Understanding The Dos & Don’ts For Working Over/Near Water

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Mfame Editor
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  • In ports/docks, the added hazard of working near water means a fall may lead to the risk of drowning.
  • To ensure that work is done safely, appropriate equipment and precautions must be in place.

A task-specific risk assessment for work over/near water, to be conducted and reviewed periodically, is vital!, reports Safety4sea.

Whether in a port or dock or on board a vessel, in several circumstances work at height is required, meaning that the necessary precautions must be taken since many of these activities could lead to a fall from height. These activities may be during routine operations, maintenance activities or unexpected or unplanned activities.

In ports/docks, the added hazard of working near water means a fall may lead to the risk of drowning. To ensure that work is done safely, appropriate equipment and precautions must be in place. For example, access to vessels will normally be provided by the accommodation ladder or gangway, which must be safely secured. Where the gangway crosses water, safety nets should also be in place.

9 typical falls while working at height in ports and docks

  • Access to and from vessels by accommodation ladders, quayside ladders and gangways
  • Container working; lashing and unlashing
  • Loading and unloading some types of cargo (pipework, timber packs etc)
  • Access to and from places of work on board vessels (holds, hatches, decks etc)
  • Falls from vehicles and trailers during loading/unloading and sheeting
  • Maintenance and unplanned work
  • Working adjacent to open edges of docks, wharves etc
  • Falls from plant and machinery
  • Mooring points (dolphins etc)

For Access to Vessels, keep in mind:

ALWAYS

  • Wear a suitable life-saving flotation device before working on or around water;
  • Plan your work, ensuring the sea-state is within acceptable conditions;
  • Consider the vessel movement and swell before transferring between vessels;
  • Check emergency equipment is in place, such as radio and flares.

NEVER

  • Work within a risk of falling overboard if the task can be achieved by a safer method;
  • Board a vessel if the risks are unacceptable or you have any concerns regarding safety, weather or the transfer methods;
  • Carry your equipment when transferring over water;
  • Transfer to another vessel without first establishing visual and radio communications.

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Source: Safety4sea