MAR/General/TBT-MAR-003

Working on Quays and Jetties

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Working on Quays and Jetties

Toolbox Talk Record

Ref: TBT-MAR-003  |  Issue: 1  |  Date: March 2026
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What?

  • Quays and jetties are waterside structures used for vessel berthing, cargo handling, and marine construction access.
  • The edge of a quay or jetty is an unprotected drop into deep water — edge protection and PFDs are mandatory.
  • Tidal range changes water levels and exposes different hazards at different states of the tide throughout the day.
  • Marine structures can be slippery from algae, seawater, fuel, and weather — slip-resistant footwear is essential.
  • Crane and lifting operations on quays involve waterside hazards with limited escape routes if loads swing or drop.
  • Vehicle and plant movements on quays create struck-by risk in narrow working areas with water on one or both sides.
  • Vessel berthing and departure creates mooring line hazards — a snapping mooring rope is lethal.
  • Fender systems, bollards, and quay furniture create trip hazards along the quay edge.
  • Night working on quays requires enhanced lighting, reflective PPE, and heightened awareness of edge proximity.
  • Emergency rescue from water alongside quays requires lifebuoys, throw lines, and ladder access at regular intervals.

Why?

DrowningAn unprotected quay edge with deep water below is a continuous drowning hazard — PFDs and edge protection save lives.
Mooring linesA snapping mooring rope under tension strikes with lethal force — no one should stand in the snap-back zone.
Slippery surfacesAlgae, fuel, and seawater make quay surfaces dangerously slippery — slip-resistant footwear and housekeeping prevent falls into water.
Do Don't
  • Wear a personal flotation device at all times when working on quays and jetties.
  • Install edge protection along all open quay edges where workers are present.
  • Provide rescue equipment including lifebuoys and throw lines at regular intervals.
  • Wear slip-resistant footwear suitable for wet, algae-covered marine surfaces.
  • Stay clear of mooring lines under tension — never stand in the snap-back zone.
  • Use banksmen for all vehicle and plant movements on narrow quay areas.
  • Check tidal conditions daily and adjust work plans for changing water levels.
  • Ensure adequate lighting for all night working operations on quays.
  • Maintain clear pedestrian routes free of trip hazards along the quay edge.
  • Brief all workers on quay hazards, water rescue procedures, and PFD requirements.
  • DON'T work on quays or jetties without wearing a personal flotation device.
  • DON'T leave quay edges unprotected where workers could fall into the water.
  • DON'T work on quays without rescue equipment accessible at the water's edge.
  • DON'T wear smooth-soled boots on wet quay surfaces — slip-resistant footwear only.
  • DON'T stand near mooring lines — they snap under tension with lethal force.
  • DON'T allow uncontrolled plant movements on narrow quay areas without banksmen.
  • DON'T ignore tidal changes — water levels affect access, stability, and rescue options.
  • DON'T work on quays at night without adequate lighting and reflective PPE.
  • DON'T leave fenders, bollards, and equipment creating trip hazards near the edge.
  • DON'T assume you can swim to safety — cold water and tides make self-rescue unlikely.

See also: Marine Works Safety Awareness | Drowning Prevention and Water Safety
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