Safety briefing - lifejackets

This briefing provides essential information for workers on the use of lifejackets.

What’s covered?

The aim of this Safety Briefing - Lifejackets is to ensure that workers understand when a lifejacket must be worn, how to use it and how to care for it. 

Hazards and reasons for concern

The hazard which a lifejacket provides protection against is deep or fast-flowing water. The equipment can be damaged in use, therefore care is required. It’s also important that the correct equipment is selected for the job as a self-inflating lifejacket can create a hazard in the wrong circumstances.

Control measures

The briefing includes a list of measures which workers must take to look after the lifejacket and wear it correctly.

Key points

Attendees must take note of the following key points:

• “A lifejacket is a piece of lifesaving equipment.
• To ensure that it works when needed you must take care of it and wear it correctly.
• Carry out pre-use checks and overnight inflation checks as directed.
• Make sure that you wear one whenever you are working over, adjacent to or in deep or fast flowing water. The only exception will be when a risk assessment has determined that a buoyancy aid is more suitable.
• Report any damage or other concerns immediately to your supervisor or manager.”