| Activity | Risk | Likelihood | Consequence | Initial Risk rating | Risk Controls | Likelihood | Consequence | Residual risk rating |
| Barge access and general operations | Person overboard | likely | high | extreme | - Appropriate height guardrails
- Use of AMSA compliant gangway
- Crew to wear a lifejacket
- Stand by rescue vessel
- Person overboard alert system
- Wear appropriate footwear and clothing
- Monitor weather
- Communication means to raise the alarm
- Regularly practice person overboard procedure
- Lifebuoys in easily accessible location
- Ladder installed on barge
- Means to recover person overboard
| unlikely | medium | moderate |
| Carriage of deck cargo and machinery | Structural failure of vessel; overloading and loss of stability flooding; capsize | likely | catastrophic | extreme | - Don’t exceed maximum load freeboard marks
- Don’t exceed maximum deck loading limits.
- Use dunnage for concentrated deck loads
- Use fit for purpose attachment points to secure deck cargo and large machinery.
- Load to ensure even heel and trim. Always load according to stability assessment.
- Regularly inspect and maintain deck plating and supporting structures.
- Ensure all hatches/openings are closed
- Regularly check bilges and remove any water
| rare | high | moderate |
| Use of crane/lifting appliances | Loss of stability; crane failure | likely | catastrophic | extreme | - Up to date stability assessment by accredited marine surveyor
- Use a marine specific crane
- Ensure working load limits are not exceeded
- Regular maintenance according to manufactures instructions
- Inspection according to WHS regulations
- Appropriate crane operator qualifications
- Standard operating procedure for safe use of crane
- Use of a spotter
- Regularly check bilges and remove water
- Ensure vessel is loaded/unloaded according to stability assessment
- Emergency stop button for crane
| rare | high | moderate |
| Use of crane/lifting appliances | Falling objects | possible | high | extreme | - Perform the task from land where practicable
- Never lift or move suspended loads over people
- Ensure crane is secured to the barge
- Ensure an appropriate exclusion zone around the load to be lifted
- Select appropriate slinging methods and lifting gear
- Standard operating procedure for safe use of crane including communication between crew and plant operator
- Use of qualified plant operators and riggers/doggers
- Regular maintenance according to manufactures instructions, including all lifting slings and equipment
- Consider the weather conditions and swell or wake from passing vessels
- Wear appropriate PPE such as head, eye, foot and hand protection
-
| rare | high | moderate |
| Carriage of dangerous goods | Explosion, environmental pollution | possible | catastrophic | extreme | - Adhere to state regulations for storage and separation of dangerous goods
- Store engine fuel tanks and compressed gas tanks properly, away from sources of ignition
- Only keep onboard quantities of flammable and combustible materials necessary for operations and maintenance.
- Post appropriate danger signs
- Appropriate and serviced fire fighting equipment
- Carry spill kits
| rare | high | moderate |
| Refuelling equipment | Fuel spill, explosion | possible | high | extreme | - Re-fuel on land if possible
- Re-fuelling procedure
- Carry fuel spill kit and emergency plan for fuel spill.
- No hot work or smoking on whilst re-fuelling occurs
| rare | medium | moderate |
| Confined space entry | Loss of consciousness Suffocation Fire/explosion | possible | high | extreme | - Follow Safe Work Australia confined spaces code of practice including forced air ventilation, testing of atmosphere, use of gas monitor, use of a sentry.
- Undertake confined space entry training
- Implement a confined space entry permit system
- Identify and label all confined spaces
- Have an emergency rescue recovery plan
| rare | medium | moderate |
| Towing | Loss of stability of towed barge, capsize Environment spill | possible | high | extreme | - Remove any deck loads that aren’t required.
- Remove all fuel and other potential contaminants prior to tow
- Ensure all deck loads are properly secured and located appropriately for stability assessment.
- Consider effect of free surface effect for any liquids carried on board
- Close all hatches and empty bilges before tow
- Monitor weather
- Carry a spill kit
| unlikely | medium | moderate |
| Towing | Collision | possible | medium | high | - Assess the weather
- Passage plan taking identifying waterways hazards, local traffic and wind and tide conditions
- Use appropriate COLREG day shapes and navigation lights
- Always maintain proper lookout
- Good local knowledge
- Use AIS transponder
| rare | minor | low |
| Towing | Loss of control of towed barge/breakage of tow line | Likely | medium | high | - Use appropriate towage arrangements
- Know bollard pull requirements
- Use appropriately rated tow lines and inspect regularly
- Check weather forecast and complete a passage plan
- Ensure the towing vessel is appropriate for the tow and has approvals to conduct towing operations.
- Ensure clear line of line and communication between master and crew
- Ensure appropriately qualified crew on the towing vessel
- Have an emergency towing arrangement plan
| rare | minor | low |
| Use of plant and machinery | Fire | possible | medium | high | - Daily visual check of all fuel/hydraulic pipes
- Proper storage of fuel
- Separate storage of flammable materials and oily rags
- No smoking policy on board
- Remote shut offs for fuel and ventilation systems
- Serviced fire equipment including deck hoses, fire pumps
- Portable fire extinguishers, fire blankets and fire buckets
- Practice emergency fire plan regularly
| rare | minor | low |
Barge access and general operations | Trips, falls | likely | medium | high | - Slip resistant deck surface
- Tidy workplace with clear access and pathways
- Suitable footwear
- Safe system for collecting, storing and disposing of excess and waste materials
- First aid qualifications and first aid kit
| unlikely | minor | low |
| Breaking loose while moored | Collision, pollution | possible | medium | high | - Use high strength lines and appropriate rated mooring equipment
- Regularly check mooring arrangements
- Monitor weather forecast and risk of flooding or tidal surges
- Utilise anchor drag alarm technology
- Maintain a watch during high-risk events
| rare | medium | moderate |
