Electrical Safety for Marine Engineering

Flashcards covering electrical safety, emergency rescue procedures, PPE, and fire-fighting protocols specific to shipboard marine engineering.

ISM Code

The International Safety Management Code, which requires every vessel to maintain a documented Safety Management System (SMS).

STCW

Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, which mandate safety familiarization and competency standards for all crew members.

Fatal Current Intensity

The amount of electrical current that can be fatal if sustained for one second or more, which is approximately $100\,mA$ ($0.1\,A$).

Minimum Fatal Voltage

The low-voltage threshold where shocks have proven fatal, recorded as low as $30\,V$.

Electric Shock Symptoms

A jarring, shaking sensation that can cause muscular spasms, severe burns, unconsciousness, and cardiac or respiratory arrest.

Step 1 of Rescue (Removing the Victim)

The process of pushing or dragging a victim clear of a circuit using non-conductive materials like a dry stick, rope, or belt, and never using metal or wet objects.

Shock Victim Elevation (Standard Case)

Once stabilized, the victim should be laid face-up with their feet positioned approximately $12\,inches$ higher than the head.

Shock Victim Elevation (Vomiting/Bleeding)

If a victim is vomiting or has facial bleeding, they should be turned on their side with the head positioned $6-12\,inches$ lower than the feet.

Insulating Rubber Gloves

Specific electrical-rated PPE required for handling energized circuits; the transcript notes that NBC glove sets are not acceptable substitutes.

One-Hand Rule

A safety technique used when working on energized equipment where one hand is kept in a pocket or behind the back to prevent current from crossing the chest and heart.

Oxygen Breathing Apparatus (OBA)

Mandatory respiratory protection required when fighting electrical fires to protect against toxic fumes released by burning insulation.

Carbon Dioxide ($CO_2$) Extinguisher

The preferred nonconductive agent for electrical fires; it leaves no equipment residue but can cause suffocation in high concentrations.

Flooded Compartment Protocol

A safety rule stating that no personnel should enter a flooded space while a generator is actively producing power.

NAVSHIPS 9890/8

The reference for the Temporary Warning Tag which bears the instruction "DANGER, DO NOT OPERATE."

Battery Safety Hazard

The danger of electrolyte (sulfuric acid) venting or expelling upward under fault conditions, which requires the use of eye protection to prevent permanent blindness.