WAT/General/TBT-WAT-005

Water Safety Risk Assessment

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Water Safety Risk Assessment

Toolbox Talk Record

Ref: TBT-WAT-005  |  Issue: 1  |  Date: March 2026
PresenterProject
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What?

  • A water safety risk assessment must be completed before any work near, over, or in water.
  • Drowning is one of the fastest-acting hazards — a person can drown in under two minutes.
  • The assessment must identify all water hazards including rivers, canals, tanks, and lagoons.
  • Controls must follow the hierarchy: avoid, prevent access, collective protection, then PPE.
  • The assessment must consider weather effects such as rain, flooding, and rising water levels.
  • Emergency rescue arrangements must be planned before work begins near water.
  • The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require suitable risk assessment.
  • Water depth, flow rate, temperature, and bank stability all affect the risk level.
  • Operatives must be briefed on the specific rescue plan for each water-side location.
  • Night working, lone working, and tidal conditions each introduce additional risks.

Why?

Prevent drowningRisk assessments identify and control water hazards before work starts.
Legal dutyEmployers must assess risks and provide effective controls under MHSWR 1999.
Rescue planningWithout a planned rescue, response times are too slow to save a drowning worker.
Site-specific risksEvery water hazard is different — generic controls are not sufficient.
Do Don't
  • Complete a water safety risk assessment for every work area near water.
  • Identify all water hazards including hidden features like deep silt or currents.
  • Install barriers, fencing, or edge protection to prevent access to water.
  • Provide rescue equipment including throw lines, life rings, and reach poles.
  • Brief all operatives on the rescue plan and equipment locations.
  • Issue personal flotation devices to anyone working within 2 metres of water.
  • Monitor weather forecasts and water levels throughout the working day.
  • Plan emergency access routes for rescue services to reach the water.
  • Review the assessment whenever conditions or water levels change.
  • Ensure a trained water rescue person is available when working near water.
  • DON'T start work near water without a completed risk assessment.
  • DON'T assume shallow water is safe — cold water shock kills in any depth.
  • DON'T remove barriers or fencing around water hazards without authorisation.
  • DON'T work near water alone without lone working procedures in place.
  • DON'T enter the water to attempt a rescue unless trained to do so.
  • DON'T ignore rising water levels or changing weather conditions.
  • DON'T store rescue equipment where it cannot be reached quickly.
  • DON'T rely on swimming ability as a substitute for proper controls.
  • DON'T allow unauthorised visitors near water on site.
  • DON'T use a generic assessment — tailor it to each specific water hazard.

See also: Drowning Prevention and Water Safety | Personal Flotation Device Use
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