Working on or near water

The obvious hazard associated with working on or near water is that of drowning and measures must be put in place, and recorded on the appropriate risk assessment, to reduce the risk of drowning in any fieldwork situation.

When working from small boats follow the controls given in the relevant SOP which can be found here. Anyone wishing to use small boats not owned and operated by the College must have prior approval from the H+S manager.

When working on the sea shore it is important to check the tides to prevent getting cut off by an incoming tide and to try and plan work on an ebb tide wherever possible. Information on tides in the local area can be found here. Consider how you could raise the alarm if you were to be cut off by an incoming tide and take a mobile phone with you if the coverage is good or consider using a two way radio to communicate with someone in a safe location if mobile phone coverage is poor.

Remember that adverse weather may impede your ability to see what the state of tide is, and cause the tide to come in faster than expected so get an inshore waters forecast before you go.

Suitable life jackets should be worn if there is a risk of falling into deep or fast flowing water. An assessment of the risk of falling into deep or fast flowing water must be carried before fieldwork commences to ensure appropriate control measures are put in place. Details of hazardous areas in the Menai Strait can be found here, but please note that this is not an exhaustive list.

For advice on diving and snorkelling please click here.

RV Prince Madog

POMOS is responsible for health and safety matters concerning the RV Prince Madog.

Once on board, the Master of the Prince Madog is responsible for the overall safety of the crew and passengers (staff and students) on board, but supervision of the safety aspects of the scientific work is the responsibility of the nominated, trip Scientist in Charge. The Scientist in Charge will normally be a member of academic staff. However, Research Officers may carry out the role provided they have sufficient experience which includes working on the Prince Madog. The memer of academic staff remains responsible for ensuring that the Research Officer has sufficient experience and is provided with necessary training.

All workers making trips on the ship must familiarise themselves with and adopt the vessel’s safety procedures. Risk Assessments for general ship activities have been completed and are available on-board, but specific Risk Assessments must be completed for each cruise with at least one month’s lead time.