OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND SAFE WORKING PRACTICES

OCCUPATIONAL SAFETYAND

SAFE WORKING PRACTICES

This is being conscious of our own and other’s safety.

Much of our work may be carried out on a small vessel which moving at speed through, and is pitching, rolling, yawing and pounding in rough seas…...

…and then dealing with a vessel in distress, possibly disabled in the worst of conditions, that is pitching, rolling, and yawing in rough seas.

Danger is lurking out there just waiting……..

Why Do Accidents Happen

1. Dangerous environment - it’s what we do

2. Changing environment - that is the sea

3. Variable standards of safety - prescribing work practices and training

4. Split responsibility - all vessels operate under the coxswain, although crew may be detached for independent duty

5. Human error

Safe Working Practices1. Dressing for safety

2. Getting aboard safely

3. Checking vessel and its gear

4. Reaching the distress safely

5. Safe access

6. Safe working

7. Emergencies

8. Finishing work and leaving vessel

1. Dressing for Safety

Personal Protective Equipment

a. Helmet - for use when at speed on a rescue vessel. Should have a break away clip in case of person being thrown overboard and the helmet acting as a parachute attached to the head.

b. Safety shoes / boots - sufficient grip to get traction on slippery deck, and protect the toes if a heavy object is dropped on them. Should have insulation value in winter.

Personal Protective Equipment

c. Gloves - might need different sets for keeping hands warm in cold weather, and another for handling wire rope

d. Safety vests - supplemental buoyancy, flashlight, strobe, radio, knife and face mask.

e. Working clothes / cruiser suits to be comfortable out in the forecast weather conditions, and still be able to work.

Personal Protective Equipment

f. Safety goggles - to keep spray out of eyes from wind blown spray.

g. Ear protection - to provide protection from excessive engine noise.

h. Face masks - for protection when carrying out resuscitation on a patient.

Do a “Buddy” check

2. Getting Aboard Safely

Access to Rescue Vessela. Walk to the vessel with care - rushing and

injuring yourself will delay the response.

b. Anticipate likely movement of vessel whilst stepping on or off the vessel.

c. Be aware that the berth or what you are stepping on or off may be slippery

d. Have both hands available when stepping on and off for balance - use a second person to assist with moving equipment on or off.

3. Checking Vessel & Equipment

Daily Inspection

a. Carry out a daily inspection of the vessel and its gear to ensure it is ready for the mission or outing.

b. Check aspects that directly relate to the safety of the crew - e.g. clean up any oil or matter that can cause a slip or fall, coil ropes neatly, and secure any loose gear.

Plan

c. Brief all crew with the situation and lay out plan.

4. Reaching the Casualty Safely

Safe Transit 1

a. Ensure that everyone is holding on with both hands, before increasing speed.

b. Everyone to be wearing helmets, unless they are seated and strapped in inside.

c. Keep a lookout outside by sight and hearing.

d. Know own vessel’s position and other traffic in the vicinity.

e. Comply with the collision regulations.

f. Guard rails rigged where available.

Safe Transit 2

g. Proceed at a speed suitable to the conditions

h. Helmsman to wear kill switch.

i. If in doubt, STOP.

j. Conduct STOP, ASSESS, PLAN before becoming emotionally involved with the distress.

5. Boarding the Casualty

Crushing Danger

Never go between the cabin of a rescue vessel and the hull of another vessel, as if they roll towards each other in any sea, anyone in the way will be

crushed and killed

Boarding

Remember you are going to be boarding an unknown vessel, whose distress may make

the situation more dangerous.

6. Safe Working on Another Vessel

Movement on Board 1

a. Proceed with care when making an inspection, or accessing small compartments or anywhere where there is risk of falling.

b. Walk carefully, just in case deck boards have been removed.

c. Obtain as much light as is practicable to allow full appraisal of situation

d. Take care not to touch electrical cables or battery terminals.

Movement on Board 2

e. Agree signals with those outside in case of trouble.

f. Be aware of the motion of a vessel that is losing its stability - e.g. hanging over on one side or rolling sluggishly.

g. Plan out your escape route, if working on a vessel that is flooding.

h. Be aware of dangers of confined spaces

Confined Space Hazards 1

a. Is there a possibility of carbon monoxide?

b. Is there the possibility of leaking propane or gas?

c. Has welding been recently undertaken?

d. Has fumigation recently taken place?

e. Has the area been recently painted?

Confined Space Hazards 2

f. Has the area been sealed up for a long time?

g. Is there likely to be an oxygen deficiency, from rust or other cause?

h. Are the batteries leaking chlorine gas?

Response to Hazardous Leaks 1

a. Leave the area - upwind

b. Do NOT take risks

c. If you feel dizzy or smell fumes, GET OUT FAST

d. Do NOT rush in if person collapses

e. Do NOT enter space that has leak

Response to Hazardous Leaks 2

f. Investigate the cause and assess the risk

Working with Ropes 1

a. Know warning signs of a rope under tension - e.g. steam rising from rope, noticeable reduction in diameter of rope, noises from the rope, surface of the rope melting around the tow post.

b. Be aware of the dangers of an artificial rope breaking, which has a near instantaneous return to its original length, and severe whiplash.

Working with Ropes 2

c. Never stand in the bight or a loop of rope - it may come under tension, and injure you or drag you over the side.

d. Never stand over a rope coming under tension - it can whip your leg off.

e. Never put more than three or four turns of the rope on a tow post.

Working with Ropes 3f. Never put a locking tuck on, when belaying a

tow rope.

g. Keep hands clear of the tow-post when turning up a rope, especially if weight is likely to come onto it.

h. Use palm and fingers to hold a rope under tension - try not to hook your thumb over the rope in case the rope jumps.

i. Don’t wear gloves when setting up ropes.

Handling Heavy Objects

a. Always use the knees when lifting an object from ground or deck level.

b. Get help when lifting or lowering heavy objects, and attach a rope to help lift / lower that object.

c. Always keep the back straight when lifting a loaded stretcher, and avoid twisting the back when passing it on board. Make sure sufficient people available to lift stretcher.

7. Emergencies

Emergencies

Be clear on how to deal with emergencies on your own vessel and casualties including:

a. Stranding or grounding.

b. Leak of hazardous materials.

c. Man Overboard.

d. Fire.

e. Damage.

f. Illness or injury

Emergencies

Keep JRCC and /or MCTS informed as to your position with regular situation reports.

8. On Completion

On Completion

a. Back at base, leave the vessel clean, and all equipment neatly stowed and in good repair for next use and the next crew.

b. Clean up suits and personal equipment.

c. Recharge portable radios and other equipment as required.

d. Report and action deficiencies.

e. Refuel the boat.