Post on 02-Feb-2021
transcript
Gary Smith (CMIOSH)
Health & Safety Advisor
Canal & River Trust
Introduction and Background
Appendix 1 Methodology for allowing canoe (& other
unpowered boats) to use tunnels
The criteria below were developed to allow local
waterways to decide if tunnels in their area could support
canoe use. Whilst the criteria set the initial standard local
conditions will also influence decisions.
Tunnels up to 400metres in length - Open to canoe use
providing:
• There are good sight lines through the tunnel
• Paddlers follow the criteria set out in CRT code for un-
powered craft in tunnels (Signed on site)
Tunnels between 400 & 650metres open where:
• There are good sight lines through the tunnel and/or
• Single way working is in place.
All other tunnels
• Only to be considered for canoe use during managed
events.
Key:
Open
Open – with conditions
Closed
Bloomfield Road Mooring:
Towpath locked 24/7
Lisson Grove Mooring:
Towpath is open during the
following times only
Mon-Fri: 07.30 – 18.00 (Summer)
07.30 – Dusk (Winter)
Sat-Sun: 09.00 – 18.00 (Summer)
09.00 – Dusk (Winter)
Restricted entry
Restricted entry
Bloomfield Road Diversion:
400 meters
Tunnel Diversion:
265 meters
Lisson Grove Diversion:
605 meters
Against allowing unpowered craft:
• Unpowered craft are generally low in water and hard to see
• Users of unpowered craft may not recognise limited passing width in tunnel
• Concerns that is would attract tunnel use by inflatables
• Concerns unpowered craft users won’t use lights, making them hard to see
In favour of allowing unpowered craft:
• Tunnel meets CRT standard – Clear lines of sight and 248m in length
• Low number of reported incidents
• To open up the canal network to more users
• To extend the navigable sections of canal for canoe clubs
• The high freeboard at the east tunnel entrance makes canoe launching and
recovery hard.
• Current diversion route is very long and crosses busy roads with central islands
11 Near Misses involving unpowered craft
• Including trip boat seeing unpowered craft in tunnel (with and without lights)
• Boat operator hearing whistles whilst in tunnel, and then saw canoe
• Unpowered craft seen going into and out of tunnel
4 Near Misses involving powered craft
• Trip boat and wide beam boat near collision
• Commercial boat seen going through tunnel with no lights
• Passengers / Crew on trip boat noticing unlit (powered) boat in the tunnel
1 Incident
• Collision between two powered boats in tunnel. 1 had no light on, the other boat
presumed it was going the other way
To summarise the near miss and incidents, plus user feedback:
• One-way working is not being obeyed by all powered boats
• Unpowered craft are already using the tunnel (potentially due to the long
diversion route)
• Boat traffic is increasing, including use of wide beam boats, and a number of trip
boats in London which formal one way working will help manage.
• Both powered & unpowered boats currently use the tunnel without lights
• Current signage is located in the wrong places, and needs updating
• No signage to educate first time users on the safest approach route to achieve
good visibility
CRT would like to consult with users on a proposal to open up the Maida Hill tunnel
to allow unpowered craft.
To facilitate this, the following controls will be considered:
• Initial trial period
• Improve tunnel signage generally.
• Specific tunnel signage for unpowered craft (e.g. high powered forward facing
white light, life preserver, whistle, reflective clothing/equipment etc)
• Improved one way working controls
• Tunnel wardens (to monitor and advise local users)
• Local unpowered groups/businesses to sign up to agreed control measures e.g.:
• Travel through in pairs as a minimum
• Educate users of the specific risks relating to commercial boats, such as
reduced visibility and handling
• Local commercial operators to sign up to agreed control measures e.g.:
• one crew member to be positioned at the front of the boat when
approaching the tunnel
• single handed operators to stop on the landing stage before looking for
oncoming traffic
• Educate all potential users locally of the change/requirements
Formal consultation on proposal
Consultation review panel to be created
Feedback results of consultation and review
Implement agreed recommendations as appropriate