Examples of some risks for construction barge operations
- The below is an example risk assessment which outlines some risks associated with construction barge operations. The risk assessment for your construction barge needs to consider the particulars of the barge, the operations the barge is undertaking, and the risks associated with those operations which may differ to the examples below.
- Procedures should be developed for key onboard operations to address risks identified and pre work briefing ‘toolbox talks’ held so everyone understands the risks involved and how to maintain safety.
- Refer to Risk Management in the National System – A Practical Guide for further information on how to undertake a risk assessment.
Activity |
Risk |
Likelihood |
Consequence |
Initial Risk rating |
Risk Controls |
Likelihood |
Consequence |
Residual risk rating |
Barge access and general operations |
Person overboard |
likely |
high |
extreme |
|
unlikely |
medium |
moderate |
Carriage of deck cargo and machinery |
Structural failure of vessel; overloading and loss of stability flooding; capsize |
likely |
catastrophic |
extreme |
|
rare |
high |
moderate |
Use of crane/lifting appliances |
Loss of stability; crane failure |
likely |
catastrophic |
extreme |
|
rare |
high |
moderate |
Use of crane/lifting appliances |
Falling objects |
possible |
high |
extreme |
|
rare |
high |
moderate |
Carriage of dangerous goods |
Explosion, environmental pollution |
possible |
catastrophic |
extreme |
|
rare |
high |
moderate |
Refuelling equipment |
Fuel spill, explosion |
possible |
high |
extreme |
|
rare |
medium |
moderate |
Confined space entry |
Loss of consciousness Suffocation Fire/explosion |
possible |
high |
extreme |
|
rare |
medium |
moderate |
Towing |
Loss of stability of towed barge, capsize Environment spill |
possible |
high |
extreme |
|
unlikely |
medium |
moderate |
Towing |
Collision
|
possible |
medium |
high |
|
rare |
minor |
low |
Towing |
Loss of control of towed barge/breakage of tow line |
Likely |
medium |
high |
|
rare |
minor |
low |
Use of plant and machinery |
Fire |
possible |
medium |
high |
|
rare |
minor |
low |
Barge access and general operations
|
Trips, falls |
likely |
medium |
high |
|
unlikely |
minor |
low |
Breaking loose while moored |
Collision, pollution |
possible |
medium |
high |
|
rare |
medium |
moderate |