Risk Assessment – Marine Fieldwork
Risk Assessment Number:
General Information- (Note: Enter N/a in ‘Further Action Required’ Field if control measures are not applicable. “Yes” if you agree with control measure. Change risk rating as required)
Supporting documents e.g. Safe Work Procedure for Boating. Vessel SMS Vessel induction check list Daily Use Log
Descripton of
Task/Activity:
Vessel use at Macquarie University.
Where is the activity/task undertaken – (include all additional locations in notes on page 9)
Location of field sites:
Date of Assessment:
See separate sheet (d/MM/yyyy)
State/Country:
Faculty:
Science
Coordinates:
(please attach map)
Department/unit:
Biological sciences
Date of departure:
(d/MM/yyyy)
Date of return:
See attached (d/MM/yyyy)
Type of fieldwork
Vessel Activity
No. of students/participants
No. of qualified First Aiders
No. of staff
Address
Telephone
Contact Name (if known)
Call-back Contact and time.
Secondary Contact:
Nearest Police station:
000 or 112 (mobile) –
if non-emergency 131 444
Nearest hospital:
Marine Rescue UHF Ch:16
13 1126
Poison Information
Campus Security
Macquarie University Balaclava Road, North Ryde, NSW 2109
Other (state)
e.g. Royal Flying Doctor
Useful Links:
http://bio.mq.edu.au/bio-fieldwork/Useful%20Web%20Sites.html
(02) 9850 7112
Duty officer (24 hour)
No:
Hazard and consequences
1.
Insufficient planning – injury/loss due to
inadequate planning
Risk
Rating
H
Residual
Risk
Control Measures
Team leader will research and assess location,
including weather conditions, as far as reasonably
practicable prior to journey and on arrival at each
location. As part of the induction the staff/student
reads relevant SOP SMS documents.
Pre planning and on the day assessment, Master
has the right to abort at anytime.
Action Required
L
Responsibility
Marine Fieldwork
Manager
Marine Fieldwork
Manager
All fieldwork leaders will read and follow
University procedure when planning fieldwork trip
Date to be
completed
Prior to
Fieldwork
Prior to
Fieldwork
Fieldwork Leader
Team leader will identify equipment required for
fieldwork
Prior to
Fieldwork
Fieldwork Leader
Team leader will brief participants on fieldwork to
be undertaken, site emergency procedures and
hazards, and contents of this risk assessment
Hazard and consequences
No:
2.
Weather – dehydration, sunburn, heatstroke
Risk
Rating
M
Residual
Risk
Control Measures
Sufficient water and nutrition will be taken by
participants
M
Action Required
L
Responsibility
Participants
L
Where potable water may be scarce sufficient
bottled water will be taken.
M
Fieldwork Leader
Prior to
Fieldwork
and on site
Date to be
completed
In the Field
Prior to
Fieldwork
L
Sunscreen and appropriate UV protection will be
taken by participants
Participants
In the Field
.
3.
Inclement weather – hypothermia/exposure
M
4.
Attach trailer to vehicle
Strained muscles from push/pull heavy weight
L
Pinch injuries to fingers
M
Refuelling of vessel
H
Splash by fuel.
Burns and/or smoke inhalation due to
fire/explosions
H
Planning will consider weather conditions, fitness
of participants and shelter available. Abort
boating activities if weather conditions deteriorate
Use 2 or more persons where possible. Use
correct manual handling techniques
L
Fieldwork Leader
L
Operator
Attention, care and not rushing job
See SWP
L
Stand in boat when refuelling.
Avoid naked flame. Keep the fuel hose in contact
with fill pipe to prevent electrical static build up.
Be aware of Fuel stop cocks and the location of
fire extinguishers and how to operate them in the
event of an emergency.
Check extinguisher in “green “and expiry.
See SWP. Operators to have completed vessel
induction
M
Operator
Operator
M
Operator
Hardcopies of this document are considered uncontrolled.
Please refer to the Health & Safety internet site for latest version .
Page 2 of 9
Source: Manager, Health & Safety
Created: 2011
Document No:
Revised: N/A
Version No: 1
Prior to
Fieldwork
Launching/retrieval of vessel
Before leaving vehicle apply handbrake, place in
Park or in Gear turn off the vehicle.
Slippery ramps/surface
Observe conditions and act accordingly. Move
carefully and slowly.
See SWP
Launching and retrieving vessel.
H
Crushing of body or limbs between the boat
and trailer
5.
Boating Operations
Rapid stop/start, snags, waves. Weather
conditions
M
Swamping of vessel/vessel overturning
H
Swamping of vessel/vessel overturning
H
When Launching communicate with skipper, boat
in forward release the chain then winch strap,
“then clear to reverse”.
Person on the shore (In view of master) to signal
that all is clear and ready for the boat to be driven
onto or off the trailer. When Retrieving vessel this
person to stand at the rear corner of the vehicle
allow master to drive boat onto trailer. Avoid
placing arms/limb between vessel and winch post.
When vessel in position then communicate with
master on boat operation prior to winching boat
on trailer.
See SWP. Operators to have completed vessel
induction
L
Operator appropriately qualified with NSW
Maritime Boat license.
Induction conducted by MFW manager. Operator
awareness of sea conditions and practice good
seamanship at all times. Appropriate operation of
vessel for conditions. Weather to be checked on
the morning of departure.
Complete Daily Use Log and Check fuel levels.
Reschedule trip if weather conditions not
appropriate. Boat must not be operated outside its
survey limits.
As part of the induction the staff/student reads
relevant SOP SMS documents. See SWP
Check sea and weather conditions prior to
departure. Vessel must not be overloaded (refer
certificate of survey). Master can abort trip at any
time.
Operator appropriately qualified. Vessel must
carry safety equipment as required by Maritime
NSW for survey. All crew familiar with emergency
procedures and operation of safety equipment
Manually inflated life vests to be worn while on
board. When heading offshore or upon request of
Master See SWP See SWP
Minimum of two persons on operational vessel.
Unless prior approved by marine fieldwork
manager.
L
Hardcopies of this document are considered uncontrolled.
Please refer to the Health & Safety internet site for latest version .
Page 3 of 9
The best ramps will be selected.
Master
Yes and use experienced operators.
During
Boating
operations
Marine Fieldwork
Manager to train
operators.
MFW Manager
then Master upon
induction
Prior and
during
boating
operations
L
Master
L
Source: Manager, Health & Safety
Created: 2011
Document No:
Revised: N/A
Version No: 1
MFW
Manager/Master
In the field.
Practice good seamanship at all times.
Stay with the vessel. Use daily log checklist
prior to departure.
Before putting boat in water ensure bungs are in
securely. Ensure sufficient fuel in tanks before
setting out. Keep ropes coiled and stowed neatly
inside the boat. Always keep a look out for
shallow water and other obstacles in water.
Report and repair any faults ASAP
Master to cease operations if weather conditions
deteriorate. Manually inflated life vests to be worn
while on board. When heading offshore or upon
request of Master See SWP
L
Equipment failure
M
Conduct a visual and if possible, operational
inspection of equipment prior to departure, use
the vessel daily use log as a checklist. Report any
faults ASAP. Regular service of trailer, vessel and
outboard. Vessels in commercial survey. See
SWP
Master and
MFW manager
H
Hypothermia
6.
7.
Communication failure – first aid and casualty
evacuation/location being delayed
Boat operation and training
Man Overboard retrieval
Wearing of appropriate personal protective
equipment – thermals, neoprene gloves, hat, wet
weather clothing, boat boots, and life jacket.
Protection from rain (canopy). First aid training for
operators. Operators to take appropriate
food/drinks for weather conditions
M
M
Fieldwork party will have primary VHF radio use
Channel 16 in an emergency, ensure aerial is up.
Secondary means of communication as assessed
in the planning stage including EPIRB Mobile
with Telstra 4G . Any faults occurring with
equipment must be reported immediately &
alternative arrangements made. Log in with
Marine Rescue when heading offshore.
Fieldwork communication plan to be carried by
the field party, the fieldwork manager and the
contact person. See SWP
Operator awareness of conditions and acting
according to these. Williamson turn training drills.
M
Master and all
participants
L
Mobile phone numbers exchanged
and coverage checked prior to
departure.
Page 4 of 9
Prior to
Fieldwork
In the Field
L
Manage by routine procedures these
will be practiced
CONSCIOUS
Designate one person to maintain visual contact
and point out victims location at all times Hit way
point on Chart Plotter, Gradually reduce speed.
Conduct Williamson turn Secure throw line to
vessel, deploy throw line or life ring. Throw line or
life ring so that it cuts across line of person
overboard.
Approach person in water from lee (down,
Hardcopies of this document are considered uncontrolled.
Please refer to the Health & Safety internet site for latest version .
Fieldwork Leader
Source: Manager, Health & Safety
Created: 2011
Document No:
Revised: N/A
Version No: 1
Master
In the field
wind/current) side See SWP
8.
Boat operation
M
Protection from sun (canopy). Appropriate
personal protective equipment – sunscreen,
appropriate hat, UV eye protection. First aid
training for operators
Operators to take appropriate food/drinks for
expected weather conditions
Heatstroke/sunstroke
10.
.
L
Master and all
participants
Seasickness
M
Appropriate medication before journey. Brief then
Monitor personnel throughout .Adequate fluid
intake. Communicate ill feeling Stop work if
necessary
Cool patient and have stand at the stern.
See SWP
L
Master crew and
participants
Sampling
Unstable work platform
M
Operator awareness of conditions and acting
according to these.
L
Master and crew
Repetitive work
M
Rotate tasks. Appropriate time-tabling of field trips
L
Master crew and
participants
Manual handling
H
Correct manual handling techniques/training
M
Work on charted vessels
M
11.
12.
Induction on safety features of vessel by operator
– e.g. fire extinguishers, EPIRBS, first aid kit,
flares etc Vessel must be in survey and operate
within these limits (see Maritime NSW). Vessel
must be operated by suitably qualified person.
See SWP
L
Master crew and
participants
Master and crew
Equipment – injury/loss due to insufficient
equipment, untrained user, inadequate
selection
M
The planning stage will identify all equipment
required for the activity. Checklist of equipment is
checked on the daily log. First aid kit onboard.
L
Lack of first aid provisions – Delayed
assistance, inadequate treatment
L
Sufficient number of staff will be trained in first aid
to the level required for the fieldwork. Staff will be
accessible to all participants.
VL
Fieldwork Leader
Prior to
Fieldwork
At least two first aiders on site.
Hardcopies of this document are considered uncontrolled.
Please refer to the Health & Safety internet site for latest version .
Page 5 of 9
Source: Manager, Health & Safety
Created: 2011
Document No:
Revised: N/A
Version No: 1
Field manager to
check
Prior to
Fieldwork
and In the
Field
Hazard and consequences
Risk
Rating
Control Measures
Residual
Risk
Action Required
Date to be
completed
Yes
Lack of first aid provisions – (continued)
First aid kits will be carried to ensure injury is
stabilised to the extent possible prior to arrival of
emergency services or professional medical
assistance.
Fieldwork leader
Yes
First Aid kits will include items necessary and as
identified in the planning stage. Where individuals
have identified allergies etc. they will bring their
own ‘Epi-pen ‘if applicable.
13.
14.
Specialist equipment e.g. Davit or winch
Unloading of vessel
Manual handling – lifting of heavy
equipment/samples from height
H
Certification and qualifications/licensing required
for use of equipment will be supplied to fieldwork
manager
Participant using
equipment
Prior to
Fieldwork
Where equipment relies on following a safe work
procedure (SWP), the SWP or information
necessary for the equipment to be used will be
carried with the equipment.
Where possible use 2 persons. Use correct
manual handling technique/training
Participant using
equipment
In the Field
H
15.
Fieldwork leader
Vehicle driving
Towing heavy/wide vessel
H
Hazard and consequences
M
MFW manager and
driver
M
Suitable vehicles will be selected for the specific
field trip. See SWP. MQU vehicles are roadworthy
and have been serviced See SWP
Follow Mac Uni vehicle driving guidelines
Appropriate training e.g. Advanced driving
See SWP
Master crew and
participants
Vehicles will be hired from national or MQ
approved firms.
Fieldwork Leader
The driver will check and complete the vehicle log
book, check fluid levels, tyre pressures, lights and
brakes and visually inspect the vehicle for obvious
damage/defects. All faults/damage will be
reported to the Fieldwork Manager ASAP. Unsafe
or illegal vehicles will not be used.
Participants
Risk
Rating
Hardcopies of this document are considered uncontrolled.
Please refer to the Health & Safety internet site for latest version .
Page 6 of 9
Master crew and
participants
Training, service trailer and wheel bearings.
Spare wheel to be carried
See SWP
Driving long distances
Weather/road conditions
No:
M
Control Measures
Residual
Risk
Source: Manager, Health & Safety
Created: 2011
Document No:
Revised: N/A
Version No: 1
Action Required
Responsibility
Prior to
Fieldwork
Date to be
completed
Drivers will be agreed prior to trip and will notify
the fieldwork manager if they require specific
training / handling awareness in use of the
vehicle. All drivers are responsible for passengers
in the vehicle to ensure compliance with safety
and road law. Where an unfamiliar vehicle is
being driven a pre-trip familiarisation drive will be
carried out in company with the fieldwork
manager.
Driving (continued)
15.1
Driver fatigue
M
15.3
Alcohol- Impaired driving skills/accident due
to blood alcohol level
M
16.
No:
17.
The travel route will be determined during the
planning stage .Drivers will identify stop points up
to 2 hour intervals. They will swap drivers at these
intervals where possible or take a rest as
required.
Designated drivers carrying passengers will have
a blood alcohol limit of zero whilst on MQ
authorised business.
Participants
Prior to
Fieldwork
and In the
Field
L
Fieldwork leader in
consultation with
participant driving
Prior to
Fieldwork
and In the
Field
VL
Participants
In the Field
Debrief information is given to fieldwork manager
to ensure ETA is accurate
Hazard and consequences
Gas cylinders – explosion,
Risk
Rating
H
Control Measures
Chemicals and gasses will be carried in a vehicle
allowing suitable ventilation and security
Driver
Residual
Risk
Action Required
M
Participant driving
and fieldwork
leader
Driver will be made aware of BOC code of
practice – transporting gas cylinders
No:
Hazard and consequences
Risk
Rating
Control Measures
Responsibility
Fieldwork leader
Residual
Risk
Action Required
Responsibility
Date to be
completed
In the Field
Prior to
Fieldwork
Date to be
completed
Fieldwork leader
13.
Volunteers – Inexperienced
volunteers/contractors resulting in accident
and injury to self or others
M
Fieldwork leader will discuss with Fieldwork
manager the use of volunteers and contractors.
The fieldwork manager will supervise volunteers
during work activity.
L
Volunteers will be briefed on the task each day
and provided instruction necessary to ensure their
safety and the safety of others.
Contractors will be selected so far as reasonably
Hardcopies of this document are considered uncontrolled.
Source: Manager, Health & Safety
Created: 2011
Please refer to the Health & Safety internet site for latest version .
Document No:
Revised: N/A
Page 7 of 9
Version No: 1
Prior to
Fieldwork
and In the
Field
practicable taking into account previous safety
record, experience, insurance cover, certification
and their safe working procedures. The work will
be discussed with them and the fieldwork leader
on site and where practical the fieldwork manager
prior to the fieldwork.
Notes: (Include any hazards and control measures not listed above)
Equipment required (It is the responsibility of the fieldwork leader to ensure items are checked and loaded before departure)
Equipment Required
Hardcopies of this document are considered uncontrolled.
Please refer to the Health & Safety internet site for latest version .
Page 8 of 9
Source: Manager, Health & Safety
Created: 2011
Document No:
Revised: N/A
Version No: 1
First Aid Kit
Sat Phone
Torches X Matches/lighters
GSM phone
Flares X Spare warm clothing X Emergency equipment/shelter
GPS X Compass X Other
Maps
EPIRBs/PLBs X
(specify)Mobile with coverage numbers and coverage checked prior to departure.
Vehicle Equipment Required (Winches & Snatchem Straps requires formal training & experience. See Fieldwork Manager for advice.)
Tow bar and tongue
Tools
Wheel brace
Spade
Snatchem Strap
Spare tyre
Car jack
Shackles
Drag Chain
High visibility Jacket
Chock blocks
Spare fuel
Gloves
Spare bulbs
Jump leads
Spare fuses
Other
(specify)
*By signing below the team leader agrees to follow the control measures and actions identified above. The supervisor authorises the fieldwork to take place.
The fieldwork manager/HOD is satisfied that the control measures identified above will eliminate or reduce the risk so far as reasonably practicable and will not approve the
application where the remaining risk is unacceptable.
Fieldwork Notification and Absence on duty forms attached Y
N
(state reason)
*Authorisation and Agreement
Fieldwork Team Leader:
Name:
Signature
Supervisor/HOD:
Name
Signature
Fieldwork Manager:
Name:
Signature:
Hardcopies of this document are considered uncontrolled.
Please refer to the Health & Safety internet site for latest version .
Page 9 of 9
Source: Manager, Health & Safety
Created: 2011
Document No:
Revised: N/A
Version No: 1
Date: