DOCK REGULATION

FACTORY ACT

	The factory and workshop act of 1901 (UK) empowered the Secretary of State to make special regulation in respect of trades which he considers dangerous.
	As a result  dock regulations were framed in 1934.
	Dock regulations are sometimes called factory act.

It affects us as as follows:

	Need to comply with.
	Requirements of testing derricks, lifting machineries, lashing equipments etc.
	Annealing of chains, rings, hooks, shackles.
	Requirements of safe means of access to the ship and in holds.
	Requirements of lighting in gangway and cargo holds.
	Fencing and covering of open hatches.
	Requirement of hatch covers and beams to be marked and to keep in good condition.
	Hatch covers to be replaced according to markings.
	Hatches to be covered when loading or unloading at an intermediate deck.
	Beams to be secured when hatch is in use.

Consists of

	A preamble
	6 parts
	A schedule – manner of load testing
	Prescribed forms

Main contents

Load testing of derricks and permanent attachments

	Conducted by competent person (normally shipyard employees, not necessary surveyors)
	Carried out new derrick is installed or after a derrick has been repaired or modified

Procedures:

	Derricks and attachments examined.
	Blocks, shackles, lifting hooks and ropes examined, overhauled/ lubricated.
	Test certificates checked.
	Winches overhauled.
	Appoint efficient watchmen and signaler.
	If testing under dead load, hoist load and swing derrick from extremity.
	If testing by spring balance, secure balance to strong point, plump derrick and hoist.
	First test usually dead load, hence spring, but disadvantage of spring: expensive and more dangerous, may exceed proof load accidentally.
	After test, lower derrick, strip and examine for defects, distortions etc.
	A certificate of test will be issued after the test has been satisfactorily conducted.

Annual inspection and quadrennial thorough examination of derricks and permanent attachments.

	By competent person/ authorized by appropriate authority (dock safety authority). Chief Officer / master / chief engineer / second engineer duly certified. Superintendent of approve workshop/ shipyard. Surveyors
	12 monthly inspection.
	4 yearly thorough examination
	A visual inspection, supplemented by other tests eg. hammer test.
	To be entered in part-1 of chain register.

Annual examination of cranes, winches, hoists and accessory gear other than derricks and permanent attachments.

	Every 1 year.
	Entered in part 2 of chain register.

Annual thorough examination of gears exempted from annealing.

	1 yearly inspection
	Entered in part 3 of chain register
	Exempted list is given in this part.

Annealing of chains, rings, hooks, shackles and swivels other than those exempted.

	½" and smaller – annealing every 6 months.
	Other annealing every 12 months or 2 years.
	Entered in part four of chain register.

Inspection of wire rope

	Once every three months.
	Monthly, if rope is broken.
	Wires not to be used if any length of 8 diameters of more than 10% of the wire is visibly broken or the rope shows excessive signs of wear, corrosion or other defects.
	The person inspecting considers it unfit for use.

Means of access

	Gangway or accommodation ladder
	Standards of construction
	Free from obstruction
	Well maintained
	Properly Positioned
	Safety nets to be rigged
	Lighting should be adequate.

Access to cargo holds

	Well ventilated
	Permanent means of access to be provided
	Should maintain standards of construction.

Lighting in cargo spaces

	Should be adequately lit
	Open and naked lights to be avoided.

Fencing

	Openings to be guarded or fenced.
	Guard rails to be provided.

Updated: July 03, 2003