Smith-Root VVP-15B, User Manual

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6
2008
VVP-15B
ELECTROFISHER
SAFETY QUICK LIST
1. At least one member of the crew must have
current first aid and CPR cards.
2. Make sure every member of your crew knows
where the nearest hospital is and how to get
there or where to go to get help.
3. All members of the crew should have
completed an electrofishing course.
4. Before loading up equipment and heading
into the field make sure every member of the
crew knows your evacuation routes in case of
an accident.
5. Check the equipment for damaged or missing
parts and for proper operation. Never use an
electrofisher that is in poor condition or not
working correctly as it can present a severe
shock hazard.
6. Check the cathode cable for wear and
burrs that may cause injury or tear holes in
protective clothing. Check the insulation for
damage. Replace the cathode as necessary.
7. Check the anode pole for cracks in the
fiberglass and handle assembly. Replace as
necessary.
8. Check the curl cord for cracks and abrasion.
Do not use a cracked pole or a pole with a
damaged curl cord.
9. Check your boots and high voltage gloves for
holes. Boots and gloves must be water tight
and without any holes. Repair or replace as
necessary.
10. If you are using chest waders you should use
a wading belt. A wading belt will slow the
entry of water into the waders.
11. Use only dip nets with non-conductive handles.
Never use an anode as a net, as it is extremely
dangerous to other members of the crew and can
cause severe injury to any fish caught with it.
12. Never electrofish alone.
13. Never electrofish when you are tired.
14. Only one person on a crew can order the power
for the electrofisher to be turned on, and that
person is the crew leader. The crew leader is
responsible for the safety of everyone on the
crew.
15. Any member of the crew can call for or turn off
the power to the electrofisher.
16. If an accident occurs, stop electrofishing and turn
off the power to the VVP-15B. The remaining
members of the crew should help or attend to the
accident victim. Get help for the injured person
if necessary. Evaluate what happened and make
the necessary procedural or equipment changes
before proceeding.
17. Never electrofish with spectators on shore.
Electric fields can travel large distances through
buried pipes, metal culverts, and metal sheet
piling. If spectators show up during electrofishing,
stop the operation and go explain what you are
doing. Explain the risks to them being there and
ask them to please leave for their own safety.
If they refuse to leave, stop electrofishing, load
your equipment, and leave the area.
18. WARNING: Operating this equipment in a
manner not specified in this manual or with
accessories not approved by Smith-Root,
Inc. may impair the protection offered by the
equipment.