WAT/General/TBT-WAT-003

Personal Flotation Device (PFD) Use

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A personal flotation device keeps a person afloat if they fall into water, providing critical buoyancy during rescue.
PFDs must be worn by all workers operating within two metres of open water or over water on construction sites.
Automatic inflating PFDs use a CO2 cartridge that triggers on water immersion — they must be armed and serviced regularly.
Foam-filled PFDs provide inherent buoyancy without inflation — they work immediately but are bulkier to wear during work.
A PFD only works if it is worn correctly — an unfastened or poorly adjusted device may come off during immersion.
PFDs must be inspected before each use for damage, correct arming, CO2 cartridge condition, and fastening integrity.
PFDs are not a substitute for edge protection, barriers, and rescue equipment — they are the last line of defence.
Workers must be trained in how to fit, wear, inspect, and maintain their specific PFD type before working near water.
Auto-inflating PFDs must be serviced at the manufacturer's recommended intervals — expired cartridges will not inflate.
A PFD combined with cold water shock response training gives the best chance of survival after a fall into water.

Buoyancy saves lives	A person in water wearing heavy PPE and boots sinks rapidly — a PFD provides the buoyancy to keep your head above water.
Must be worn	A PFD stored in a locker or left unfastened does not save you — it must be worn, fitted correctly, and armed before you reach the water.
Service and inspect	An auto-inflating PFD with an expired cartridge will not inflate when you need it most — regular inspection and servicing are essential.

Don't

Wear your PFD at all times when working within two metres of open water.
Check the PFD before each use for damage, correct arming, and fastening integrity.
Adjust the PFD to fit snugly over your work clothing and PPE.
Ensure auto-inflating PFDs are armed with a current, undamaged CO2 cartridge.
Attend training on how to fit, inspect, and maintain your specific PFD type.
Service auto-inflating PFDs at the manufacturer's recommended intervals without fail.
Combine PFD use with edge protection and rescue equipment as a layered approach.
Practice entering water while wearing a PFD so you know how it behaves.
Store PFDs correctly when not in use — away from sharp objects and heat sources.
Report any damaged, expired, or faulty PFD for immediate replacement.

DON'T work near water without wearing your PFD correctly fitted and fastened.
DON'T use a PFD without inspecting it for damage and correct arming before the shift.
DON'T wear a loose or unfastened PFD — it may come off when you need it most.
DON'T use an auto-inflating PFD with an expired or discharged CO2 cartridge.
DON'T wear a PFD you have not been trained to use, inspect, and maintain.
DON'T skip the scheduled servicing of auto-inflating PFDs — they must be maintained.
DON'T rely on a PFD alone — edge protection and rescue equipment must also be in place.
DON'T assume you know how a PFD behaves in water — practice wearing one in training.
DON'T store PFDs near heat, sharp objects, or chemicals that could damage the fabric.
DON'T continue wearing a PFD that shows signs of damage or has been accidentally inflated.

See also: Drowning Prevention and Water Safety | Working Over Water

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