BRECON RISK ASSESSMENT

Transcription

1 BRECON RISK ASSESSMENT DIVISION: DEPARTMENT: ID: ISSUED BY: AUTHORISED BY: Adventure Operations AA-O-AT-P-BRA Mel Wycherley Rob Miller REVIEW DATE: January 2018 ISSUE No.: 1 Acorn Adventure Acorn Venture Ltd 22 Worcester Street Stourbridge DY8 1AN

2 Table of Contents Royal Oak/Tan Troed Activity Risk Assessment Record 03 Archery 04 Bushcraft 05 Campfire 06 Catapult 07 Catapult Water Balloon Wars 08 Climbing/Abseiling 09 Fencing 10 High Ropes 11 High Ropes Access 12 Hill Walk 13 KataKanu 14 Main Base Field 15 Orienteering 15 Paddleboarding (SUP) 16 Paddlesports 17 Power Boat 19 Raft Build (Improvised) 20 Rifles 21 Tough Bushcraft 22 Walk between Sites 25 Water Front Brecon Main Base 26 Water Front Royal Oak 26 Page 2 of 26

3 Royal Oak/Tan Troed Activity Risk Assessment Record Activity Manager Date, Print & Sign To be completed prior to season commencing Activity Manager Date, Print & Sign To be completed mid-way through the season Archery Bushcraft Catapult Catapult Water Balloon Wars Campfire Climbing/Abseil Tower Fencing High Ropes High Ropes Access Hill Walking KataKanu Main Base Field Orienteering Paddleboarding(SUP) Paddlesport Power Boat Raft Building (Improvised) Rifles Tough Bushcraft Walk between sites Water Front Brecon Main Base Water Front Royal Oak Page 3 of 26

4 Archery Arrow in will be told: ground/target Not to walk straight towards the target. To retrieve the arrows participants should walk down the side of the range, (to avoid foot injuries). To approach the boss from the side making arrows more visible. Arrows bouncing back from target and stands Arrow left on the range/being used as target pins Interference at shooting line Non-participants struck by an arrow All Grass on the range to be kept short. Targets are to be set at the required distance from the firing line. All arrows to be collected in and accounted for at the end of the session. Arrows are not to be used as target pins Safety brief to cover range layout, waiting areas and shooting line. The group is to remain within the safety area during session when not shooting. When shooting a bow participants will have one foot over the firing line, with adequate space in between, so ensure room to shoot safely. The Instructor will give the signal when to move to and from the shooting line. Safety brief to the group to include: Arrows are only to be pointed down the range. Loaded bows pointing down range Overshoot All Backstop netting and or an overshoot area, range layout to GNAS or Archery GB guidelines and perimeter warning signs in English. People walking on to the Archery range Unsupervised equipment Uneven ground Injury from a pellet All Archery range will be in a suitable location. Warning signs will be placed around the range and if necessary they will be in English and French. Instructors will be vigilant of people in the area. Safety brief to the group will include the 'fast' or 'stop' command. Range is to be laid out in accordance with GNAS or Archery GB specifications. Participant s Arrows to be stored in a secure location separate from bows. Instructors will ensure that the bows and arrows are carried safely to the range. Instructors will supervise the safe handling of equipment throughout the session. Instructors will brief participants about how to handle equipment correctly. If the holes appear in between the firing line and safe area, group are to be made aware and hole filled in as soon as possible. The top archery range is not to be used when rifles are in operation. Page 4 of 26

5 BUSHCRAFT Shelter collapse All Size and age of participants to be taken in to account when selecting materials for shelters to ensure possibility of injury is minimised. Fire Knives Instructor training. Fires only lit in designated area. Sand and water available. Fires must be no larger than can be instantly extinguished. Close supervision at all times. Ensure jackets, sleeves, loose clothing, and long hair are fastened/tied back when in close proximity to the fire. If using matches /fire steel strike away from body and away from other people, with back to wind. While the fire is lit an Instructor must be present at all times. Fire to be completely extinguished at close of session. Staff to be trained in safe knife use. Knives to be sheathed at all times when not in use. Direct supervision in a controlled environment by a trained Instructor at all times when knives are in use. Fore grip and chest grip are the only cutting technique to be used. Cutting techniques are to be explained and demonstrated by Instructors before participants begin knife use. Knives to be maintained and blade edge to be kept sharp. Knife points will be blunted. Knives to be carried by Instructors at all times. Knives to be signed out to Instructors and signed back in to the stores by the Activity Manager, Senior Instructors or other responsible persons nominated by the Activity Manager. Knives will be counted out and back in by Instructors on sessions. Water All Appropriate boundary identified to establish safe distance from lake bank. Page 5 of 26

6 CAMPFIRE Campfire Participant Instructor training. No ball games to be played in the village when a fire pit in the village. Metal fire pits are not to be placed within 8 metres of a tent, marquee or structure. Don t place a lit fire pit under any overhead cables, branches. Fires only lit in the metal fire pit. Water bucket or fire extinguishers available Place an exclusion zone around the fire pit, keeping the benches outside this area. If using Strike matches /fire steel away from body and away from other people. With back to wind. Sparks from the camp fire All While the fire is lit a member of acorn staff must be present at all times. Make the group aware of dangers to hands and finger when placing marshmallows on skewers. Depending on the group, limit the group numbers allowed to be cooking marshmallows at a time. Maximum of 6 participants cooking marshmallows at a time. Only cook marshmallows using wooden skewers (not metal folks). warned not to eat marshmallows that are too hot. to be made aware of marshmallows dripping when over cooked, the dripping marshmallow can burn. Don t walk when eating from a skewer. Ensure jackets, sleeves, loose clothing, and long hair are fastened/tied back when in close proximity to the fire. Participant to be informed that some hair products are flammable. Fire to be completely extinguished at close of session. Don t build fires that are going to collapse and over flow out of the fire pit. Try to reduce sparks leaving the fire pit by using correct woods and other materials being burned. Page 6 of 26

7 CATAPULTS Unauthorised All When not in use catapults are to be kept in secure storage. access to catapults Unsupervised Instructors will ensure that the catapults and pellets are equipment carried safely to the range. Instructors will supervise the safe handling of equipment throughout the session. Instructors will brief participants how to handle equipment Injury to hands/fingers while loading Injury from pellet caused by bounce back (ricochet) Injury from a direct hit by a pellet Interference at shooting line People walking on to the range All and staff correctly. Instructors are to supervise loading of pellets. The targets are to be set at the required distance from the firing line. Approved eye protection must be worn by all participants and Instructors whilst in the range. Range layout is be built to reduce the possibility of pellets escaping from the range. No one is to cross the firing line when participants have access to pellets. Clear notices on approaches to activity area. There is a clear barrier at the firing line. Instructors are to make sure no participants shoot unless given the instruction to do so. Instructors are to make sure when shooting participants should only point the catapults whether loaded or unloaded down the range, towards the target. Observers (those not shooting) at the activity must obey all instruction from Instructor when in the activity area. Safety brief to cover range layout, waiting areas and firing line. The group is to remain within the safety area during session when not shooting. The Instructor will give the signal when to move to and from the firing line. All The range will be in a suitable location. Warning signs will be placed around the range. Instructors will be vigilant of people in the area. Safety brief to the group will include the 'stop' command. Page 7 of 26

8 CATAPULTS WATER BALLOON WARS Unauthorised access to water balloon launcher Unsupervised equipment Injury to legs and feet while loading and firing Overloading equipment Injury from a direct hit by a water balloon People walking on to the battle field All When not in use the water balloon launchers are to be kept in secure storage. Instructors will ensure that the water balloon launchers and balloons are carried safely to the battlefield. Instructors will supervise the safe handling of equipment throughout the session. Instructors will brief participants how to handle equipment correctly. to wear shoes at all times. Instructors are to supervise sitting and loading of the water balloon launchers. Make sure that the tubing is parallel on each side and not twisted or touching. Water balloon launchers only to be used by one person. Never stretch the tubing more than 2 foot/60cm. All Battlefield layout is to reduce the possibility of water balloons escaping from the area. Firing lines 15m-20m apart depending on ability of the group. There are clear lines that the teams don t cross when firing towards each other Instructors are to make sure no participants are to shoot unless given the instruction to do so. Instructors are to make sure when shooting participants should only point the water balloon launchers whether loaded or unloaded down the range, towards the target. and Instructors are to wear safety goggles when in the battlefield area. Observers (those not shooting or collecting the ammo) at the activity must obey all instructions from Instructor when in the activity area. All The battle field will be in a suitable location. Instructors will be vigilant of people in the area. Safety brief to the group will include the 'stop' command. Page 8 of 26

9 CLIMBING and ABSEIL Element Failure Harnesses and helmets checked for correct fitting prior to each ascent/abseil. Documented monthly equipment checks. Visual checks prior to use every session. Scaffold Towers - structural elements inspected by Hightime Technical Ltd annually. Certificate issued Lead Instructor to be responsible for ensuring in-situ anchors Falling from height Falling Objects Incorrect fitting of equipment Injury caused by a slip, trip or fall. Misuse of Equipment Personal Injury Wood Splinters (Scaffold Towers) are checked for safety prior to start of session. In-situ anchors to be checked prior to commencement of session. Instructor training Instructor awareness - monitoring. All lowers to be controlled and slow. Instructor to tail ropes or be immediately next to the main belayer while participants are climbing. When participants are being lowered Instructors MUST ALWAYS tail the rope. Designated safe waiting area. PPE worn at all times outside of safe area. Awareness of other climbers. Harnesses and helmets checked for correct fitting prior to each climb/abseil. Visual equipment checks prior to use Full toe protection to be worn. Equipment securely stored when not in use. Equipment used only for intended purpose. Correctly fitted PPE worn at all times outside of safe waiting area. briefed on safe use of equipment and hazards, particularly on use of all in-situ equipment e.g. bolt hangers. Instructors awareness of harness induced pathology briefed to only use bolt on handholds. Page 9 of 26

10 FENCING Foil and misuse of the foil Instructors will transport foils to and from activity area. Each fencer must have the following protective equipment/clothing: Mask. Fencing bib. Foils with point protection (button) must have an exaggerated permanent bend. Long trousers. Safety brief given to participants must include: Foils to be carried by the pommel with points down unless they are fencing. Fencing cannot commence until the Instructor has given the command and each person in the partnership engages in the on-guard position. Masks must not be removed until the Instructor commands. The only target is the torso of the body. Foils are not to be lifted unless all participants have their masks on. Fencing does not involve whipping or slashing of the foil. Instructors will ensure: clearly understand the fencing commands, which should be demonstrated. Foils are not left unattended. Floor surface Fencing needs to take place on a level non-slippery surface. Interference when fencing Unsupervised equipment Wall, fences or posts Safety brief to cover fencing area safe area. Group to remain within the safety area during session when not fencing When fencing participant will be in the fencing area, with adequate space so ensure room to fence safely. Foils are to be stored in a secure location. Instructors will ensure that the foils are carried safely to the activity area. Instructors will supervise the safe handling of equipment throughout the session. Instructor will brief participants how to handle equipment safely and correctly. Instructors to remain aware whilst participants are fencing and stop them if they get too close. Page 10 of 26

11 HIGH ROPES Crate Stack - injury from crates briefed on safe area. Instructor training. Well defined crumple zone i.e. extent of area where crates may fall. Effective management of crumple zone. Only one crate to be passed/thrown to stack builders at a Element Failure time. Structural elements checked and certified annually by Hightime Technical prior to each season and recorded. Documented monthly checks as per guidelines from JM Adventure. Emotional and Physical Use of a Challenge by Choice philosophy. Staff awareness of participant s different physical abilities. Appropriate peer support. Equipment Failure Harnesses and helmets checked for correct fitting prior to Falling from Height Falling Objects Misuse of Equipment Personal Injury Other Users Trapeze each ascent. Structural elements checked and certified by Hightime Technical Ltd prior to each season and recorded. All equipment checked before use and formally once a month. Instructor training Instructor awareness. Instructors to tail ropes while participants are climbing or being lowered from elements. When peer belaying is operational supervising Instructor must be immediately next to main belayer. All descents and lowers to be controlled and slow. Designated safe waiting area. PPE worn at all times when not in safe area. Equipment used only for intended purpose. Equipment securely stored when not in use. Petzl Newton full-body harnesses to be utilised. Front harness loops will be secured by a maillon. Instructors awareness. Instructors training. PPE worn at all times when outside safe area. briefed on safe use of equipment, particularly on use of all in-situ equipment e.g. staples. Instructors awareness of harness induced pathology. Observation and awareness. briefed on positioning when passing/ waiting for others. General etiquette. Instructor training. Make participant aware of the following: Danger of swinging back in to the pole. Impact with the trapeze bar with hands and arms. One handed trapeze catch. Grabbing hold of safety rope behind their head when jumping from the platform. Page 11 of 26

12 HIGH ROPES and ZIP Wood/Wire briefed to only use appropriate handholds. Splinters briefed not to hold any steel cables. Falling from Height Participant Weight guidelines for Fall Arrester(Zip Wire) adhered to i.e. s maximum 100kg /15.75 stone. minimum 30kg / 4.72 stone Gladiator Challenge Participant briefed on not using cables for assistance. s Instructor awareness of excessive slack in belay system building up. briefed on safe method of descent to avoid impact with horizontal beams. Gladiator Challenge Poles Course to be secured when not in use. Lead instructor is responsible for removing bottom bar of Gladiator Challenge. Zip Wire-participant Use Rescue Ladder to access stuck participants. unable to lower off Rescue Ladder only to be used for rescues. Activity HIGH ROPES ACCESS Falling from Height Instructor training and awareness. Site specific assessment carried out by MIA Access Staff required to wear an appropriate working at height full-body harness & appropriate lanyards, when higher than 1.8m, during inspection of High Ropes elements. 2nd member of staff to be present on ground during element Personal Injury Element Failure Equipment Failure inspection. Petzl Newton full-body harnesses to be utilised. Front harness connectors will be secured by maillon. Correctly fitted PPE worn at all times. Knowledge on safe use of equipment, particularly on use of all in-situ equipment. Instructors awareness of harness induced pathology avoidance. Structural elements checked and certified annually by Hightime Technical prior to each season and recorded. All equipment checked before use and formally once a month. Page 12 of 26

13 HILL WALK Evacuation Effective method of communication carried by Instructors - mobile phone. Estimated time of return indicated on route card. All Senior Staff and Instructors will be trained where all Getting Lost/disorientated Other Users Roads and Tracks Slips, Trips and Falls Emergencies Rock outcrop at top of Allt Other Users escape routes are. Route Plan authorised and discussed before departure with Activity Manager. One staff at front of group; one staff at rear. Instructor training to include map and compass skills. Awareness of all participants location/needs at all times. Regular head counts throughout session. Observation and awareness. briefed on positioning when passing/ waiting for others. General etiquette. Instructor awareness. briefing. Single file. Front and back of line supervised by adult. Guidance given to participants relevant to nature of ground being crossed. Guidance and spotting at appropriate places. Escape routes indicated on map and route card. Estimated time of return indicated on route card. Group management. Training of Instructors. Observation. Page 13 of 26

14 KATAKANU Capsize Obtain and check weather forecast and wind specific forecast prior to activity commencing. Activity Manager/BC L2 responsible for deciding whether sessions go ahead. Instructor training in prevention methods. Collision Manual Handling briefed on capsize drill. Instructor training. briefing basic boat handling skills. Instructor and participants awareness and observation. Minimum of four persons available to manhandle craft. Instructors are to make sure the hulls are drained before boats are moved. Other Users Observation and awareness. Person Overboard briefed on limiting movement whilst on KataKanu. PPE buoyancy aids worn by participants at all times while on water. Instructor awareness Slips, Trips and Falls Swamping Wind briefed about hazards during embarking and disembarking. KataKanus inspected. Instructor awareness guidance to participants where necessary. KataKanu games to be authorised by Head Office Activities & Training Manager. Do not over load the katakaun (max load = 500kg) Do not use in extreme conditions i.e. more than F4 with breaking waves. Obtain and check weather forecasts prior to activity commencing. briefed on use of drain bungs. Trim KataKanu bow light. Instructor training a bailer is required for each boat. A daily local weather report will be sourced plus a wind specific report from e.g. Wind Guru will be obtained twice daily i.e. morning and lunchtime if Paddlesport sessions are taking place. Assessment of wind strength must be made using observation. Activity Manager/BC L2 responsible. A staff meeting will be held each morning where weather related issues will be discussed and operating areas for the lake set by the Activity Manager/BCU L2, taking into account wind force and direction. KataKanu sessions will NOT take place if there is wind above F4. Page 14 of 26

15 MAIN BASE FIELD Barbed wire All Groups briefed not to go near barbed wire. Good group control. Fire All Fires extinguished Nettles and thistles All Brief group about hazard. Cut field to keep nettles and thistles etc under control. Unattended Public Any equipment stored on site needs to be locked. equipment Uneven ground All Good group control and monitoring. Brief the group about hazard. Activity ORIENTEERING Getting Lost / Incidents Instructor training. Effective map and compass skills. Use a method of testing participants understanding of the necessary techniques before allowing further progress. Boundaries set prior to activity commencing. briefed on staying together. Minimum group size - 3 off site/2 on site. briefed on return to base time. Each group to have a method of telling the time. briefed on staying together unless an Personal Injury Drowning Other Users Roads and Tracks Participan ts Participan ts and Staff Participan ts and Staff accident/incident dictates that they send for help. briefed on safe use of the Orienteering area, particularly any rough, rocky, steep areas. Appropriate footwear worn by all participants. briefed to stay away from the Lake edge which borders the Llangorse Common and Royal Oak Orienteering area. Observation and awareness. briefed on positioning when passing/ waiting for others. General etiquette. Staff and participant awareness. Participant briefing. Single file. Front and back of line supervised by adult when appropriate Page 15 of 26

16 PADDLEBOARD (SUP) Being struck by Paddle warned in briefing. Appropriate distance between boards when on the water. Defective/ damaged equipment and staff Equipment will be checked before each session to ensure that the equipment is safe. Drowning and staff Buoyancy aids and helmets will be issued and fitted at the stores, but a detailed check will be made prior to accessing the water. PPE will be worn at all times when on, in or near the Lake. Boards will be checked by Instructors prior to going on the water to ensure all obvious hazards are removed. Instructors will discuss all risks involved with participants & supervise. Kneel until safe distance from jetty. Agreed communication systems (e.g. whistle for off water immediately) will be agreed before participants access the water. Instructors will be trained in effective rescue techniques. Games ONLY THOSE GAMES AUTHORISED BY Training & Activities Impact injuries through capsize Manual Handling Other Users Observation and awareness. Possibility of board flipping over and and staff hitting user in face Sharp point on front and back of some boards could cause injury Slipping on paddle board Shallow water slips and trip and staff and staff and staff Manager can be played during an SUP session. Staff will be trained in prevention and solution methods. Adequate coaching will be imparted to minimise the chance of a capsize. In the event of a capsize the priority is to ensure participants safety not equipment. will be given a capsize drill detailing what to do in the event of a capsize prior to getting on the water. Rescue of participants and equipment Instructor trained in safe methods. only move individual craft as a group effort. briefed on safe lifting and moving techniques. End grabs are easy to hold, toggle or plastic coated. Minimise the risk of back injury where possible by moving the boards to the bank. Use the participants where possible. warned not to stand on the edge either of the front or the back of the paddle board. Appropriate distance. told not to paddle straight at other users and to be aware of other water users. When playing shallow games they will never hold the board at either end, only at the side of the board. warned of risk before beginning. Suitable full toe protection to be worn. Appropriate distance. warned of risk of falling off the boards when in shallow water and informed how to enter the water with a flat body position to reduce/remove injury from underwater objects and hazards ie jetties, rocks, other users etc. to be advised to kneel down when paddling close to shore. Page 16 of 26

17 PADDLESPORTS Being struck by warned of this hazard in brief. Paddle Boat Rafting Do not overload each raft. No more than 3 people in a canoe. Capsize Do not operate in extreme conditions if more than F3 wind strength with breaking waves Activity Manager to be consulted. Instructor training in prevention and solution methods particularly with canoe rafts. Instructor aware of need to focus on participants first and equipment second. briefed on capsize drill. Defective/damaged Equipment will be checked before sessions. equipment Drowning Buoyancy aids and helmets will be issued and fitted at the stores, but a detailed check will be made prior to accessing the water. PPE will be worn at all times when on, in or near the Lake. Boats will be checked by Instructors prior to going on the water to ensure all obvious hazards are removed. Instructors will discuss all risks involved with participants and supervise throughout. Agreed communication systems (e.g. Whistle for off water immediately) will be agreed before participants access the water. Instructors will be trained in effective rescue techniques for the specific environment. Games Only Those Games authorised Activities and Training Manager can be played during an session. Impact injuries through capsize Manual Handling Staff will be trained in prevention and solution methods. Adequate coaching will be imparted to minimise the chance of a capsize. In the event of a capsize the priority is to ensure participants safety not equipment. will be given a capsize drill detailing what to do in the event of a capsize prior to getting on the water. Rescue of people and equipment Instructor trained in safe methods of manual handling. only move individual kayaks/canoes as a group effort. briefed on safe lifting and moving techniques. End grabs are easy to hold with either toggle or plastic coated. Minimise the risk of back injury where possible by moving the boat to the bank. Page 17 of 26

18 PADDLESPORTS cont. Lighting strike Instructors are to postpone the activity until the storm has passed or return to centre in accordance with the Non- Emergency Contingencies Procedure. Other Users Swamping Underwater Obstructions Observation and awareness. briefed on positioning when passing/ waiting for others. General etiquette. Do not use in extreme conditions if more than F3 wind strength with breaking waves Activity Manager to be consulted. Trim canoe bow light in choppy conditions. Staff awareness. briefed on overhanging branches Participant in formed of shallow areas during the session. Activity areas checked after flood or high water for new hazards. Water All Appropriate boundary identified to establish safe distance from waters edge. Page 18 of 26

19 POWER BOAT Collisions All All drivers must connect the kill cord to the boat and around the leg. Instructors must not drive over 5 knots unless reacting to a capsize or an emergency. Engine to be turned off when approaching persons in the water. Entrapment in another vessel and staff In the event of an entrapment the power boat must right the boat/vessel as quickly as possible. It is important that the rescuer knows which end to pick up, otherwise the casualty may be forced deeper. This method should not be used with heavier boats. Under no circumstances must the crew dive overboard. Serrated safety knife carried. Injury from propeller All Engines to be turned off when in close proximity to people in the water and dropped off / picked up participants. Other water uses and third parties Activity Manager will set operating areas at the start of each session. Instructors will be particularly vigilant when reversing. Instructors will turn the engine off when in close proximity to anyone in the water. Power Boat All Driver of the power boat must be RYA PB Level 2 qualified. All drivers must connect the kill cord to the boat and around the leg. All equipment will be securely fixed to the power boat. Correct methods of manual handling will be used. Kill cords will be checked by pulling and cutting the engine before each session. Spare kill cord. Propeller All Activity Manager will ensure that propellers are checked on a monthly basis for any damage creating sharp edges. Unauthorised use All Kill cords and keys will be taken out of the boats when not in use. Page 19 of 26

20 RAFT BULID (Improvised) Defective / damaged equipment Drowning and or entrapment. Lightning Strike Off shore winds. being swept into open water. Poorly constructed rafts, raft collapse, entrapment. and staff and staff and staff and staff Equipment will be checked before each session to ensure that the equipment is safe. Buoyancy aids and helmets will be issued at the stores and a detailed check will be made prior to accessing the water. PPE will be warn at all times when on, in or near the Lake. Rafts will be checked by Instructors prior to going on the water to ensure all obvious trap hazards are removed. Instructors will discuss the risks of poorly constructed rafts with participants and supervise the building of rafts. Agreed communication systems will be agreed before participants access the water. Instructors will be trained in effective rescue techniques for the specific environment and the appropriate canoe or kayak safety test will be held. Instructors are to postpone the activity until the storm has passed or return to centre in accordance with the Non- Emergency Contingencies Procedure. A designated area of operation is to be set and indicated on the operating areas board. In strong (Force 3 or above) offshore winds, the Activity Manager/BC L2 will inspect the site before the session commences. After making a dynamic risk assessment a decision will be made as to whether the session goes ahead or an alternative session run in its place, if so tethers will be attached and a powerboat will be available. A Paddleboard or Open Canoe will be available as a rescue platform and ready to use. Equipment including safety knife, throw line, whistle and first aid kit will be with the Instructor. Provide sufficient barrels, poles and lines for the construction of a raft to carry all participants. A designated area of operation is to be set and indicated on the operating areas board. Instructors will monitor the participants as they launch the raft and when necessary enter the water to assist the participants whilst they complete their task. A suitable craft will be available as a rescue craft. Equipment including knife, throw line, whistle and First Aid kit is the responsibility of the Lead Instructor. Instructors will check all rafts before launching to ensure they are water worthy (perform a shake test). Instructors will inspect the raft to ensure there are no loops in the ropes which could cause an entrapment hazard. In the event of an emergency the Instructor will issue the signal for the participants to exit the water. The Instructor will then affect a rescue, either entering the water or using the rescue craft. The participants will be briefed on: Possible danger of getting trapped in ropes, or collision with raft materials and what to do if this occurs. Keeping hands and feet clear of all lashings. Safety instructions that may be given by Instructors during the activity. (e.g. two whistle blows to exit the water at the nearest point.) Page 20 of 26

21 RIFLES Unauthorised All When not in use rifles are to be locked in secure storage. access to rifles Unsupervised equipment Instructors will ensure that the rifles and pellets are carried safely to the range. Instructors will supervise the safe handling of equipment throughout the session. Instructors will brief participants how to handle equipment correctly. Instructors and rifles will not leave the range hut for the duration of the session. Injury from equipment failure and misfire Injury to hands/fingers while loading Lead poisoning from pellets Recoil of the rifle Injury from pellet caused by bounce back (ricochet) Injury from a direct hit by a pellet All equipment is checked and maintained in line with Operating Procedures. All the equipment should be visually inspected immediately before use and barrels checked for prior to loading of pellets. All participants are to be given instructions on cocking the rifle and loading the pellet safely. Instructors are to supervise loading of pellets and point out ways to avoid trapping hands/fingers. All All verbal warning given in briefing. Sign at range to warn of risk. Reminder to wash hands at end of session. Food and drink not to be consumed while on rifles session. All All participants are to be given instruction on how to hold the rifle close in to the shoulder to avoid recoil causing impact with shoulder or face. Instructors to monitor the range to make sure rifles are held correctly while participants are aiming at the targets. The Range is to be laid out in accordance with NSRA specifications. Targets are to be set at the required distance from the firing line. All targets are to be positioned in front of a backstop (pellet catcher) to minimise risk of ricochet. Approved eye protection must be worn by all participants and Instructors whilst in the range area. Range layout is built to reduce the possibility of pellets escaping from the range. No one is to cross the firing line when participants have access to pellets. Clear notices on approaches to activity area. There is clear barrier at firing line. Instructors are to make sure no participants are to shoot unless given the instruction to do so. Instructors are to make sure when shooting participants should only point the rifles whether loaded or unloaded down the range, towards the target. Observers (those not shooting) at the activity must obey all instruction from Instructor when in the activity area. Page 21 of 26

22 RIFLES cont. Interference at shooting line People walking on to the rifle range Injury from an arrow and staff Safety brief to cover range layout, waiting areas and firing line. The group is to remain within the safety area during session when not shooting. The Instructor will give the signal when to move to and from the firing line. waiting must remain seated on the bench provided. All Rifles range will be in a suitable location. Warning signs will be placed around the range. Instructors will be vigilant of people in the area. Safety brief to the group will include the 'stop' command. Range is to be laid out in accordance with NSRA specifications. The top archery range is not to be used when rifles are in operation. Activity TOUGH BUSHCRAFT Barbed wire All Groups briefed on being vigilant for barbed wire and what to do when walking and working near it. Burns briefed on how to use stoves and mess tins correctly. Damage to vegetation Emergencies Food and water poisoning All must not overfill the stove with solid fuel. In all case the fire should be kept small and efficient. Avoid fires near growing roots. Avoid fires near overhanging vegetation. Careful site selection to avoid danger of spreading fire. Do not light a fire in high risk conditions (i.e. during periods of drought and/or strong winds). All fires to be fully extinguished and cleared at the end of the session. Final check carried out by instructors. Minimum group size 3. Each participant to have a whistle. Estimated time of arrival at each check point indicated on route card. briefed on staying together unless an accident dictates that they seek help. CHECK IN TIMES ARRANGED WITH CENTRE. Food to be checked prior to expedition expedition food e.g. pre-pack/dehydrated should be used instead of fresh meat or fresh products. Water should be from a clean drinking water source. In remote areas where water is collected from streams, Acorn Instructors are to be given training in remote water sourcing and all water collected this way must be treated before consumption. Gates All Groups briefed NOT to swing or hang on gates. Gates to be left as they were found. Page 22 of 26

23 TOUGH BUSHCRAFT cont. Getting Lost/disorientated Route Plan authorised and discussed before departure with Activity Manager. Instructor training. Effective map and compass skills. Awareness of all participants location/needs at all times. Regular head counts throughout session. Inappropriate Behaviour to be monitored during the Bushcraft experience. behaviour Inhalation of fumes Injury while on rough/step ground Knives Nettles and thistles Open Fires Other Users All All Clear ground rules to be set. No potentially toxic or hazardous materials to be disposed of using the fire e.g. plastics, gas canisters Avoid adding green wood to fire. briefed on safe use of any rough, rocky, steep areas. Appropriate footwear worn by all participants. Instructors to be trained in safe use of knives. Knives to be sheathed at all times when not in use. Direct supervision in a controlled environment by a trained Instructor at all times when knives are in use. Fore grip and chest grip are the only cutting techniques to be used. Cutting techniques are to be explained and demonstrated by Instructors before clients begin knife use. Knives to be maintained and blade edge to be kept sharp. Knife points will be blunted. Knives to be signed out to Instructors and signed back in to the stores by the Activity Manager, Senior Instructor or other responsible persons nominated by the Activity Manager. Knives will be counted out and back in by Instructors on sessions. Brief group about hazard. Staff training. First Aid kit at location of fire. Fires only lit in designated area. Sand & water available. Fires must be no larger than can be extinguished easily. Close supervision at all times. Fire to be completely extinguished at close of session. Strike matches/fire steel away from body and away from other people. Back to wind. Advise of hazards of wearing synthetic clothing (combustion/melting). Ensure jackets, sleeves and long hair are fastened. Start the fire small and maintain it fit for purpose - small and efficient. Observation and awareness. briefed on positioning when passing/waiting for others. General etiquette. Page 23 of 26

24 TOUGH BUSHCRAFT cont. Poisoning, stings and other injuries caused by plants, All staff and participants are to be made aware of the presence of potentially harmful flora and fauna (particularly insects) on the bivvy site. trees, insects etc Roads and Tracks Staff awareness. briefing. Single file. Front and back of line supervised by adult. Scalds briefed how to cook the boil in the bag meals. briefed on how to handle food bags when cooked. to be warned against over filling mess tins with water. Shelter collapse All Awareness of surroundings and materials including dead fall Slips, Trips and Falls Stove Cooking Students becoming too cold during session and stone walls. Guidance given to participants relevant to nature of ground being crossed. Guidance and spotting at appropriate places. All Instructors and participants are to be made aware that the bivvy site has uneven ground in places. Prior to departing for the bivvy site, all instructors and participants are to be advised to bring a torch with them, as the bivvy site is not lit at night. movement is to be restricted to safe sleeping, eating, games and toilet areas, especially after dark. All participants to follow Instructors instructions on how and where to set up and use the stoves, on flat stable ground, away from flammable material. Ensure students are appropriately clothed for session; try to offer more active experiences on a cold day; provide a fire on site where appropriate and shelter and food if necessary. Tree roots All Brief groups of danger. Water for Drinking Leave Bivvi site early if students get uncomfortably cold. Good group control and monitoring. All participants to follow Instructors instructions on how to collect and prepare water for drinking using filtration and tablet treatment. Weather changes All Groups to use escape route and contact centre immediately if weather deteriorates and group is unable to stay on Mynydd Llangors. Page 24 of 26

25 Walk Between Sites Cattle All Effective group control. Noise when near cattle kept to a minimum. Cattle given a wide berth. Fences All Fences should be crossed at correct points. Use stiles or gates. should be supervised over styles. In wet conditions participants must be briefed on slippery surfaces. Any barbed wire must be reported to Activity Manager who must contact the National Park Ranger. Any damage to styles must be reported to Activity Manager. Gates All Groups briefed not to swing or hang on gates. Gates to be left as they were found. Good group control. Uneven ground All Group briefed. Good group control. Vehicle hitting a person Activity Group will be informed of: Possible dangers whilst walking on roads and paths. Responsible behaviour. Instructor awareness on roads. Instructor or responsible adult must have clear vision in all directions before group is instructed to cross. Group to cross together. Group will use pavements whenever possible. If walking on road will walk in the direction of the oncoming traffic. On the warning of car group will stop and get close to side. All persons to remain vigilant. Page 25 of 26

26 Water Front Brecon Main Base Concrete slipway (on All Groups briefed to stay off slipway. left of beach from land) becoming slippery. Good group control and monitoring. Drowning Group briefed to stay away from the lake edge when engaged in activities/tasks during bushcraft. Entrapment between watercraft (rafts, kayaks, canoes, KataKanus, All Included in briefings that participants should keep distance from jetties. Effective group control and monitoring. power boats. Tree roots All Brief groups of danger. Good group control and monitoring. Weather changes All All groups to have contact with Royal Oak via radio. Groups to use land escape route & contact Royal Oak immediately if weather deteriorates and group is unable to return to Royal Oak by lake. Falling off jetty walkway All Effective group control. Activity Water Front ROYAL OAK Equipment racks All Monthly monitoring. Groups briefed that equipment racks and equipment are Out of Bounds unless supervised by Acorn Instructors. High water. All Marker buoys tied to heli-pad to identify location. (flooding) Landing platform All Wood is maintained. around enclosed bay Monthly monitoring. Mooring ropes around heli pad. Unsupervised use of equipment. Wood surround on Heli pad. All All All Mooring ropes maintained. Weekly monitoring. Signs informing public of Private Property. Guests briefed on Out of Bounds areas. All equipment to be replaced on racking at end of daily sessions. Safety boat equipment removed. Wooden defenders maintained. Weekly monitoring. Page 26 of 26