Risk Assessment Number:
General Information- (Note: Enter N/a in ‘Further Action Required’ Field if control measures are not applicable. “Yes” if you agree with control measure. Change risk rating as required)
Supporting documents e.g. Safe Work Procedure for Boating. Vessel SMS Vessel induction check list Daily Use Log
Descripton of Task/Activity: / Vessel use at Macquarie University.
Where is the activity/task undertaken – (include all additional locations in notes on page 9)
Location of field sites: / Date of Assessment: / See separate sheet (d/MM/yyyy)
State/Country: / Faculty: / Science
Coordinates: / (please attach map) / Department/unit: / Biological sciences
Date of departure: / (d/MM/yyyy) / Date of return: / See attached (d/MM/yyyy)
Type of fieldwork / Vessel Activity / No. of students/participants
No. of qualified First Aiders / No. of staff
Address / Telephone / Contact Name (if known)
Call-back Contact and time.
Secondary Contact:
Nearest Police station: / 000 or 112 (mobile) –
if non-emergency 131 444
Nearest hospital:
Marine Rescue UHF Ch:16
Poison Information / 13 1126
Campus Security / Macquarie University Balaclava Road, North Ryde, NSW 2109 / (02) 9850 7112 / Duty officer (24 hour)
Other (state) / e.g. Royal Flying Doctor
Useful Links: / http://bio.mq.edu.au/bio-fieldwork/Useful%20Web%20Sites.html
No: / Hazard and consequences / Risk Rating / Control Measures / Residual Risk / Action Required / Responsibility / Date to be completed
1. / Insufficient planning – injury/loss due to inadequate planning / H / Team leader will research and assess location, including weather conditions, as far as reasonably practicable prior to journey and on arrival at each location. As part of the induction the staff/student reads relevant SOP SMS documents.
Pre planning and on the day assessment, Master has the right to abort at anytime. / L / Marine Fieldwork Manager / Prior to
Fieldwork
All fieldwork leaders will read and follow University procedure when planning fieldwork trip / Marine Fieldwork Manager / Prior to
Fieldwork
Team leader will identify equipment required for fieldwork / Fieldwork Leader / Prior to
Fieldwork
Team leader will brief participants on fieldwork to be undertaken, site emergency procedures and hazards, and contents of this risk assessment / Fieldwork Leader / Prior to
Fieldwork and on site
No: / Hazard and consequences / Risk Rating / Control Measures / Residual Risk / Action Required / Responsibility / Date to be completed
2. / Weather – dehydration, sunburn, heatstroke / M / Sufficient water and nutrition will be taken by participants / L / Participants / In the Field
M / Where potable water may be scarce sufficient bottled water will be taken. / L / Fieldwork Leader / Prior to
Fieldwork
M / Sunscreen and appropriate UV protection will be taken by participants / L / Participants / In the Field
3. / Inclement weather – hypothermia/exposure / M / Planning will consider weather conditions, fitness of participants and shelter available. Abort boating activities if weather conditions deteriorate / L / . / Fieldwork Leader / Prior to
Fieldwork
4. / Attach trailer to vehicle
Strained muscles from push/pull heavy weight
Pinch injuries to fingers / L
M / Use 2 or more persons where possible. Use correct manual handling techniques
Attention, care and not rushing job
See SWP / L
L / Operator
Operator
/ Refuelling of vessel
Splash by fuel.
Burns and/or smoke inhalation due to fire/explosions
Launching/retrieval of vessel
Slippery ramps/surface / H
H / Stand in boat when refuelling.
Avoid naked flame. Keep the fuel hose in contact with fill pipe to prevent electrical static build up. Be aware of Fuel stop cocks and the location of fire extinguishers and how to operate them in the event of an emergency.
Check extinguisher in “green “and expiry.
See SWP. Operators to have completed vessel induction
Before leaving vehicle apply handbrake, place in Park or in Gear turn off the vehicle.
Observe conditions and act accordingly. Move carefully and slowly.
See SWP / M
M / The best ramps will be selected. / Operator
Operator
Launching and retrieving vessel.
Crushing of body or limbs between the boat and trailer / H / When Launching communicate with skipper, boat in forward release the chain then winch strap, “then clear to reverse”.
Person on the shore (In view of master) to signal that all is clear and ready for the boat to be driven onto or off the trailer. When Retrieving vessel this person to stand at the rear corner of the vehicle allow master to drive boat onto trailer. Avoid placing arms/limb between vessel and winch post.
When vessel in position then communicate with master on boat operation prior to winching boat on trailer.
See SWP. Operators to have completed vessel induction / L / Yes and use experienced operators. / Master
Marine Fieldwork Manager to train operators. / During Boating operations
5. / Boating Operations
Rapid stop/start, snags, waves. Weather conditions
Swamping of vessel/vessel overturning / M
H / Operator appropriately qualified with NSW Maritime Boat license.
Induction conducted by MFW manager. Operator awareness of sea conditions and practice good seamanship at all times. Appropriate operation of vessel for conditions. Weather to be checked on the morning of departure.
Complete Daily Use Log and Check fuel levels.
Reschedule trip if weather conditions not appropriate. Boat must not be operated outside its survey limits.
As part of the induction the staff/student reads relevant SOP SMS documents. See SWP
Check sea and weather conditions prior to departure. Vessel must not be overloaded (refer certificate of survey). Master can abort trip at any time.
Operator appropriately qualified. Vessel must carry safety equipment as required by Maritime NSW for survey. All crew familiar with emergency procedures and operation of safety equipment
Manually inflated life vests to be worn while on board. When heading offshore or upon request of Master See SWP See SWP / L
L / MFW Manager then Master upon induction
Master / Prior and during boating operations
Swamping of vessel/vessel overturning
Equipment failure
Hypothermia / H
M
H / Minimum of two persons on operational vessel. Unless prior approved by marine fieldwork manager.
Practice good seamanship at all times.
Stay with the vessel. Use daily log checklist prior to departure.
Before putting boat in water ensure bungs are in securely. Ensure sufficient fuel in tanks before setting out. Keep ropes coiled and stowed neatly inside the boat. Always keep a look out for shallow water and other obstacles in water. Report and repair any faults ASAP
Master to cease operations if weather conditions deteriorate. Manually inflated life vests to be worn while on board. When heading offshore or upon request of Master See SWP
Conduct a visual and if possible, operational inspection of equipment prior to departure, use the vessel daily use log as a checklist. Report any faults ASAP. Regular service of trailer, vessel and outboard. Vessels in commercial survey. See SWP
Wearing of appropriate personal protective equipment – thermals, neoprene gloves, hat, wet weather clothing, boat boots, and life jacket. Protection from rain (canopy). First aid training for operators. Operators to take appropriate food/drinks for weather conditions / L
L
M / MFW Manager/Master
Master and
MFW manager
Master and all participants / In the field.
6. / Communication failure – first aid and casualty evacuation/location being delayed / M / Fieldwork party will have primary VHF radio use Channel 16 in an emergency, ensure aerial is up. Secondary means of communication as assessed in the planning stage including EPIRB Mobile with Telstra 4G . Any faults occurring with equipment must be reported immediately & alternative arrangements made. Log in with Marine Rescue when heading offshore.
Fieldwork communication plan to be carried by the field party, the fieldwork manager and the contact person. See SWP / L / Mobile phone numbers exchanged and coverage checked prior to departure. / Fieldwork Leader / Prior to
Fieldwork
In the Field
7. / Boat operation and training
Man Overboard retrieval / M / Operator awareness of conditions and acting according to these. Williamson turn training drills.
CONSCIOUS
Designate one person to maintain visual contact and point out victims location at all times Hit way point on Chart Plotter, Gradually reduce speed. Conduct Williamson turn Secure throw line to vessel, deploy throw line or life ring. Throw line or life ring so that it cuts across line of person overboard.
Approach person in water from lee (down, wind/current) side See SWP / L / Manage by routine procedures these will be practiced / Master / In the field
8. / Boat operation
Heatstroke/sunstroke
Seasickness / M
M / Protection from sun (canopy). Appropriate personal protective equipment – sunscreen, appropriate hat, UV eye protection. First aid training for operators
Operators to take appropriate food/drinks for expected weather conditions
Appropriate medication before journey. Brief then Monitor personnel throughout .Adequate fluid intake. Communicate ill feeling Stop work if necessary
Cool patient and have stand at the stern.
See SWP / .
L
L / Master and all participants
Master crew and participants
10. / Sampling
Unstable work platform
Repetitive work
Manual handling / M
M
H / Operator awareness of conditions and acting according to these.
Rotate tasks. Appropriate time-tabling of field trips
Correct manual handling techniques/training / L
L
M / Master and crew
Master crew and participants
Master crew and participants
11. / Work on charted vessels / M / Induction on safety features of vessel by operator – e.g. fire extinguishers, EPIRBS, first aid kit, flares etc Vessel must be in survey and operate within these limits (see Maritime NSW). Vessel must be operated by suitably qualified person. See SWP / L / Master and crew
12. / Equipment – injury/loss due to insufficient equipment, untrained user, inadequate selection / M / The planning stage will identify all equipment required for the activity. Checklist of equipment is checked on the daily log. First aid kit onboard. / L / Fieldwork Leader / Prior to
Fieldwork
Lack of first aid provisions – Delayed assistance, inadequate treatment / L / Sufficient number of staff will be trained in first aid to the level required for the fieldwork. Staff will be accessible to all participants. / VL / At least two first aiders on site. / Field manager to check / Prior to
Fieldwork and In the Field
Hazard and consequences / Risk Rating / Control Measures / Residual Risk / Action Required / Date to be completed
Lack of first aid provisions – (continued) / First aid kits will be carried to ensure injury is stabilised to the extent possible prior to arrival of emergency services or professional medical assistance. / Yes / Fieldwork leader
First Aid kits will include items necessary and as identified in the planning stage. Where individuals have identified allergies etc. they will bring their own ‘Epi-pen ‘if applicable. / Yes / Fieldwork leader
13. / Specialist equipment e.g. Davit or winch / Certification and qualifications/licensing required for use of equipment will be supplied to fieldwork manager / Participant using equipment / Prior to
Fieldwork
Where equipment relies on following a safe work procedure (SWP), the SWP or information necessary for the equipment to be used will be carried with the equipment. / Participant using equipment / In the Field
14. / Unloading of vessel
Manual handling – lifting of heavy equipment/samples from height / H / Where possible use 2 persons. Use correct manual handling technique/training / M / Master crew and participants
15. / Vehicle driving
Towing heavy/wide vessel
Driving long distances
Weather/road conditions / H
H / Training, service trailer and wheel bearings. Spare wheel to be carried
See SWP
Suitable vehicles will be selected for the specific field trip. See SWP. MQU vehicles are roadworthy and have been serviced See SWP
Follow Mac Uni vehicle driving guidelines
Appropriate training e.g. Advanced driving
See SWP / M
M / MFW manager and driver
Master crew and participants
Vehicles will be hired from national or MQ approved firms. / Fieldwork Leader
The driver will check and complete the vehicle log book, check fluid levels, tyre pressures, lights and brakes and visually inspect the vehicle for obvious damage/defects. All faults/damage will be reported to the Fieldwork Manager ASAP. Unsafe or illegal vehicles will not be used. / Participants / Prior to Fieldwork
No: / Hazard and consequences / Risk Rating / Control Measures / Residual Risk / Action Required / Responsibility / Date to be completed
Driving (continued) / Drivers will be agreed prior to trip and will notify the fieldwork manager if they require specific training / handling awareness in use of the vehicle. All drivers are responsible for passengers in the vehicle to ensure compliance with safety and road law. Where an unfamiliar vehicle is being driven a pre-trip familiarisation drive will be carried out in company with the fieldwork manager. / Participants / Prior to
Fieldwork and In the Field
15.1 / Driver fatigue / M / The travel route will be determined during the planning stage .Drivers will identify stop points up to 2 hour intervals. They will swap drivers at these intervals where possible or take a rest as required. / L / Fieldwork leader in consultation with participant driving / Prior to
Fieldwork and In the Field
15.3 / Alcohol- Impaired driving skills/accident due to blood alcohol level / M / Designated drivers carrying passengers will have a blood alcohol limit of zero whilst on MQ authorised business. / VL / Participants / In the Field
16. / Debrief information is given to fieldwork manager to ensure ETA is accurate / Driver
No: / Hazard and consequences / Risk Rating / Control Measures / Residual Risk / Action Required / Responsibility / Date to be completed
17. / Gas cylinders – explosion, / H / Chemicals and gasses will be carried in a vehicle allowing suitable ventilation and security / M / Participant driving and fieldwork leader / In the Field
Driver will be made aware of BOC code of practice – transporting gas cylinders / Fieldwork leader / Prior to
Fieldwork
No: / Hazard and consequences / Risk Rating / Control Measures / Residual Risk / Action Required / Responsibility / Date to be completed
13. / Volunteers – Inexperienced volunteers/contractors resulting in accident and injury to self or others / M / Fieldwork leader will discuss with Fieldwork manager the use of volunteers and contractors.
The fieldwork manager will supervise volunteers during work activity.
Volunteers will be briefed on the task each day and provided instruction necessary to ensure their safety and the safety of others.
Contractors will be selected so far as reasonably practicable taking into account previous safety record, experience, insurance cover, certification and their safe working procedures. The work will be discussed with them and the fieldwork leader on site and where practical the fieldwork manager prior to the fieldwork. / L / Fieldwork leader / Prior to
Fieldwork and In the Field
Notes: (Include any hazards and control measures not listed above)
Equipment required (It is the responsibility of the fieldwork leader to ensure items are checked and loaded before departure)
Equipment Required
First Aid Kit Torches X Matches/lighters Flares X Spare warm clothing X Emergency equipment/shelter Maps EPIRBs/PLBs X
Sat Phone GSM phone GPS X Compass X Other (specify)Mobile with coverage numbers and coverage checked prior to departure.
Vehicle Equipment Required (Winches & Snatchem Straps requires formal training & experience. See Fieldwork Manager for advice.)
Tow bar and tongue Spade Snatchem Strap Shackles Drag Chain Chock blocks Gloves Jump leads
Tools Wheel brace Spare tyre Car jack High visibility Jacket Spare fuel Spare bulbs Spare fuses Other (specify)
*By signing below the team leader agrees to follow the control measures and actions identified above. The supervisor authorises the fieldwork to take place.