Dredging Operations Safety
Marine & Coastal Works › General › Dredging Operations Safety
Dredging Operations Safety
Dredging operations remove sediment from rivers, harbours, and coastal areas using suction, grab, or backhoe dredgers. The work takes place on water with heavy floating plant, involves handling contaminated sediment, and is affected by tides, currents, and weather. This talk covers the specific hazards of dredging operations and the controls that protect workers on and around the dredging vessel.
- Wear an auto-inflating personal flotation device at all times on the dredging vessel and pontoons.
- Brief all crew on the man overboard procedure and the location of all rescue equipment on board.
- Monitor barge loading and trim to maintain vessel stability within the approved limits at all times.
- Wear chemical-resistant gloves and overalls when handling potentially contaminated dredged material.
- Inspect mooring lines, anchor systems, and spud legs before each shift and after tidal changes.
- Monitor weather, tidal, and current conditions and cease operations when safe limits are exceeded.
- Ensure all lifting operations on the dredger comply with the marine lift plan and LOLER requirements.
- Provide adequate lighting for all deck operations during darkness or reduced visibility conditions.
- Ensure contaminated sediment is disposed of to a licensed facility with correct waste documentation.
If a person falls overboard, shout 'man overboard' and throw the nearest lifebuoy. Do not jump in. Mark the position, call 999, and deploy the rescue boat. Maintain visual contact with the casualty at all times.
- Wear an auto-inflating PFD at all times on dredging vessels, pontoons, and working barges
- Monitor barge loading and trim continuously to maintain stability within approved limits
- Inspect mooring lines and anchor systems before each shift and after every tidal change
- Cease operations when weather, tidal, or current conditions exceed the agreed safe working limits
- Contaminated sediment must be disposed of to a licensed facility with correct documentation
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