SARF 054
have specific operational procedures in place which address containment, particularly pro- tecting against chafe and snag issues. The SARF report suggests that initial aware- ness training should include a classroom session where the workings of cage nets and weighting systems can be explained by the use of models or graphical representations. However, the opportunity for staff to practise operations on unstocked sites, where the consequences of different actions can be easily understood without the risk of escape incidents should also be considered. The feasibility of a national training centre should be considered, where staff can be trained on unstocked sites, and which could double as a research station. However, it is acknowledged that, given the geographical spread of the industry, this may be problematic and unrealistic. Alternatively, companies may consider pro- viding their own unstocked training facilities. Consideration should be given to including containment and aquaculture engineering within a national qualification scheme for aquaculture. However, staff who are unlikely to become involved on such schemes should also receive training on the importance of containment and on the measures required to ensure effective containment on the equip- ment they are using prior to starting work. Since the SARF report, two of the larger companies have separately developed their own in-house training modules on contain- ment, one being mostly practical the other more theoretical. Both companies plan to share these modules with other farmers in the near future.
Containment should also be included in the syllabus of training courses for operators of boats, forklifts and cranes. ‘Tool box talks’, or other mechanisms to focus staff on contain- ment issues and to gain suggestions prior to specific operations, are also recommended. The recent programme of SSPO contain- ment workshops offered an appropriate method of disseminating best practice. This, or a similar programme, should be continued on an industry-wide basis. Training material should be translated as necessary for foreign staff and, if required, translators should be used for training. Since the SARF report, the SSPO have delivered a series of eight containment workshops across Scotland assisted by Thistle Environmental as a follow up to the original programme. The purpose was to present the key findings of the SARF 054 report and to give an opportunity for staff to discuss inci- dents in workshop sessions. The workshops were attended by a total of 115 persons from 19 companies. Two of the events also included sessions run by key suppliers of cages, nets and moorings. The SSPO has also committed to developing further workshops and discus- sions are on-going regarding the practicalities of creating a practical session which may be rolled out on an industry-wide basis.
26 Net design
The potential for chafe and snags should be identified and assessed, for which a risk assessment approach could be utilised. This should include the requirement for fish farmers to prevent chafe and snags through prevention by design rather than using pro- tective shields, as these have the potential to be damaged.
Cage weights should not be made from materials that cause chafe (such as concrete) and marine growth should be regularly removed from all equipment which could potentially come into contact with the net. The following measures are important:
• Ensuring forces are taken by the net roping rather than the net mesh. • Down [MT1] ropes to be continuous (ie fully-extend across the base of the net and up each side).
• Attachment at, or from below, the wa- terline.
• Increased thickness/reinforcement or other protection in the vicinity of mortal- ity removal systems, feed pipes, camera systems and other ancillary equipment. • Increased thickness/reinforcement around areas taking additional strain, such as net attachment points. It may also be useful for farmers to consider: • The use of a floatline (ie buoying the net all around the perimeter at the surface) to provide the net attachment point which may reduce the strain on the cage and net and prevent chafe at this point and/or protection at the waterline (eg 1.0m above and below the waterline) – this is now quite common. • A gusset at the join of the side walls and base of the net to protect against a tear in the net at this point.
Net use Ideally, farmers should hold information about the expected amount of net deflection in different environmental conditions for their sites. A specification should be provided for the minimum operating distance between propellers and critical elements of the cage systems, including nets and mooring grids; vessels should be assessed prior to visiting the site. Consideration should be given to physical measures to enhance separation between boats and critical elements of the cage system.
ABOVE: SIGNS OF WEAR AND TEAR
There appears to be no information on the potential for wellboat thrusters to distort the net, cause entanglement or affect net longevity. Fish farming companies send staff involved in operating boats on training courses, specifically the powerboat courses of the RYA (Royal Yachting Association) for those operating open boats and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) Boatmaster’s syl- labus for those operating larger work boats. It is recommended that all such training, as well as that related to crane use, includes
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CONTAINMENT SPECIAL
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