Working Over Water
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Agnes BWorking Over Water
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Agnes BTool Box Talk
WORKING OVER WATER Page 1 of 1
Working over Water
Overview This talk will cover: prevention of drowning and rescue from the water.
Prevention of drowning
1 Working platforms must be properly constructed including toe-boards and guard-rails. Secure
boards to prevent them from being dislodged by rising water or high winds.
2 Ladders should be lashed.
3 Safety harnesses must be worn where appropriate.
4 Lighting must be adequate for night work and must illuminate the immediate surrounding water
surface.
5 Check on your workmates at frequent intervals.
6 Materials must be stacked in order to maintain clear access.
7 Tools not in use must be stowed away.
8 Ensure that pontoons are properly loaded, stable and securely moored.
3 Ensure deck access and egress are clean and don’t become slippery. Deal quickly with hazards.
4 If there is a risk of falling in, wear a life jacket or buoyancy aid – a life jacket will automatically turn an
unconscious person into a face-up position in the water, a buoyancy aid will not.
5 Ensure you only embark at suitable landing places.
6 Don’t remove guard-rails they are there for your safety.
Rescue from the water
1 Ensure you don’t work alone, so that one of you can always raise the alarm.
2 Ensure your life-saving equipment is available and checked at the start of every shift.
3 Where a safety boat is provided, check the equipment at the start of every shift.
4 Rescue boats must be continuously manned by competent people during night and in tidal waters.
5 Power spotlights should also be available.
6 Ensure you are familiar with emergency drills.
7 Report defects to the person in charge immediately.
8 Be aware of the dangers from Weil’s disease.
Note to supervisor: Now inform your workforce of the company policy regarding working over water.
Do you have any questions for me?
REMEMBER FOOLISHNESS AND BRAVADO OVER WATER LEAD TO PEOPLE GETTING DROWNED.
For assistance call:
□ CHAS Accreditation □ Safe Contractor
0800 031 5404
□ Health & Safety Advisor □ eLearning Training
www.segurohealthandsafety.co.uk
□ Safety Documents □ Friendly Help & Advice
info@segurohealthandsafety.co.uk