LCC DOCS-11568884-V1-HS-PRO-013 Working in On Over or Adjacent To Water

WORKING IN, ON, OVER
OR ADJACENT TO WATER
Health and Safety

Procedure
HS-PRO-013
Working In, On, Over or Adjacent to Water Procedure Version 1.0 14/07/2017 DM#11568884 Page 1 of 13
Uncontrolled if printed. For the latest approved version, refer to council DM.
Health and Safety Procedure
CONTENTS
1. POLICY STATEMENT .................................................................................................................3
2. PURPOSE & OBJECTIVE ...........................................................................................................3
3. SCOPE ........................................................................................................................................3
4. RESPONSIBILITIES ....................................................................................................................4
5. DEFINITIONS ..............................................................................................................................4
6. PROCEDURE ..............................................................................................................................6
6.1. Key Steps to Managing Risks Associated With Working In, On, Over or Adjacent to Water .. 6
6.2. Job Planning and Assessing Risks ....................................................................................... 6
6.3. Working In, On, Over or Adjacent To Water Checklist........................................................... 7
6.4. Select, Implement and Record Appropriate Risk Control Measures ...................................... 7
6.5. Suitable Equipment & PPE Selection .................................................................................... 8
6.5.1. Personal Flotation Device (PFD).................................................................................... 8
6.5.2. Electrical Equipment Hazards ........................................................................................ 8
6.6. Mitigation Measures to Control Hazards Within Waterways .................................................. 8
6.7. Prepare an Emergency Rescue Plan .................................................................................... 9
6.8. Following Work In, On, Over or Adjacent to Water ................................................................ 9
7. TRAINING & COMPETENCE ...................................................................................................... 9
8. MEDICAL ASSESSMENT.......................................................................................................... 10
9. MONITORING AND REVIEW .................................................................................................... 10
10. ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTS ................................................................................................ 10
11. LEGISLATIVE AND OTHER REFERENCES ......................................................................... 10
12. DOCUMENT CONTROL ........................................................................................................ 11
APPENDIX 1 – Working In, On, Over or Adjacent to Water Checklist ............................................... 12
Subject: Working In, On, Over or Adjacent to Water

DM #: 11568884 Version #: 1.0 14/07/2017
Review date: 14/07/2022 Status: Approved
Document Owner: Health and Safety Program Leader
Documents affected by changes to this document

Document Name DM #
Working In, On, Over or Adjacent to Water Safe Work Method Statement 11099280
(HS-SWMS-013)
Working In, On, Over or Adjacent to Water Checklist (HS-FRM-013) 11288845
1. POLICY STATEMENT
Logan City Council (Council) values the health and safety of its employees and all others who may be
affected by Council operations, buildings and facilities.
2. PURPOSE & OBJECTIVE

This procedure outlines Council’s approach to minimise the incidents or injuries from hazards
associated with working in, on, over or adjacent to water, and to fulfill relevant legislative obligations.
3. SCOPE
This procedure is applicable to all works in, on, over or adjacent to water conducted by Council. It
applies to Council staff, agency workers, contractors, work experience students, trainees, visitors,
volunteers, the public and others who may affect, or be affected by, Council workplaces or Council
work activities, or by plant or substances used at the workplace.
This safety procedure does not apply to:
• State Emergency Services (SES) emergency response;
• public swimming pool activities;
• non-work related recreational or social events;
• public artistic renditions;
• any activities requiring the use of Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus (SCUBA);
• underwater welding;
• underwater pipe laying; OR
• fountains and irrigation systems.
4. RESPONSIBILITIES
Title Responsibilities
Branch Managers and • Ensure that personnel are aware of, and comply with, this procedure.
Program Leaders • Ensure the ongoing effectiveness of the procedure in controlling the
identified risk exposures in accordance with the “Monitoring and
review” section of this procedure (Section 9).
• Undertake Safe Act Observations as part of the monitoring and review
process.
Supervisors and Contractors • Implement this procedure, ensuring that the potential risks associated
with working in, on, over or adjacent to water are assessed and
appropriate controls implemented.
• Ensure all workers comply with this procedure.
• Ensure workers receive training as required.
• Ensure that appropriate equipment, tools and PPE are available to
execute the work safely.
• Investigate incidents arising in the application of this procedure,
implementing any necessary preventative/corrective actions following
an incident or in the identification of a risk or hazard.
Personnel directly involved • Comply with the requirements of this procedure.
in activities involving work • Report any incidents, near misses, risks or hazards.
in, on, over or adjacent to • Participate in and complete all necessary training.
water
5. DEFINITIONS
Term Definition
Drown Death caused by submersion in and inhalation of water or other liquid.
Hierarchy of Control Hierarchy of control is a system used in industry to minimise or eliminate
exposure to hazards. The hazard controls in the hierarchy are, in order of
decreasing effectiveness:
• Elimination
• Substitution
• Isolation
• Engineering
• Administration
• Personal protective equipment
High Risk Construction Construction work that:
Work (a) involves a risk of a person falling more than 2m; or
(b) is carried out on a telecommunication tower; or
(c) involves demolition of an element of a structure that is load-bearing or
otherwise related to the physical integrity of the structure; or
(d) involves, or is likely to involve, the disturbance of asbestos; or
(e) involves structural alterations or repairs that require temporary support to
prevent collapse; or
(f) is carried out in or near a confined space; or
(g) is carried out in or near a shaft or trench with an excavated depth greater
than 1.5m; or a tunnel; or
(h) involves the use of explosives; or
(i) is carried out on or near pressurised gas distribution mains or piping; or
(j) is carried out on or near chemical, fuel or refrigerant lines; or
(k) is carried out on or near energised electrical installations or services; or
(l) is carried out in an area that may have a contaminated or flammable
atmosphere; or
(m) involves tilt-up or precast concrete; or
(n) is carried out on, in or adjacent to a road, railway, shipping lane or other
traffic corridor that is in use by traffic other than pedestrians; or
Term Definition
(o) is carried out in an area at a workplace in which there is any movement of
powered mobile plant; or
(p) is carried out in an area in which there are artificial extremes of temperature;
or
(q) is carried out in or near water or other liquid that involves a risk of drowning;
or
(r) involves diving work.
Hypothermia A potentially dangerous drop in body temperature, usually caused by prolonged
exposure to cold temperatures.
Job Safety and A documented risk assessment process where a work task is broken down into
Environmental Analysis job steps, hazards present in each job step are identified and risk assessed,
(JSEA) and control measures are put in place to eliminate or minimise the risk to
personnel, the environment and property.
Licensed High Risk Work Work that requires a High Risk Work Licence and includes: scaffolding,
rigging, and operation of a crane, personnel and materials hoist, or forklift
truck.
Life Buoy or Ring A formed buoyant device for supporting a person who has fallen into the
water.
Near For the purpose of this document “near” water is defined as working within 2.0
metres of waters edge that is 1.0 metre or more in depth at the edge.
Notifiable Incident Incidents that are notifiable to Workplace Health and Safety Queensland
(WHSQ) include:
• the death of a person;
• a Serious Injury or Illness of a person;
• a Dangerous Incident;
• a Serious Electrical Incident; or
• a Dangerous Electrical Event.
Personal Flotation Device Lifejackets (also known as personal floatation devices, or PFDs) suitable for
(PFD) use by persons engaged in activities in or near water in a range of prevailing
conditions and in accordance with AS4758.
Principal Contractor • A PCBU who commissions a Construction Project is the principal
contractor for the project; or
• If the PCBU commissioning the Construction Project engages another
PCBU as Principal Contractor and authorises them to manage or
control the workplace and to discharge the duties of a Principal
Contractor they then become the Principal Contractor
Shall Means mandatory
Should Means advisory
Spotter A person specifically assigned the duty of observing high risk work activities
and warning against unsafe conditions such as new hazards
6. PROCEDURE
The QLD Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 requires employers engaged in any work activities
conducted in, on, over or adjacent to water ‘to minimise the risks of death, injury or illness as far as is
reasonably practicable’.
Regulation 291: High risk construction work is defined as construction work that:
• is carried out in or near water or other liquid that involves a risk of drowning, for example
constructing a bridge over a river or restoring a wharf, or
• involves diving work, for example divers undertaking structural repairs to jetties, piers
or marinas.
Effective risk management requires persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) to identify
all hazards, assess risks and implement, maintain and review control measures.
The two most common dangers of Working In, On, Over or Adjacent to Water are the risks of drowning
and hypothermia. Drowning can occur even in shallow water regardless of swimming ability.
Hypothermia occurs when the body core temperature drops due to exposure to cold air or cold water.
As such, it can develop in temperatures well above freezing, and is a risk in winter, even in Queensland.
Additional hazards when Working In, On, Over or Adjacent to Water may include:
• injuries from slips trips and falls;
• incapacity following injury caused by striking an object during a fall, or whilst in the water;
• fatigue or hypothermia from immersion where rescue is not immediate;
• inability to swim;
• exposure to water containing toxins or contaminates;
• failure of isolation methods;
• close proximity to moving plant and equipment;
• persons being knocked over by moving objects (e.g. crane loads, vehicles, rush of water
etc.);
• persons trapped in plant during rollover;
• failure or absence of edge protection barriers; and
• failure or absence of fall prevention equipment (e.g. ropes, lines).
An appropriate rescue plan must be in place for all work in, on, over or adjacent to water with additional
consideration for tasks involving work at height or the use of moving plant and equipment.
6.1. Key Steps to Managing Risks Associated With Working In, On, Over
or Adjacent to Water
1. Plan the job including identifying the hazards and assessing the risks related to working in,
on, over or adjacent to water.
2. Determine appropriate control measures to be applied which effectively reduce risk
exposure to levels as low as reasonably practicable.
3. Ensure appropriate equipment and PPE is available and risk assessed according to the
tasks being performed.
4. Ensure an appropriate rescue plan has been:
o discussed;
o agreed upon;
o recorded on the JSEA; and
o signed off by all team members who are competent and appropriately trained to
complete the task.
6.2. Job Planning and Assessing Risks

All work that is conducted in, on, over or adjacent to water must be planned and the hazards assessed.
The task risks shall be managed using the Hierarchy of Control measures from most to least effective
as follows: elimination, substitution, isolation, engineering, administration and PPE (refer Workplace
Risk Assessment Procedure HS-PRO-016).
Under the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 s291 (q) “Construction work” carried out in or
near water or other liquid that involves a risk of drowning or diving work is considered to be ‘high risk
construction work’ and a Safe Work Method Statement is mandatory.
The Safe Work Method Statement HS-SWMS-013 ‘Working In, On, Over or Adjacent to Water’ shall
be reviewed in addition to a task specific JSEA being consultatively prepared and signed off by the
project manager and all work team members. The workers must visually inspect the work area and
discuss known or potential uncontrolled hazards.
6.3. Working In, On, Over or Adjacent To Water Checklist

The Working In, On, Over or Adjacent to Water Checklist HS-FRM-013 shall be completed prior to
commencing any task, activity or process involving working in, on, over or adjacent to water.
NOTE: If you answer “NO” to any of the questions contained within the checklist, risk control measures
must be implemented and recorded on the JSEA to reduce the risk exposure levels to as low as
reasonable practicable.
6.4. Select, Implement and Record Appropriate Risk Control Measures

Consideration shall be given to the following examples of control measures which must be recorded
on the JSEA:
• eliminate the need to perform the work until the water level falls;
• buddy system (always work in pairs);
• guard rails;
• establish, test and maintain visual and auditory contact as consistently as possible;
• Life Buoy or Ring - a life buoy with throwing line readily available with line coiled to unfurl
freely and the other end tied to a solid structure;
• know the assigned roles and responsibilities for each team member;
• consider emergency response management as all work sites will vary and require varying
emergency management protocols;
• avoid walking backwards and be spatially aware of your surroundings;
• identify possible locations for slips trips and fall hazards and eliminate if possible;
• check the ratio of trained first-aid responders to non-trained personnel and plan accordingly;
• all personnel (including the Spotter) are adequately trained and assessed for competency;
• ensure all plant and equipment is fit-for-purpose and undergoes pre-start checks;
• all PPE, including personal flotation device (PFD’s) are visually inspected and fit-for-
purpose prior to each use noting expiry or replacement date is still current;
• when working adjacent (within 2.0m) to water of unknown depth or deeper than 1200mm
where there is no edge protection, PFD’s shall be worn where there is a chance of falling
into the water;
• when working in water of unknown depth or depths greater than 1200mm, PFD’s must be
worn;
• when working over water of unknown depth or depths greater than 1200mm, a risk
assessment must be completed to determine whether a PFD or harness and lanyard should
be worn;
• while it is preferred that fall protection/prevention involves hand railings, if engineering
controls are not available, fall from heights harness and lanyard shall be worn unless a PFD
is determined to be more appropriate via risk assessment (refer to Working at Heights
Procedure HS-PRO-002 for further information regarding the correct use of harnesses,
lanyards and fall protection/prevention devices);
• when using watercraft to undertake work in, on or over water, ensure there is one person
acting as a dedicated stand-by person at all times; and
• ensure all staff undertaking work in or on water wear a PFD (or have access to a flotation
device) prior to launching the vessel on the water.
6.5. Suitable Equipment & PPE Selection

The following Personal Protection Equipment shall be risk assessed for use when working in, on, over
or adjacent to water, dependent on task being completed:
• approved PFD / life jacket; (inflatable PFDs shall be self-inflating)
• harness / lanyard (must be risk assessed);
• waders or gaiters;
• non-slip footwear;
• safety glasses;
• hard hat with chin strap;
• hearing protection;
• gloves; and
• sunscreen.
6.5.1. Personal Flotation Device (PFD)

An appropriately maintained PFD that meets AS4758.1 must be worn where there is a risk of falling
into the water. A rescue buoy (life ring) with rope of suitable length attached should also be readily
available for deployment in an emergency. Other appropriate equipment to facilitate the retrieval of
personnel from the water is to be available based on the risks identified with the job and the location.
Inflatable PFDs shall be Self Inflating.
6.5.2. Electrical Equipment Hazards

Electrical equipment poses additional safety risks when used around water and can result in
electrocution. Where possible, it is recommended that electrical equipment is substituted with
pneumatic and battery operated tools / equipment. The use of electrical equipment with a voltage equal
to or above 50V AC and 120V DC will require a risk assessment and the implementation of additional
controls. The following controls should be considered for use of electrical equipment around water:
• stands to suspend leads off the ground;
• portable RCD’s;
• extra low voltage lighting (below 50v for example 32v fluoro lighting) where additional
lighting is required; and
• wrist or waist strap / lanyard for hand held battery powered tools.
6.6. Mitigation Measures to Control Hazards Within Waterways

Assess the conditions before entering and crossing waterways as mid-stream slips, trips and falls can
be hazardous. The type of hazard that can be encountered will vary with the characteristics of the body
of water being entered and / or traversed.
Examples of work within water ways may include:
• wading through creeks or streams;
• bridge / jetty / boat ramp inspections; and
• water sampling.
To eliminate, minimise and control the hazards:
• eliminate the need to enter the water body whenever possible;
• never enter or traverse water of unknown depth;
• never attempt to traverse water that comes above your knees; and
• never enter fast flowing water irrespective of depth.
If entry to the water is absolutely necessary and works cannot be conducted by any other
possible means, the following additional control measures shall be adopted:
• a Spotter must be appointed. This person must be a dedicated observer to oversee all works
from a safe location / vantage point to ensure that the alarm is raised immediately should
an incident occur.
• plan for the worst potential outcome and ensure emergency procedures are discussed and
documented;
• buddy system (must always work in pairs);
• choose the most appropriate access / egress point (avoid steep banks);
• ensure there are no hazards downstream and upstream (e.g. floating objects);
• use a pole to check the water depths and travel path;
• if there is a need to carry a work pack, undo the hip belt and chest strap so you can drop
the pack quickly if you fall;
• use waders or gaiters when wading through the water;
• be aware that muddy water may obscure sudden changes of depth and be similar to
quicksand;
• muddy banks pose additional slips, trips and fall hazards impeding rescue;
• be aware of hazards such as submerged objects and marine life; and
• take time to thoroughly review the work area for hazards.
6.7. Prepare an Emergency Rescue Plan

The Emergency Rescue Plan should include the following detail:
• emergency contact details for key personnel who have specific roles or responsibilities
under the emergency plan e.g. first aid officers;
• contact details for local emergency services e.g. ambulance service;
• description of the mechanisms for alerting people at the workplace to an emergency or
possible emergency e.g. siren or alarm;
• rescue procedures including mechanism for accessing and assisting any injured workers;
• map of the workplace illustrating the agreed emergency assembly points (if applicable);
• location of oxygen and resuscitation equipment; and
• post-incident follow-up process e.g. notifying the regulator via the Health and Safety
Program Leader, organising trauma counselling or medical treatment.
Note: For routine scheduled tasks involving work in, on, over or adjacent to water, procedures for
testing the emergency plan including the frequency of testing must be included.
6.8. Following Work In, On, Over or Adjacent to Water

On completion of the work, ensure the site is returned to a safe state with all access / egress equipment
and tools removed.
Ensure equipment is cleaned, dried and appropriately stored in preparation for next use.
7. TRAINING & COMPETENCE

Suitable training in the risks associated with the requirements of this procedure must be given to all
relevant personnel Working In, On, Over or Adjacent to Water and must include training in how to
undertake an emergency rescue.
A construction industry white card (Construction Induction Training Card (CITC) - Course Code:
CPCCOHS1001A) must be held by all contracted construction workers in addition to valid tickets, high
risk and trade licences and/or verification of competencies applicable to the tasks being undertaken by
each worker.
8. MEDICAL ASSESSMENT
No specific medical assessments are required for Working In, On, Over or Adjacent to Water.
Provisions for Fitness for Work apply.
Note: task specific fitness for work requirements under WHS Regulations for any high risk
construction works apply.
9. MONITORING AND REVIEW

The effectiveness of this procedure will be evaluated by internal inspections and/or auditing of the
Council’s Safety Management System. The audit should be completed by an assigned competent
person with the audit comprising an assessment of the systems and processes for working in, on, over
or adjacent to water and a field observation component to verify the application of these requirements.
Determination is to be made as to the work groups’ level of compliance to the requirements of this
procedure.
This procedure is to be reviewed every 5 years or earlier if:
• there is an identified risk to business;
• a significant safety incident occurs;
• incident investigation or audit results show that application of the procedure fails to deliver
the required outcomes;
• there are changes in associated legislation;
• there is evidence that the procedure is not having a positive impact on safety-related KPI’s.
10. ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTS

• Construction and High Risk Work Directive (HS-DIR-002)
• Working On or Adjacent to Roads Procedure (HS-PRO-011)
• Working at Heights Procedure (HS-PRO-002)
• Working Near Live Services Procedure (HS-PRO-005)
• Working On or Adjacent to Rail Procedure (HS-PRO-012)
• Lifting Operations Procedure (HS-PRO-014)
• Workplace Risk Assessment Procedure (HS-PRO-016)
• Working In, On, Over or Adjacent to Water Safe Work Method Statement (HS-SWMS-013)
• People Managers Toolkit – Working In, On, Over or Adjacent to Water
Toolkits provide practical guidance, useful tools and information for people managers to effectively
manage the risks associated with staff working in, on, over or adjacent to water.
11. LEGISLATIVE AND OTHER REFERENCES

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011
• AS4758.1 Personal Floatation Device - General Requirements
12. DOCUMENT CONTROL

Approval Date Position Name
Edited By: 14/07/2017 Health and Safety Advisor Jenny Neville
Document Owner: Health and Safety Program

14/07/2017 Simon Faber
Leader
Approved by: 14/07/2017 People and Culture Manager Mark Goldsworthy
Revision # Date Section(s) Changed Brief Description of Change

1.0 14/07/2017 All New document
APPENDIX 1 – Working In, On, Over or Adjacent to Water Checklist

(HS-FRM-013)
APPENDIX 1 – Checklist (Cont.)

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WORKING IN, ON, OVER

Health and Safety

Subject: Working In, On, Over or Adjacent to Water

Documents affected by changes to this document

2. PURPOSE & OBJECTIVE

Should Means advisory

6.2. Job Planning and Assessing Risks

6.3. Working In, On, Over or Adjacent To Water Checklist

6.4. Select, Implement and Record Appropriate Risk Control Measures

6.5. Suitable Equipment & PPE Selection

6.5.1. Personal Flotation Device (PFD)

6.5.2. Electrical Equipment Hazards

6.6. Mitigation Measures to Control Hazards Within Waterways

6.7. Prepare an Emergency Rescue Plan

6.8. Following Work In, On, Over or Adjacent to Water

7. TRAINING & COMPETENCE

9. MONITORING AND REVIEW

10. ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTS

11. LEGISLATIVE AND OTHER REFERENCES

12. DOCUMENT CONTROL

Edited By: 14/07/2017 Health and Safety Advisor Jenny Neville

Document Owner: Health and Safety Program

Approved by: 14/07/2017 People and Culture Manager Mark Goldsworthy

Revision # Date Section(s) Changed Brief Description of Change

APPENDIX 1 – Working In, On, Over or Adjacent to Water Checklist

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