·Waders of suitable length should be
worn. These should have non-slip soles.

·Life jackets should be available.

Site Assessment:

·Prior to the commencement of work,
the site should be inspected and assessed for specific hazards, as set out in
general safety procedures.

Safe System of Work:

·No
person on their own shall work in the river.

·When
working in water of uncertain depth, a depth measuring stick should be used first
to map out the stream bottom.

·Where
water is above waist level, or where the current is strong, only good swimmers
in good health should attempt clearance work, and there must be a specific
observer present on the bank to assist if difficulties are encountered.

·A
rope or lifeline must be within easy reach of co-workers on the bank.

·There
must always be at least one person on the bank who could provide assistance and
raise the alarm in an emergency.This
person must be aware of the Nat Grid ref of the site, and also the location of
the nearest telephone.

·There
must be more than one strong swimmer in the work party.

·No
one working in the river may enter an exclusion zone until the supervisor
indicates that it is safe to do so.

·When
moving debris in co-ordination with other workers, the person in the stream
should give the directions.When more
than one person involved is in the river, the person in the deepest part should
give the directions.No one should move
until all are ready to do so.

·Should
any person swallow river water accidentally, they should contact their doctor
within 24 hours

·Any
injury sustained whilst working in the river should be reported to the safety
supervisor and logged on the record sheet.