SIRE 2.0 and welding safety: mitigating risk

Time：2024-07-24 Click：

Enhancing welding safety on tankers through SIRE 2.0 regulations requires stringent compliance, robust safety cultures and thorough training

Ensuring smooth ship operations requires meticulous maintenance, especially when welding and hot work are involved. On tankers and bulk carriers carrying flammable cargoes, these tasks pose heightened risks.
These risks were analysed in a discussion* featuring Asian Shipowners’ Association’s Professor Duo Zhang, Seaways Ship Management (HK) Ltd’s Captain Sanjeev Verma and Wilhelmsen Ships Service senior product manager for welding and repair Chris Teoh.
Welding and hot work on vessels carrying flammable cargoes are inherently dangerous, with common accidents including fires, explosions and toxic fume exposure.
"The basic premise is that humans will always make mistakes, and this is inevitable," said Capt Sanjeev Verma. "Around 80% of all incidents or accidents are caused by human error."
To mitigate these risks, adherence to safety protocols is crucial. This includes using appropriate personal protective equipment, maintaining equipment and following detailed safety procedures.
The updated SIRE 2.0 (Ship Inspection Report Programme) regulations aim to enhance maritime safety, focusing on improving compliance and fostering a positive safety culture on board.
Prof Zhang highlighted the importance of these regulations: "SIRE has proved to be an effective tool for ensuring compliance. However, it is not omnipotent. By focusing more on human factors, SIRE 2.0 is facilitating the development of a positive safety culture."
SIRE 2.0 includes guidelines for gas welding (Q10.3.7) and electric welding equipment (Q10.3.8), emphasising regular inspections and adherence to safety standards.
Mr Teoh elaborated, "Ensure the timely renewal of critical gas equipment both at the cylinder central storage and the outer station in the workshop. Non-return valves must be installed on the torch shank, and when long lengths of gas hoses are used, a torch arrester is also required."
To maintain compliance, ship operators must conduct regular audits, document maintenance activities, and ensure equipment meets the latest safety standards.
Mr Teoh stressed, "Ship operators need to ensure proper preparation to fully comply with SIRE 2.0 to achieve zero observation and towards zero harm."
Building a robust safety culture involves cultivating a "want-to" attitude among crew members.
Prof Zhang noted, "A good safety culture exists when everyone has developed the discipline and initiative to follow the rules and is inspired to work together for a greater common good."
Effective safety management systems and regular training are essential and Capt Verma stressed the importance of clear procedures and training, "You can have the best equipment, but if your people are not trained on that equipment, it is also a dangerous situation."
Polls during the webinar revealed mixed readiness for SIRE 2.0 compliance.
While 40% of participants reported full compliance and regular audits, 50% needed minor improvements. These findings underscore the ongoing need for consistent safety measures and training across the industry.
*The SIRE 2.0 and Welding Safety: Mitigating Risk webinar took place on 26 June 2024, and was sponsored by Wilhelmsen Ships Service.