Point of
BreakPoint of
BreakFIGURE 6.6: EXAMPLES OF SNAp·BACK DANGER ZONESthe pier. If you must work near a line under tension, do so quickly a.nd leave the danger zone
as soon as possible. Plan your activity before you approach the line. Never have more people
than necessary near the line. If the activity involves line bandling, make certain that there are
enough personnel to perform it in an expedient and !>afe manner. Instruct observers to stand
weU clear.
Handling
Crews handling synthetic lines which must be Slopped off and made f t to bilts need good
training i.n accideni prevention. Surging of lines 00 winch drum heads. which used (0 be
common practice with natural fibre rope, is not recommended for. ynthctic lines, poly-
propylene in parlicular. The nature of the fibres, combined with the high loads, make it
necessary to walk back l:he winches rather than surge in order to provide slack when stopping
off and making fast. Stoppers made of polyester are recommended. T hey should be used in
t.he double line configurations, where a half hitch is placed over the bill and the two ends of
the stopper are crossed over and under the line being stopped off. Training should include
action to be taken during a break-out incident. namely, clearing the area to prevent injuries.
When holding and leosioning the line on the warping drum end, capstan or bill, the line
handler must not stand too close. When the line surges, he could bc drawn into the drum or
bitt before he can safely lake another hold or let go. He should stand back and grasp the line
about I m (3 ft) from the drum or bilt.