44 SAFETY ONARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES UNDERWATER AND ON THE FORESHORE
(Based on ‘Inter-tidal Site Safety Guidelines’ published
in Milne, McKewan and Goodburn, 1998, updated by
G. Milne in 2006.)
Other essential equipment includes a first aid kit,
spare clothing and sufficient ropes and lines to work the
site effectively and safely. Fresh drinking water and food
should also be provided in ample quantities, with spare
water for washing hands and tools.
Remember that an inter-tidal risk assessment should
include details of how emergency situations will be dealt
with. Particular attention should be given to identify-
ing the shortest route to solid ground and to evacuating
a casualty. All access routes and the time taken to walk
between different points should be known before serious
work begins.FURTHER INFORMATION
Please note, a number of the following publications will
only be relevant to those working in the UK. The reader
is advised to seek out local regulations relevant to their
area of work.
The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) sells copies
of the Diving at Work Regulations and the Approved
Code of Practices (ACOPs). The HSE also issues an annual
list of approved diving qualifications suitable for diving
under the various ACOPs. Health and safety enquiries: HSE
Information Centre, Broad Lane, Sheffield, S3 7HQ; tel: 0541
545500; http://www.hse.gov.uk/diving/information.htm.
Bevan, J., 2005, The Professional Diver’s Handbook.London.
Health and Safety Executive, 2004, Guidelines for safe working in
estuaries and tidal areas when harvesting produce such as cockles,
mussels and shrimps(www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/estuary.htm).
Joiner, J. T., 2001 (4th edn), National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration Diving Manual: Diving for Science and
Technology.Silver Spring, Maryland.
Larn, R. and Whistler, R., 1993 (3rd edn), The Commercial Diving
Manual. Melksham.
Lonsdale, M. V., 2005, United States Navy Diver.Flagstaff, Arizona.
Milne, G., McKewan, C., and Goodburn, D., 1998, Nautical
Archaeology on the Foreshore: Hulk Recording on the Medway.
RCHM, Swindon.
Scientific Diving Supervisory Committee (SDSC), 1997, Advice
notes for the Approved Code of Practice (www.uk-sdsc.com).