Safety checklist — Work near water
Cofferdams, work near water and drowning prevention. Based on Québec's Construction Safety Code (CSTC) and CNESST standards.
Before work
11 items- ✓
PFD or lifejacket per CSTC 2.10.13 (water / rescue plan 11.1)Critical
ℹ️ 2.8.2 is the traffic plan. 2.10.13 does not say “within 2 m of water”.
- ✓
Water-rescue equipment per the 11.1 plan (buoy, rope)
ℹ️ 2.10.13 points to the 11.1 plan. The CSTC does not write a 15 m radius.
- ✓
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 if the project is covered by the EQA (LQE)
ℹ️ EQA: authorization depends on the project. Not a CSTC “mandatory in water” article.
- ✓
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
15 verification items — use this checklist on-site with the app
Use on-site — freePDF reports, history and team management in the app
For information only — this is not legal advice. OK Sécurité is an independent company with no affiliation to the CNESST: we are not mandated, endorsed or certified by it. Completing a checklist here does not by itself establish your compliance — your exact obligations depend on your job site and your prevention program. Where there is any discrepancy, the official text published by Légis Québec or the CNESST prevails.
More checklists — Cross-cutting Situations
More safety checklists
Risks and prevention — Work near water
Work near water exposes workers to drowning. CSTC 2.10.13 requires a PFD or lifejacket during transport on an undecked craft, or as a measure in the 11.1 rescue plan — not a general “any water” rule.
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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