CFR 141A - Shipyard Employment

On May 24, 1996, federal OSHA issued a new rule on personal protective equipment and personal fall arrest systems for Shipyard Employment. The primary changes were to Subpart I - PPE of 29 CFR 1915, but several correlating amendments were made to 1915.32 - Toxic cleaning solvents, 1915.33 - Chemical paint and preservative removers, 1915.34 - Mechanical paint removers, 1915.35 - Painting, 1915.134 - Abrasive wheels and 1915.135 - Powder actuated fastening tools. [Reference: 61 FR 26322]. Please note that the state-specific requirements to require locking snaphooks is not currently applicable to shipyard employment. On June 13, 1996, federal OSHA issued a correction to 1915.152(b) - PPE, General requirements. [Reference: 61 FR 29957]. The final rule and the associated correction were subsequently adopted verbatim in North Carolina by the Commissioner of Labor with an effective date of September 1, 1996. Access earlier Federal Registers including Preamble. 

In North Carolina, the OSH Division has authority over public sector shipyard employment activities on inspected vessels if the work is performed by public sector shipyard employees (non-crew members). The U.S. Coast Guard regulates working conditions for seamen (crew members) on inspected vessels while Federal OSHA has authority to cite private sector shipyard employment activities on inspected vessels if the work is performed by shipyard employees (non-crew members).

On uninspected vessels, the OSH Division has authority to cite public sector shipyard employers for all working conditions. The OSH Division can also cite the owners or operators of uninspected vessels for violations involving shipbuilding, shipbreaking, and ship repair operations regardless of whether the work is performed by seamen (crew members) or by non-crew members unless the hazards are covered by U.S. Coast Guard regulations.

Also reference the Field Operations Manual Chapter 18 - Maritime Inspection Procedures, CFR 121B - Occupational Safety and Health Standards for Shipyard Employment 29 CFR 1915,  CFR 121C - Occupational Safety and Health Standards for Shipyard Employment 29 CFR 1915; 29 CFR 1915.501-.509, CFR 121D - Updating National Consensus Standards for Shipyard Employment, CFR 121E - Occupational Safety and Health Standards for Shipyard Employment 29 CFR 1915; General Working Conditions in Shipyards FOM Chapter 18 - Maritime Inspection Procedures, CFR 191 - Incorporation by Reference; Notice of Corrections, and CFR 121F - General Working Conditions in Shipyards 29 CFR Parts 1910.  Additional information can be found on the safety and health topic page for Personal Protective Equipment and Fall Protection.