S:\oed\Health & Safety\ Blank Forms & Checklists\Risk Assessment Form

RISK ASSESSMENT FORM

Follow HS01 Guidance Document when completing this Form

For Health and Safety Use

Assessment No
/ Sea8 /
Revision No
/ 0 / 1.0 Assessment Type (tick box) / NEW / REVIEW

2.1 Subject of Assessment

Deck preparation and deck testing of Bolt 1500 LL seismic airguns.

2.2 Who is doing the Work

OED Technicians

2.3 Cruise Number(s) / Location of Work

For all seismic cruises aboard the research vessels

2.4 Brief Description of Activity

A Bolt airgun can be described as a steel cylinder approximately 450 mm in length, 200 mm diameter and weighing approx 70 kg. For operation a ‘chamber’ is bolted to one end the largest of which is 1000 ci at 1.2m long, 200 mm diameter and weighing approx 60 kg. The airgun is operated by the flow and collection of high pressure air into the chamber (2000 psi), the gun then awaits an electrical signal which operates a solenoid switch causing an imbalance in the pressure across a shuttle valve which in turn causes the trapped air to be released.
There are 3 airguns with various chamber sizes connected via chains to an airgun beam. An airgun beam is a 7m long steel channel with all electrical and air cables secured along its length. These cables are routed to each airgun. Approximate weight of beam and guns installed – 1.1T. The cables from the beam are fed by a 100m long umbilical (electric, air and steel towing cable wrapped in a plastic shroud) to the deck winch. This has the electrical connections in the centre of the drum and a high-pressure air slip ring. The high-pressure air is controlled on deck by a distribution board. This board controls the delivery pressure from the compressors.
Electrical signals are from the firing system located in the main lab. High-pressure air is fed from the 4 Hamworthy compressors in the compressor room, or the containerised compressors. See separate risk assessments.
This assessment is to be used in conjunction with RA Handling an airgun on board.

2.5 Main Equipment Used

Airguns, airgun beams, umbilical winches, air distribution boards, firing system

RISKFORM Issue 1, 09/01 Page 1 of 4

S:\oed\Health & Safety\ Blank Forms & Checklists\Risk Assessment Form

3.0 Hazard Category(ies) – select all hazards that are applicable
H01 Use of workshop type machinery
H02 Possible entanglement in moving machinery
H03 Use of hand held/portable power tools
H04 Use of hand/footoperated machine tools
H05 Use of hand tools
H06 Handling of glass
H07 Operation of crane/overhead gantry
H08 Loads being transported overhead
H09 Falls of objects from heights
H10 Operation of forklift trucks
H11 Manoeuvring of heavy loads
H12 Stacking/storing
H13 Operation of vehicles
H14 Vehicles hitting people
H15 Manual handling
H16 Work with Display Screen Equipment
H17 Office Workstation (computers/printers/ furniture)
H18 Repetitive movements
H19 Slips/trips/falls of person on same level
H20 Falls of persons from heights
H21 Collapse of structure
H22 Sharp objects
H23 Inexperienced staff involvement
H24 Violence / H25 Lone/remote working/Out of hours
H26 Electric shock
H27 Fire from ignition sources (including static electricity)
H28 Explosion
H29 Contact with molten metals
H30 Use of hydraulic/pneumatic systems
H31 Use of compressed gases
H32 Compressed air
H33 Work in extremes of temperature
H34 Frostbite/Scalding/Burns
H35 Vibration
H36 High noise levels
H37 Low light levels
H38 Fumes
H39 Lack of ventilation
H40 Work over/near water, liquids
H41 Environmental pollution
H42 Deck operations
H43 Carrying equipment up gangway
H44 Use of small boats
H45 Use of divers
H46 Working with ship rails lowered
H47 Near by operations
H48 Any other foreseeable hazards not already covered
4.0 Special Hazards
SH01 Use of hazardous chemical substances*1 SH04 Work in confined spaces*2
SH02 Work on any machinery in motion*2 SH05 Work on live electrical equipment*2
SH03 Hot work (welding/brazing/flame cutting) *2
*1 Separate COSHH Assessment is required *2 Permit to Work System/Work Safety Instruction is required
5.0 Risk Groups (tick who might be affected by your activities, other than those who are doing the work)
RG01 Cleaners
RG02 Maintenance staff
RG03 Security
RG04 Contractors
RG05 Other members of staff / RG06 Members of the public
RG07 Students
RG08 Ship borne personnel
RG09 Pregnant women
RG10 Staff with disabilities
RG11 Others (give details):

PLEASE IDENTIFY THE PRECAUTIONS TO BE PUT IN PLACE IN THE TABLE BELOW

RISKFORM Issue 1, 09/01 Page 1 of 4

S:\oed\Health & Safety\ Blank Forms & Checklists\Risk Assessment Form

STAFF WITH MEDICAL OR PHYSICAL CONDITIONS SHOULD ALWAYS DISCUSS THE CONTENTS OF THIS ASSESSMENT AND ANY ADDITIONAL PRECAUTIONS WITH LINE MANAGER OR PROJECT LEADER BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH THE WORK
6.0 Assess the Level of Risk / 6.1 Existing Control Measures
e.g. Training, Protective Devices, existing Work Safety Instructions, existing Risk Assessments, PPE. / 6.2
Revised Risk Level
High
Medium
Low
H M L / 6.3 Further Action Necessary
(Comments) /
Haz
No. / Description of activities relating to the hazards identified / (a)
Hazard Consequence
3 Major
2 Serious
1 Slight / (b)
Likelihood
3 High
2 Medium
1 Low / Risk Rating
= (a) x (b)
High (6 & 9)
Medium (4)
Low (1 to 3)
H M L /
H07
h08
h11
h15 / Manual handling of guns, either manually or employing mechanical assistance has the ability to cause injury if not carried out correctly / 2 / 2 / m / Competent staff familiar with manual handling may, only carry out handling of airguns either manually or employing mechanical assistance. / l
h30
h32
h42 / When carrying out tests on deck the guns are loaded with up to 600 psi of air to ensure sealing. Any electrical triggering of the airgun could cause the gun to fire on deck / 3 / 2 / h / Before any air is on deck the technician must;
1)  Lock electrical trigger control panel and secure key to prevent anyone firing guns.
2)  Rope off deck and display warning signs to prevent access to danger area.
3)  Check all airlines for damage and tightness on fittings.
4)  Ensure all technicians are aware of operation / l / Refer to SSW Deck testing of airguns
h36 / When venting airlines on deck the hp air escaping cause a loud whistling noise / 2 / 2 / m / When venting air ensure that no one is in vicinity, and appropriate PPE is worn / l
rg08
rg07
rg05 / All persons entering the aft deck when these operations are in progress can be at risk of injury. / 2 / 2 / m / Deck is roped off; warning signs are posted. Technicians carrying out work to ‘look out’ for any unauthorised entry. / l / Refer to SSW Deck testing of airguns.

TAB TO THE END OF TABLE TO INSERT NEW ROWS

7.0 Attachments
7.1 COSHH Assessments (tick box) / Names of Chemicals/Trade Names (Manufacturer)
Not Required / Attached
7.2 Work Safety Instructions/ Permits to Work (tick box) / Titles/Permits to Work Number
Not Required / Attached / Safe System of work – deck preparation and test of gun array.
8.0 Declaration: I have read, understood and will follow the safety precautions in this assessment and associated documents
Name of Assessor / Signature / Date / Name of Line Manager / Signature / Date
Jason Scott / 25-01-02 / George Batten / 25-01-02
To be completed by all workers involved
Name / Department / Signature / Date
9.0 Assessment History /
Name of Previous Assessor / Date when it was conducted / Section(s) that YOU have NOW amended /

Copies of completed Risk Assessments plus attachments should be sent to the Divisional Safety Officer.

RISKFORM Issue 1, 08/01 Page 4 of 4