Safe Practices to Prevent Falls Overboard
Policies/Practices (Continued)
- Never walk or stand on the outboard gunwale (gunnel) when barges are coming together. When barges are coming together, the gap closes, surfaces shift, and there is a high risk of being crushed or thrown off. Standing on the gunwale at that moment is extremely hazardous.
- Notify the pilothouse any time someone goes on the tow. Ensures watchkeeping and communication are continuous and no one ends up on the deck unaccounted for.
- Never jump to or from moving equipment. Jumping onto or off moving equipment increases the chance of losing balance and falling into the water. Safe boarding/disembarking requires stationary surfaces.
- Shuffle your feet when handling line on deck. Stepping in a line bight or tripping while moving can cause a fall; shuffling reduces the chance of catching your foot or slipping on deck under motion.
- Attempt to stand on the inboard side of the barge/boat when loosening or tightening rigging or line. Standing inboard reduces exposure to the water and gives safer footing, lowering the risk of being pulled overboard by a sudden movement.
- Never walk backwards when on the boat or tow. Walking backwards limits visibility of your path and footing; on a moving deck this increases the risk of misstep or falling overboard.
- If a task requires two people, never attempt to perform the task alone. Having two people ensures one can monitor the other, assist if needed, and alert others if something goes wrong. Solo attempts increase risk of falls and delayed rescue.
- Face the water or outboard when working. Facing the water or outboard when working (line handling, washing down, etc.) gives better awareness of the surroundings and any motion or hazards. It helps maintain balance and respond to sudden movements.
- Always step over rigging; never step on it. Stepping on rigging can cause it to shift or collapse, sending a person off balance and overboard. Stepping over rigging keeps it out of the path of foot traffic and safer.
- Face a ladder when climbing up or down. Facing a ladder gives the climber full visibility of each step and better use of handholds. This reduces the chance of slipping and falling overboard.
- Face a ladder when climbing up or down. Facing a ladder gives the climber full visibility of each step and better use of handholds. This reduces the chance of slipping and falling overboard.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
3-5. What is the proper way to move while handling line on deck?
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