Prepare and operate water-borne plant

"This standard covers the preparation and operation of water-borne plant. It applies to the use of water-borne plant for maintenance activities in the water environment.
When working with power tools or machinery you must be trained and hold the current certification, where required, in line with the relevant legislation.
You must carry out your work in a way that takes account of its impact on the environment.
The standard is for river, coastal and waterways workers who are using water- borne plant."

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1. assess the risks associated with the site and the required activity
2. wear suitable clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE)
3. confirm that you have any necessary permissions, consents or specific licences to operate the water-borne plant and carry out the required activity
4. select the relevant water-borne plant in accordance with work requirements
5. prepare the water-borne plant by carrying out pre-use checks and adjustments, in accordance with the relevant legislation, instructions and specifications
6. confirm that the water-borne plant is stable, securely moored and ready for use
7. confirm that faults are identified, rectified and recorded, or referred to the relevant person
8. use the correct warning signals prior to operating the water-borne plant and during use
9. operate water-borne plant safely to carry out the required activities in accordance with instructions and specifications
10. carry out your work out in accordance with the relevant national legislation, local regulations, guidance, codes of practice and policies of your organisation
11. maintain communication with colleagues and others involved in, or affected by, your work
12. carry out your work in accordance with the relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, risk assessment requirements, codes of practice and policies of your organisation
13. recognise circumstances that may impact on the activity and take the required action
14. conduct all movements of the water-borne plant safely and in accordance with the type of plant and the activity being carried out
15. maintain the stability of the water-borne plant correctly
16. modify operations to take into account weather, water conditions, other water users and wildlife habitats
17. optimise the consumption of fuel and lubricants when handling and using the water-borne plant
18. maintain biosecurity when using water-borne plant
19. stop and isolate the water-borne plant on completion of the activity and leave it safe, secure and in the correct condition for future use
20. complete records as required by the relevant legislation and your organisation"

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1. how to identify hazards and assess risks
2. the type of clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) suitable for the activity
3. the types of water-borne plant and their use
4. the importance of having the relevant permissions, consents or licenses to operate the water-borne plant and carry out the required activity
5. the relevant legal requirements and manufacturers' specifications for the preparation and use of water-borne plant
6. how to moor the water-borne plant in relation to the required work activity
7. the faults that may occur and how these may be rectified
8. how and why to use warning signals during operation of the water-borne plant
9. the instructions and specifications for using water-borne plant for carrying out the required work activities
10. the implications of the relevant national legislation, local regulations, guidance, codes of practice and policies of your organisation for your work
11. the importance of maintaining communication with those involved in, or affected by, your work and how this should be done
12. your responsibilities under the relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, risk assessment requirements, codes of practice and policies of your organisation
13. the circumstances that may impact on the activity and the action that should be taken
14. the limits of your responsibility in relation to unforeseen circumstances that may be encountered
15. how to maintain the stability of the water-borne plant
16. the ways in which operations must be modified to take into account weather, water conditions, other water users and wildlife habitats
17. the efficient use of the water-borne plant
18. the importance of maintaining biosecurity when using water-borne plant and the methods for achieving this
19. the condition in which the water-borne plant should be left after use
20. the legal requirements and those of your organisation for the completion and storage of records"

"Activities which could be carried out by water-borne plant:
* dredging
* lifting
* removal of obstructions
* transporting materials
Circumstances that may impact on the activity:
* safety hazards
* overhead and underground services
* changes in water flow
* failed moorings
* plant breakdowns
* wildlife habitats
* weather
* other water users
Ensuring the plant is ready for use:
* routine maintenance
* safety checks
* refuelling and lubrication
Warning signals:
* sounds
* lights
Water-borne plant:
* barge-mounted
* platform-mounted"