Scaffold Over Water

Scaffolding over water is common for bridge repairs, river walls, canal works, and marine structures.
The primary additional risk is drowning if workers fall from the scaffold into the water below.
Scaffold foundations in or near water must account for scour, erosion, and changing water levels.
Standards founded on the river bed or canal bed require protection from water flow and debris impact.
Personal flotation devices must be worn by all persons on scaffolds erected over or adjacent to water.
Rescue equipment including throw lines and lifebuoys must be positioned on the scaffold at key locations.
Tidal water requires the scaffold design to accommodate changing water levels and wave loading.
Access to scaffolds over water may require boats, pontoons, or temporary walkways from the bank.
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 and water safety requirements both apply simultaneously.
A water rescue plan and trained rescue capability must be in place before scaffold access begins.

Prevent drowning	Falls from scaffolds over water result in drowning, especially in cold, flowing, or tidal conditions.
Foundation stability	Water scour, erosion, and changing levels undermine scaffold foundations, causing partial or total collapse.
Combined risk	Working at height over water combines fall risk with drowning risk, requiring controls for both hazards simultaneously.

Do

Don't

Wear a personal flotation device at all times on scaffolds over water.
Position throw lines and lifebuoys on the scaffold at accessible locations.
Design scaffold foundations to resist water scour, flow, and debris impact.
Account for tidal range and flood levels in the scaffold structural design.
Prepare a water rescue plan with trained rescuers before work begins.
Inspect scaffold foundations for scour and erosion after every high water event.
Ensure safe access from the bank to the scaffold using walkways or boats.
Brief all scaffold users on the rescue plan and PFD requirements.
Maintain full boarding, guardrails, and toe boards to prevent falls to water.
Monitor weather and water conditions and stop work when limits are exceeded.

DON'T access scaffolds over water without wearing a personal flotation device.
DON'T erect scaffold in water without a foundation design accounting for scour.
DON'T ignore changing water levels or tidal conditions during scaffold use.
DON'T remove or reposition rescue equipment from the scaffold during work.
DON'T begin work without a water rescue plan and trained rescuers on site.
DON'T leave gaps in boarding or guardrails on scaffolds erected over water.
DON'T access the scaffold by jumping from boats; use controlled access methods.
DON'T continue work during flood conditions that affect scaffold foundation stability.
DON'T store heavy materials on scaffolds over water without checking the load design.
DON'T assume standard scaffold inspection covers the additional water-related risks.

See also: Scaffold Safety Awareness | Working Over Water

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