24 hours; otherwise report other accidents before the 20th day of the following month. Shipowners must keep comprehensive statistics, analyze/investigate occupational accidents, and maintain a copy of the ship Safety and Health Officer’s report for specified serious occurrences. For minor injuries, they must keep a record containing date/time/location, affected seafarer’s name, description, causes, and first aid/medical treatment given (if applicable).
Violations are subject to the applicable penalties provided for in the Labor Code and PD 442 as amended. For seafarers designated as Safety and Health Officers onboard international or domestic ships without BOSH and first aid/medical care training, they must secure necessary training/certification within one (1) year after the Guidelines’ effectivity.