Setting Out Near Water

Surveyors frequently work near rivers, canals, reservoirs, and coastal areas when setting out structures.
Drowning is a foreseeable risk when surveying near water — many survey points are on embankments and banks.
Personal flotation devices (PFDs) must be worn whenever working within 2 metres of open water.
Slippery grass banks, muddy slopes, and loose ground near water increase the risk of falling in.
Survey equipment including total stations and GPS rovers is heavy, affecting balance near water edges.
Lone surveyors at remote water locations face increased risk because rescue response times are longer.
Tidal changes, river levels, and reservoir releases can alter water proximity during a survey session.
The buddy system should be used for all survey work near deep or fast-flowing water.
Rescue equipment such as throw lines and lifebuoys must be accessible at the survey location.
A water safety risk assessment specific to the survey activity and location must be completed.

Prevent drowning	Falling into water while carrying equipment near steep banks is a real and fatal risk for surveyors.
Lone working risk	Surveyors often work alone at remote waterside locations where rescue response times are dangerously long.
Legal duty	CDM 2015 and the Management of Health and Safety Regulations require water proximity risks to be assessed and controlled.

Do

Don't

Wear a PFD whenever setting out within 2 metres of any open water or steep bank
Complete a site-specific water safety risk assessment before starting the survey work
Use the buddy system when surveying near deep, fast-flowing, or tidal water
Carry rescue equipment such as a throw line to the survey location near water
Check bank stability and ground conditions before setting up equipment near water edges
Inform your supervisor of your location and expected return time for waterside surveys
Monitor water levels and tidal conditions throughout the survey session
Wear slip-resistant footwear with good ankle support on wet banks and slopes
Keep equipment set-ups back from unstable edges where the bank could collapse
Carry a charged mobile phone or radio for emergency contact at all waterside locations

DON'T survey near open water without wearing a correctly fitted PFD at all times
DON'T work alone at remote water locations without a check-in procedure in place
DON'T set up survey equipment on the edge of unstable or undercut riverbanks
DON'T ignore rising water levels or tidal changes during the survey session
DON'T walk along slippery banks carrying heavy equipment without secure footing
DON'T assume calm water is shallow — depth can change suddenly near banks and edges
DON'T enter the water to retrieve dropped equipment — mark the location and recover later
DON'T skip the water safety risk assessment because the visit is expected to be brief
DON'T leave rescue equipment in the vehicle — take it to the working position near water
DON'T survey near water in darkness without adequate lighting and enhanced precautions

See also: Drowning Prevention and Water Safety | Surveying Safety Awareness

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