Dry Docking Operation

CUSTOMER GUIDELINES

Our dry dock at Stone may be hired by boaters to carry out repairs or maintenance to the craft. All of these facilities are classed as workplaces, which mean you should take care to minimize the effect on yourself and or others.

This guidance aims to help you make the best use of our facilities minimizing the risk of accidents whilst using the dock. It covers general issues that maybe encountered and procedures to help you minimize the risk. The contents are general guidance only it may not cover all activities or problems that the hirer may encounter, only an overview to assist planning.

PLEASE REMEMBER IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF EVERY INDIVIDUAL CARRYING OUT WORK IN THE DRY DOCK TO ASSESS THE RISK ASSOCIATED WITH THEIR ACTIVITIES. AS A HIRER OF THIS DOCK IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO CARRY OUT RISK ASSESSMENTS AND THAT YOU MAKE SURE THE NESSASRY PROCAUTIONS ARE IN PLACE TO COVER YOUR ACTIVITIES.

YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE WORK PLACE

To reduce the risk to young people you should not allow children less than 16 years to enter whilst work is taking place.

BEFORE STARTING WORK

Please provide us with details of the work you plan to carry out. In particular, work activities that include grit blasting, removal/application of certain paint systems, cutting/welding etc.

INSURANCE

It is the responsibility of all contractors to ensure they have sufficient insurance cover. We also strongly advise that owners carrying out works should hold adequate insurance for their works and any possible third party claims.

NO GENERATORS OR PETROL TO BE STORED ON BOARD!

GENERAL POINTS ON WORKPLACE SAFETY

HEALTH AND HYGIENE

To protect yourself and others keep your workplace as clean and tidy as practically possible. Make sure you know what the fire drill is. Use barrier creams before starting work and make sure you have access to clean water.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (P.P.E.)
Make sure you identify and use the correct PPE for the task you are about to undertake. Remember you are not only protecting yourself but you must also make provision to protect anyone in the area who may be affected by your actions.

HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES

Should be kept in their original containers and clearly marked. Ensure you read the label and understand all the instructions and adhere to them. E.g. antifouling and gel coat residue are hazardous wastes and must be used and disposed of correctly.

MANUAL HANDLING

Carries high risks so before lifting anything consider:-
• Using mechanical lifting aids.
• If possible reduce the size of the load.
• Do the lift within your limits.
• Always plan the lift.
• Get some help if available
• Remember to lift correctly – bend knees and keep back straight.

SLIPS, TIPS AND FALLS

The most common accident in the workplace
To minimize this consider:-
Weather conditions
• Uneven surfaces
• Trailing leads and cables
• Wearing flat nonslip shoes
• Floor surface – wet, dusty, muddy or sloping
• Changes in floor levels
• Obstructions
• Poor lighting
• Fixtures and fittings
To minimize any identified potential hazards always maintain good housekeeping.

WORKING ALONE

If you’re working alone consider:-
• Does anyone know you are working alone in case of an accident/emergency.
• Have you set up an emergency procedure.
• Does this work pose an increased risk to you when working alone e.g. welding/cutting with associated flying debris/fumes etc.

SHARED WORKING AREAS

Please ensure that you activities do not affect anyone working near you

PLEASE REPORT ANY ACCIDENTS TO THE OFFICE

GENERAL PROCEDURES FOR DRY DOCK USE

Familiarize yourself with the workplace area access and egress points – dock side edges – any emergency procedures in place. Only use the designated access points. When working at height of over 2 meters (6’6”) suitable scaffolding/platform/decking should be provided by yourselves, if not possible consider the use of a harness. NOISE – always use wherever possible less noisy (max 85 d.b.) equipment and select the correct P.P.E.

USE OF LADDERS

When using ladders to gain access to you boat or dockside then please remember:-
• Secure them in place
• Lean them at an angle to 4 to 1 or 75 degrees
• They must be in good condition
• Extent a minimum of 1 meter above the dock/boat side

FIRE PRECAUTIONS

The dry docks are considered to be confined spaces and being below ground level may contain noxious fumes or flammable gasses and oxygen deficiency.

Take great care when storing flammable gases and liquids and any other combustible materials. Remember where flammable vapors exist, electrical equipment including battery operated tools could ignite the vapor.

Remove all flammable waste at the end of each working shift.

Use the minimum quantities possible during each operation.

If a fire does start, raise the alarm – evacuate the dock – ring the emergency services providing them with the location (CANAL CRUISING, CROWN STREET, STONE, ST15 8QN) and a description of the fire and any other relevant information.

DO NOT RE-ENTER THE DOCK AREA UNTIL TOLD ITS SAFE TO DO SO!

TOOLS AND EQUIPEMNT

Dock areas have special hazards such as damp atmospheres and wet surfaces. All tools and equipment should be carefully selected to suit the tasks and surroundings that they are to be used in. Always check the condition of the equipment prior to use.

To minimize the risk to users we recommend all electrical equipment is 110 volt only and accordingly power sockets to suit are provided. The use of 110 volt instead of 240 volt equipment will effectively remove the risk of death and reduce the degree of electrical injuries. If the 240 volt equipment is used consider using and trip device (RCD unit)

If you intend to use any specialist equipment (air, electrical or hydraulic) please speak to our representatives on the site.

WELDING AND CUTTING

Two of the most hazardous operations carried out in dry docks and should only be done by qualified, experienced and competent staff.

You will require permission from us to perform any of this type of work.

WE REALISE THAT YOU WILL OT BE ABLE TO RECOGNISE ALL THE RISKS INVOLVED IN THE SAFE USE OF DRY DOCKS, IF YOU ARE UNSURE YOU ARE WELCOME TO ASK US FOR ADVICE. THANK YOU.