Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to establish proper
safety requirements for conducting backpack electrofishing operations and to
ensure that those involved in these activities use approved equipment and are
trained in operating procedures and emergency preparedness.
Electrofishing Policy
1. Equipment
a)
Only “approved backpack
electrofishing units” are to be used.
b)
All backpack units must meet
CSA standards.
c)
Any modifications, upgrades or
repairs made to the electrical output or safety features of any backpack
electrofishing unit, must be conducted by the manufacturer or an approved agent.
d)
An annual equipment check must
be completed by a “qualified person” – see example checklist below.
e)
Each backpack electrofishing
unit must be inspected to be operating within specification by a recognized
manufacturer of backpack electrofishing equipment at least once every 3 years,
or 5 years if used less than 10 days per year.
f)
Each electrofishing unit must
be accompanied by a log book that itemizes date of purchase, use, repairs and
maintenance.
2. General Safety
a)
Electrofishing operations are
not to be carried out alone. A minimum “ team” size is two people, one of whom
must be the “crew leader” and the other “crew members”.
b)
All electrofishing operations
must be carried out in accordance with the “Safety Procedures for the use of
Backpack Electrofishing Units” as defined below.
c)
Personnel must wear clothing
and equipment in accordance with “Personal Protective Equipment Requirements for
Electrofishing” as defined below.
d)
All electrofishing crews must
have a Level 1 First Aid kit on site during electrofishing operations.
e)
The crew leader must ensure
that a daily backpack inspection is completed.
f)
Everyone has the
responsibility to work in a manner that is safe for themselves and their
co-workers.
g)
Electrofishing is an
inherently hazardous activity in which safety must be the primary concern. The
electrical energy used in electrofishing is sufficient to cause serious injury
or death and therefore it is critical to avoid contact with the electrodes
(anode and cathode) and the surrounding water while the unit is operating.
Hand(s) (even gloved) must be kept out of the water at all times when the power
is turned on.
h)
Dry skin and clothing are
essential to minimize electric shock.
i)
The crew leader is the
recognized authority and operational decision-maker. Crew members have the duty
to comply with all of the crew leader's instructions concerning their health and
safety and to report to the crew leader anything that is likely to be hazardous
to their health or safety or to that of other employees or persons granted
access to the work place.
3. Training
a)
All crew members must be
trained in a certified course in the fundamentals of electrofishing safety
before participating in any backpack electrofishing operation. Certified
electrofishing operators are also required to keep up-to-date on such
information as: changes in regulations governing electrofishing practitioners;
for example, as set by fisheries regulatory agencies; changes in electrical
safety requirements for certification of electrofishing units; and new safety
features for electrofishing equipment.
b)
The crew leader is responsible
for ensuring all crew members are certified and the safe use of backpack
electrofishing units and emergency response procedures.
c)
Crew leader and crew members
must have up-to-date Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid
training.
d)
Additional training may be
required if sampling conditions warrant. Training that may be required includes
UNBC Field Safety Orientation, Wilderness First Aid, Occupational First Aid
Transportation Endorsement, and Swift Water Rescue Training.
4. Emergency Response Procedures
a)
Each electrofishing team must
establish a means of emergency communication in order to provide backup
response. This plan must include, but not necessarily be limited to, emergency
phone numbers for the area of operation, best and closest means of
communication, evacuation route to nearest medical facility, and the role of
each crew member in the event of an emergency.
b)
All crew members must be aware
of and able to implement the emergency response plan.
Personal Protective Equipment Requirements for Electrofishing
a)
Leak-free chest waders
(neoprene, heavy weight polyurethane or PVC or high-quality breathables)
b)
Non-slip footwear (felt wading
shoe or boot, as well as stream wading cleat);
c)
Wading belt (nylon or rubber
acceptable, worn on outside of waders);
d)
Rubber linesman gloves that
should be no less than 14" in length and have an electrical insulation rating of
at least 5000 Volts
e)
Polarized sunglasses (side
shields or ‘wrap around’ style is/are recommended) and a hat with a visor is
recommended (e.g., baseball cap style).
f)
Personal Floatation Devices
(PFDs) must be worn where the crew leader considers the water is of sufficient
depth or velocity for a PFD to be effective as protection from risk of drowning.
PFDs must be approved by Transport Canada or Canadian Coast Guard.
Electrofishing should not be carried out where water depth is greater than waist
deep.
Safety Procedures for the Use of Backpack Electrofishing Units
1. Before Heading Out
a)
The backpack electrofishing
unit must have passed the “Annual Checklist for Backpack Electrofishing Units”.
b)
A crew leader must be
designated for all backpack electrofishing activities.
c)
It is the crew leader’s
responsibility to ensure that all equipment is in “safe working order”.
d)
Signals indicating that the
backpack electrofishing unit is operating must be audible or visible to all the
team. Clear command signals must be established between crew members prior to
beginning operation. Crew members must inform the crew leader of any dangerous
situations.
e)
The crew leader must ensure
all members have received instruction in the fundamentals of electrofishing
safety.
f)
Each electrofishing site must
be visually inspected for hazards such as deep holes, submerged logs, etc.
before commencing electrofishing operations.
2. Preparatory Procedures in the Field
a)
In order to aid in identifying
underwater hazards, all crew members must be equipped with polarized sunglasses.
Glasses also protect against eye injury caused by sticks and branches. Wide
brimmed hats or peaked caps are also beneficial in increasing the effectiveness
of polarized glasses.
b)
The backpack electrofishing
unit must meet conditions of the “Daily Checklist for Backpack Electrofishing
Units”.
c)
All crew members must be
equipped with the personal equipment required for safe electrofishing as
detailed in the “Personal Protective Equipment Requirements for Electrofishing”
section.
d)
All crew members must agree on
a system of communication during electrofishing operations.
e)
Backpack electrofishing units
must be turned off and the battery disconnected before making any connections or
part replacements.
f)
Any rings, chains, long hair,
clothing or other personal effects that could pose a threat of snagging or
entanglement or damage to waterproof equipment or connection with energized
equipment or water must be remedied prior to the commencement of any
electrofishing operation.
3. Start-up Procedures
a)
All crew members must be
notified and acknowledge their preparedness prior to the commencement of
electrofishing operations. The unit operator must make sure that personnel are
clear of the anode before turning on the power. Hand signals are a useful way of
conveying these messages.
b)
Check operation of all
switches and gauges. This should include high voltage check, anode switch, power
switch and mercury tilt switch, audible tone generator and light. Set controls
to appropriate levels. The minimum voltage possible to obtain the desired
results should be used to avoid excessive harm to the biota and to minimize the
effects of accidental shock.
4. Operational Procedures
a)
Operate slowly and carefully.
Footing in most streams is poor and most falls occur when crew members
are hurrying. Operations should cease when fatigue sets in.
b)
Team members must not place
their hand(s) into the water when the power is turned on.
c)
Electrofishing units must be
shut off prior to entering or leaving the water and the battery terminals
disconnected (or generator shut off) when not in use or when transporting the
unit.
d)
Electrofishing operations
should be conducted in such a way that minimum harm to the environment (habitat
disturbance) and the biota (fish, mammals, invertebrates, amphibians) is caused.
The minimum voltage, and duration of shocking, to achieve desired results should
be used so that the risks to the biota and to the crew are minimized.
e)
A crew member must immediately
leave the water if wetness is detected in gloves or waders (by leaks, rain or
perspiration) and obtain dry equipment before returning. Mild dampness from
perspiration or humidity is considered normal.
f)
Individuals must not
participate in an electrofishing operation if they possess a medical condition
that puts them at risk. These may include but are not limited to cardiac
arrhythmia, pacemaker or epilepsy not confidently stabilized by medication.
g)
Electrofishing operations must
cease during inclement weather (e.g. periods of any lightning or moderate rain).
h)
Electrofishing operations must
cease if people, pets, livestock, or wildlife are in or near the water.
i)
The backpack electrofishing
unit has a main switch that must be turned off immediately if an emergency
occurs. This is only initiated if doing so does not result in further risk of
exposure.”
j)
Batteries must be disconnected
when unit is being transported or otherwise not in use. Only qualified persons
may assemble, or operate the backpack electrofishing unit.