Pontoon deaths show need for pond safety

One drowned when the pontoon he was standing on capsized, trapping him underneath. Another was crushed when he was trapped while working on a pontoon which became unstable.

Typically a floating pontoon is not designed for a person to stand on.

Manufacturers usually recommend removing a pontoon from a pond or securely tying it to the side of a pond before servicing is attempted.

But pontoon owners have sometimes found such steps impracticable so have installed walkway access to the pontoon. Any such modification, to be safe, depends on the pontoon remaining stable when the weight of the walkway structure and farm workers with equipment get aboard.

Such design and modification should be done by a qualified person. The pontoon maker or supplier should be consulted before modification is attempted.

Effluent ponds present a range of hazards to farm workers, so farmers must act to protect employees and others working around ponds.

Working on a floating pontoon is a serious hazard, because of the capsize risk. A means of rescuing a person who falls into a pond is essential.

Do not work on a floating effluent pontoon. Instead consider options such as:

• Removing the pontoon from the pond for servicing

• Securing the pontoon at the side of the pond

• Doing the servicing when the pond level is low and capsize is impossible

• Fit automatic greasing components to reduce the frequency at which access is required.

A pontoon should have a suitable lifting point for getting it out of a pond, and a lifting device sufficiently heavy, powerful and stable to deal safely with the pontoon’s weight. The lift point design should not require a person to board the pontoon to attach the lifting device.

In some cases it may be impractical to remove a pontoon from a pond for pump and stirrer servicing.

If work on a floating pontoon is unavoidable, ensure it is stable, unable to capsize and has safe access.

This would typically require a 1m high handrail (top and mid rails) around the perimeter of the working area.

Farmers must be fully aware of the safe loading limits and related safety precautions for accessing and maintaining pontoons in service on their property.

Worker safety

Ways to ensure the safety of employees working on effluent pumping pontoons or close to effluent ponds:

- Fence the perimeter of the pond and display clear signs restricting entry

- Ensure at least two staff are present during maintenance

- Ensure life jackets or similar buoyancy devices are worn by staff working on floating pontoons

- Ensure rescue lines and a life buoy are available around the pond.