OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY
AND
SAFE WORKING
PRACTICES
This is being conscious of our
own and other’s safety.
Much of our work may be carried out
on a small vessel which moving at
speed through, and is pitching,
rolling, yawing and pounding in rough
seas…...
…and then dealing with a vessel in
distress, possibly disabled in the
worst of conditions, that is pitching,
rolling, and yawing in rough seas.
Danger is lurking out there just
waiting……..
Why Do Accidents Happen
1. Dangerous environment - it’s what we do
2. Changing environment - that is the sea
3. Variable standards of safety - prescribing
work practices and training
4. Split responsibility - all vessels operate under
the coxswain, although crew may be
detached for independent duty
5. Human error
Safe Working Practices
1. Dressing for safety
2. Getting aboard safely
3. Checking vessel and its gear
4. Reaching the distress safely
5. Safe access
6. Safe working
7. Emergencies
8. Finishing work and leaving vessel
1. Dressing for Safety
Personal Protective Equipment
a. Helmet - for use when at speed on a rescue
vessel. Should have a break away clip in
case of person being thrown overboard and
the helmet acting as a parachute attached to
the head.
b. Safety shoes / boots - sufficient grip to get
traction on slippery deck, and protect the toes
if a heavy object is dropped on them. Should
have insulation value in winter.
Personal Protective Equipment
c. Gloves - might need different sets for keeping
hands warm in cold weather, and another for
handling wire rope
d. Safety vests - supplemental buoyancy,
flashlight, strobe, radio, knife and face mask.
e. Working clothes / cruiser suits to be
comfortable out in the forecast weather
conditions, and still be able to work.
Personal Protective Equipment
f. Safety goggles - to keep spray out of eyes
from wind blown spray.
g. Ear protection - to provide protection from
excessive engine noise.
h. Face masks - for protection when carrying
out resuscitation on a patient.
Do a “Buddy” check
2. Getting Aboard Safely
Access to Rescue Vessel
a. Walk to the vessel with care - rushing and
injuring yourself will delay the response.
b. Anticipate likely movement of vessel whilst
stepping on or off the vessel.
c. Be aware that the berth or what you are
stepping on or off may be slippery
d. Have both hands available when stepping on
and off for balance - use a second person to
assist with moving equipment on or off.
3. Checking Vessel & Equipment
Daily Inspection
a. Carry out a daily inspection of the vessel and
its gear to ensure it is ready for the mission or
outing.
b. Check aspects that directly relate to the
safety of the crew - e.g. clean up any oil or
matter that can cause a slip or fall, coil ropes
neatly, and secure any loose gear.
Plan
c. Brief all crew with the situation and lay out plan.
4. Reaching the Casualty Safely
Safe Transit 1
a. Ensure that everyone is holding on with both
hands, before increasing speed.
b. Everyone to be wearing helmets, unless they
are seated and strapped in inside.
c. Keep a lookout outside by sight and hearing.
d. Know own vessel’s position and other traffic
in the vicinity.
e. Comply with the collision regulations.
f. Guard rails rigged where available.
Safe Transit 2
g. Proceed at a speed suitable to the conditions
h. Helmsman to wear kill switch.
i. If in doubt, STOP.
j. Conduct STOP, ASSESS, PLAN before
becoming emotionally involved with the
distress.
5. Boarding the Casualty
Crushing Danger
Never go between the cabin of a rescue vessel and
the hull of another vessel, as if they roll towards
each other in any sea, anyone in the way will be
crushed and killed
Boarding
Remember you are going to be boarding an
unknown vessel, whose distress may make
the situation more dangerous.
6. Safe Working on Another
Vessel
Movement on Board 1
a. Proceed with care when making an
inspection, or accessing small compartments
or anywhere where there is risk of falling.
b. Walk carefully, just in case deck boards have
been removed.
c. Obtain as much light as is practicable to allow
full appraisal of situation
d. Take care not to touch electrical cables or
battery terminals.
Movement on Board 2
e. Agree signals with those outside in case of
trouble.
f. Be aware of the motion of a vessel that is
losing its stability - e.g. hanging over on one
side or rolling sluggishly.
g. Plan out your escape route, if working on a
vessel that is flooding.
h. Be aware of dangers of confined spaces
Confined Space Hazards 1
a. Is there a possibility of carbon monoxide?
b. Is there the possibility of leaking propane or
gas?
c. Has welding been recently undertaken?
d. Has fumigation recently taken place?
e. Has the area been recently painted?
Confined Space Hazards 2
f. Has the area been sealed up for a long time?
g. Is there likely to be an oxygen deficiency,
from rust or other cause?
h. Are the batteries leaking chlorine gas?
Response to Hazardous Leaks 1
a. Leave the area - upwind
b. Do NOT take risks
c. If you feel dizzy or smell fumes, GET OUT
FAST
d. Do NOT rush in if person collapses
e. Do NOT enter space that has leak
Response to Hazardous Leaks 2
f. Investigate the cause and assess the risk
Working with Ropes 1
a. Know warning signs of a rope under tension e.g. steam rising from rope, noticeable
reduction in diameter of rope, noises from the
rope, surface of the rope melting around the
tow post.
b. Be aware of the dangers of an artificial rope
breaking, which has a near instantaneous
return to its original length, and severe
whiplash.
Working with Ropes 2
c. Never stand in the bight or a loop of rope - it
may come under tension, and injure you or
drag you over the side.
d. Never stand over a rope coming under
tension - it can whip your leg off.
e. Never put more than three or four turns of the
rope on a tow post.
Working with Ropes 3
f. Never put a locking tuck on, when belaying a
tow rope.
g. Keep hands clear of the tow-post when
turning up a rope, especially if weight is likely
to come onto it.
h. Use palm and fingers to hold a rope under
tension - try not to hook your thumb over the
rope in case the rope jumps.
i. Don’t wear gloves when setting up ropes.
Handling Heavy Objects
a. Always use the knees when lifting an object
from ground or deck level.
b. Get help when lifting or lowering heavy
objects, and attach a rope to help lift / lower
that object.
c. Always keep the back straight when lifting a
loaded stretcher, and avoid twisting the back
when passing it on board. Make sure
sufficient people available to lift stretcher.
7. Emergencies
Emergencies
Be clear on how to deal with emergencies on
your own vessel and casualties including:
a. Stranding or grounding.
b. Leak of hazardous materials.
c. Man Overboard.
d. Fire.
e. Damage.
f. Illness or injury
Emergencies
Keep JRCC and /or MCTS informed as to your
position with regular situation reports.
8. On Completion
On Completion
a. Back at base, leave the vessel clean, and all
equipment neatly stowed and in good repair
for next use and the next crew.
b. Clean up suits and personal equipment.
c. Recharge portable radios and other
equipment as required.
d. Report and action deficiencies.
e. Refuel the boat.