Safety checklist — Work near water
Cofferdams, work near water and drowning prevention. Compliant with Québec's Construction Safety Code (CSTC) and CNESST standards.
Before work
11 items- ✓
PPE worn: PFD (personal flotation device) if working < 2 m from waterCritical
ℹ️ CSTC art. 2.8.2 — PFD mandatory if drowning risk
- ✓
Life buoy with rope accessible within 15 m of work zone
- ✓
Worker trained in aquatic rescue present on site
ℹ️ CNESST recommendation — at least one trained rescuer
- ✓
Water level and current assessed — safe conditions confirmed
- ✓
Cofferdam or enclosure installed if required — pumping planned
- ✓
MELCCFP authorization obtained if working in waterway
ℹ️ Certificate of authorization mandatory under the EQA
- ✓
PFD worn at all times near water — never removed
- ✓
Water level monitored — sudden rise = immediate evacuation
- ✓
No worker alone near water — buddy system
- ✓
Electrical equipment protected from water — GFCI (ground fault breaker)
- ✓
Erosion and sediment control measures in place
After work
4 items- ✓
Cofferdam removed in controlled manner — no sudden release
- ✓
Banks restored per authorization certificate conditions
- ✓
No waste or materials left in watercourse
- ✓
PFDs inspected, dried and properly stored
More checklists — Cross-cutting Situations
More safety checklists
Risks and prevention — Work near water
Work near water exposes workers to drowning risk, even in shallow water. The CSTC requires a life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD) when workers face drowning risk.
Cofferdams and pumping installations must be designed for floods and flow variations. Weather and water levels must be continuously monitored. An aquatic rescue plan with necessary equipment (life ring, rope) must be in place before work begins.
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