WORK OVER WATER

When any works are being carried out which necessitates personnel working at heights above water the following precautions are to be taken.
Any works over water are to be subject to the company "Permit to Work" system as laid down in Part 49 of the Company Health & Safety Policy
A fence or barrier must be provided to any structure or scaffold where there is a risk of persons falling from such structures into water
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
Any hoist/cradle is to be checked, maintained and inspected/examined as per manufacturers or statutory requirements.
Warning signs/notices are to be displayed
There is to be adequate lighting for the whole of the period of work. Lighting must be adequate for night work and must illuminate the immediate surrounding water surface.
A buoyancy aid, of a tested and approved pattern, is to be worn by all personnel working over water
Suitable rescue equipment, for example a boat, boathook, lifebelt or lifeline is to be in position and checked as serviceable before works are permitted to commence.
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. All equipment should be connected to lines to prevent their accidental dropping into water causing possible electric shocks etc.
All personnel are to be instructed as to means of raising alarm and rescue drills
The Site Supervisor, or a nominated person, is to make regular and frequent checks on numbers of personnel working.
Any works over water are to be carried out by a minimum of two persons, no lone workers are permitted.
Special care must be taken in fog, snow or rain, when extra checks are to be made by the site supervisor.

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