Merseyside Ringing Group Risk Assessment

Transcription

1 Merseyside Ringing Group Risk Assessment

2 Guide to completing the risk assessment for your ringing sites. Anytime we undertake an activity we automatically do a risk assessment. The BTO now require that we, as a group do formal risk assessments for the activities that we undertake under the name of the Merseyside Ringing Group. This is outlined in chapter 12 of the new Ringers Manual. All members of the group are required to read and be familiar with the guidance set out in this chapter, including the risks of: - Physical injuries - Exposure to diseases during ringing activities - Diseases of birds - Assessing risks for particular activities or sites. In the following risk assessments there are three numbers for you to be aware of. The first number is the hazard number (HS) this is ranked from 1-5, the score increases to reflect the seriousness of the hazard (e.g. a cut to the hand may score 1, but the loss of an eye would score 5). The second number you are asked to enter is the likelihood of the event occurring. Again this is ranked from 1-5. If a hazard is experienced every few visits score it 5, if it occurs once every few years score it 1. These numbers are then multiplied together to give the overall risk score. This will be a figure between 1 and 25. It is suggested that the overall risks are grouped into Low (1-7); Medium (8-15) and High (16-25). From the overall risk score a set of precautions / guidelines to follow will then be produced. It is then your responsibility to follow these guidelines during the course of all ringing activities. If during the course of your generally ringing activities you come across a hazard that isn t mentioned in the following risk assessment please make this known to the Merseyside Ringing Group Health and Safety advisor so that it can be added and circulated to all members and the next available opportunity. Things you should ask yourself when doing your own risk assessment are: 1) What is the habitat like? 2) What vegetation / animal types could present a hazard? 3) Could the relief of the site be a hazard? 4) What activities are you going to undertake? Could they present a hazard? NB. All ringers in the MRG are required to make themselves aware of the risk assessments and carry out all activities in a sensible manner that will not endanger themselves or other people. All members are responsible for their actions during ringing activities; they are acting on their own behalf, they are not acting on behalf of the MRG at any time. Members may be required, by landowners, to provide a copy of the MRG risk assessment: these are available from the MRG Health and Safety advisor.

3 Merseyside Ringing Group Risk Assessment:- Diseases / infections / allergies / injuries when carrying out ringing operations. Hazard Risk Rating Precautions Residual risk General diseases / infections from birds. E.g. Salmonella, campylobacter, E. coli, botulism, psittacosis. Injuries caused by sharp powerful beaks / talons. HS 4; L 3; OR 12 (Med) HS 4; L 3 OR 12 (Med) Before handling food items be sure that you wash your hands, preferably using anti-bacteria hand wash. Cover any cuts and abrasions using sterile dressing. DO NOT put any objects (e.g. bird bags, ropes, nets) in your mouth. Have available cleaning materials, e.g. water and soap, anti-bacterial hand wash, for yourself and other members of the ringing team. Shake out bird bags (with all people standing upwind) and wash them frequently. Ensure that all members of the ringing team, especially new members / volunteers, understand how injuries are usually inflicted (e.g. birds of prey use talons rather than beak, even though the beak looks the most dangerous when seen at close quarters for the first time; herons strike out with their bill, aiming for your eyes; etc). Ensure that the talons of all birds with sharp claws (raptors, owls, herons, moorhens, etc) are securely held at all time during the processing of the bird. Be aware that talons and beaks may well harbour bacteria and disease organisms. Always ensure that the beak of a bird is not held close to your face OR THE FACE OF ANY OTHER PERSON. It is particularly important when processing birds at busy ringing stations that you are alert to the positions of colleagues at all times. Always keep members of the public at a safe distance from the birds.

4 Infections from contaminated materials. Tetanus / poliomyelitis. Diseases from other animals. Weil s disease (rats), Rabies (Bats), Lyme disease (ticks) Insect bites. Mosquitoes, Horseflies. HS 4; L 2 OR 8 (Med) HS 4; L 2 OR 8 (Med) HS 1; L 5 OR 5 (Low) Immunisation against the diseases recommended; regular review of tetanus injection (required every 10 years). Rats are very common. Be sure that all cuts / abrasions are covered by sterile dressings e.g. plasters. Avoid un-necessary contact with water. If you develop flu-like symptoms several days after a ringing session inform the doctor about the possibility of Weil s disease. Rabies is very rare. It has been found in Daubenton s bats. If you do catch a bat remove it with caution. If you are bitten consult a doctor ASAP. Lyme disease is contracted from ticks. If you are ringing in areas were Deer or livestock are present check yourself for ticks after every ringing session. Remove any ticks completely using alcohol and tweezers. Be aware that many ticks are very small (full-stop-size). If flu-like symptoms develop, consult a doctor and inform them about the possibility of Lyme disease. Generally insect bites are an inconvenience rather than a hazard. If you know that you suffer allergic reactions to bites from these insects then the HS rises. All members should wear insect repellents during the time of year when these insects are around. Wear suitable clothing (e.g. long sleeves). Carry anti-histamine creams / tablets in case of bites. Members who suffer allergic reactions to these bites should be aware of this and should take extra precautions. Consult a doctor explaining your concerns. If they are concerned about anaphylactic shock a Hepi-pen (adrenaline) may be prescribed. Always carry a mobile phone and inform people were you are going.

5 Insect stings Wasps, bees and ants. Injuries / allergies caused by plants. HS 3; L 3 OR 9 (Med) As for insect bites, if you are allergic to stings the HS rises to 5. Check that nets have not been set over / close to wasp or bee nests. Wear suitable clothing (e.g. long sleeves). Carry anti-histamine creams / tablets in case of bites. Members who suffer allergic reactions to these stings should be aware of this and should take extra precautions. Consult a doctor explaining your concerns. If they are concerned about anaphylactic shock a Hepi-pen (adrenaline) may be prescribed. Always carry a mobile phone and inform people were you are going. Nettles HS 1; L 5 OR 5 (Low) Nettles are common plants in most ringing localities. Wear suitable clothing (long trousers / sleeves). Carry an anti-histamine cream if you react badly to the stings. Bramble HS 1; L 5 OR 5 (Low) Wear suitable clothing. Cut back any bramble near the rides. Be careful of bramble going across paths to avoid trips and falls. Giant Hogweed Hay fever HS 3; L 2 OR 6 (Low) HS 2 ; L 3 OR 6 (Low) Giant Hogweed can be recognised by its very large size, height up to 8feet, thick stem 2-4 inches in diameter marked with black streaks, large white umbrella like flower heads and unpleasant smell. It is very poisonous and can cause severe skin irritation when it is come in contact with. Avoid setting nets near the vicinity of any Giant Hogweed, or other plants if unsure of their identity. Members should be aware if they suffer from Hay fever. Carry antihistamines and / or nasal sprays, during the time of year you suffer.

6 Hawthorn / blackthorn / other thorny plants. Other shrubs (rhododendron, willow, etc) HS 1; L 4 HS 3; L 3 OR 9 (medium) Take care when working near thorny plants. Cut rides sufficiently wide enough that there is plenty of room on either side of the net for you to pass comfortably with minimum risk of being cut / stabbed by the thorns. When clearing rides of thorny plants wear gardening gloves. Be aware of the possibility of tetanus and regularly review tetanus injections (every 10 years). Avoid being scratched or, especially, getting a twig in the eye when pushing through shrubs, particularly in the dark. Reeds General health hazards exacerbated by ringing practice Sun HS 2; L3 HS 2; L 4 OR 8 (medium) When working in reed beds be sure that reed bases are well trampled. Cut rides wide enough to avoid contact with the vegetation at the sides of the net. Remove any reeds that poke into the rides as you are in them. Take special care of your eyes. If needs be wear safety goggles when working in reed beds. Beware of sunburn. Wear suitable clothing. Apply sun block and wear a hat if susceptible to sun. Dehydration HS 3; L 3 OR 9 (medium) Drink plenty of water. Be aware of possible symptoms of the onset of dehydration. Cold HS 2; L 3 OR 6 (Low) Wear suitable clothing. Keep warm if possible. Do not over-stretch oneself. Beware of, for instance, touching cold metal objects in extremely low temperatures. Take extra care if travelling on icy roads or working near frozen pools.

7 Fatigue HS 2 ; L 3 OR 6 (Low) Be aware that our general ringing practices often require an element of stamina and that tiredness may make us more susceptible to other health concerns, and may affect our judgement of safety. Drink plenty of fluids and eat energy-rich foods to help reduce fatigue and improve concentration.

8 Merseyside Ringing Group Risk Assessment:- General day time mist netting. Hazard Risk Rating Precautions Residual risk General hazards. Injuries from guy strings to the ringer, tripping over guys or walking into guys. Injuries for guy string to members of the public. Falling / twisting ankle on uneven ground (including rabbit holes etc) HS 2; L3 HS 2; L3 HS 2; L 3 Tripping over roots etc in cleared rides. HS 1; L 3 OR 3 (low) Injury caused by falling / turning into sharp HS 2; L 3 vegetation (e.g. broken branches, reeds, thorns etc) Touching overhead power lines whist erecting nets. Injuries from bamboo poles. Cuts to hands. HS 5; L 2 OR 10 (med) HS 2; L2 OR 4 (low) Set guy strings as high as possible, ideally above head height. If necessary tie marker to the guy string to alert you to it. Ensure all members of the Ringing Team know the positions of guys. DO NOT set guy strings across public footpaths. If guy stings are to be used near footpaths they should be clearly marked using cloth to prevent injuries. Set guy strings as high as possible, ideally above head height. The HS rating should be increased if the ringing site is regularly used by members of the public using bikes or horses. Place ringing notices in full view so that members of the public are aware of the activities being undertaken. It is YOUR responsibility to make them aware of the hazards. Ensure all members of the Ringing Team know the positions of main pits / holes. Mark significant pits / holes. Level the ground or reduce severity of hazard by infilling holes. Work carefully and steadily, checking footing at all times. Remove potential hazards. Trample reed bases in cleared rides. Cut back thorny bushes / trees. Refer also to the risk assessment on diseases etc. It is good practice not to erect nets within 10 metres of overhead power lines. Bamboo poles, when they split, have very sharp edges which can cut skin easily. If bamboo poles are split, either replace with a new one immediately or, if a new bamboo is unavailable at the time, cover the split with electricians tape and replace during the next ringing session.

9 Bamboo poles breaking causing penetrating wounds. Carrying mist net poles. (Hazards to ringer and to the public) Ergonomic injuries. Back strain / muscle strain caused by pulling tension on nets. Muscle strain caused by carrying equipment over long distances. Hazards of the ringing site. Sink / difficulty in moving when feet break through poor substrate. HS 3; L 2 HS 3 ; L 2 HS 2; L 2 OR 4 (low) HS 2; L 2 OR 4 (low) HS 4; L 3 OR 12 (med) Bamboo poles should be checked before use each session. When putting tension on a bamboo exercise caution. DO NOT over apply tension to bamboo poles. Bamboo poles should be replaced when signs of aging become apparent. If crossing a footpath or road be certain that you can cross without the poles being hit by traffic, or the poles hitting a member of the public. Do not over tension nets. Do not attempt to carry more equipment than is sensible. Make repeated journeys. For all activities by water, take a change of clothing. When cutting rides in new locations, proceed with caution using poles to gauge structure of the sub-strate. For existing rides, regularly assess ground conditions repeated use may lead to break-up of sub-strate. Lay safety lines along rides where ground conditions are known to be poor. Lose footing on slippery rocks on stream / river bed. HS 4; L 4 OR 16 (high) Wear appropriate footwear to reduce risk of slipping. Move carefully and steadily, checking footing at all times. Use furling stick to aid balance. Cross streams where banks are low, allowing easy access / egress. Swept away by strong flowing currents / rising water levels. HS 5 ; L 3 OR 15 (high) DO NOT cross streams if the waters are running quickly / deeply e.g. after heavy rains. DO NOT enter ponds / lakes when the water level is significantly above the average level.

10 Diseases / infections / allergies / injuries caused by vegetation when carrying out ringing operations. Various Refer to Merseyside Ringing Group Risk Assessment:- Diseases / infections / allergies / injuries caused by vegetation when carrying out ringing operations. If carrying out mist netting at night take extra care when moving around. Allow more time for all activities. Check the area carefully during daylight and remove or mark hazards that would otherwise be difficult / impossible to see in the dark. For ALL the above hazards increase the likelihood of it happening and take extra precautions. Advise the local police of your intended activities to prevent unnecessary call outs by concerned members of the public. ALWAYS carry a torch or head lamp when working in the dark.

11 Merseyside Ringing Group Risk Assessment:- Mist netting in sand quarries. Refer to Merseyside Ringing Group Risk Assessment:- General day time mist netting for general guide lines. The information below is activity specific. Hazard Risk Rating Precautions Residual risk Ringer falling on sand face. HS 3; L 3 OR 9 (med) Generally medium OR, not likely to be very dangerous unless working by water, or if the sand face collapses. Plan your route from ground level before attempting to climb the sand face. Walk by digging your feet into the soft sand; if possible choose slightly moist sand and walk along the flat ledges that form part-way up a sand face; digging / using a furling stick can help. DO NOT try to walk on hard, compacted sand, it is impossible to walk on safely and MUST be avoided. If more than one person is present, do not stand one above the other in case the upper person slips and turns one accident into two. Avoid areas with water below, although most have a shelf of sand just below the water s surface extending 0.5 meters from the bank. Sand face collapsing HS 5; L 2 OR 10 (med) Remember that sand can avalanche. Avoid unstable-looking faces. Weather: a sudden spell of hot weather following rain, or vice versa, can make sand faces unstable, even if they were previously OK. Avoid major impacts; put poles and guys in by hand and wriggle them in deeper, rather than banging them in. DO NOT go near to the edge of the top of a quarry. Take clues from the birds; Sand Martins are very sensitive to the sand conditions (particle size, humidity etc); if the birds change their favoured site from one week to the next, beware.

12 Walking into quicksand on the quarry floor. HS 5; L 1 OR 5 (low) Sand quarry machinery. HS 5; L 2 OR 10 (med) Most known areas are marked by the quarry operators, so obey warning signs. Be aware of different consistency of sand, especially wet and very smooth. If you have the misfortune to get into quicksand, the recommended technique is to move slowly; lie on your back if need be, to increase the surface area; rapid movement thickens the liquid. As with walking on a sand-face, the use of a stick is helpful. Tell someone where you are going and report back when you return. Be aware of the operations on the site. DO NOT attempt to work near the areas which are being worked. It may be necessary for you to wear high visibility clothing (check with the quarry operators).

13 Merseyside Ringing Group Risk Assessment:- Mist netting in tidal areas at night. Refer to Merseyside Ringing Group Risk Assessment:- General day time mist netting for general guide lines. The information below is activity specific. Hazard Risk Rating Precautions Residual risk HS 3; L 3 OR 9 (med) Ringer tripping over objects / slipping, falling etc. Tidal inundation / weather HS 5; L 3 OR 15 (high) Assess the area in daylight. Mark a suitable path to walk and note against landmarks. Make these known to all members of the Ringing Team. Take care when walking in water; avoid deep channels, slippery surfaces, etc; muddy areas can become treacherous when covered by tide; know the position of, and avoid tripping over, pegs and guy ropes; walking with a stick is advisable. It is good practice to wear a floatation device. Consult reliable tide tables beforehand. Consult suitable weather forecasts and be aware of the effect of weather on the tide height (e.g. low pressure allows the tide to rise higher than predicted; south-westerly winds push more water into the Irish Sea, giving higher than expected tidal heights some hours afterwards; higher pressure than expected will delay the time of high time somewhat). Ensure that other people know where you are; if working in a team, stay together or let each other know where you are going. Physical exhaustion HS 3; L 3 OR 9 (med) Diseases HS 3; L 2 DO NOT work tidal areas if unwell, over-tired, drunk, etc. Allow more time for activities at night than in daytime. Work in a team is possible, and inform other members of any possible concerns. As well as the usual health-related good practice, be aware of water-borne pathogens, e.g. from sewage outfalls or algal blooms (red tides), and other health hazards such as jellyfish stings.

14 With all ringing undertaken in tidal areas advise the local coastguards of your planned activities. This will avoid unnecessary call outs if members of the public see a torch light on the beach at night. Carry a torch or head light to allow you to find your way if lost. Carry a whistle to draw attention. It would be a good idea to carry an emergency flare. Carry a mobile phone. Advise people of when you are due to be back from activities and report in when you do return.

15 Merseyside Ringing Group Risk Assessment:- Whoosh Netting Hazard Risk Rating Precautions Residual risk Setting the metal poles for the net into the group. HS 1; L 3 OR 3 (low) If using a hammer pay attention to the activity. Do not let yourself become distracted. DO NOT rush the activity, this is how accidents occur. Setting the bungees / attaching the bungees to the net. HS 3; L 3 OR 9 (med) Risk of the bungee or the pegs pulling free and hitting the operator or any other person. The bungees should be pegged into the group using steel pipes of at least 20mm diameter and at least 500mm in length. Allow 150mm of pipe to stick out above group and set at an angle away from the net to help prevent the bungee sliding off the peg. If setting nets in sand, mud or other soft substrate increase the size of the peg and the angle to prevent them being pulled free of the ground. You could use pieces of angle iron to provide a greater grip. Do NOT over stretch the bungee. They only require approximately 15kg of force to fire the net effectively. The manufacturers do not advise stretching bungees over 70% of their original length. Wear safety goggles at all times when in front of a set net, or when attaching the bungees to the net. Leaving a whoosh net, or components, in place. HS 3 ; L 2 When setting the bungees or after the bungees are set, keep all other bystanders away from the area. NO observer should stand in line with any peg. If you intend leaving metal poles in the ground between sessions make sure that they are carefully marked. Cover the ends using plastic bottles to prevent accidents. It is advisable only to leave the metal poles in the ground in areas which are very unlikely to suffer disturbance e.g. your own garden. Risk of infection from bait or birds. HS 3; L 2 If using a whoosh net at a baited site be aware of infections from rats or from the bird faeces. Clear the area regularly and follow all safety procedures as for mist netting.

16 Merseyside Ringing Group Risk Assessment:- Ringing of Owl / Raptor pulli. Hazard Risk Rating Precautions Residual risk When ringing raptor or owl pulli be aware of the dangers referred to in the Merseyside Ringing Group Risk Assessment:- Diseases / infections / allergies / injuries caused by vegetation when carrying out ringing operations. Wear protective goggles and helmets Injuries from adult birds / pulli HS 3; L 3 OR 9 (med) Use of ladders to access nest sites Various Refer to Merseyside Ringing Group Risk Assessment:- Use of ladders. Injuries from climbing trees to nest sites Various Refer to Merseyside Ringing Group Risk Assessment:- Tree Climbing. Diseases infections etc Various Refer to Merseyside Ringing Group Risk Assessment:- Diseases / infections / allergies / injuries caused by vegetation when carrying out ringing operations. Injuries from unsafe floors in old barns HS 4; L 3 OR 12 (high) If entering old buildings avoid floors that appear to be rotten or unsafe. Work in pairs and carry a mobile phone. Walk slowly and steadily, checking your footing at all times. Attempt to walk on the joists if possible. Do not apply all of your weight at once but slowly, if the floor starts to give, try a different route. DO NOT take risks. Merseyside Ringing Group Risk Assessment:- Ringing nest box pulli. Hazard Risk Rating Precautions Residual risk Use of ladders to access nest boxes Various Refer to Merseyside Ringing Group Risk Assessment:- Use of ladders. Injuries from climbing trees to nest boxes Various Refer to Merseyside Ringing Group Risk Assessment:- Tree Climbing. Diseases infections etc Various Refer to Merseyside Ringing Group Risk Assessment:- Diseases / infections / allergies / injuries caused by vegetation when carrying out ringing operations.

17 Merseyside Ringing Group Risk Assessment:- Use of ladders, saws, and other equipment. Hazard Risk Rating Precautions Residual risk Ringer falling from ladder HS 3-5; L 2 to 10 (med) depending in height Ensure that the foot of the ladder is firm and on level ground. Set the ladder at a sensible angle (1 (horizontal): 4 (vertical) is ideal). Ensure that the tree, or whatever the ladder is leaning against, is solid and unlikely to break or lean when your weight is on it. It possible, have another person stabilising the foot of the ladder. When climbing, keep three of your four limbs in contact with the ladder. Another person being hit by the ladder HS 3; L 3 OR 9 (med) Mechanical failure of the ladder HS 5; L 2 OR 10 (med) Bow saws. HS 3; L 3 OR 9 (med) Chain saws. HS 5; L 3 OR 15 (high) Billhooks / scythes HS 4; L 3 OR 12 (med) When carrying the ladder, ensure that other people in the party keep clear. If crossing roads, footpaths, etc, ensure that there is no traffic and that the whole ladder can be carried across. When the ladder is upright, keep other people away from the ladder and the area into which it, or the climber, could fall. Check the ladder (welds, rungs, etc) before each occasion of use. If using a multiple-section ladder, but not extend too far and keep a sensible overlap between the sections. When using bow saws do not attempt to cut branches or trees that are very thick. Use protective gloves to reduce the risk of cuts if the blade jumps during cutting. Use eye protection to prevent sawdust entering eyes. Replace saw blades regularly (sharp tools are easier and safer to use). DO NOT USE CHAIN SAWS WITHOUT RECEIVING TRAINING. Use all protective equipment when using chain saws. Have the saw regularly serviced, (at least annually). Check the saw for defects before each session. DO NOT attempt to cut trees that are overly thick. KEEP ALL other members of the team away from the saw. Keep the tools sharp using a sharpening stone (sharp tools cut more easily and are safer to use). Check that no one else is within close proximity which you are using the tools.

18 Merseyside Ringing Group Risk Assessment:- Tree climbing. Hazard Risk Rating Precautions Residual risk Ringer falling from the tree HS 5; L 3 OR 15 (high) Assess the climb from the ground before starting, checking that suitable branches exist, or that swarming is feasible. DO NOT attempt to climb trees that appear to be rotten, weak or spindly. Be aware of some species of tree where branches may snap suddenly (ash, birch, hawthorn etc.) If a ladder is used consult Merseyside Ringing Group Risk Assessment:- Use of ladders, saws, and other equipment. When stepping from the ladder, take special care to have a secure hold of the tree. Do not undertake the climb if feeling tired or injured. When approaching a nest, beware of a bird striking out at the climber and surprising him. It is good practice for the climber to be secured with a harness and rope and to wear a safety helmet. Physical injury to the climber from the branches or trunk. People on the ground being injured by falling objects. HS 3; L 3 OR 9 (med) HS 4; L 3 OR 12 (med) Wear suitable clothing, including boots and gloves if need be. If climbing through clusters of thin twigs, wear goggles to avoid eye injury. Cover cuts or abrasions using sterile dressings upon descent. People on the ground should keep away from the area underneath the tree. The climber should shout a warning before e.g. breaking branches off or lowering equipment. (Standard is BELOW). All members of the ground team should be told this before any climb is made.

19 Merseyside Ringing Group Risk Assessment:- Avian Influenza Virus. Hazard Risk Rating Precautions Residual risk Avian Influenza Virus (AIV) is widespread in wild birds, including passerines, but particularly in waterbirds and shorebirds. It rarely causes disease in wild populations, but can be very pathogenic to farmed poultry. Occasionally it can infect humans: all documented cases refer however to poultry workers. 1) Risk to humans 2) Risks to wild birds and domestic poultry HS 3; L 1 OR 3 (Low) Could be very serious to domestic poultry. Unless handling waterbirds, the percentage of wild birds encountered that are actively infected with AIV is very low (< 1%). General hygiene practices should be carried out to minimise any risk of infection. To avoid exposure to AIV via faecal matter, clean soiled bird bags regularly by washing at temperatures above 60 o C. Because AIV is a serious risk to domestic poultry it is important to minimise the risk of transfer from wild birds. Therefore equipment used for ringing and catching birds should not be taken onto poultry farms or used / stored in the vicinity of domestic ducks or poultry unless it has been sterilised first by heating to temperatures greater than 60 o C for a minimum of ten minutes. Footwear / clothing used during ringing operations should also be cleaned before being taken onto poultry farms or near domestic birds.

20 Merseyside Ringing Group Risk Assessment:- Public Ringing Demonstrations (Planned or otherwise). Members of the MRG are regularly active in areas in which members of the public may observe ringing being carried out. All members should therefore refer to sections 5.4 to on pages of the Ringers Manual, dealing with public relations. Even though a ringing demonstration may not have been planned for, all ringers should be aware that ringers have an obligation to explain the purposes of their activities to interested bystanders. (Ringers Manual, 2001). Although ringing activities are not necessarily a risk to the health and safety of members of the public it is important to remember that members of the public could be present at the site and educating them about the activities being undertaken is important to the ringing scheme. Members should therefore have copies of the Ringing leaflet (available from the ringing office) and copies of the MRG Warning notice (available from the member s pages of the website, Hazard Risk Rating Precautions Residual risk Refer to page 8 of the Merseyside Ringing Group Risk assessment:- General daytime mist netting. HS 2; L3 Members of the public should not be taken around netting areas. This will protect birds, nets, and members of the public from injury. If members of the public would like to see how birds are caught for ringing purposes then a net could be erected in the open to show the principles behind the mist net and should satisfy most people. If you decide to take people around nets they MUST be fully briefed on any hazards and told NOT to touch any birds or the net itself. Members of the public handling birds. 1) Risk of injury due to beaks and claws. HS 2; L3 Members of the public should only be allowed to release placid species which are not prone to biting or scratching, for example Robins, Blackcaps etc. If tits are to be released by members of the public a warning should be given that these species can nip, the person may therefore like to wait for a more suitable bird.

21 2) Risk of members of the public contracting diseases carried by birds which they have handled. HS 2; L3 Refer to page 3 of the Merseyside Ringing Group Risk Assessment:- Diseases / infections / allergies / injuries when carrying out ringing operations. A supply of antiseptic hand wipes / gel / soap and water should be available to allow the member of the public to clean their hands after handling birds. You should insist that this is done. NB. Remember that preliminary work carried out by the Liverpool University Vets School has shown that Great Tits are as likely to carry campylobacter as Starlings or Corvids. 3) Injuries from birds being released. HS 2; L3 It is highly unlikely that any bird being released should cause damage to a member of the public but to avoid any problems birds should be released facing away from members of the public. Large birds, for example, Jays, Magpies and Sparrowhawks should be walked away from the members of the public before being released.

22 Merseyside Ringing Group Risk Assessment:- Cannon-netting. Cannon-netting is potentially a very hazardous operation, with a HS of 5. There has never, anywhere, been a serious incident so the L is 1 and the OR is 5 (low). It is different from all other ringing activities in that there is, nationally, only a small number of holders of permit endorsements allowing them to conduct cannon-netting; there is a booklet published by the BTO on Cannon-netting procedures and code of practice; a report form has to be completed and submitted to the BTO for every cannon-net fire; and the cannon-net endorsement holder carries clear responsibility for all activities during the session. Adherence to these procedures is essential to maintain the L at 1 and OR as low, but, because of these differences, it is not covered in detail here. During a cannon-netting operation, a full briefing will be given by the cannon-netter in charge, and all present must follow the instructions. If in doubt, ask someone. There will also be site-specific Health & Safety issues, many of which are covered elsewhere in MRG risk assessments, such as risks of operating in tidal areas; risks in carrying and setting equipment; and risks of working on landfill sites; but these will be covered in the briefing session for each cannon-netting operation.