WORKING IN, ON, OVER, OR ADJACENT TO

WATER PROCEDURE
T&D Cleaners Limited
Asset: Procedure No.: Revision No.: Approval Date: Revision Date:
T&D-HSE-PRC-0064 001 27th/07/2022 27th/07/2023

Management Procedure
For
< WORKING IN, ON, OVER OR ADJACENT TO WATER >

Namutosi Damalie Accountable Eng. Daniel Tayebwa

Responsible
HSE Officer Owner: Managing Director
Author:

Required Review
Effective Date: 27th/07/2022 27th/07/2023
Date:

Rev: 0 / Dated 27.07.2022 Page 1 of 14

PROPRIETARY INFORMATION © 2022 T&D Cleaners Limited
 WORKING IN, ON, OVER, OR ADJACENT TO
WATER PROCEDURE
T&D Cleaners Limited
Asset: Procedure No.: Revision No.: Approval Date: Revision Date:
T&D-HSE-PRC-0064 001 27th/07/2022 27th/07/2023

REVISION LOG
Revised Section Section Title Short Description

Rev: 0 / Dated 27.07.2022 Page 2 of 14

PROPRIETARY INFORMATION © 2022 T&D Cleaners Limited
 WORKING IN, ON, OVER, OR ADJACENT TO
WATER PROCEDURE
T&D Cleaners Limited
Asset: Procedure No.: Revision No.: Approval Date: Revision Date:
T&D-HSE-PRC-0064 001 27th/07/2022 27th/07/2023

CONTENTS
1. POLICY STATEMENT..................................................................................................................... 4
2. PURPOSE & OBJECTIVE............................................................................................................... 4
3. SCOPE............................................................................................................................................ 4
4. RESPONSIBILITIES........................................................................................................................ 5
5. DEFINITIONS.................................................................................................................................. 5
6. PROCEDURE.................................................................................................................................. 7
6.1. Key Steps to Managing Risks Associated With Working In, On, Over or Adjacent to Water......8
6.2. Job Planning and Assessing Risks............................................................................................8
6.3. Working In, On, Over or Adjacent To Water Checklist...............................................................8
6.4. Select, Implement and Record Appropriate Risk Control Measures..........................................8
6.5. Suitable Equipment & PPE Selection........................................................................................9
6.5.1. Personal Flotation Device (PFD).........................................................................................9
6.5.2. Electrical Equipment Hazards...........................................................................................10
6.6. Mitigation Measures to Control Hazards Within Waterways....................................................10
6.7. Prepare an Emergency Rescue Plan......................................................................................11
6.8. Following Work In, On, Over or Adjacent to Water..................................................................11
7. TRAINING & COMPETENCE........................................................................................................11
8. MEDICAL ASSESSMENT..............................................................................................................11
9. MONITORING AND REVIEW........................................................................................................11
10. ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTS......................................................................................................12
11. LEGISLATIVE AND OTHER REFERENCES...............................................................................12
12. DOCUMENT CONTROL.................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
APPENDIX 1 – Working In, On, Over or Adjacent to Water Checklist.................................................12

Rev: 0 / Dated 27.07.2022 Page 3 of 14

PROPRIETARY INFORMATION © 2022 T&D Cleaners Limited
 WORKING IN, ON, OVER, OR ADJACENT TO
WATER PROCEDURE
T&D Cleaners Limited
Asset: Procedure No.: Revision No.: Approval Date: Revision Date:
T&D-HSE-PRC-0064 001 27th/07/2022 27th/07/2023

1. POLICY STATEMENT
T&D Cleaners Limited values the health and safety of its employees and all others who may be
affected by T&D Cleaners Limited operations, etc.

2. PURPOSE & OBJECTIVE

This procedure outlines T&D Cleaners Limited approach to minimize 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 T&D Cleaners
Limited. It applies to T&D Cleaners Limited staff, contractors, trainees, visitors, suppliers, volunteers,
the public and others who may affect, or be affected by, T&D Cleaners Limited workplaces or T&D
Cleaners Limited work activities, or by equipment 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.

Rev: 0 / Dated 27.07.2022 Page 4 of 14

PROPRIETARY INFORMATION © 2022 T&D Cleaners Limited
 WORKING IN, ON, OVER OR ADJACENT TO
WATER PROCEDURE
T&D Cleaners Limited

Asset: Revision No.: 001 Approval Date: Revision Date:

Procedure No.:
27th/07/2022 27th
/07/2023
TD-HSE-PRC-0064

4. RESPONSIBILITIES
Title
Health & Safety Officer
Supervisors and
Contractors
Personnel directly
involved in activities
involving work in, on, over
or adjacent to water
5. DEFINITIONS
Term
Drown
Hierarchy of Control
High-Risk Cleaning Work
Responsibilities
• Ensure that personnel are aware of, and comply with, this
procedure.
• 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.
• 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.
• Comply with the requirements of this procedure.
• Report any incidents, near misses, risks, or hazards.
• Participate in and complete all necessary training.
Definition
Death caused by submersion in and inhalation of water or other liquid.
Hierarchy of control is a system used in industry to minimize 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
Cleaning work that:
(a) involves a risk of a person falling more than 2m; or
(b) is carried out on a telecommunication tower; or
(c) involves the 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

Rev: 0 / Dated 27.07.2022 Page 5 of 14

PROPRIETARY INFORMATION © 2022 T&D Cleaners Limited

T&D Cleaners Limited
Asset:
Procedure No.:
TD-HSE-PRC-0064
Term
Hypothermia
Job Safety and
Environmental Analysis
(JSEA)
Licensed High-Risk Work
Life Buoy or Ring
Near
Notifiable Incident
Personal Flotation Device
Rev: 0 / Dated 27.07.2022
PROPRIETARY INFORMATION © 2022 T&D Cleaners Limited
WORKING IN, ON, OVER OR ADJACENT TO
WATER PROCEDURE
Revision No.: 001 Approval Date: Revision Date:
27th/07/2022 27th
/07/2023
depth greater than 1.5m; or a tunnel; or
(h) involves the use of explosives; or
(i) is carried out on or near pressurized 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 energized 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 another traffic corridor that is in use by traffic other than pedestrians;
or
Definition
(o) is carried out in an area at a workplace in which there is any
movement of a 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.
A potentially dangerous drop in body temperature is usually caused by
prolonged exposure to cold temperatures.
A documented risk assessment process where a work task is broken
down into job steps, hazards present in each job step are identified
and risk assessed, and control measures are put in place to eliminate
or minimize the risk to personnel, the environment, and property.
Work that requires a High-Risk Work License and includes: scaffolding,
rigging, and operation of a crane, personnel and materials hoist, or
forklift truck.
A formed buoyant device for supporting a person who has fallen into
the water.
For the purpose of this document “near” water is defined as working
within 2.0 meters of the water’s edge that is 1.0 meter or more in depth
at the edge.
Incidents that are notifiable to Workplace Health and Safety (WHS)
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.
Lifejackets (also known as personal floatation devices, or PFDs) are
Page 6 of 14
 WORKING IN, ON, OVER OR ADJACENT TO
WATER PROCEDURE
T&D Cleaners Limited

Asset: Revision No.: 001 Approval Date: Revision Date:

Procedure No.:
27th/07/2022 27th
/07/2023
TD-HSE-PRC-0064

(PFD) suitable for use by persons engaged in activities in or near water in a

range of prevailing conditions and in accordance with AS4758.
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 minimize the risks of death, injury or illness as far as is
reasonably practicable
High risk cleaning work is defined as cleaning work that:
• is carried out in or near water or other liquid that involves a risk of drowning, for example
cleaning 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’s core temperature drops due to exposure to cold air or cold
water. 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, the rush of
water etc.);
• persons trapped in the 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.

Rev: 0 / Dated 27.07.2022 Page 7 of 14

PROPRIETARY INFORMATION © 2022 T&D Cleaners Limited
 WORKING IN, ON, OVER OR ADJACENT TO
WATER PROCEDURE
T&D Cleaners Limited

Asset: Revision No.: 001 Approval Date: Revision Date:

Procedure No.:
27th/07/2022 27th
/07/2023
TD-HSE-PRC-0064

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 to T&D-HSE-PRC-0039 Workplace Inspection Procedure).
Under the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011, ‘any 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 cleaning work’ and a
Safe Work Method Statement is mandatory.
The Safe Work Method Statement ‘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 TD-HSE-FORM-0079 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 reasonably 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 a throwing line readily available with the 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 backward and be spatially aware of your surroundings;
• identify possible locations for slips trips and fall hazards and eliminate them 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;

Rev: 0 / Dated 27.07.2022 Page 8 of 14

PROPRIETARY INFORMATION © 2022 T&D Cleaners Limited
 WORKING IN, ON, OVER OR ADJACENT TO
WATER PROCEDURE
T&D Cleaners Limited

Asset: Revision No.: 001 Approval Date: Revision Date:

Procedure No.:
27th/07/2022 27th
/07/2023
TD-HSE-PRC-0064

• all PPE, including personal flotation devices (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 the 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 Work at Height
Procedure TD-HSE-PRO-0051 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 the 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 a 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 a 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:

Rev: 0 / Dated 27.07.2022 Page 9 of 14

PROPRIETARY INFORMATION © 2022 T&D Cleaners Limited
 WORKING IN, ON, OVER OR ADJACENT TO
WATER PROCEDURE
T&D Cleaners Limited

Asset: Revision No.: 001 Approval Date: Revision Date:

Procedure No.:
27th/07/2022 27th
/07/2023
TD-HSE-PRC-0064

• stands to suspend leads off the ground;

• portable RCDs;
• 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 waterways may include:
• wading through creeks or streams;
• bridge/jetty/boat ramp inspections; and
• water sampling.
To eliminate, minimize 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;

Rev: 0 / Dated 27.07.2022 Page 10 of 14

PROPRIETARY INFORMATION © 2022 T&D Cleaners Limited
 WORKING IN, ON, OVER OR ADJACENT TO
WATER PROCEDURE
T&D Cleaners Limited

Asset: Revision No.: 001 Approval Date: Revision Date:

Procedure No.:
27th/07/2022 27th
/07/2023
TD-HSE-PRC-0064

• description of the mechanisms for alerting people at the workplace to an emergency or

possible emergency e.g. siren or alarm;
• rescue procedures including a 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
Officer, organizing trauma counseling 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.

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
cleaning 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 1 year or earlier if:
• there is an identified risk to the business;
• a significant safety incident occurs;
• incident investigation or audit results show that the 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

o Permit to work system TD-HSE-PRC-0027
o Work at Height procedure TD-HSE-PRC-0051

Rev: 0 / Dated 27.07.2022 Page 11 of 14

PROPRIETARY INFORMATION © 2022 T&D Cleaners Limited
 WORKING IN, ON, OVER OR ADJACENT TO
WATER PROCEDURE
T&D Cleaners Limited

Asset: Revision No.: 001 Approval Date: Revision Date:

Procedure No.:
27th/07/2022 27th
/07/2023
TD-HSE-PRC-0064

o LOTO Procedure TD-HSE-PRC-0052

o Fall Protection Procedure TD-HSE-PRC-0032
o HSE Inspection Procedure TD-HSE-PRC-0039
o Confined Space Entry Procedure TD-HSE-PRC-0053
o Fitness for Duty Procedure TD-HSE-PRC-0046
o Emergency Preparedness & Response Procedure TD-HSE-PRC-0041
o Near miss incident & accident handling Procedure TD-HSE-PRC-0043
o Fatigue Management Procedure TD-HSE-PRC-0049
o Corrective & Preventive Action Procedure TD-HSE-PRC-0042
o HSE High Dusting & Cobwebbing Procedure TD-HSE-PRC-0035
o First Aid and Medical Evacuation Procedure TD-HSE-PRC-0031
o Safety &Warning Signs Procedure TD-HSE-PRC-0025
o Electrical Safety Procedure TD-HSE-PRC-0025
o Personnel Protective Equipment TD-HSE-PRC-0024

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

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

(TD-HSE-FORM-0079)

This checklist must be completed prior to commencing any task,

activity, or process involving work in, on, over, or adjacent to water. Yes No N/A
Refer to Working In, On, Over or Adjacent to Water Procedure TD-HSE-PRC-0064
for further details.
Can the work wait until the water level drops below 1.0m?
Is the water less than 1.0m deep?
There is safe access/egress to the water?
Is the depth and contents of the water known?
Workers will use the buddy system or be fully supervised?

Rev: 0 / Dated 27.07.2022 Page 12 of 14

PROPRIETARY INFORMATION © 2022 T&D Cleaners Limited
 WORKING IN, ON, OVER OR ADJACENT TO
WATER PROCEDURE
T&D Cleaners Limited

Asset: Revision No.: 001 Approval Date: Revision Date:

Procedure No.:
27th/07/2022 27th
/07/2023
TD-HSE-PRC-0064

The water is clear of submerged hazards such as rocks and dangerous fauna e.g.
snakes or sharks?
The water temperature will not cause hypothermia?
Is there edge protection?
Have potential electrical hazards been removed from the work zone to eliminate the
possibility of electrocution?
For working over water has the fall risk been considered and have appropriate fall
protection systems been used in combination with lifejackets or PFDs?
Are life jackets and PFDs are approved in accordance with AS4758 and shall be properly
fitted to the user.
There is no risk of working at heights?
The structure/bank/work platform is stable, sufficient for the task and not subject to
erosion or collapse?
The work area does incorporate slopes greater than 1:4?
There are no trip hazards?
There is no risk that other people or works being completed in the area could affect the
task being performed?
There is no risk of being pushed into the water?
There is a practical timeframe for completion for the task being performed?
The tools and equipment are appropriate and fit for purpose regarding their intended
use?
The means for carrying tools, equipment if both hands are required for access/egress
has been appropriately addressed?
All special notifications and/or permits have been obtained? E.g. notification to Safety
Advisor, Emergency Services or applicable Permit to Work (e.g. Confined Space)?
All workers are wearing appropriate task specific PPE?
A PFD is being used by all personnel working within 2.0m of a water’s edge where there
is a danger or drowning?
The site is well illuminated with communication devices agreed upon and fit for purpose?
Emergency rescue equipment is available. Possible devices include life rings, throw
ropes, pole and hooks
Weather conditions including wind and temperatures have been considered?
The task is not affected by flowing water or mud depths likely to cause sinking or
slippage?
There is no possibility of surging water or swift currents?
There is no possibility of a worker becoming stranded or marooned?
All workers required to perform the task on, in, over or adjacent to the water can swim?
12. Risk Control Measures
NOTE: If you answer “NO” to any of the questions contained within this checklist, risk
control measures must be implemented and recorded on the JSEA to reduce the risk
exposure levels to as low as reasonably practicable.
Consideration shall be given to the following examples of control measures:
• buddy system (always work in pairs);
• guard rails;
• establish, test, and maintain visual and auditory contact as consistently as possible;

Rev: 0 / Dated 27.07.2022 Page 13 of 14

PROPRIETARY INFORMATION © 2022 T&D Cleaners Limited
 WORKING IN, ON, OVER OR ADJACENT TO
WATER PROCEDURE
T&D Cleaners Limited

Asset: Revision No.: 001 Approval Date: Revision Date:

Procedure No.:
27th/07/2022 27th
/07/2023
TD-HSE-PRC-0064

• Life Buoy or Ring - a life buoy with a throwing line readily available with the 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 backward 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 devices (PFDs) 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, PFDs shall be worn where there is a chance of falling into the water;
• when working in the water of unknown depth or depths greater than 1200mm, PFD’s must be
worn;
• when working over the 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 Work at Heights Procedure TD-HSE-PRC-0051 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.

13. 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 (NOTE; must be risk assessed);
• waders or gaiters;
• non-slip footwear;
• safety glasses;
• hard hat with chin strap;
• hearing protection;
• gloves; and
• sunscreen.

Rev: 0 / Dated 27.07.2022 Page 14 of 14

PROPRIETARY INFORMATION © 2022 T&D Cleaners Limited