Safe Work Procedure Working near Water or Over Water

The purpose of this document is to identify the environment, the activities and the associated risks for working over or near water and define the safety, health and environmental requirements with the aim to eliminate risks, or reduce it to as low as is reasonably practicable.

This general procedure applies to all projects which are related to working near or into the water environment.

Each application of this working instruction shall be carefully reviewed by site management in consultation with Health Safety & Environment department (HSE), as necessary, to assure every requirement is fully met, and all reasonable precautions are taken to prevent an accident.

With the consideration that each working site has its own characteristics, site management should define in detail the specific requirements of each activity and the limitations.

Roles and Responsibilities

Project Manager

• Has overall responsibility for the implementation of this method statement for working on or near water.
• He is responsible for the management and co-ordination of all the sub-contractors and concerned authorities, so that work on the project can be carried out in accordance with the contract requirements and as per the Health Safety Environment regulations and standards.
• Ensure the best quality of work and the timely completion to meet the project schedule.

Marine Construction Manager               

• Overall in charge of the works planning and execution
• Organization and coordination of the entire work
• Review and approve the method statement prior submission to client
• Agreement, arrangement and management of subcontractors
• Ensure that the contract requirements including all restrictions, safety regulations and work-scope and time schedule are fulfilled

Marine Section Head Engineer

• The planning of the marine activities in terms of worksite preparation,
• Selection of equipment and training of personnel.
• Preparation of the method statement, ITP and checklists etc.
• Preparation of the lifting plan where required
• Coordination of the involved key personnel at site and related logistic matters
• Ensure that required permits for the near water or on water works have been obtained
• Instructing the marine superintendent about the requirements of the contract, including all restrictions, safety regulations, and work-scope and time schedule

Marine Superintendent is responsible for the following: 

• Review with the responsible engineer of the construction methods
• Ensure implementation of the safety precautions
• Proper, safe and environmental friendly use of tools and equipment’s
• Supervision of hazardous activities (such as offshore lifting)
• Coordinate with HSE officer in case of bad weather and response as appropriate coordinate with relevant departments for movement of marine vessel and in case of emergency

Marine Gang Leaders are responsible for the following:

• Carrying out regular Tool Box Talks
• Ensure that rescue equipment is sufficient, in place and in proper condition
• Safe and environmental friendly use of equipment
• Coordinate/ report any emergency to marine superintendent and any responsible authorities.

Water Environment and Natural Processes

Water environment can be defined as the natural formations or artificial structures with the presence of water.

Natural processes which affect direct and with short notice the site’s working environment should be known and well-studied by the site management and marine supervisor in order to be evaluated and a safe working method for all the relevant site activities be established.

Tidal Action:

Sea water levels fluctuate through the day with reference to moon cycle.

Detailed tide prediction tables for each area and port are available from the regional councils or harbor boards and should be requested for every marine project.

With the use of these tables the work sequence can be planned in a safely manner to ensure that no one gets trapped by the rising tide and that the floating equipment are not grounded or tangled when working alongside piles, jetties and fixed structures.

Sea Waves:

Systems of waves are observed at a point which lies within the wind field producing the waves and should be monitored all the time through a weather warning system.

Swell waves:

Waves generated by the wind action in a remote area and transferred in great distances are called swell waves. Long Period is the characteristic and can sustain marine operations due to the periodic movement of the barges.

Boat Waves and Breaking Waves:

Special attention should be given when the working area is affected by waves generated from the passing boats as well as when the work has to be accomplished in the splash zone or in the wave run up zone.

Fog and High winds:

Activities obstructed by low visibility or are affected by strong winds such as transportation and lifting operations should stop immediately.

Storms and Squalls:

Establish a weather warning system

Preparatory and General Requirements before Working over Water

Weather

Prior to any work activity involving working near or over water, the designated persons in charge of the works shall, on a daily basis, give permission for the work to proceed, taking into account the following:

• Seas state i.e. the height and the period of the waves as long as direction and velocity of Currents (if any) as this will curtail the effectiveness of the floating equipment, in particular crane barges.
• High winds, Heavy Rains, Fog, Temperature
• Forecast bad weather, Storms or Squalls

The marine Superintendent or the person in charge shall decide whether or not to give permission for the lifting operation to proceed taking into account that the wind speed preferably not exceed 10.28 m/s (37.4 Km/h or 20.0 Knots) or the wave height preferably not exceed 4 feet considering also the movements caused on the used equipment.

Wind speed will be monitored by HSE Officer using hand held calibrated wind speed meter.

All open sea marine related projects shall receive an updated Weather Forecast from an approved source for the region of interest, including on time Warnings for rough weather.

Web, Media and Radio stations of the region must be always accessible for up to date notifications.

Aside, a network of communication shall be established for any rough weather sign. Refer to “Wind Monitoring- Communication flow chart”

Communications

The marine construction manager and superintendent shall ensure that the following arrangements are established:

In accordance with any local government regulations, establish an emergency radio channel (VHF) or other forms of communications between the rescue vessel and workforce.

Establish a system to maintain effective and up to date communications between the Gang leaders of each crew and group in the project’s location.

Aids to Navigation and Nautical Charts

Aids to Navigation System is a system which employs a simple arrangement of colors, shapes, numbers and light characteristics to mark navigable channels, waterways and obstructions adjacent to these.

The Aids to Navigation System is intended for use with Nautical Charts.

Charts are one of the most important tools used by skippers for planning trips and safely navigating waterways.

Charts show the nature and shape of the coast, buoys and beacons, depths of water, land features, directional information, marine hazards and other pertinent information.

This valuable information cannot be obtained from other sources, such as a road map or atlas.

Marine based Traffic Management

The Project Manager shall liaise with the relevant local authorities (ports, harbors etc.) to determine any special traffic considerations that must be made on matters of health and safety with regard to marine based traffic management (e.g. notices to mariners).

Applicable standing instructions for Marine Operations will be implemented.

The person in charge (Marine superintendent, Section Head Engineer, Construction Manager) shall be responsible to co-ordinate all marine activities with the local authorities and coordinating any marine rescue, emergency or spill response.

The person in charge (Marine superintendent, Section Head Engineer, Construction Manager) will arrange an exclusion zone around the work area and manage security of it. This exclusion zone will be clearly identified and marked. The person in charge will arrange for all the appropriate notifications and co-ordination with all involved parties.

Marine Equipment

Appropriate type of equipment shall be chosen that suits to the working environment and to safely implement the job.

Marine floating equipment i.e. Deck Barges, Split Barges, Tug Boats, Speed Boats, Vessels, Dredgers etc. should be in adequate capacity, registered, certified and classified in respect to maritime laws and equipment working onboard certified by a third party.

All Marine Equipment to be deployed for the project will be subject to approval by the client.

Contractor will arrange to prepare equipment in its yard and request company to arrange inspection and approval of the equipment prior to mobilize to site.

After receiving the approval Port Entry Permit will be applied for the vessel to enter in Port Premises.

Tug Boats shall carry adequate and up-to-date charts, sailing directions, list of lights, notices to mariners, tide tables and all other nautical publications necessary for the intended working activities.

Marine Access Embarkation and Disembarkation of Vessel

Before any works is carried out on vessels, the person in charge of works must ensure that safe means of access between a vessel and the land/jetty or between a vessel and another vessel are provided and maintained for the use of the persons employed.

Equipment necessary to ensure safe means of access must be fit for the purpose, placed in the appropriate position promptly before commencement of the works and should be adequately illuminated and adjusted as necessary to maintain safe access.

The access equipment provided should be maintained in the appropriate position at all times when the persons employed require to use it, and should be regularly checked for its necessary adjustment to any rise or fall in tidal movement or freeboard change.

Means of access and its approaches should be free from obstruction and, as far as practicable, kept clear of any substance likely to cause a slip or fall.

The means of access should be sited so that no suspended load passes over it. Where this is not practicable, the access should be supervised by a person appointed by the person in charge of works at all times unless a clear notice is posted to give necessary warning in vicinity.

Any access equipment provided must be of good construction, sound material and adequate strength, and free from visible defect.

All access equipment should be properly maintained and be inspected from time to time at appropriate intervals.

In the event of a means of access being unsafe for any reason and unable to be immediately removed from site, physical barriers should be erected and a clear warning notices prohibiting its use should be posted at every approach.

All overhead obstructions which are less than 2 meters above the gangways or at the approaches of safe access should be clearly marked with a high visibility color.

A lifebuoy with a buoyant safety line of 30 meters long should be available for use in vicinity for the access aboard the vessels.

Life jackets must be worn by all prior to embarking to a vessel.

Access between Vessel and Jetty or between Vessel and Place on Land

If a vessel is lying at a jetty or place on land for the purposes of any works and the persons employed have to pass from the shore to the vessel or from the vessel to the shore, a safe means of access such as an accommodation ladder, gangway or similar construction shall be provided for use by the persons employed, before the commencement of the works.

Access to Vessel and any Other Vessel

(i) If a vessel is alongside any other vessel and the persons employed have to pass from one to the other for the purposes of any works, safe means of access shall be provided for their use.

(ii) The vessel having the higher free board, is primarily responsible for the provision of a safe means of access for use by persons employed.

(iii) Where the vessel having a higher freeboard fails to provide safe means of access, the person in charge of the vessel having lower freeboard or the persons in charge of works shall instruct the persons employed not to embark or disembark the vessel until a safe means of access is provided.

(iv) Where two vessels have near even freeboard (“near even freeboard” means the freeboard level difference is not more than 300mm), either vessel should provide safe means of access.

Accommodation Ladders and Gangways

Accommodation ladder or gangway equipped by the vessel should be suitable to the vessel design, and maintained in a safe condition.

The angle of inclination of the accommodation ladder should be kept within the limits at which it was designed.

Accommodation ladders should not be used at an angle of inclination greater than 55 degrees from the horizontal, and gangways should not be used at an angle greater than 30 degrees from the horizontal, unless specially designed for greater angles.

Accommodation ladders or gangway or a similar should be

• not less than 550 mm wide;
• properly secured to prevent its displacement;
• constructed of materials of good quality and in good condition;
• securely fenced, throughout on each side, to a clear height of not less than 820 mm, either by means of upper and lower rails, taut ropes chains or by other equally safe means; and
• of adequate length

Fixed Ladders

Where it is not reasonably practicable for a vessel to be equipped with an accommodation ladder or gangway or similar, a fixed ladder or other similar construction may be used for access to or from vessel provided that it is of sound material and adequate length and is properly secured to prevent its displacement.

Where a fixed ladder is used, it is preferable to use a hand-rope hanging from the point of access to the bottom of the ladder to facilitate the persons employed moving between the ladder and adjacent vessel or landing.

The hand-rope should have a diameter adequate for handgrip. It should be approximately the same length as the ladder.

A fixed and permanent ladder or any similar construction used as a means of access should be of rigid and permanent structure with adequate strength. The design should be provided with proper handgrips and footholds.

The top end of ladder should be provided with stanchions of not less than 1000 mm high at the upper landing place unless there are other suitable handgrips.

When a fixed and permanent ladder or similar construction is used for embarking and disembarking vessels:

• It should be so placed as to afford a clearance of at least 115 mm behind the rungs for footholds; and
• Steps must be horizontal and equally spaced at interval between 250 mm and 360 mm for users to climb up or down safety. The width of a ladder should be at least 400 mm.

Portable and Rope Ladders

Where it is not reasonably practicable for a vessel to be equipped with an accommodation ladder or gangway or similar, a portable or rope ladder, which is of sound material and adequate length and is properly secured to prevent its displacement, should only be used for access to vessel where no safer means of access is reasonably practicable.

Where any of these ladders is provided, it is preferable to use a hand-rope hanging from the point of access to the bottom of the ladder to facilitate the persons employed moving between the ladder and adjacent vessel or landing.

The hand-rope should have a diameter adequate for handgrip. It should be approximately the same length as the ladder.

Portable ladder or rope ladder should never be secured to rails or to any other means of support unless the rails or support are so constructed and rigid as to take the weight of a man and a ladder with an ample margin of safety.

A portable ladder or rope ladder used as a means of access should be of good construction, sound material, and adequate strength and properly maintained. The design should be provided with proper handgrips and footholds.

The top end of ladder should be provided with stanchions of not less than 1000 mm at the upper landing place unless there are other suitable handgrips.

When a portable ladder is used for embarking and disembarking a vessel

• Its top end should be firmly secured to prevent from twisting, tilting or overturning.
• Bottom end should be free from smashing or crushing on the sea-wall or adjacent vessel due to tidal movement.
• It should be so placed as to afford a clearance of at least 115 mm behind the rungs for footholds.
• The steps must be horizontal and equally spaced at interval between 250 mm and 360 mm for users to climb up or down safely. The width of a ladder should be at least 400 mm.
• Length of portable ladders should be adequate for safe access, but not exceed 3 m unless both top and bottom ends are firmly secured.

Where a rope ladder is provided, it must be of adequate length and so constructed that it can be efficiently secured to the vessel and it must meet the following standards:

• Rope ladder of rectangular rung must be slip-resistant with a depth of at least 115 mm to afford footholds and must be so secured that they are firmly held against twisting, overturning or tilting;
• Rope ladder of round rung should only be used if the rectangular rung ladder is not available onboard. If ‘round rung’ rope ladder is used, it should be so placed as to afford a clearance of at least 115 mm behind the rungs for footholds;
• The rung must be horizontal and equally spaced at interval between 250mm and 360mm for users to climb up or down safety.
• Width of a ladder should be at least 400mm;
• The side ropes of ladder should have sufficient strength;
• there should be no shackles, knots or splices between rungs;

Rope ladder should be fitted with spreaders at intervals not greater than 9 rungs apart. The lowest spreader must be on the fifth rung from the bottom. The length of spreader should be long enough to prevent ladder’s twisting due to its extraordinary length;

• A rope ladder should be left in such a way that it either hangs fully extended from a securing point or is pulled up completely when not in use. It should not be left so that any slack will suddenly pay out when the ladder is used;
• Length of a round rung rope ladder should not exceed 4 meters. Length of the rectangular rung ladder should not exceed 9 meters; and
• Where the freeboard of a vessel is 9 m or more, a rectangular rung ladder should be used in conjunction with an accommodation ladder, positioned in such a way as to provide safe and easy access from the rope ladder to the bottom platform. The rectangular rung ladder should extend at least 2 meters above the accommodation ladder’s bottom platform.

Other Boarding Equipment

Other boarding equipment that has not been mentioned here but designed and constructed as suitable for safe embarking and disembarking purposes may also be acceptable i.e.

• Man cage could be used as a safe means of access to vessel and should be robustly constructed and fenced by metal railings. Upper railing is preferably 1000 mm high and middle railing 500 mm from the bottom of the cage. Toe boards of about 200 mm. Door or gate should be open inwards and equipped with safety interlock. Maximum permissible passengers’ weight and maximum number of passengers carried should be labeled on the cage.
• Floating landing pontoon or landing platform could be used as a safe means of access between the vessel and the shore. It should be properly designed for the landing purpose. A notice board for the maximum allowable passengers on transit to be installed on board or adjacent to landing area.
• Any safety net properly designed for the purpose, could be used as a safe means of access. The safety net should be regularly inspected and well maintained in good condition. It should be firmly fixed at the upper end to prevent any inadvertent movement.

Lighting Requirements for Working Over Water

Where works are carried out on a vessel, every means of access shall be efficiently illuminated having regard to the safety of the vessel and cargo concerned, the person employed and the navigation of any other vessel.

The boarding equipment and the immediate approaches to it should be effectively illuminated from the vessel or the shore to at least a level of 20 lux, as measured at height of 1 meter above the surface of the means of access or its immediate approaches.

Lighting should be reasonably constant and arranged to minimize glare, dazzle and the formation of deep shadows and sharp contrasts in the level of illumination between one area and another.

When portable or temporary lights are in use, the light supports and leads should be arranged, secured or covered so as to prevent a person tripping, or hitting onto the fittings. Any slack in the leads should be coiled. The leads should be kept clear of possible causes of damage. Portable lights should never be suspended by their leads.

Where portable or temporary lighting has to be used fittings and leads should be safe and suitable for the intended use. To avoid risks of electric shock from mains voltage, the portable lamps used in damp or humid conditions should be of low voltage

Floating Barges / Work Platforms

Working Platforms and Floating Barges should be equipped with an approved anchorage system; Spuds and/or anchors with mooring winches. During lifting operations all the mooring wires shall be tensioned providing stability to the crane-barge (type of pre-tensioned status).

Equipment mounted on these platforms (Cranes, Excavators, Loaders, Man lifts, etc.) should obtain the manufacturer approval for work on floating vessels.

In addition, the equipment should be insured to perform the specific task and should be checked thoroughly before commencing the work activity.

Any equipment-material mounted on a floating platform should be securely anchored to the structure or barricaded by adequate parapets, designed to withstand an impact and keep them on board.

It has to be noted that cranes working on barges have reduced lifting capacities than those on land.

Stability of floating barge is a major issue and personnel, equipment, and materials shall not exceed load rating capacity of the platform or cause risk of capsizing. The Working Platforms anchored on spuds do not face the risk of capsizing.

A typical floating structure has six degrees of freedom and hence six basic response motions.

The crane-barges are purposely made and reinforced barges, structurally designed to provide adequate and sufficient stability during lifting operations.

Crane-barge must be long enough to have minimal pitch and surge response to the corresponding waves, wide enough beam to have minimum roll, and deep enough to have adequate strength against hog, sag and torsion, as well as adequate freeboard.

Tug Boats and Speed Boats should be where the work is taking place. To be stand by on the working floating units, and guard the site for any potential hazard (drowning person).

Weather conditions should be monitored at all times and each activity performed by a floating unit should cease under a predefined weather conditions.

A natural or artificial shelter should be in the vicinity of the project and the resources of the project should have the capacity to perform a quick response to a bad weather warning in a specific time, defined by the site characteristics.

Access to the floating unit from floating equipment or from the land adjacent to or above the water should be connected with the use of walkways, gangways, stairways, ladders, guarded thoroughly with handrails and highlighted yellow black yellow.

Floating Barges and Platforms should display warning signs/notices to advise persons that there is a worksite overhead.

Ground mounted scaffold systems used on barges/floating platforms shall be securely anchored to the structure. Platform structures shall be designed to eliminate risk of capsizing.

A handrail or barrier must be provided to any structure where there is a risk of persons to slip or fall from such structures into water. If an employee cannot fall into the water as a result of use of active or passive fall protection, there is no danger of drowning, and a PFD is not required.

Employees walking or working 3 meters from the edge of an unguarded passive rail systems decks of floating barges/work platforms shall be protected with Personal Floating Device (PFD). It is best practice for safety lines and harnesses to be used in addition to working platforms, in case of failure of the platform. A PFD is not required when working within an enclosed cab or equipment compartment on a barge or work platform.

Type of PFD shall be selected according to the specific task.

All floating Barges/working platforms should have a vessel safety plan in a visible location, along with the numbers of personnel allowed onboard a particular vessel.

Appropriate and adequate night lights should be distributed all around the vessel for night operations.

A record of personnel working offshore along with the name of the working platform should be in place all the time.

The skipper will be trained, certified and responsible for the safety of his crew.

All personnel working over or near water should be adequately trained for man over board and other emergency situations and no unauthorized personnel shall be allowed to approach. No lone workers are permitted onboard.

Pontoons, fabricated on site, to carry out a specific task should be designed and inspected thoroughly by a competent person designated by the site management and all the safety measures and restrictions to be in place (barriers, capacity onboard, load distribution, weather conditions, PPE, etc.).

Working Surfaces of Floating Barges/Work Platforms

Employees must not be permitted to walk along the sides of covered lighters or barges with coamings more than five feet high unless a clear walkway with a grab rail, or a taut hand line is provided.

No access in locations where rocks are overhanded.

Decks and other working surfaces are to be maintained in a safe, non-slippery condition.

Employees are not permitted to pass fore and aft, over deck loads.

Employees are not permitted to walk over deck loads from rail to coaming unless there is a safe passage. If it is necessary to stand/walk on the outboard or inboard edge of the deck load and where there is less than 50 cm of walk way, rail, coaming or other protection, all employees shall be provided with a suitable means of protection against falling from the deck.

Working over the water on Structures – Piers/Bridges

When the working location is above the water, most common on piers and bridges, handrails or barriers must be provided to the perimeter of the working platform where there is a risk of persons to slip or fall from such structures into water.

Ring Buoys should be available on the handrails of the platform with an adequate rope length.

When continuous fall protection is used, life jackets or buoyant work vests are not required.

Working on Causeways and Temporary or Permanent Revetments

Construction activities close to shoreline, involves vehicle access through causeways or temporary revetments. Construction of revetments or Breakwaters is taking place also with land equipment and includes transportation of rocks or fill materials to the dumping location by trucks.

Special consideration and attention should focus on the seaside shoulder limit. Vehicles accessing those structures should keep a safe distance-proximity (determined by the local conditions) from the unprotected shoulder, which is liable to landslide, erosion and undercutting of the land.

Wherever is not practical to implement Edge protection throughout the entire length of the structure, an identification marking of the sea side shoulder is good to be in place and visible all over night with adequate lighting.

Edge protection must be in place (e.g. concrete barriers, etc.) in all the access entries/exits, breaks and turns.

Operators onboard these vehicles should be vigilant and banks-men should be always distributed through the entire length having an eye contact or accompany the vehicle in narrow structures.

Adequate training should be contacted in all the operators, personnel working over these structures and a comprehensive lifesaving plan to be in place. Ring Buoys should be available every 200 feet.

Personnel working or walking over these structures, with the activity implemented 3 meters away from the seaside shoulder of the revetment, should always wear a lifejacket.

Use of Speed Boats

• Only personnel and their personal belongings may be transported in these vessels.
• These vessels may be used only for personnel transfer and emergency response purposes.
• The maximum number of personnel permitted in the vessel shall be prominently posted.
• A safe means of access/egress must be provided.
• Life jackets shall be worn at all times in these vessels.
• Personnel shall remain seated while the vessel is in motion except in order to carry out necessary nautical or emergency activities.
• All movement by personnel on board these vessels shall be intrinsically safe in nature. (I.e. no running, jumping, hopping etc.)
• Speed boat master’s instructions shall be strictly followed.
• Personnel transfers from these vessels may only occur if the vessel is securely moored to the transfer point, i.e. jetty, pontoon, barge or tug, unless a purpose built gangway is provided. The vessel master shall take into account the wave/current direction and where necessary approach from the lee side.
• In the event of an emergency, speed boats will act as a lifesaving boat (it shall be equipped with a boat-hook, ring buoy and lifeline, and an operational radio in contact with the supervisor on duty).

Shore Landing Space

Works over or adjacent to water, usually include a structure on the shore, where Barges, Tug and Speed Boats may dock to load and unload cargo or passengers.

This structure includes one or more berths (mooring locations) and may also facilitate warehouses, workshops or other facilities necessary for handling the fleet.

The area close to the mooring location should at any time be maintained and the following should apply:

• Guardrails are in place and in good condition.
• Tyre fenders, mooring bitts and mooring ropes are in place and in good condition.
• By the end of the day the jetty is cleaned and all debris /waste have been removed and temporarily stored properly.
• Lifting gear, mooring ropes, soil piles and miscellaneous objects are placed /arranged properly so as not to become obstructions to any transportation vehicles or personnel.
• Waste baskets are in place and regularly emptied
• Gas cylinders are properly stored (they should always be in an upright position and baskets, Trolleys  should be used). In addition ensure that they are immediately removed from the jetty.
• Oil drums are immediately removed and returned to stores for disposal

Night Works

There must be adequate lighting for the duration of work.

Spotlights on swivels fixed at strategic points to assist in locating a person in the water, must illuminate the immediate surrounding water surface.

Electrical Procedures for Work Over Water

If there is a hazard regarding using electricity, then, compressed air will be provided as the energy source for the job.

Where possible the voltage shall be reduced to the lowest required to get the job done.

Live cables running near the seawater shall be double insulated and be water resistant.

Ends of flexible cables shall have the outer sheath of the cable firmly clamped.

The use of any electrical equipment is to be strictly controlled and steps are to be taken to ensure that leads are not long enough to touch the water.

For offshore works electrical generators, compressors and welding kits shall be located on barges or purpose built and certified pontoons.

All electrical equipment shall be connected to holding lines to prevent their being accidentally dropped into the water, causing possible electric shocks etc.

Damaged sections of cable shall be completely replaced.

Proper connectors or cable couplers shall be used to join lengths of cable (stripped connector blocks covered in insulating tape are not acceptable).

Light bulbs and other equipment which could damage easily shall be adequately protected.

Electrical equipment used in a flammable/explosive atmosphere shall be designed to stop it from causing ignition. Specialist advice shall be sought where required.

Residual Current Devices shall be used where practicable.

An accessible and clearly identified switch near each fixed machine shall be provided to cut off power in an emergency

Health, Safety and Environmental Considerations

Working Near Water Risk Assessment

Common and frequently encountered hazards and risks for working over or near water are the following:

• falling conscious or unconscious into the water and been injured or drowning
• being swept away by fast moving water current or high waves and being injured or drowning
• falling into the water with electrical equipment and suffering electric shock
• falling into cold water in cold conditions and suffering hypothermia
• electrical equipment coming into contact with water
• people being unaware of work overhead
• being unaware of natural processes such as: Currents – Tides – Boat waves – Swell waves – Rising river levels – Bank/Shore erosion – Salt Water Spray
• Infection in contact with contaminated water
• Downed power lines. If this occurs, contact the local utility company immediately.
• Water contamination with oil-diesel spills.

As the first line of defense against these hazards, appropriate controls are to be used to prevent persons falling into the water. An adequate water rescue plan should be in place as a second line of defense

Precautions, Instructions, Controls

Employees working over or near water, where the danger of drowning exists, shall be provided with Coast Guard-approved, high visibility life jacket or buoyant work vests provided with lights and whistles.

When continuous fall protection is used life jackets or buoyant work vests are not required.

Prior to and after each use, the buoyant work vests or life preserves shall be inspected for defects which would alter their strength or buoyancy. Defective units shall not be used.

Ring buoys with at least 90 feet of line (rope constructed of material that is able to float (polypropylene)) shall be provided and readily available for emergency rescue operations.

Distance between ring buoys shall not exceed 200 feet. Throwing lines can be thrown further than lifebuoys and may be more appropriate as a back up to other measures.

At least one lifesaving skiff shall be immediately available at locations where employees are working over or adjacent to water. If the water is not navigable or is so shallow those rescuers could simply run in (and the skiff would foul on the bottom anyway), a skiff would not be required.

Where the works involves a fleet of floating barges, a speed boats have to be used in order to patrol the vicinity of the site (without being its unique task).

Where employees are working over or adjacent to water and where it is possible for a boat to find access each offshore working group consisting of a combination of barge, floating crane, pontoon and tug will be assigned a boat that in the event of an emergency will act as a lifesaving boat (it shall be equipped with a boat-hook, ring buoy and lifeline, and where necessary an operational radio in contact with the supervisor on duty).

In the event of an emergency, the lifesaving boat will coordinate with the group barge, floating crane and tug which are equipped with First Aid Kits, Stretchers, First Aiders, thermal blankets and search lights.

The response shall be coordinated by the Marine Superintendent.

The immediate actions shall be carried out by the vessel masters.

Where an independent, electrically or mechanically operated hoist or cradle is used a competent operator must be provided, or sufficient training be given in its use (some means of communication is to be provided for use in an emergency);

Warning signs/notices are to be displayed all the time.

Any work over water is to be carried out by a minimum of two persons, no lone work is permitted.

The Site Supervisor, or a nominated person, is to make regular and frequent checks on numbers of personnel working.

Special care must be taken in rough weather, fog, snow or rain, when extra checks are to be made by the site supervisor.

Especially in rivers and strong tidal areas, lifelines that can be grasped by anyone falling into the water, should be provided. These would be installed across the direction of water flow.

Working alongside or over sea water can expose employees and tools to the effects of salt spray. This can have a serious effect on skin and clothing, metal tools, and especially electrical equipment.

Skin care is essential.

Clean, dry clothing and footwear should be worn at all times.

Tools and metal items will need regular cleaning, and protection with antirust spray such as CRC, WD40 or similar. Salt can severely corrode and rust metals.

Before entering or crossing water, obtain information on hidden hazards, depth of water, etc.

Working on any site will usually involve wearing a tool belt and often heavy clothing and shoes, all of which will weigh a person down and make getting back to the surface very difficult.

Equipment belts, tools, or materials will not be worn or fastened to an employee while they are moving through or across water.

Do not enter the water if you don’t know how to swim.

Spill kits or proprietary absorbent materials must be provided on board for use in the event of a spillage. Where possible floating cranes and barges will install a protective bund around equipment (especially hydraulic equipment) to contain spills.

Rescues

Gang leaders and skippers should be always aware of their manpower.

All workers are to be trained in raising alarms and regularly practice rescue drills.

Special care must be taken during inclement weather conditions, when extra checks are to be carried out by the site supervisor.

If a boat or lifebuoy is used when a person falls into the water, all work is to stop until the boat or lifebuoy used has been reset and is ready for next use.

Persons providing water safety for working over water should possess a current first aid certificate, being competent swimmers and have rescue skills.

Each vessel will have its dedicated alarm system in accordance with the requirements of its classification society. Machinery spaces will have fire detection and alarm system as will any accommodation or control areas.

Warnings are also given by internationally recognized signaling flags or shapes and a system of warning lights. All vessels are equipped with marine band VHF radio systems in accordance with the requirements of the flag state.

A listening watch is kept on the emergency channel at all times. A set of flares is available for use in an emergency and some vessels are also required to carry.

In the case of a man overboard whistles and light are available on approved lifejackets.

Where a dumb barge is in use it will have no alarm system.

A tugboat will attend barges at all times and it is the tugboat that provides the alarm facilities.

Personnel equipped with  portable marine band radios as well as man jetties and other landing points that are in regular use.