Dredging operations are generally performed
in inshore shallow waters and are relatively straight forward.
There are a few
specific hazards that are unique to dredging.
Key points
- Deck crew must always wear hard hats and a life
vest during fishing operations.
- Watch out for the tipping hook. This will swing when you are connecting and manoeuvring
the dredge, and could hit you.
- Keep wires in good condition.
- The winch operator must stay focused on what the
deck dredge handler is doing and communicate clearly with them!
- Don’t let the warp run over sharp edges when you
re-launch it over the tray after emptying it.
- Stand clear when you push the ring bag over the
back of the tray.
- Always wear gloves when handling the dredge and
shellfish.
- Make sure you continually wash off the mud and silt
that falls onto the deck.
- Make sure the work platform has a good surface and
guardrails around it. If there are no guardrails wear a fall arrester.
- Use a good shell rake to prevent back strain when
working in the tray.
- Vessels dredging for oysters are required to work in circles which means they are unable to "work with the weather" so extra caution is required under these operations.
- Use the motion of the vessel in these awkward situations to assist when you are manoeuvring the dredge and other heavy loads.
Key points when oystering in Foveaux Straight
- Always wear the correct Personal Protective Equipment (gloves, boots, earplugs, hard hats).
- Keep wires, blocks and rigging screws in good condition and snoozed.
- Stand well clear of winches, wires and dredges while the dredges are being launched from the vessel.
- Have clutching box in front of self while clutching to help to prevent muscular injuries from repetition.
- Use rake to pull shellfish towards you. Save bending your back as much as possible.
- Ensure the deck is clear of slime (octopus) to prevent injury while dragging sacks from bench.
- When the winches are engaged to haul, place boards back on bench and stand well clear from bench while washing and landing. Be ready to help land dredge (only in calm conditions, otherwise let winch operator land dredge at all times).
- The winch operator must stay focused on what the deck dredge handler is doing and communicate clearly with them!
- When landing dredge, always ensure that the handler is clearly visible for the winch operator to see and that the handler is well to the side of the dredge. Never put yourself in front of the dredge!
- While emptying dredge, have a firm grip on the dredge, using your leg against an upright to support yourself.
- If dredge becomes twisted, have a firm grip on the dredge, using your leg against an upright to support yourself.
- If dredge handler(s) have to help then this should be only with the acknowledgement of the winch operator and minimal crew should be used. Ensure there is a clear line of sight between handlers and the winch operator.
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Version 1.0. Last updated 27 June 2006.