Work Over the Side Risk Assessment
Working over the side means work being performed at a height and involving the risk of falling may result in injury.
Shipboard tasks such as mooring/unmooring, surveys, cleaning, maintenance, and rigging (e.g. an accommodation ladder or pilot ladder) may require seafarers and other persons to work or access over the side of the ship. Unfortunately, these tasks when undertaken in an unsafe manner, have resulted in serious accidents over the years. The items below will focus on working over the side and safety issues associated with such tasks.
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- Fall
- Drowning
- Suspension Trauma
- Proper PPE shall be used at all times. Adequate non-skid shoes to be worn.
- All equipment and ropes to be used for the job shall be thoroughly inspected.
- Ensure area is clear of any slipping hazard.
- Harness and lifeline to be used at all times.
- Lifebuoy to be kept ready and rescue boat shall be ready for immediate deployment.
- All concerned personnel to be informed and sufficient personnel to attend the person working aloft at all times.
- Safety Line connected to the safety harness must have only sufficient slack to allow for free movement of the personnel.
- Weather conditions should be suitable for working.
- Safety nets to be rigged were applicable.
- Company / Ship specific Working aloft checklist to be complied with.
- Electrical connections shall be isolated prior to commencing work on electrical components and EIC to be issued.
- Display notices/placards prohibiting the operation shall be placed at all controls of ships whistle, radars, MH/HF device as applicable.
- Whilst lowering any objects, safety lines/buckets to be used.
- Prior lowering any objects, ensure that all personnel in space are clear underneath.
- Two or more persons must always carry out working over the side, one of whom is to be designated the safety watchman
- Watchman to be provided with a 2-way, VHF radio allowing continuous communication with the bridge. The safety watchman will be to positioned as to be in a safe area and in full view of those working over the side/ at height.
- Over the side working should cease during the following circumstances:
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- In an emergency
- When visibility is poor
- The wind speed is high enough to make recovery efforts hazardous
- Weather conditions are such as to make the continuation of the work dangerous
- Lilfevest to be worn
- Standby vessel to attend the work scene
- NA
- NA
- NA