DEVELOPMENT OF A CAISSON SAFETY CERTIFICATION PROCESS

摘要

This paper describes the background to, and development of, recently adopted best practice processes for certifying caissons (dock gates) as safe-to-use throughout HM Naval Base Portsmouth. Due to their criticality for both safety and work programming, their multiple functions and the number of stakeholders, there is no apparent single national standard or guidance as to the safety regime to be used. This paper describes a brief history of caissons and the current circumstances and principles of caisson use. This is followed by an explanation of the resultant certification regime implemented in Portsmouth Naval Base. Finally the rationale behind supporting surveys and documentation is explained.