Since many areas on the exterior of a ship that contain radar equipment are inaccessible from decks or built-in work platforms, someone must go aloft to work in these areas. We define "aloft" as any mast, kingpost, or other structure where the potential for a fall exists. Probably the greatest hazard associated with working aloft is the danger of a fall. Other hazards include electrical shock, radiation burns, asphyxiation from stack gasses, and the dropping of objects.

As long as nearby equipment is turned off, you should not have to worry about receiving a shock from current generated by the equipment. However, you must be aware of the possibility of shock due to static charges. Static charges are caused by electrically charged particles that exist naturally in the water. Under certain conditions these charged particles collect on metallic objects such as wire antennas and produce a shock hazard. You can eliminate this hazard by grounding these objects. Shocks from static charges will not harm you directly, but the surprise of such a shock may cause you to fall.

WORKING ALOFT CHECK SHEET

Because of the associated dangers, no one may go aloft on masts, stacks, or kingposts without first obtaining permission from the Officer of the Deck (OOD), as prescribed by the Navy Occupational Safety and Health (NAVOSH) Program Manual for Forces Afloat, OPNAVINST 5100.19 series. Before granting permission, the OOD must ensure that the Working Aloft Check Sheet (fig. 3-4) has been properly completed and routed. When the ship is underway, the commanding officer's permission is required to work aloft. The OOD will ensure that appropriate signal flags are hoisted. (KILO for personnel working aloft; KILO THREE for personnel working aloft and over the side.) Before the work begins and every 15 minutes thereafter, he will have the word passed over the 1 MC, "DO NOT ROTATE OR RADIATE ANY ELECTRICAL OR ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT WHILE PERSONNEL ARE WORKING ALOFT." Additionally the OOD will inform the ships in the vicinity that personnel will be working aloft to ensure that they take appropriate action on the operation of their electrical and electronic equipment. Departments concerned must ensure that all radio transmitters and radars that pose radiation hazards are placed in the STANDBY condition and that a sign reading "SECURED. PERSONNEL ALOFT. DATE

TIME _ INITIALS - " is placed on the equipment.

You should always check your ship's instruction (Man Aloft Bill) for specific guidance before you go aloft. Here are some general guidelines to follow when you go aloft:

1. Use a climber sleeve assembly in conjunction with the safety harness where a climber safety rail is installed.

2. Attach safety lanyards to all tools, if practical. Never carry tools up and down ladders. Rig a line and raise or lower your tools in a safe container.

3. Stop work when the ship begins to roll in excess of 10 degrees, or to pitch in excess of 6 degrees, when wind speed is greater than 30 knots, and when an ice storm or lightning threatens.

4. Be sure the petty officer-in-charge has marked off an area below the zone of work and keeps all unnecessary personnel clear. If the slightest chance of danger exists, have personnel in the area moved to safety.

5. Read all safety placards posted in the area before you begin the work.

6. Wear personal protective equipment, such as hearing protection, goggles, gloves, or a respirator for hazards other than RFR.

7. When you perform hot work, replace the personal safety and staging or boatswain chair fiber lines with wire rope. Personal safety lines must consist of CRESS wire rope.

Most ships in today's Navy are aviation capable. Any loose materials or tools that you leave in an outside work area may become foreign object damage (FOD) material. FOD material can be sucked into aircraft engines (causing extensive damage) or blown around by engine exhaust or rotor wash (possibly injuring someone). You must learn the importance of foreign object damage (FOD) control. Supervisory personnel are responsible for ensuring that assigned personnel who work on the mast and other topside areas receive training on the importance of FOD control. After completing any work topside, you must ensure that all tools and materials are removed from the work area. Metallic items left in these areas may also create electromagnetic interference problems.

Figure 3-4.-Sample Working Aloft Check Sheet.