Significance and Use
4.1 This guide is intended to assist oil spill responders during activities involving the towing and anchoring of oil boom.
4.2 The effective and safe operations involving the towing and anchoring of booms is dependent on many factors that impact the outcome. These include the environmental conditions, personnel training and performance, and equipment selection. Warning—During boom towing and anchoring evolutions, large forces can be generated by environmental conditions or the vessels involved. Always ensure lines and hardware are properly sized and good seamanship practices are followed. Lines that are under tension could possibly break (part) and care should be taken to avoid a position where the recoil could cause injury. Avoid handling lines under tension close to bitts, cleats, or towing posts and always maintain a safe distance from your hands. Before commencing operations, conduct an on-site safety meeting to discuss the work, working conditions, and potential hazards that may be encountered and safe work practices.
Scope
1.1 In this guide, considerations to be used when selecting, towing, and anchoring oil booms for control during oil spill events are addressed.
1.2 In this guide, the user is provided methods to tow and anchor oil booms most effectively for best effectiveness and safety.
1.3 It is the user’s responsibility to determine if the boom, vessels, hardware, and accessories selected are suitable for the task and the environmental conditions.
1.4 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
