Personal Flotation Device (PFD) Selection and Use
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Personal Flotation Device (PFD) Selection and Use
Personal flotation devices save lives when workers fall into water on construction sites. However, wearing the wrong type or a poorly maintained PFD can give a false sense of security. Different water environments require different levels of buoyancy and different PFD types. This talk explains how to select, wear, and maintain PFDs correctly for construction work near water.
- Select the PFD type based on the water risk assessment: 50N buoyancy aid, 150N lifejacket, or 275N offshore.
- Wear a 150N auto-inflating lifejacket as a minimum when working over or adjacent to deep water.
- Adjust all straps so the PFD fits snugly over your work clothing without restricting movement.
- Inspect PFDs before every use for damage, wear, and the condition of the inflation mechanism.
- Check that the gas cylinder is armed, within its service date, and not corroded or punctured.
- Service auto-inflating PFDs at the intervals specified by the manufacturer, typically annually.
- Store PFDs in a dry location away from direct sunlight and sharp objects.
- Replace any PFD immediately if it has been activated, damaged, or fails its pre-use inspection.
- Brief all operatives on how to manually inflate their PFD if the automatic system fails.
If someone falls into water, throw a lifebuoy and raise the alarm immediately. Call 999 and request the fire service water rescue team. Do not enter the water yourself unless you are trained in water rescue. Keep the casualty in sight at all times.
- Select the correct PFD type based on the water risk assessment for each specific task
- Wear a minimum 150N auto-inflating lifejacket when working over or near deep water
- Inspect your PFD before every use and check the gas cylinder is armed and in date
- Service auto-inflating PFDs at the manufacturer's specified intervals, usually annually
- Know how to manually inflate your PFD if the automatic inflation system fails
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