...the highest standards in working
on the water...
...your safety is paramount...
...the highest standards in working
on the water...
...your safety is paramount...
All personal employed in the operation of a safety boat will be employed on the basis of a formal interview with them giving a demonstration of close quarter and rough weather boat handling skills. Only persons with a minimal of a level 2 power boat certificate and an in date First Aid at sea certificate will be employed to helm a craft. For night time work only Level 2 Advanced personal with a First Aid certificate will take the helm. All non helms, known as crew will be employed on there knowledge of working at sea and general competency. All personal will also have knowledge of search and rescue techniques.
All personal will wear a suitable life jacket fitted correctly when on the boat or pontoons, along with suitable clothing to suit the conditions.
Thorough PPE checks should be made on a quarterly basis. This will be recorded.
All equipment should be checked before and after use.
Non PPE will be thoroughly checked on a quarterly basis.
All equipment will be checked before and after use.
The boat and crew will be in a suitable position as soon as the tide dictates a danger to those working or at any time stated or required. End of shift timings will when the tide no longer poses a threat.
The helm of the boat will make continuous dynamic assessment of the weather and sea state before and whilst afloat. If a rescue attempt is required in adverse weather and sea state, the helm and crew will make every effort to recover the casualty without making themselves a casualty. Certain extreme conditions will dictate it is unsuitable for a craft to be afloat at any time, but in these conditions the risk would be too great for anyone to be working in or around the sea.
If the helm of the day decides the conditions to harsh for a RIB to stand by afloat a specialised surf rescue craft will stand by ashore, with a launch time of under 1 min and a speed of 40 knots with two crew, maintaining a position on the water line.
It is the policy of the company to provide wherever possible, healthy and safe working conditions for all employees. The Company recognises and accepts its responsibilities in connection with the provision of adequate safety measures and the prevention of accidents.
The company will not knowingly allow any unsafe working practices to operate and it is the responsibility of Nathan Williams to ensure the welfare and safety of all employees under his charge at all times takes precedence over any other consideration. In the event of any problems arising out of this responsibility, the employee concerned shall raise the matter with Nathan Williams.
The company will take all steps within its power to provide and maintain;
1. Equipment and systems of work that are safe.
2. Sufficient information, instructions, training and supervision to enable all employees to avoid hazards and contribute positively to their own safety and health at work.
3. A safe place of work, and safe access to it.
4. A healthy working environment.
It is recognised that the safety policy is only likely to be effective if it is supported by the active cooperation of all employees. In this respect employees are reminded of their own obligations under sections 7 and 8 of the Health and Safety at Work, Act. It is the responsibility of all employees to abide by regulations and procedures laid down for their health and safety and that of other persons who may be affected by their actions at work. Employees who are aware of any condition which may be dangerous or unsatisfactory are required to bring the matter to the attention of Nathan Williams .
All injuries, however slight, must be reported to Nathan Williams and must be entered in the Accident Book immediately.
A First Aid kit is situated in the vehicle and on the boats. When working away from the vehicle or boats, First Aid kits will always be carried.
Nathan Williams has overall responsibility for the implementation of this policy.
This statement will be reviewed, added to or modified on at least an annual basis, and is supplemented in appropriate cases by further statements relating to particular activities.
Any occurrence which did not result in an accident occurring, but had the potential of having serious consequences should be classed as a near miss.
Near misses should be recorded in the "Incident/Near Miss" book. These entries should include;
• Name of Helm
• Date
• Exact Location
• A brief description of what happened
• Advice to Helms so the incident does not happen again
New entries should be brought to the attention of Nathan Williams, and the relevant appointed Technical Expert.
Management should be informed by permanent staff where appropriate.
An accident is an occurrence which ends with the need for someone to receive medical assistance.
Any accident that is likely to involve a person being off work for more than three days should be reported and recorded using RIDDOR procedures. Current guidelines should be obtained from the RIDDOR website: http://www.riddor.gov.uk/
All accidents should be entered in the "Incident/Near Miss" book. These entries should include:
• Name of casualty
• Date of birth
• Home address
• Details of accident or injury
• Details of action taken
• Name of members of staff and signature
If an incident occurs during an activity that cannot be dealt with effectively on site, then professional assistance should be summoned immediately by either;
• Using the mobile phone to call 999 and asking for either;
1. Ambulance Service
2. Police
3. Coast Guard
4. Fire Rescue
In each case, give specific details of location, nature of incident, number of people involved and the type of assistance required.
When the incident has been dealt with, contact Nathan Williams as soon as possible with the details.
Look after, and treat other group members appropriately (e.g. for shock). Refer any enquiries from the press etc. to Nathan Williams.