Small Vessel Launch and Transport Risk Assessment

Product Overview

This risk assessment covers the launch, retrieval and transport of a small vessel, from planning and pre-start checks through to emergency response. It supports planning by identifying hazards associated with movement, water access, equipment handling, fuel and changing conditions.

Activities & Risks Covered

This assessment addresses activities and risks including:

• Assess launch locations, conditions, traffic movements and emergency arrangements
• Complete pre-start checks on the vehicle, trailer, vessel and associated equipment
• Load, secure and prepare the vessel and loose equipment for transport
• Manage vehicle movements, reversing and pedestrian access at launch areas
• Handle vessel components and equipment to reduce manual-handling risks
• Launch and retrieve the vessel at the waterline
• Work near or on water, including communication and rescue readiness
• Use lifting gear or plant when handling the vessel
• Manage fuel, battery and electrical hazards
• Plan for adverse weather, fatigue and emergency situations

Who is this for?

Suitable for contractors, workers, supervisors and businesses involved in small vessel launch, retrieval or transport activities.

Activities & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

The template records model guidance used to inform the documented controls. Applicable WHS/OHS laws and adopted Codes vary by state or territory, so confirm the current local requirements when tailoring the assessment:

• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Managing the risk of fatigue at work — Provide sufficient breaks while at work; p. 30.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Hazardous manual tasks — 4.1 The hierarchy of control measures; p. 31.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Managing risks of plant in the workplace — Plant hazard identification — Traffic movements in the workplace; p. 17.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Managing electrical risks in the workplace — 2.1 Identifying the hazards; p. 14.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: First aid in the workplace — 3. First aid equipment, facilities and training; p. 12.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Managing the risk of falls at workplaces — 3.2 Identifying the hazards; p. 16.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Work health and safety consultation, cooperation and coordination — 3. What is effective consultation?; p. 13.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Managing the work environment and facilities — 2.8 Heat and cold; p. 21.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: How to manage work health and safety risks — 4. Step 3 — How to control risks; p. 20.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Managing risks of hazardous chemicals in the workplace — 2.1 How to identify which chemicals are hazardous; p. 15.

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Standard Risk Assessment Features (Click to Expand)

• Activity-specific hazard identification and control measures
• Initial and residual risk ratings
• Assigned responsible persons for each activity
• Risk matrix and assessment classification
• Review, monitoring and sign-off fields
• Site-specific customisation before use