Concealed damage to maritime cargo-handling gear

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

January 22, 1992

MEMORANDUM FOR: REGIONAL ADMINISTRATORS

FROM: PATRICIA K. CLARK, Director
Directorate of Compliance Programs

SUBJECT: Use of Filler Compounds Such as "Bondo" to Cover and Conceal Structural Damage to Maritime Cargo Handling Gear

It has been brought to our attention that structural damage to cargo handling gear installed on vessels is being concealed by covering over damaged areas with a filler material such as "Bondo." Suspect areas where this condition might exist can be identified by lightly striking the surface with a hammer which causes the filler material to crack and fall out. Currently, we are aware of this recognizable unsafe practice having been identified on the following foreign registry vessels while conducting longshoring operations in U.S. ports on the west coast: M/V SUN PACIFIC (NKK Registry), M/V HELM STAR (NKK Registry), and M/V BLUE COSMOS (NKK Registry). However, compliance officers are to be advised that this practice could occur on any vessel-mounted or shore-based cargo handling gear. Agencies accredited to certificate maritime cargo handling devices have been advised of this unsafe practice by separate correspondence.

Concealing structural damage on cargo handling gear constitutes an extremely serious and unsafe occupational hazard. If you have any additional information or documentation with respect to incidents involving this unsafe practice, please contact [the Division of Maritime Compliance Assistance at (202) 693-2399].