IL & FS Cuddal ore Thermal Power Proj ect

Procedure Working at, Near or Over Water

OWNER
IL & FS TAMIL NADU POWER COMPANY LIMITED
CONSULTANT
Fi chtner Consulting Engineers (India) Pvt. Ltd.
CONTRACTOR
SHANGDONG TIEJUN Electri c Power Engineeri ng Company
Limited


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SHANDONG TIEJUN ELECTRIC POWER ENGINEERING COMPANY LIMITED
IL & FS Cuddalore Thermal Power Project



Table of Contents

1. Introduction ............................................................................................................... 1
2. Definitions ................................................................................................................. 1
3. Responsibilities ......................................................................................................... 1
4. Guidance for Implementation .................................................................................... 1
4.1 Hazard identification and risk assessment ................................................................ 2
4.2 Safety Plan ............................................................................................................... 2
4.3 Prevention of drowning ............................................................................................. 3
4.4 Dewatering of trenches ............................................................................................. 4
4.5 Rescue equipment .................................................................................................... 4
4.6 Personal protective equipment ................................................................................. 5
4.7 Cofferdams and caissons ......................................................................................... 5
4.7.1 Cofferdams ............................................................................................................... 5
4.7.2 Caissons ................................................................................................................... 6
5. Analysis and Review ................................................................................................. 6
6. Training .................................................................................................................... 6
7. Records .................................................................................................................... 6


SHANDONG TIEJUN ELECTRIC POWER ENGINEERING COMPANY LIMITED
IL & FS Cuddalore Thermal Power Project


Page 1 of 6
1. Introduction

Any work at, over or near water or any other liquid substance is a high-risk activity. A high
degree of safety procedure is essential irrespective of the duration of the activity. Only the
nature of the safety measure required may vary from one activity to another.

Where work is carried out at, over or near water or any other liquid substance, proper
planning and precautions must be taken. Provision must be made to -
prevent workers from falling into the water; and
rescue workers from danger of drowning.

The danger of drowning is considered to exist where water depth exceeds 1.5 metres or
water is subject to sudden fluctuations to a depth exceeding 1.5 metres. The risk of drowning
may also exist where water depth as little as 0.6 metres is combined with swift current.., Fall
into the water may result in a person being rendered unconscious or otherwise disabled.

It is essential to identify the potential risks associated with the activities and communicate
these to the employees involved. Employees involved must also be made aware of the
procedures to be followed not only to perform the activities but also about the measures to
be taken in the event of an accident.

2. Definitions

Aerial lift A piece of equipment, extendible and/or articulating, designed
to position employees and/or materials in elevated locations
Barrier Any device that prevents access to a dangerous area
Caisson A wood, steel, concrete or reinforced concrete, air- and water-
tight chamber in which it is possible for person to work under air
pressure greater than atmospheric pressure to excavate
material below the water level
Cofferdam A watertight barricade or enclosure erected, sunk, driven or
otherwise fabricated to permit the performance of work where
hydrostatic pressure exists
Cleat A metal or leather projection (as from the sole of a shoe) that
prevents slipping
Floating work platform Platform or barge capable of safely supporting employees,
equipment and materials necessary to perform work.

3. Responsibilities

HSE dept. is responsible for supervision and inspection of workers follow the procedure of
working on near or over water.

Work in-charge dept. or subcontractor is responsible for implementation of safety regulation
and measures in their construction scope.

All Workers are involved in working at, near or over water shall be understand the observe
provisions of this procedure.

4. Guidance for Implementation


SHANDONG TIEJUN ELECTRIC POWER ENGINEERING COMPANY LIMITED
IL & FS Cuddalore Thermal Power Project


Page 2 of 6
When working at, over or near water the following general precautions are taken:
As a first measure, an adequate barrier or other separation means must be installed to
minimise the risk to employees from falling, which could lead to injury and drowning.
Lifelines must be provided at rivers and strong tidal areas.
Life jackets/buoyancy aids must be provided where there is a risk of employees falling
into water.
Rescue equipment, e.g. life rings, grappling lines, etc. must be maintained and should
be easily accessible.
Procedures must be in place for tidal rises and falls and rising river levels.
Care must be taken as erosion can create hazards by undercutting and washing away
the banks which could lead to a hazardous work area.
Salt water and spray could seriously affect employees skin, clothing and equipment.
If using electricity is also a great hazard, compressed air must be provided as an
energy source.
All power leads must be kept out of water.
Moisture and electricity should not be mixed - all power tools must be carefully
protected and may never be used near any breaking waves.
Procedures must be in place when working from a barge or floating work platform,
taking into account -
o water swell;
o loading of the barge; and
o weight distribution.
Procedures must be in place to protect employees when working over stagnant water,
sewage ponds or any contaminated water.

4.1 Hazard identification and risk assessment

It is essential that all hazards are identified, assess risks (in accordance with the provisions
of the procedure on Risk Assessment) and all safeguards and precautions are provided
and implemented before any work is conducted at, over or near water or any other liquid
substance.

The hazards associated with working at, over or near water include mainly:
Drowning/hypothermia
Tripping and falling

When conducting the hazard assessment, consider the following:
Height above water
Depth of the water
Types of access provided
Type of work activity
Work environment
Temporary/permanent structures in place
Employees ability to swim

4.2 Safety Plan

Once all the hazards have been identified and risks assessed, a safety plan, specific and
relevant to the work activity and environment is established. It must clearly set out the safety
precautions and work systems are identified in the risk assessment. The safety plan is
prepared by a competent person with adequate applicable experience and knowledge.

SHANDONG TIEJUN ELECTRIC POWER ENGINEERING COMPANY LIMITED
IL & FS Cuddalore Thermal Power Project


Page 3 of 6

All employees involved in the activities must know and apply the safety plan provisions and
the person in charge must verify and adherence to the correct procedures.

The safety plan must include at least the following:
Responsibilities of all employees involved
Order of work
Use of plant and equipment
Work processes
Risk control measures
PPE
Emergency procedures
Adequate communication procedures
Procedures in event of adverse weather, i.e. strong winds, rain, etc.
Procedures for checking all equipment for safe operation prior to commencement of
work

Additional measures that might have to be considered in the plan, depending on the work
activity and work environment, include the following:
Safe access to and from work platforms must be considered, e.g. access to
temporary/permanent structures over water from land, etc.
Safe use of aerial lifts on floating work platforms, e.g.:
o Load rating;
o Design consideration to eliminate the risk of capsizing;
o Aerial lift capabilities/limitations.
Fall protection requirements in accordance with the provisions of the procedure on
Working at Elevated Positions, e.g. fall-arrest equipment, etc.
Plant and equipment to be used must be in good working condition. Measures must be
implemented for the containment of any oil leaks, etc. when working over water.
Safe use of electrical power tools and equipments, i.e. adequate measures must be
taken to prevent tools or power cables from falling into water.
All PPEs must be considered including floating devices, safety lines, throw ropes, etc.
Scaffolding and ladders
General housekeeping procedures
Signage
Lighting (also consider night work and in the event of adverse weather)
Appropriate rescue vessels, rescue teams, etc.

4.3 Prevention of drowning

There is a risk of drowning when employees work at, over, near, or have to pass near or
across water or other liquid substances. To prevent drowning, the following measures must
be taken:
Working alone must not be permitted at, over or near water or any liquid substance.
Barriers must be installed to prevent employees from falling into water or any other
liquid.
Working platforms must be properly constructed, including guard rails and toe boards.
They must be secured to prevent from being dislodged by rising water or high winds.
Ground-mounted scaffold systems must be used on barges/floating platforms, securely
anchored to the structure.

SHANDONG TIEJUN ELECTRIC POWER ENGINEERING COMPANY LIMITED
IL & FS Cuddalore Thermal Power Project


Page 4 of 6
Continuous fall protection such as harnesses, safety nets etc., must be used
regardless of the fall distance to prevent employees from falling into the water.
Ladders must be secured.
Tool belts must be of the quick-release type.
The required PPE must be available for use and employees must know how to use it.
Suitable floating devices must be worn/used, e.g. buoyancy vests or life jackets,
depending on the risk.
Transport at water must be under control of a competent person.
Lighting must be adequate for night work and must illuminate the immediate
surrounding water surface.
Rescue equipment must be easily accessible and properly maintained.

When work is conducted in water which is more than 1.5 metres deep -
Employees working over water on floating or unstable surfaces must wear an approved
personal flotation device;
Employees in boats underway to the work site must wear an approved personal
flotation device; and
Piers, docks, wharves and work sites along developed shorelines must have rescue
devices available within 6 metres of the water/shoreline work area.

The following is checked at the start of each shift:
Rescue boats must be continuously manned by two or more competent employees;
Spotlights must be available; and
All employees must be familiar with emergency drills.

All defects must be reported to the person in charge.

4.4 Dewatering of trenches

To keep trenches free from water where groundwater is encountered during trench
excavation and to ensure the work environment is safe and convenient, consider the
following:
Seepage water from the excavation must be controlled and removed;
Excavation slope erosion must be controlled;
Surface water must be diverted to prevent water from entering trenches;
Storm water drains must be cleaned as part of site cleanup on completion of projects;
and
The temporary dewatering system must be removed after completion of the specified
portion of work.

4.5 Rescue equipment

Before the start of each shift, check all rescue equipment to ensure it is present and is in
good condition:
Life buoys with at least 30 metres of line must be provided and readily available for
emergency rescue operations. The maximum distance between ring buoys must not
exceed 60 metres.
Floating grab lines must be attached to the structure or floating plant at regular
intervals.
Adequate number of employees, trained in the use of rescue equipments and
emergency procedures must be present.

SHANDONG TIEJUN ELECTRIC POWER ENGINEERING COMPANY LIMITED
IL & FS Cuddalore Thermal Power Project


Page 5 of 6
At least one lifesaving boat must be immediately available at locations where
employees are working over or adjacent to water. The life saving boat must be
equipped with necessary rescue equipments as well as first aid kit and with two people
on board.

4.6 Personal protective equipment

Ensure that the following personal protective equipments (PPE) meet the required standards:
Safety harnesses and belts
Safety lines
Safety nets
Life preservers
Personal floatation devices with a whistle and during darkness, proper arrangement of
light should be there.

Apart from the above, the following PPE in accordance with the provisions of the procedure
on Personal Protective Equipment must always be worn:
Hard hats
Footwear - consider the type of footwear to be worn when working over water because
if filled with water, it could be a dead-weight.

4.7 Cofferdams and caissons

The construction, positioning, modification or dismantling of a cofferdam or caisson must
take place only under the immediate supervision of a competent person.

Every cofferdam or caisson must be -
of suitable design (by a qualified engineer), well constructed, made of suitable and
sound material and of adequate strength;
appropriately equipped so that workers can gain shelter or escape in the event of an
inrush of water or material; and
properly maintained.

A cofferdam or caisson is used to carry out construction work only if -
any work equipment and material that affects the safety of cofferdam or caisson has
been inspected by a competent person
o at the start of the shift in which the work is to be carried out, and
o after any event likely to have affected the strength or stability of the cofferdam or
caisson; and
o the person who carried out the inspection is satisfied that the work can be safely
carried out there.

4.7.1 Cofferdams

If overtopping of the cofferdam by high water is possible, then means must be provided
for controlling flooding of the work area.
Warning signals for the evacuation of employees must be in place and employees must
be aware of these warning signals for evacuation in an emergency.
Cofferdam must be provided with at least two means of rapid exit (walkways, bridges,
or ramps) with guard rails installed.
Material lowered into cofferdam must not affect the entrance/exit of employees.

SHANDONG TIEJUN ELECTRIC POWER ENGINEERING COMPANY LIMITED
IL & FS Cuddalore Thermal Power Project


Page 6 of 6
If cofferdams are located close to navigable shipping channels, then, warning devices
that are visible to vessels in transit must be provided.
Pumping equipment must be installed on substantially constructed platforms. Where it
is installed in such a position that employees need to work below the constructed
platforms, toe boards must be installed on the platform.
Pumping from the interior of a cofferdam must be done in such a manner as to exclude
the possibility of water moving through uncured masonry or concrete.

4.7.2 Caissons

No employee is permitted to work below the casing in running or unstable soil.
Each employee who is required to enter a caisson excavation must have a lanyard
attached to a body harness and to the load line (using a screw-pin shackle) of a crane.
All employees must be removed from the caisson when material is being hoisted from
the caisson.
A secondary mechanical means that is capable of removing an employee from the
caisson must be readily available in case the crane performing the caisson work breaks
down.
A person must be stationed at the caisson to constantly monitor and maintain positive
means of communication with employees working in the caisson.
A stairway or, where this is impracticable, a ladder, must be installed for its entire
height with landing platforms to break the climb located not more than 7 metres apart.

5. Analysis and Review

The suitability of prevention and rescue systems must be reviewed at regular intervals as the
project progresses to ensure the continued adequacy of the system.

6. Training

A competent person must supervise, control and inspect work at, over or near water and the
construction, installation/dismantling of caissons/cofferdams. Employees must be trained in
the use of all rescue systems/equipment provided and the emergency procedures.

7. Records

Records of all prevention and rescue system reviews, as well as training records of
employees trained in rescue systems and emergency procedures are retained for the project
duration.