Sip019 - Selection and Use of Buoyancy Equipment - Issue 1 - April 2014

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Date: April 2014 Issue: 1

SIP019 – GUIDANCE ON SELECTION AND USEOF BUOYANCY EQUIPMENT IN PORTS

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Health and Safety in Po rts (SIP019) – Guidance on Select ion and Use of Buoyancy Equ ipment

in Ports

Date: April 2014 Issue: 1 Page i

GUIDANCE ON SELECTION AND USE OF

BUOYANCY EQUIPMENT IN PORTSCONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION 1

2. REGULATORY FRAMEWORK AND GUIDANCE 1

3. HEALTH 2

4. RISK ASSESSMENT 2

5. THE RISK OF DROWNING 4

6. LEGAL REQUIREMENTS 5

7. SELECTION OF BUOYANCY EQUIPMENT 6

8. BRITISH AND EUROPEAN STANDARDS 8

9. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT AND OTHER CONSIDERATIONS 8

10. USING AND MAINTAINING BUOYANCY EQUIPMENT 9

11. TRAINING 10

12. PRE-WEAR CHECKS 11

13. STORAGE 11

14. INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE 12

15. SERVICING 12

16. RELEVANT LEGISLATION AND GUIDANCE 13

17. DOCUMENT AUTHORS 14

18. FURTHER INFORMATION 14

Revision / Amendment Log

Document Date Section Changes

Issue 1 6 April 2014 All First issue




in Ports

Date: April 2014 Issue: 1 Page 1 of 14

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 This guidance has been produced by the ports industry with the support of the Health andSafety Executive.

1.2 It is for companies operating in the UK ports industry with responsibility for the safe design,

construction, operation, management and maintenance of ports and terminal facilities and

management of port and terminal activities. It will also be useful to employees and their

representatives.

1.3 Following the guidance is not compulsory and you are free to take other action. But if you

do follow the guidance you will normally be doing enough to comply with the law. Health

and safety inspectors seek to secure compliance with the law and may refer to thisguidance. If the guidance goes beyond compliance then this will be clearly identified.

1.2 This guidance has been developed to cover the selection and use of lifejackets and

buoyancy aids within the ports industry. However, much of the information is generic and

is relevant for both inshore tidal waters as well as non-tidal waters, such as wet docks and

canals. It is therefore anticipated that this guidance may prove useful for any person

whether they are working over water or taking to the water for leisure purposes.

1.3 The term ‘buoyancy equipment’ used in the following text refers to all types of buoyancy

personal protective equipment, including immersion suits, buoyancy aid jackets and

lifejackets. The term does not specifically refer to and must not be confused with reference

to ‘buoyancy aids’ as defined in Section 7.2.

2 REGULATORY FRAMEWORK AND GUIDANCE

2.1 The two principal relevant pieces of law are the Health and Safety at Work etc Act (HSWA)

1974, and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (MHSWR) 1999,

which set out the basic requirements to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the

health, safety and welfare of all involved.

2.2 Port specific legislation includes the Dangerous Substances in Harbour Areas Regulations

(DSHAR) 1987 and the Loading and Unloading of Fishing Vessels Regulations 1988.

2.3 The Docks Regulations 1988 were in force from 1 January 1989 to 6 April 2014. COP25

‘Safety in Docks’ was the accompanying ACOP for DR88, which was replaced by a new

ACOP L148 ‘Safety in Docks’.

The PSS/HSE Safety in Ports guidance suite available from the PSS website at:

http://www.hse.gov.uk/legislation/hswa.htm




http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l21.pdf








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http://www.portskillsandsafety.co.uk/publications/safety_in_ports_guidance is an important

supplement to the new ACOP L148: http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l148.htm

2.5 Reference can also be made to the:

International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) Code of Practice on Safety and Health in

Ports (ILO 152)

http://www.ilo.org/safework/info/standards-and-

instruments/codes/WCMS_107615/lang--en/index.htm

3 HEALTH

3.1 The wide range of activities in ports can give rise to possible health risks such as exposure

to dusty cargoes; back injuries, sprains and strains from lifting and handling/ pushing andpulling; noise and vibration. There is specific legislation including the Control of Substances

Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH), the Noise at Work Regulations and the

Manual Handling Regulations.

3.2 While there is reference to some specific health risks in these guidance documents, it is not

possible to cover all the issues. Further information and guidance on the identification,

assessment and reduction or avoidance of such risks can be found on the HSE website

and

Ports web pages

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health

Noise at Work

Musculoskeletal disorders

Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005

HSE Whole Body Vibration in Ports Information Paper

4 RISK ASSESSMENT

4.1 Risk Assessments must be undertaken in accordance with the Management of Health and

Safety at Work Regulations 1999. The risk assessment must consider the risks – not only

to permanent employees but also to others including non-permanent employees (NPE’s),

ship’s crew passengers and visitors that may be affected by the activity . The appropriate

control measures must be introduced and should consider collective measures ahead of

personal or individual measures.

4.2 Risk assessments must be reviewed regularly and immediately after any incident or when

there are significant changes to the operation. Most accidents and near misses can be

http://www.portskillsandsafety.co.uk/publications/safety_in_ports_guidance


http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l148.htm



http://www.ilo.org/safework/info/standards-and-instruments/codes/WCMS_107615/lang--en/index.htm



http://www.hse.gov.uk/docks/index.htm


http://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/index.htm


http://www.hse.gov.uk/noise/index.htm


http://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/index.htm

http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg175.pdf


http://www.hse.gov.uk/vibration/wbv/ports.pdf

http://www.hse.gov.uk/vibration/wbv/ports.pdf


http://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/index.htm











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avoided if the risks from the work are suitably and sufficiently assessed and appropriate

control methods are adopted.

4.3 The risk assessment should record the significant hazards of the operation together withthe relevant control measures. In port operations risk assessments should take into

account changes such as tidal changes, weather, trim, list, load/cargo and vessel

dynamics.

4.4 Planning and work execution is discussed in HS(G) 177, Managing Health and Safety in

Dockwork: http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/hsg177.htm

4.5 The Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA) applies on board a ship when shore based

workers are engaged in cargo handling* or other tasks on board. The HSWA also applies

to the Master and ship’s crew when working with shore-based personnel on board ship.

Note: *Cargo handling may include, but is not limited to, loading, unloading, stowing,

unstowing, pouring, trimming, classifying, sizing, stacking, unstacking as well as composing

and decomposing unit loads; and also services in relation to cargo or goods such as

tallying, weighing, measuring, cubing, checking, receiving, guarding, delivering, sampling

and sealing, lashing and unlashing.

4.6 Cooperation and coordination between shipside and landside employers is required.

Employers must therefore carry out risk assessments and develop safe systems of work (in

consultation with the workers involved) that all parties agree to, so that the respective

employers can co-operate effectively with each other.

4.7 A signed agreement or an agreed and recorded system of work with the master of each

vessel is recommended - this is not a legal requirement but may help to ensure effective

co-ordination with other parties.

4.8 The regulations made under the HSWA; such as The Management of Health and Safety at

Work Regulations 1999; The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998

and The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, do not apply to a masteror crew of a ship, or any persons employing them, in relation to safe access, plant and

equipment which remain on board the ship and for any undertakings or work which are

carried out on board ship solely by the master and the crew. Instead, the Merchant

Shipping Act 1894 and related Merchant Shipping Regulations impose similar duties on

board ship in UK territorial waters.

4.9 A ship’s master has duties under the HSWA in relation to the ship’s crew who are put

ashore to perform their own tasks (for example loading ship’s stores or carrying out

maintenance work on their ship). Those duties also extend to plant and equipment (for

http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/hsg177.htm






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example a forklift truck) which is under the master’s control that is used ashore by ship’s

crew, or when used by shore based workers ashore or on board ship.

5 RISK OF DROWNING

5.1 According to statistics provided by the UK’s National Water Safety Forum, which collects

data from such organisation as the MCA, RNLI, RoSPA and the emergency services, the

two year period covering 2010 and 2011 involved 792 people losing their lives from being

drowned. This figure includes swimming pools and inland waters. Drowning fatalities from

commercial activities took 10 lives for the same period under the category ‘harbours,

docks, port and marinas’ and 28 losses were recorded under commercial activities ‘at sea’,

covering all UK search and rescue areas. Research has also shown that for every

drowning in the UK, there were three admissions to hospital for water related injuries, or

near drowning, each spending on average 5 days in hospital, (Source BMC; 2006).

5.2 From these statistics it can be concluded that falling into water and becoming injured or

drowned poses a risk for those that work on, or over water. Any person responsible for

such workers (or others) must consider water safety within the overall risk assessment

process and ensure adequate controls are in place

5.3 Drowning can usually be linked to one or more of the following factors:

failure to provide, or properly maintain buoyancy equipment

disregard or misjudgement of a hazard

lack of supervision

inability to cope once a problem arises

the absence of rescuers and rescue equipment

failure to take account of adverse weather or tidal conditions

5.4 Falling unexpectedly, fully clothed into water and trying to swim, or co-operate with

rescuers, is often extremely difficult. When low water temperatures and strong currents

often experienced at ports, harbours and inland waterways are added to the equation, even

strong swimmers may experience problems, particularly if water temperatures are below

10oC, as occurs between October and March in the UK.

5.5 The colder the water temperature, higher is the risk of initial cold shock or of subsequent

incapacity due to decline in core body temperature. A person who succumbs to cold shock

may drown within minutes of initial immersion. Where there is a risk of falling into the water

and drowning, it is essential that a suitable and sufficient risk assessment is undertaken

and where necessary, suitable buoyancy equipment provided.




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6 LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

6.1 The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 places a general duty on employers to

ensure; so far as is reasonably practicable (SFAIRP), the health and safety of employees

and of other persons who may be affected by work activities. As previously mentioned

employers will also have to carry out a risk assessment to identify any foreseeable hazard,

assess the level of risk and identify measures necessary to prevent or adequately control

the risks.

6.2 It is essential when assessing the hierarchy of controls to consider the elimination of the

risk first, so initial consideration must be for collective measures such as enclosure, fencing

or railings and in some circumstances, the use of harnesses and work restraint methods,

ensuring persons cannot physically fall into water. Where a foreseeable risk of drowning

cannot be controlled by these or similar means SFAIRP, suitable buoyancy equipment

should be provided and worn. The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations

1992 (as amended), detail general responsibilities concerning selecting, using and

maintaining buoyancy equipment and guidance on these Regulations is provided in the

HSE publication L25, Personal protective equipment at work - guidance on regulations

6.3 Self-employed persons will also be expected to provide and wear suitable buoyancy

equipment, when required. Co-operation between different employers and/or the self-

employed is essential where the risk is shared. For example, contractors engaged to repaira link-span where the work involves a risk of falling into the water and drowning, must be

notified of the risk and the need to provide to their employees and for them to wear suitable

buoyancy equipment. Depending on the circumstances, a rescue boat may also be

required.

6.4 CE Marking has been required since 1 July 1995 and buoyancy equipment has been

required to be ‘CE’ marked in accordance with the requirements of the amended Personal

Protective Equipment (EC Directive) Regulations 1992. The CE mark signifies that the

equipment satisfies the safety requirements of these Regulations. In most cases buoyancyequipment that is CE marked will be made to one of a series of harmonised European

Standards entitled ‘Life jackets and personal buoyancy aids’.

6.5 It has been illegal for manufacturers since 1 July 1995 to place any item of buoyancy

equipment on the market that does not carry the CE mark. Non-CE-marked buoyancy

equipment manufactured before 1 July 1995 that has been in regular use is now most likely

to have come to the end of its useful service life and it is advisable to replace it with CE

compliant equipment.




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7 SELECTION OF BUOYANCY EQUIPMENT

7.1 When selecting buoyancy equipment, consideration should be given to a number of factors

such as frequency of use, size/weight of the wearer, ability to swim, general clothing and

protective clothing in case of foul weather, use of tool belts or other loads, likely

weather/water conditions at site and availability, height of fall and expediency of rescue.

There are two distinct levels of buoyancy equipment; the buoyancy aid and the lifejacket

7.2 Buoyancy Aids

The primary aims in wearing a buoyancy aid are:

to support the wearer in reasonable safety in the water provided that he is able to

help himself and is a proficient swimmer

to enable the wearer to propel himself in the water without it being an encumbrance

to support the wearer, enabling his efforts to be expended in recovery, rather than in

remaining afloat

Buoyancy aids will provide support to the conscious person who is able to swim and to help

themselves in calm waters and generally non-fast flowing waters and in situations where

help is close at hand.

Buoyancy aids should only be used in situations where there is little risk of the wearer

being unconscious or suffering from serious physical injury.

The reason for preferring a buoyancy aid in such circumstances should be that the added

bulk of a lifejacket would restrict or impede the activity to be undertaken and create added

risks.

7.3 Lifejackets

The primary aims of wearing a lifejacket are:

to support the wearer in reasonable safety in the water, particularly if that person is

unable to swim, is exhausted, injured, unconscious or otherwise incapacitated.

Such lifejackets will turn the body to ensure the head is out of the water. In the case

of automatically operated lifejackets, to perform in this way without any intervention

on the part of the wearer, except in initially donning the lifejacket

to enable the wearer to propel himself in the water without it being an encumbrance

to support the wearer, enabling his efforts to be expended in recovery rather than in

remaining afloat

to assist the recovery of the wearer




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7.4 General Considerations in Selection

Careful consideration should be given to a number of risk factors relating to the activity and

those who will be required to wear buoyancy equipment. However, it is important toremember that buoyancy aids are considerably inferior to lifejackets and will only provide

support to the conscious person who is capable of swimming in situations where help is

close to hand. However, the reason for selecting a buoyancy aid (which tend to be thinner

garments), in certain circumstances might be that the added bulk of a flotation type

lifejacket would restrict or impede the activity to be undertaken, or an inflating lifejacket

may conflict with other essential PPE or activities to create higher mortal risks

7.5 Automatic inflated lifejackets are suitable for those likely to fall into the water unexpectedly,

or from height, whereas manually inflated lifejackets should only be used for those activitieswhere it is certain that the wearer will have enough time and will be capable of activating

the jacket on entering the water. Lifejackets in general will support the wearer over and

above a buoyancy aid, particularly if that person is unable to swim, is exhausted, injured,

unconscious, or otherwise incapacitated.

Note, that if falling or jumping from a height and unless supported by the user, some

buoyancy aids and lifejackets that rely on flotation material, can project sharply

upwards on impact with the water and cause injury or unconsciousness.

Also that too much buoyancy may hinder escape in some circumstances, for

example, from an upturned craft.

It is also recommended that automatic self inflating lifejackets activated by water reacting

bobbins are not worn in high speed craft, or elsewhere, where soaking is frequent.

7.6 Where a person is likely to fall or jump from height; or may have to evacuate a high

structure; or where rough seas and strong currents might be encountered and in particular

if rescue is not likely to be imminent, then it is recommended that a crotch strap is included

in the lifejackets specification and worn. Where such a strap is not fitted or used the

lifejacket, either on impact with water, or during sea swell, it will rise up the torso and may

turn the wearer over, face down. Where a lifejacket has ridden up, the wearer will also

struggle to maintain their head out of the water and will become exhausted much quicker.

If rough seas are expected, then consideration must also be given to the fitting of splash

hoods. See the Maritime Coastguard Agency link ‘Lifejackets Save Lives’ in ‘Other Web

References’ at the end of this document.

7.7 The final decision on the design and level of buoyancy equipment needed in any given

environment and the activities concerned will depend on the result of a suitable risk

assessment.




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8 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN STANDARDS

8.1 Combined British and European Standards (BS ENs) exist for both buoyancy aids and

lifejackets. Each Standard is intended to be suitable for different activities in various risk

situations. Equipment needs to be selected from the appropriate standard, taking into

account the factors mentioned in this document.

8.2 The Standards include;

BS EN 12402-5:2006+A1:2010 Lifejackets and personal buoyancy aids: Buoyancy

aid:50N. (Replaces BS EN 393 - 1994)

These have a buoyancy of no less than 50 Newtons for the average adult and are

intended for use in sheltered waters when help is close at hand, the user is aswimmer and in circumstances where more bulky or buoyant devices would impair

the user’s activity or actually endanger them.

BS EN 12402-4:2006+A1:2010 Lifejackets and personal buoyancy aids:

Lifejackets:100N. (Replaces BS EN 395 – 1995)


intended for use in relatively sheltered waters when normal clothing is being worn.


Lifejacket:150N. (Replaces BS EN 396 - 1994)


intended for use in tidal waters or when foul weather clothing is being used.


Lifejacket:275N. (Replaces BS EN 399 - 1994)


intended for use in tidal waters in extreme conditions, when heavy protective

clothing is being worn or loads such as tool belts are being carried.

BS EN 12402-8:2006+A1:2011 Lifejackets and personal buoyancy aids: Additional

items. (Replaces BS EN 394:1994)

This standard deals with the emergency lights, safety harnesses, protective covers

etc. When deciding on the design of buoyancy equipment to be used, you need to

consider whether to provide extra items

9 PPE AND OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

9.1 The guidance refers to the use of immersion suits that reduce the risk of cold shock and

delay the onset of hypothermia, therefore providing extended survival time in the water.




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They also make it easier to propel and get the wearer out of the water and where bright

coloured suits are chosen, make the wearer easier to find to aid recovery. Suits may be

already insulated, or insulation may be provided by an inflatable liner. Un-insulated suits

may be provided with a removable inner garment, or may require that specified clothing be

worn to provide sufficient insulation to achieve expected survival times

9.2 When selecting equipment careful consideration should be given to a number of factors

relating to the activity and those who will be required to wear it. However, it is important to

remember that buoyancy aids are considerably inferior to lifejackets and will only provide

support to the conscious person who is capable of swimming in situations where help is

close to hand. The reason for selecting a buoyancy aid in such circumstances could be

that the added bulk of a lifejacket would restrict or impede the activity to be undertaken, or

may conflict with other essential PPE to create additional risks. Alternatively, lifejackets willsupport the wearer, particularly if that person is unable to swim, is exhausted, injured,

unconscious or otherwise incapacitated

9.3 Automatic inflated lifejackets are suitable for those likely to fall into the water unexpectedly,

whereas manually inflated lifejackets should only be used for those activities where it is

certain that the wearer will have enough time and is capable of activating the jacket on

entering the water

if falling or jumping from a height and unless supported by the user, some buoyancy

aids and lifejackets that rely on flotation material, can project sharply upwards onimpact with the water and cause injury or in some circumstances unconsciousness

too much buoyancy may hinder escape in some circumstances, for example, from

an upturned craft

it is recommended that automatic self inflating lifejackets activated by water reacting

bobbins are not worn in fully enclosed high speed craft

9.4 Where workers wear buoyancy equipment regularly and frequently, it is advisable to issue

such equipment on a personal issue basis.

9.5 The final decision on the type of buoyancy equipment needed for any given activity will

depend on the result of a suitable risk assessment and this should only be made after

consultation with the supplier or manufacturer and their product information sheets

10 USING AND MAINTAINING BUOYANCY EQUIPMENT

10.1 Clear policy and procedures need to be in place on the use, inspection, maintenance and

storage of automatically inflated lifejackets and equipment. This policy also needs to

address the training needs of lifejacket users. The manufacturer’s maintenance




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procedures should be followed.

10.2 The lowest requirements are on equipment relying totally on permanently buoyant flotation

material, as this will only entail regular visual checks to ensure the integrity of the outercover, buoyancy material and fastenings, such as zips and buckles. Securing straps should

be inspected for any tears, fraying or knots that may weaken the strap. In the case of

metal buckles, corrosion and plastic buckles, splits, fractures or distortion. The outer cover

should be examined for tears, burns or chemical contamination.

10.3 Manual or automatic CO2 gas inflation equipment requires a higher level of inspection and

maintenance. Damage to the inflation chamber(s), inflation mechanism or gas cylinder

could result in total failure to provide buoyancy.

10.4 Managing Identification and Wearing of equipment

Employers have a duty to ensure equipment is identified and worn properly. Clear

procedures need to be in place on the use, inspection, maintenance, storage of

automatically inflated lifejackets and the training needs of lifejacket users and their

supervisors.

10.5 Individuals allocated with their own equipment and having been adequately trained, may be

responsible for carrying out pre-wear checks and reporting defects accordingly via

management system procedures. This will help ensure correct inflation of the lifejackets isnot jeopardised by the carelessness of others. Depending on the circumstances, it may be

appropriate for periodic and spot check inspections to be carried out and documented by a

suitable person other than the user, e.g. the supervisor. In either case, the person carrying

out the periodic and spot check inspections will need to be suitably trained and competent.

Spot checks are of the ways in which management can enforce its policy on equipment and

ensure use, inspection and servicing is as required.

11 TRAINING

11.1 A clear policy addressing the training needs of lifejacket users, needs to be in place. Allworkers who use buoyancy equipment need to be trained and competent in their care and

use, including pre-wear checks and inspection procedures where appropriate. The type

and amount of training provided will depend on the risk and the type of buoyancy

equipment used. For those who are regularly exposed to working on, or next to tidal or

coastal water where rescue may not be immediate, offshore training centres offer one-day

sea survival training courses. However, general training for users of lifejackets which

inflate automatically may cover as a minimum:




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an explanation of the risks present and the need for lifejackets

operation, performance and limitations of the equipment provided

instruction and practice on the selection, pre-wear checks, inspection, use (includingcorrect wearing) and storage of the lifejackets including use of the manual override

lever and oral inflation tube

factors which can affect the correct operation of the lifejacket such as the working

conditions, inadequate fitting, defects, damage and wear etc. (recognising defects in

lifejackets and arrangements for reporting loss or damage)

refresher training may need to be given, e.g. if a new type of lifejacket or automatic

inflation mechanism is introduced

12 PRE-WEAR CHECKS

12.1 A pre-wear check needs to be carried out each day the lifejacket is used. This should be

carried out in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions and will normally include visual

checks to ensure:

the firing mechanism has not been activated

the automatic firing capsule and gas cylinder are correctly screwed into place

there are no signs of corrosion, cracks or dents in gas cylinder or firing capsule

unwanted movement within the firing mechanism (‘creepage’) has not occurred.

Some automatic inflation mechanisms have indicators to show when compression in

the spring has been lost. Examination of the piston or other visible component may

also show whether ‘creepage’ has happened

the whistle (and light where fitted) is in position

the oral inflation tube is capped

the straps and main body of the jacket are not worn or damaged

the jacket is correctly packed in accordance with the manufacturer ’s instructions

(ensuring that any Velcro is correctly fastened and the manual inflation

lanyard/toggle is accessible)

13 STORAGE

13.1 Exposure to damp, humid conditions could lead to deterioration in the automatic inflation

mechanism known as ‘creepage’. This has the potential to lead to failure of the pin to

pierce the CO2 gas cylinder.




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13.2 Lifejackets need to be stored in suitable dry conditions. The following advice should be

followed when storing lifejackets:

do not hang lifejackets up with wet immersion suits or other damp clothing

if the lifejacket is wet, unpack it and leave it to dry out on a hanger

do not store lifejackets close to or directly above heat sources

do not store lifejackets upside down, this is to prevent water getting in to the

automatic inflation mechanism

make sure there is enough space around the lifejacket, when it is stored, to allow the

air to circulate

14 INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE

14.1 As well as pre-wear checks, a more thorough inspection and testing programme needs to

be carried out in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions. Where lifejackets are worn

frequently, the periods between inspections may need to be shorter than the quarterly

inspection recommended by some manufacturers. For example, where lifejackets are used

daily in a hostile environment, monthly inspections may be necessary.

14.2 Inspection and testing which may be performed in-house, needs to be carried out by those

trained and competent in recognising defects in the lifejackets and the remedial action to

be taken. Records need to be kept of all inspections and corrective actions made.

14.3 Testing the air tightness of the lifejacket will involve orally inflating the lifejacket and leaving

it overnight (or submerging it in water) to check for leaks. The automatic inflation

mechanism will need to be dismantled to make a detailed examination of its condition. In

all circumstances the manufacturer’s instructions must be followed when carrying out all

inspections and testing.

15 SERVICING

15.1 In addition to the pre - wear checks, inflation test and inspections, manufacturers will

recommend lifejackets are fully serviced biennially, either by themselves or appointed

service agents. However, where lifejackets are used frequently, then a more frequent

service may be needed

15.2 Where lifejackets rely on bobbins and gas cartridges to activate the inflation chambers, it is

advisable that the manufacturer, or their recommended service agent, service these

annually

15.3 If any defects are found with either the gas cylinder or the automatic inflation mechanism,




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these parts must be replaced. If the lifejacket is in need of repair, it should be returned to

the manufacturer. Repairs should only be carried out by those approved by the

manufacturer

16 RELEVANT LEGISLATION AND GUIDANCE

Health and Safety Executive publications

Health and safety made simple – The basics for your business INDG449, Printed

2011 (Replaces INDG259) http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg449.pdf

Guidance on controlling risks from specific topics can be found in ‘The health and

safety toolbox: How to control risks at work.’

http://www.hse.gov.uk/toolbox/index.htm

‘Managing for Health and Safety’ HSG65 -

http://www.hse.gov.uk/managing/index.htm

Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992(As Amended) - Guidance

on the Regulations L25, ISBN 978 0 7176 6139 8

http://books.hse.gov.uk/hse/public/saleproduct.jsf?catalogueCode=9780717661398

Personal buoyancy equipment on inland and inshore waters - HSE Agricultural

Sheet No 1 (revised 2011) http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/ais1.pdf

HSE; 1996 – Offshore Technical Report, OTO 95 038 – 1996www.hse.gov.uk/research/otopdf/1995/oto95038.pdf

British Standards Institution publications

British Standards Institution BS EN 12402 parts 1-10.

http://www.bsigroup.co.uk/

British, European and ISO Standards are available from the British Standards

Institution, Customer Services Department, 389 Chiswick High Road, London W4

4AL, Tel: 0181 996 7000, Fax: 0181 996 7001

Other Web References

RoSPA 2005 - Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents

http://www.rospa.com/default.aspx

BMC 2006 - Bio Medical Central

http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2458/6/210

List of life saving appliance manufactures and their UK representatives or agents (as









http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/ais1.pdf


http://www.hse.gov.uk/research/otopdf/1995/oto95038.pdf




















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D t A il 2014 I 1 P 14 f 14

at November 2009) can be found at

http://www.dft.gov.uk/mca/mcga07-

home/shipsandcargoes/ssb_lif_sav_appliance_serv_stations/ssb_mgn_274_app2.htm ‘Life Jackets Save Lives’, Maritime and Coastguard Agency

http://www.dft.gov.uk/mca/mcga07-

home/leisurenandtheseaside/coastalsafety/lifejackets.htm

‘Caring after your lifejacket’ – Royal National Lifeboat Institute

http://www.itchenorsc.co.uk/pdf_files/Caring%20for%20your%20Lifejacket%20RLNI.pd

f

National Water Safety Forumhttp://www.nationalwatersafety.org.uk/

DOCUMENT AUTHORS

This guidance document has been produced by Port Skills and Safety with assistance of the Health

and Safety Executive and representatives of the UK ports industry.

FURTHER INFORMATION

For further information please contact:

Port Skills and Safety, 1st Floor, 30 Park Street, London SE1 9EQ

Tel: 020 7260 1790 Fax: 020 3598 1733 Email: [email protected]

COPYRIGHT

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v2.0.

Crown copyright applies to the whole of this publication. The content may be used by third-parties in

accordance with the terms of the Open Government Licence. None of the content may, without

HSE’s express agreement, be given to third-parties for use outside the terms of the Open

Government Licence. http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/2/

http://www.dft.gov.uk/mca/mcga07-home/shipsandcargoes/ssb_lif_sav_appliance_serv_stations/ssb_mgn_274_app2.htm



http://www.dft.gov.uk/mca/mcga07-home/leisurenandtheseaside/coastalsafety/lifejackets.htm



http://www.itchenorsc.co.uk/pdf_files/Caring%20for%20your%20Lifejacket%20RLNI.pdf



http://www.nationalwatersafety.org.uk/


mailto:[email protected]



http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/2/











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