WORKING OVER WATER TOOLBOX TALK
A fall into water can become a rescue emergency within seconds.
Control of fall-to-water, drowning and rescue-preparedness hazards.
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Toolbox Topic
WORKING OVER WATER TOOLBOX TALK
Duration
8–10 minutes
Date
Site / Area
Supervisor
Company
Participants
Document No
OBJECTIVE
Prevent falls into water and drowning during work near water, on jetties, pontoons and floating structures.
WHY IT MATTERS
A worker entering the water may quickly lose swimming ability because of heavy work clothing, footwear and equipment.
Sudden immersion in cold water can cause cold shock and immediate loss of breathing control.
Current, waves and wind can move a person rapidly away from the work location and complicate rescue.
Life jackets reduce risk but do not replace a practical and immediate rescue plan.
Night work and poor visibility make locating and recovering a person from the water significantly more difficult.
REALISTIC SITE SCENARIO
A worker lost balance on a slippery pontoon while carrying equipment and fell into the water.
The life jacket kept the worker afloat, but the current quickly moved him away from the work position.
The nearest lifebuoy was too far from the work point and initial response was delayed.
Edge protection, immediately accessible rescue lines and a designated rescue team would have improved the response.
REMEMBER
Rescue equipment must be ready before work over water begins.
KEY HAZARDS
Falling into water.
Drowning.
Cold-water shock.
Current.
Slippery surfaces.
Poor lighting.
Incorrect life jackets.
Delayed rescue.
CONTROLS
Provide edge protection.
Wear suitable life jackets.
Provide lifebuoys and rescue lines.
Assess rescue-boat requirements.
Control slippery surfaces.
Provide sufficient lighting.
Avoid lone working.
Monitor weather and water conditions.
Define emergency communication.
Brief the rescue plan.
SUPERVISOR MESSAGE
Team, after a fall into water every second matters. Life jackets, lifebuoys and rescue lines must be ready at the work point, conditions must be monitored and everyone must understand the rescue plan before work begins.
TEAM QUESTIONS
Is edge protection adequate?
Are life jackets suitable?
Where is the lifebuoy?
Is a rescue boat required?
What are water conditions?
Who responds during an emergency?
FIELD VERIFICATION
Edge protection suitable
Life jackets ready
Lifebuoy available
Rescue line ready
Rescue boat assessed
Surface safe
Lighting adequate
Weather/water checked
Communication clear
Crew briefed
ATTENDANCE AND APPROVAL
Project / Site
Date
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Supervisor Signature
HSE Approval
SERNEM HSE Resource – Permit conditions, risk assessments and site procedures take priority.