Safety on, over or near water, depends upon two important factors:
preventing persons falling in, and
getting them out alive if they do fall in.
Causes of persons falling into water include:
falls from heights
trips and slips from low level
persons being knocked over by moving objects, such as the load on a crane
loss of balance, e.g. high winds
failure of, or absence of barriers
rising swell or swell from passing craft.
The most immediate danger is of drowning. Causes or contributory factors include:
shock of sudden immersion in cold water;
the weight of waterlogged clothing;
incapacity caused by injuries sustained during the fall;
fatigue or hypothermia where rescue is not immediate.
The first line of defence is guard-rails and toe-boards to platforms and edges from which persons might fall into water.
Where these are provided, persons must not work outside the protection.
In some cases, where the provision of scaffold platforms is impracticable, safety nets may be provided. They must be securely mounted at the right place, and must not be misused.
If safety harnesses are worn, they must be attached constantly to a secure anchorage.
Persons working over water into which they could fall must wear life jackets or buoyancy aids.
Rescue equipment is for use in an emergency. It must be properly maintained, not misused, and never relied upon as a primary safeguard against accidents.
Rescue equipment, depending upon the circumstances, may be:
life-belts - with lines - which must be correctly positioned ready for use and not interfered with;
rescue lines - training is required to use them efficiently;
rescue packs - to be used only by a strong swimmer trained in their use;
a rescue boat, properly equipped with an experienced crew.
If a person should fall into, or be swept away by water, the first thing to do is raise the alarm.
If there is a trained rescue team and they are immediately available - leave the rest to them.
In some cases it may be appropriate to reach out and grab the casualty, or use a stick, boat hook or broom handle for him to grab. If you do this, make sure you have sufficient grip and balance to counteract the weight of the casualty in the water.
Should the casualty be some way out, a lifebuoy with line attached, or a rescue line should be thrown to him. This is preferable to entering the water, especially if the depth and state of the current is not known.
Should you attempt to wade out on a shelving bed or shore, take great care as currents, underwater obstacles and sudden changes of depth could put you at risk.
Swim out only if you are a strong swimmer, you have a buoyancy aid, and line attached to the shore or structure.
Far better to use a boat, but take it only if you can handle it and someone goes with you. Wear buoyancy aids.
If you consider the system of work or the equipment unsatisfactory - report it to your supervisor.
