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| HSE DOCUMENTS-RISK ASSESSMENT FOR DREDGING WORKS |
"Risk Assessment for Dredging Works" is a valuable resource from HSE Documents, offering a free, editable template designed to support health and safety professionals globally. This blog post outlines the key risks associated with dredging activities—such as soil instability, water contamination, and equipment hazards—while detailing control measures to mitigate these risks. It’s an essential tool for HSE engineers, supervisors, and project managers aiming to ensure compliance, prevent accidents, and maintain safe working conditions in dredging projects. HSE Documents provides practical templates that streamline risk management for professionals worldwide.
1.0. ACTIVITIES
1.1. Dust-Not including asbestos dust or dust from lead fumes or welding.
1.2. Leptospirosis (Weils Disease)
1.3. Eye injury/strain
1.4. Hand Arm Vibration
1.5. Work-related Upper Limb Disorders (WRULD)
1.6. Severe Water Conditions
1.7. Temperature
1.8. Access & Egress
1.9. Hazardous Substances
1.10. Working from boats/barge over water
1.11. Working Alone
1.12. Lifting Heavy Objects
1.13. Injury
1.14. Tipping, Falling and Slipping
1.15. Excessive Noise Levels
1.16. Falling Objects/ Hitting Head on Objects
1.17. Fire
1.18. Docking/ disembarking split hopper barge alongside digging barge
1.19. 360° Excavator
1.20. Loading split hopper barge
1.21. De- stabilization of Work Barge During Digging
1.22. Port traffic- Vessel collision
1.23. Spud leg operation
1.24. Casualty Recovery - Unresponsive Casualty / Spinal Injury
1.25. Casualty Recovery – Walking Wounded
1.26. Stricken Staff Member Recovery
2.0. HAZARDS / RISKS
2.1. Inhalation of dust
2.2. Serious health problems from inhalation of respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust
2.3. Risk of silicosis, bronchitis emphysema and lung cancer
2.4. Impaired vision due to dust clouds leading to accidents
2.5. Dirt and nuisance to neighbours
2.6. Fatality
2.7. Eye strain
2.8. Defective eyesight
2.9. Eye injuries
2.10. Vibration of White Finger (VWF) and conditions which can affect vascular, bone or joint, neurological or muscular disorders
2.11. Raynaud’s Phenomenon of Occupational Origin
2.12. Writer’s or twister’s cramp and tenosynovitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis and golfer’s elbow
2.13. Injury due to Wind, Poor Visibility
2.14. Hypothermia / Hyperthermia
2.15. High / Low Air & Water temperatures during the project.
2.16. Injury: Slips, trips, falls
2.17. Injury / Sickness
2.18. Injury / Drowning / Hypothermia
2.19. Injury / Entrapment / Drowning
2.20. Injury due to Slip/Trip/Fall Hazards on site.
2.21. Injury / Illness
2.22. Injury to due hitting the head of objects or objects falling from a height.
2.23. Burns / Smoke Inhalation / Injury
2.24. Staff fatality or injury / Man Overboard
2.25. Injury/death to staff members
2.26. Damage to plant/equipment
2.27. Injury/death to staff members or crew
2.28. Damage to vessel/equipment
2.29. Fatality / Severe Injury / Injury
2.30. Severe Injury / Injury
2.31. Injury to staff members during Emergency Rescue of Injured Diver/Staff Member
2.32. Delay in recovering injured staff member
3.0. EXISTING RISK CONTROL MEASURES
3.1. Always damp down the dust. This is especially critical when using a Consaw to cut stone, concrete and the like because of the presence of RCS dust (some of which is invisible to the naked eye) which can be inhaled. Ensure that the runoff is controlled.
3.2. The HSE UK recommends a minimum flow rate of 0.5 litres per minute to dampen RCD dust effectively.
3.3. A suitable dust mask (not a nuisance dust mask) must be worn as well as the damping down process. Use either FFP3 filtering face pieces or nasal respirators with P3 filters for RCS dust.
3.4. Training should be given to the workforce regarding the appropriate use and maintenance of their masks.
3.5. Make sure the water jets are working properly. Maintaining an adequate water flow by cleaning the water jets is essential and should be done at least every time the blades are changed.
3.6. Replace worn cutting discs to reduce the cutting time.
3.7. Inspect and maintain reusable masks.
3.8. Select the correct dust mask for conditions (always seek specialist advice)
3.9. Enforce the wearing of masks
3.10. If there is a presence of vermin, contact the pest control contractor
3.11. Use safe systems of work and wear the protective equipment that is provided
3.12. Avoid becoming contaminated with sewerage
3.13. Avoid breathing in sewerage dust or spray
3.14. Those working in exposed environments must not touch their faces, smoke, eat or drink unless they have washed their hands and face thoroughly with anti-bacterial soap and water
3.15. Cleanse all exposed wounds, however small, and cover with a sterile waterproof dressing
3.16. Change out of contaminated clothing before eating, drinking or smoking and before going home
3.17. If exposed personnel suffer from a skin problem, seek medical advice before working with sewerage
3.18. Clean contaminated equipment on site. Do not take contaminated clothing home for washing
3.19. Report any suspected exposure
3.20. Obtain details on the machinery/equipment used and the usage time.
3.21. Obtain data on the likely vibration levels from one or more of the available data sources. It is best to consult the manufacturer’s agent /tool supplier to provide information on the vibration characteristics of the particular item of plant
3.22. Generic data is available for example see sample values below:
- Chainsaw: 6 m/s2
- Sander: 8 m/s2
- Hammer drill: 9 m/s2
- Road breaker: 12 m/s2
3.23. Ensure that the legislative levels below are adhered to:
- Daily exposure limit value (8-hour reference period) 5m/s²
- The daily exposure action valve (8-hour reference period) is 2.5m/ s²
- If the equipment is suitable determine the duration of time it can be used before the relevant exposure limits are reached.
3.24. Reduce vibration exposure by careful tool selection.
3.25. Ensure tools are maintained regularly and items such as abrasive discs are replaced regularly to minimise vibration.
3.26. Take frequent breaks when using vibrating tools. Plan work to avoid employees being exposed to vibration for long, continuous periods – several shorter periods are preferable.
3.27. Particular attention is to be given to the level, type and duration of exposure, including any exposure to intermittent vibration or repeated shocks,
3.28. Particular attention is to be given to working in low temperatures. Operatives should ensure that they stay warm and dry when using vibrating tools.
3.29. If necessary, e.g. if the estimated exposure looks like it might be above the exposure limit, measurement should be taken of the magnitude of mechanical vibration to which the employer’s employees are liable to be exposed. These should be carried out by a competent person on the basis set out in Schedule 6,
3.30. The formula for calculating weekly exposure is as defined by the international standard ISO 5349-2:2001
3.31. Identify those jobs involving frequent prolonged rapid forceful movements, forceful gripping and twisting movements of the hand and arm, where the wrist is angled towards the little finger, the arm held above the shoulder height or uncomfortably away from the body, and where repetitive pushing, pulling and lifting are necessary
3.32. Ensure hand tools are designed with good mechanical advantage and have a comfortable grip, are suitable for those who use them and that cutting edges are kept sharp.
3.33. Provide those involved in the work with information relating to the risks and ensure that operatives using tools and equipment are trained in their correct use.
3.34. Plan the work to incorporate work rotation if possible and also ensure this type of work is kept to as short a duration as possible.
3.35. Operatives should report any suspected condition as soon as possible, complaints should be monitored and checks made of first aid records and absence certification.
3.36. Cut-off Limits for operations to be determined on-site.
3.37. Weather conditions are to be monitored constantly while on site.
3.38. Weather forecasts are to be monitored daily during the project.
3.39. The health of staff is to be monitored on an ongoing basis while on site.
3.40. Provision of a qualified First Aider on-site.
3.41. All staff are to wear appropriate dress and select appropriate exposure protection for above and below-water tasks. All divers are to Wear suitably maintained dry suits.
3.42. Hse Documents-risk Assessment For Dredging Works.
3.43. All staff/sub-contractors are to be briefed on safe working procedures and safe access and egress.
3.44. All ladders and points of Access / Egress are to be checked daily by the Barge Master.
3.45. All staff/subcontractors are to be briefed on hygiene procedures.
3.46. Work Gloves, Clean Water, Cleaning Equipment and Hand Wipes are to be provided on-site.
3.47. All divers are to have current Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Tetanus vaccines.
3.48. All staff /sub-contractors are to be briefed on safe working procedures in boats.
3.49. Provision of qualified First Aider on site.
3.50. Life Jackets are to be worn at all times when working from boats.
3.51. All staff are to wear full PPE including High Visibility Vest, Hard Hats, Safety Glasses and Steel Toe Capped Boots.
3.52. Life belts are available and accessible on barge/vessel
3.53. All staff/sub-contractors are to work with another member of staff at all times.
3.54. All staff /sub-contractors will have undergone approved manual handling courses and employ kinetic handling techniques where necessary.
3.55. Carry out by GA1/LOLER – cranes and excavator to be certified, lifting gear checked etc.
3.56. Develop specific procedures and lifting plans as required. Document and risk assessment as necessary
3.57. Banking operations are to be under the direct control of the supervisor either through hand signals or verbal communication.
3.58. Only use certified ‘in-test’ lifting equipment.
3.59. Provision of qualified First Aider on-site.
3.60. First Aid box to be present on-site at all times.
3.61. Training & Adequate Supervision.
3.62. All staff/sub-contractors are to be made aware of tripping hazards.
3.63. Any tripping objects are to be removed from the area of danger.
3.64. Cables on the barge deck are to be covered with Cable Protection ramps
3.65. Vessel deck space is to be kept clean and tidy at all times.
3.66. Life jackets are to be worked when working over or in the vicinity of water.
3.67. Life belts aboard barge/vessels
3.68. All staff//sub-contractors to use ear protection when/as directed.
3.69. All staff/sub-contractors are to be briefed on safe working procedures.
3.70. All staff/sub-contractors are to wear full PPE including High Visibility Vest, Hard Hats, Safety Glasses and Steel Toe Capped Boots.
3.71. All items shall be lowered/recovered in a controlled manner.
3.72. All staff/sub-contractors are not to stand directly beneath the load.
3.73. Suitable and sufficient Fire Fighting Appliances / Systems.
3.74. Warning communication by radio, PA or word of mouth.
3.75. Maintenance of equipment.
3.76. Hot-works permit.
3.77. Communications; Barge / Tug Operators are to be in contact and listening on the designated VHF channel.
3.78. Tug operator to alert barge master before coming alongside
3.79. Competent persons for vessel operation and tying up process
3.80. Stand clear as the hopper barge comes alongside
3.81. Suitable fendering on barges
3.82. Certified, experienced and competent persons to operate excavator
3.83. Operator to monitor rear view camera
3.84. Swing area and blind spots to be established before operation
3.85. Deck crew to stay clear of the swing area
3.86. Authorised persons only on deck
3.87. Certified, experienced and competent persons to operate equipment
3.88. Deck of hopper barge to be clear of crew during loading operations
3.89. Hopper barge to be securely moored alongside pontoon barge.
3.90. Excavator & tug operators to communicate via marine VHF
3.91. During all operations with the excavator, the spud legs will be fully deployed
3.92. Three-person team on the work barge/work boat at all times.
3.93. 10-minute safety period after posting of the barge.
3.94. All plants/equipment are to be secured to the deck by a suitable anchor device.
3.95. All staff are to wear suitable PPE at all times, including life jackets.
3.96. Excavator operator and barge master to be in continuous voice communication.
3.97. The workboat is to be in a state of readiness to stabilize the barge if required.
3.98. Stability assessment to be undertaken on work barge before commencement of works.
3.99. The Harbour Master is to be regularly briefed and informed of works plan, specifically the proposed area of operation.
3.100. Vessel operators to maintain “listening” on marine VHF channels
3.101. Crew to remain vigilant at all times
3.102. Vessels and barge to be fitted with appropriate lighting
3.103. Barge Master to ensure that excavator operations are suspended
3.104. Marine Bravo to be moored to the barge, with engines running and operator aboard
3.105. Barge Master to ensure that no vessel approaches the pontoon barge during the raising or lowering of spud legs
3.106. Barge Master to instruct crew on spud leg raising/lowering sequence
3.107. Casualty’s Airway is to be maintained during the entire recovery procedure.
3.108. Backboard to be onsite at all times
3.109. The most suitable casualty evacuation point to be used at all times.
3.110. Suitable First Aid Kit & Medical Oxygen onsite
3.111. Suspected Spinal Injury: Keep the casualty still / Keep head, neck and spine aligned / Support head, neck and shoulders
3.112. All casualty recovery operations will be controlled from the Surface via the Supervisor.
3.113. Suitably trained & certified First Aiders
3.114. The most suitable casualty evacuation point to be used at all times.
3.115. Suitable First Aid Kit & Medical Oxygen onsite.
3.116. All ladders and points of Access / Egress are to be checked daily by the barge operator.
3.117. Vessel Deck to be kept clean/tidy at all times.
3.118. Sufficient medical oxygen will be available on-site at all times to help administer first- Aid in the event of any decompression incidents.
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