Risk Assessment and Analysis for the Operation of a Conveyor Equipped Water Hyacinth Harvester in the Niger Delta Region

Abstract

Water hyacinth infestation in the Niger Delta obstructs navigation, affects fishing and aquatic-resource use, and creates operational difficulties for mechanical removal. Conveyor-equipped harvesters provide a practical means of collecting the biomass, but their use in brackish, vegetation-dense waterways introduces risks related to loading, stability, mechanical components, electrical systems, and operator safety. This study assessed the operational risks of a conveyor-equipped water hyacinth harvester using Failure Mode and Effects Analysis. Potential failure modes were identified for the storage deck, stability system, cutter assembly, electrical control panel, hull structure, conveyor chain and mesh, propulsion system, geared motor, and operator work area. Severity, occurrence, and detection scores were assigned, and the corresponding Risk Priority Numbers were calculated to rank the identified risks. Storage deck overloading had the highest Risk Priority Number of 300. Cutter blade fracture or exposure recorded 270, while excessive heel or trim and conveyor chain breakage or jamming each recorded 240. The principal contributing factors were biomass overload, uneven loading, corrosion, fatigue, and dense vegetation. The findings indicate that operational risk can be reduced through load monitoring, defined storage limits, controlled loading sequences, improved cutter guarding, corrosion-resistant conveyor components, automatic shutdown systems, and routine inspection. The assessment provides a structured basis for prioritising safety measures for water hyacinth harvesting operations in the Niger Delta.