§ Mr. John CryerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the nature and basis of the statutory regulations relating to safety in connection with repair or construction work on bridges and other structures over tidal water on the River Thames upstream of Gravesend,90W with particular reference to those applying to the specification of safety boats and the qualifications of their crews. [Transferred] [85306]
§ Mr. MealeThe safety of construction and repair workers at riverside sites, is covered by the Construction (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1996. They include measures to prevent falls, minimise the risk of drowning and to provide rescue equipment (but do not specify what type). The Regulations require the safe transport of workers by water, any vessel used shall be suitably constructed and properly maintained, under the control of competent person and not be overloaded. An inspector would take these factors into account when visiting a site.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency can advise on appropriate standards for rescue and work boats which are used only on inland waters, but there are no specific merchant shipping regulations laying down standards for such boats or qualifications of those manning them.
The Port of London Authority (PLA) require boats carrying goods or up to 12 passengers to be licensed and operated by licensed watermen. The PLA is not empowered to insist on this for boats used solely as rescue boats, but can only advise. The most suitable craft for individual circumstances is best determined through a properly conducted risk assessment.