Safety update for welding on bulk carriers Key revisions in the latest RightShip Inspection Ship Questionnaire (RISQ 2.0) and actions you need to take to stay compliant
Safety update for welding on bulk carriers
01
Introduction Both pressure regulators and flashback arrestors are vital tools in enhancing the safe use of compressed gases like oxygen and acetylene on ships. Pressure regulators reduce high cylinder pressures to safer levels while flashback arrestors stop reverse flow and flashbacks. The risk of fire due to incorrect use of compressed gases and equipment must be avoided at all costs. Fires or explosions onboard vessels are especially dangerous as they can, in the worst case, destroy an entire vessel and cause harm to the crew. The RightShip Inspection Ship Questionnaire (RISQ) was recently updated with new guidelines on equipment use to further improve Bulk Carrier safety.
RISQ 2.0 update – what does the change mean for welding safety onboard Bulk Carriers? In June 2022, RightShip issued the new RISQ 2.0, which states that pressure regulators and flashback (flame) arrestors should be inspected annually, and the inspection data logged, and that they should be replaced every five years. This follows the recommendation of the British Compressed Gases Association’s Code of Practice CP7 guideline. Manufacturers’ advice should also be considered. Furthermore, all AC-OX Gas Distribution System piping and hoses should be colour-coded as follows, i.e., blue for oxygen, red for acetylene. The AC-OX twin gas hoses must be approved with the appropriate EN standard marking. Twin gas hoses should also be crimp-fitted or fitted with “Clamp 1 Ear” type clamps for all joints. A Non-Return Valve (NRV) or flashback arrestor must also be fitted before torch connection. With safety and compliance in mind, ship owners should always select equipment from reputable suppliers.
Replace pressure regulators and flashback arrestors every five years after the manufacturing date to prevent degradation and leakage.
Safety update for welding on bulk carriers
02
Factors to consider when selecting regulators and flashback arrestors:
Label
Manufacturing Date
ISO Standards
Manual & Guidelines
Training Materials
Product Compatibility
Manufacturer’s / supplier’s name should be clearly visible on the regulator, and that it is manufactured according to relevant industry standards.
Instruction manuals, maintenance procedures and written guidelines are available.
Proof of manufacturing date on the regulator and flashback arrestor.
Training materials and updates on regulation change.
Manufactured to be compliant with recognised international standards such as ISO 2503, ISO 7291 and ISO 5175.
Check that pressure regulators are compatible with the specific welding gas.
Helping you stay compliant with RISQ 2.0 for welding safety Hose Clamps AC-OX twin gas hoses with crimped fittings or clamp 1 ear
Gas Regulators (renew every 5 years) Conform to EN ISO 7291 for GDS Conform to EN ISO 2503 for Mobile System Acetylene Class 2 and Oxygen Class 3 Flashback Arrestors (renew every 5 years)
Conform to EN730-1, ISO 5175
Shank Conform to EN ISO 5172
Hose Joints Conform to EN 561, ISO 7289
Cylinders Conform to ISO 9809-1, in combination with DOT3AA
Hoses Colour Coding* Oxygen should be blue, and Acetylene should be red
*For all AC-OX piping system
Welding Safety Inspection (WSI) Our Global Port Service Engineers provide an annual inspection service to help you ensure safe management of welding equipment and accessories onboard your vessels.
Hoses with Marking Conform to ISO 3821 (EN 559)
Compliant Products Through our global network we provide easily available, high-quality welding and cutting products that are safe and compliant with maritime regulations and requirements including RISQ 2.0.
Reference: https://explore.rightship.com/DryBulkInspectionsQuestionnaire
Non-Return Valves/Torch Flashback Arrestors Conform to EN 730-1, ISO 5175
Global Technical Support Members of our global technical support team are always on hand to help you with technical and product enquiries, as well as providing advice on Welding Standardization.
Safety update for welding on bulk carriers
03
Wilhelmsen Ships Service – your trusted and reputable supplier for all onboard welding and cutting solutions Our portfolio of Unitor™ welding and cutting equipment is fully compliant with all maritime regulatory and international requirements, promoting crew safety and peace of mind for customers worldwide.
One-stop welding & cutting solutions for maritime industry Welding planning
Safety in welding & protection • Excellent safety track record by customers using UnitorTM products • A dedicated range of personal protective equipment, welding curtains, welding blankets, fume extraction for your welding & cutting needs • Welding safety inspection
ng ldi we n in ctio y fet ote Sa & pr
5
• UnitorTM welding training schools ld We
4
Finishin inspect g & ion
• UnitorTM welding equipment, consumables & air tools are the same worldwide regardless of delivery area
3
2
Welding / Brazing
• Covers full scope of repair activities
Welding / Brazing • Determining welding process - Arc Welding - Gas Welding / Brazing
Scan now for a closer look
View All Products
• Welding consumables selection • Welding equipment selection • AC-OX & shielding gases
Wilhelmsen Ships Service Phone: (+47) 67 58 40 00 Fax: (+47) 67 58 40 80 Postal Address: PO Box 33, NO-1324 Lysaker, Norway wilhelmsen.com Contact your local WSS customer service for prices and availability. Notice: The information and guidelines in this Welding Safety Updates are based on general
information and knowledge at hand and are believed to be accurate and reliable, but the information
and guidelines are not to be taken as a guarantee or warranty for a special purpose. The information and guidelines are provided to the customers solely for his/her own consideration, and Wilhelmsen Ships Service AS assumes no legal responsibility or liability for eventual damages and/or losses
should the information and/or guidelines turn out to be incorrect or unsuitable. Wilhelmsen Ships Service AS is not liable for any loss or damages whatsoever and howsoever arising which is due
to force majeure, other events beyond the reasonable control of Wilhelmsen Ships Service AS or
events that could not reasonably be foreseen by Wilhelmsen Ships Service AS when this document was made. Wilhelmsen Ship Service AS is in no event liable for indirect, incidental or consequential damages or losses, including damages for loss of profits. These conditions are automatically accepted by anybody using the information and guidelines in this Welding Safety Updates.
Pla
nni
1
ng
• Maintenance & repair welding handbook and posters • Global technical support
& e e ac c n r f pie tio Su ork ara w ep pr
360
Finishing & inspection
• Designed for low-skilled personnel
• Identifying base material, welding procedures & welding consumables
Surface & workpiece preparation • NDT dye-penetrant
• Complete air powered tools solution for deck & engine • Universal UnitorTM AC-OX heating equipment
• UnitorTM plasma cutting & gouging