SAVANE RISK ASSESSMENT

Transcription

1 SAVANE RISK ASSESSMENT DIVISION: DEPARTMENT: ID: ISSUED BY: AUTHORISED BY: Adventure Operations AA-O-AT-P-VRA Mel Wycherley Rob Miller DATE: January 2018 ISSUE No.: 2 Acorn Adventure Acorn Venture Ltd 22 Worcester Street Stourbridge DY8 1AN

2 Table of Contents Savane Risk Assessment Record 03 Archery 04 Ardèche Bivouac 05 Bouldering (Chauzon, Cirque de Gens) 06 Catapult Water Balloon Wars 07 Caving 08 Climbing & Abseiling 09 High Ropes Course 11 High Ropes Course Access 13 Orienteering 13 Paddlesports 14 Paddlesports - Ardèche Descent 16 Raft Building (Improvised) 18 River Trek 20 Swimming 21 Water Games 22 Page 2 of 22

3 Savane 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 Ardèche Bivouac Bouldering/Traversing Catapult Water Balloon Wars Caving Climb / Abseil High Ropes High Ropes Access Orienteering Paddlesports Paddlesports - Ardèche Descent Raft Building (Improvised) River Trek Swimming Water Games Page 3 of 22

4 Archery Arrow in Participant will be told: ground/target s 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. Grass on the range to be kept short. Arrows bouncing back Targets are to be set at the required distance from the firing from target/stand Arrow left on the range/being used as target pins Interference at shooting line All Participant s 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. Non-participants Participant Safety brief to the group to include: struck by an arrow s 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 walking through Sampzon village 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 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. Instructors are to reiterate to participants that they are to walk around the back of the village if anybody leaves the session with a responsible adult. Page 4 of 22

5 Ardeche Bivouac Abduction and/or assault of a child by a third-party All participants to be made aware of the fact that the bivvy site is also used by the public and associated risks explained. All participants to be told to report any incidents to a member of staff immediately. Children MUST always stay in groups of three (minimum) Death / serious injury caused by landslides as a result of heavy rain Drowning or other serious injury caused by flooding. Injury caused by slips, trips and falls on uneven, poorlylit ground Injury from a fall from height from the crag adjacent to the river Injury from wild animals, in particular Wild Boar Poisoning, stings and other injuries caused by plants, trees, insects etc on the bivvy site at all times. All participants to be told to follow Acorn staff instructions in the event of heavy rain. Acorn staff to monitor the effects of heavy rain and to move the group if the land they are on becomes compromised. On arrival at the bivvy site, all staff and participants are to be shown the location of the flood assembly point and flood evacuation signs. All staff and participants are to be instructed to follow evacuation signs to assembly point in the event of flooding. In the event of a flood, all staff and participants are to be told to follow the instructions of the Ardèche National Park bivvy site wardens. Ardèche National Park staff are responsible for making the decision to evacuate the bivvy site in the result of flood danger. Their role also covers supervision of the evacuation. All Staff and participants are to be made aware that the bivvy site has uneven ground in places. Prior to departing for the bivvy site, all staff and participants are to be advised to bring a torch with them, as the bivvy site is poorly lit at night. Spares to be carried by Acorn staff movement is to be restricted to safe sleeping, eating, games and toilet areas, especially after dark. Make the groups aware of the risks presented by crags and rapids. NO unsupervised access to the river and banks. to be restricted to safe sleeping, eating, games and toilet areas, especially after dark. All staff and participants are to be made aware of the presence of wild animals in and around the bivvy area. All staff and participants are to be given simple guidelines as how not to antagonise wild animals. to be restricted to safe sleeping, eating, games and toilet areas, especially after dark. All staff and participants are to be made aware of the presence of potentially harmful flora and fauna (particularly insects) on the bivvy site. Page 5 of 22

6 BOULDERING Equipment Failure Helmets checked for correct fitting prior to each session Documented monthly checks. Falling from Height Other Users Psychological Trauma Slip, trip and fall Visual checks prior to use & throughout session. Instructor training. Instructor awareness. Instructors brief and demonstration. Instructors vigilance throughout activity. to have spotter behind whenever on rock, with spotter adopting appropriate stance. Participant to go no higher than spotters mid-chest level or 1 metre above the ground. Helmets worn at all times. Only specified boulders to be used. Observation and awareness. briefed on positioning when passing / waiting for others. General etiquette. Challenge of choice emphasised throughout activity. Only specified boulders to be used. Identified by Technical Advisor pre-season. Instructor brief and demonstration. Instructor to visually check area around bouldering site before starting activity. Instructor brief and demonstration. Start and stop points for bouldering to be emphasised. Spotters to be warned to watch their footing. Page 6 of 22

7 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. All 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. 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 7 of 22

8 CAVING Head injury from falling rock outside and inside the cave Head injury from low rock ceiling inside the cave Hyperthermia (heat/ sun stroke), dehydration and sun burn through lack of fluid intake and/or exposure to sun light and intense heat Hypothermia (drop in body core temperature) through prolonged exposure to cold Injury caused by a slip/fall Public roads with moving vehicles. Risk of a vehicle hitting a person and staff Helmets to be worn when walking below the crag and at all times in the cave. Incidents of rock fall to be monitored and if necessary risk re-assessed. The cave will be checked for loose debris, particularly for any movement in boulders or hanging slabs during each session. Helmets to be worn inside the cave at all times. to be advised of low ceiling. Allow for an amount of acclimatisation at the entrance to the cave. Ensure lights are in good working order and carry sufficient spares. will not be allowed to participate without sufficient drinking water being available. Ensure sufficient water is taken regularly. Instructors will monitor the group throughout session. Briefings will take place in the shade wherever possible. Sun barrier must be used when conditions dictate(consult with Party Leader if participant does not have sun barrier) Instructors will continually monitor the group being attentive to signs of overly cold participants. will be issued with a caving suit and told what clothing to wear (appropriate to the prevailing conditions) underneath the suit. Instructors will carry spare clothing where necessary. Instructors will check the weather forecast prior to activity commencing. Instructors to advise participants of the unstable terrain. to walk slowly in single file and not to rush on the narrow path. Equipment to be worn in order to free up both hands. Road on route to cave is narrow, groups will need to walk in single file with an Acorn member of Staff/Party Leader at the front and back of the group giving slow down signals to vehicle drivers and making participants aware of approaching vehicles. Adult e.g. Party Leaders should be used to assist where possible if only one member of staff is present. Younger participants may have decreased road awareness and require higher levels of supervision. Page 8 of 22

9 CAVING continued Losing a participant within the cave system Risk of injury through slips, trips and falls within the cave system Risk of participants and staff becoming stuck in squeezes Provide Instructors with specific training in group control in cave environments. Instructors should be aware of participants whereabouts at all times. Instructors will use a head counting and numbering off system throughout. Helmets will be worn at all times within the cave system. Instructors will encourage and explain the need for spotting at appropriate places. All participants are required to use appropriate footwear. Toes must be fully covered. Instructors will be trained in the specific squeezes related to this cave e.g. the tight squeeze close to entrance should be passed head first going in, feet first on the way out. Instructors to be trained to deal with participants becoming stuck. Activity CLIMBING and ABSEIL Element Failure Falling from height Falling Objects Incorrect fitting of equipment Injury caused by a slip, trip or fall. Misuse of Equipment Personal Injury Harnesses and helmets checked for correct fitting prior to each ascent/abseil. Documented monthly equipment checks. Visual checks prior to use every session. In-situ anchors to be checked prior to commencement of session. Instructor training Instructor awareness - monitoring. All lowers to be controlled and slow. 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 Page 9 of 22

10 Savane CLIMBING & ABSEIL cont. Equipment Failure Top anchors checked by Technical Advisor prior to season commencing Lead Instructor to be responsible for ensuring in-situ anchors are checked for safety prior to start of session. Falling from height 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. Falling objects All For duration of session participants told not to throw stones. Approach/return from crag. Public roads with moving vehicles. Risk of a vehicle hitting a person and staff Road on route to crag across Chauzon bridge is narrow, groups will need to walk in single file with an Acorn member at the front and back of the group giving slow down signals to vehicle drivers and making participants aware of approaching vehicles. Party Leaders should be utilised to assist if only one member of Acorn staff is present. Younger participants may have decreased road awareness and require higher levels of supervision. Page 10 of 22

11 HIGH ROPES Crate Stack - injury from crates Element Failure Emotional and Physical 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 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. 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 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. Falling from Height 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. Falling Objects Misuse of Equipment Personal Injury Other Users All descents and lowers to be controlled and slow. All Clear command to be used prior to stepping off Parachute Drop launch platform. Ground area checked. 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. will be told to step forwards off Parachute Drop launch platform NOT jump or launch backwards. Observation and awareness. briefed on positioning when passing/ waiting for others. General etiquette. Page 11 of 22

12 SAVANE HIGH ROPES (GLADIATOR CHALLENGE/TRAPEZE/PARACHUTE DROP/CRATE STACK) cont. Trapeze 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. Wood/Wire briefed to only use appropriate handholds. Splinters Gladiator Challenge Gladiator Challenge Poles Parachute Drop Fall Arrester Parachute Drop Participant falling/jumping from pole platform before being clipped in Parachute Drop Participant falling too fast Parachute Drop Failure of Fall Arrest Block Parachute Drop Participant landing Parachute Drop descendee landing on people on ground Personal Injury briefed not to hold any steel cables. briefed on not using cables for assistance. Instructor awareness of excessive slack in belay system building up. briefed on safe method of descent to avoid impact with horizontal beams. Course to be secured when not in use. Remove bottom bar of Gladiator Challenge. Weight guidelines for Fall Arrester adhered to i.e. maximum 100kg /15.75 stone. Minimum 30kg / 4.72 stone and staff Rope/harness attachment checked prior to leaving ground. Clip into Fan Descender before unclipping Fall Arrester cable/safety rope. Utilise Fall Arrester for safeguarding participants when ascending pole. Maximum weight 100kg (15.75 stone) Minimum weight 30kg (4.72 stone) Fan Descender operational weight limits for participation are: o Minimum weight limit of 20kg (3.14 stone). o Maximum weight limit of 120kg (18.89 stone). Scales utilised where necessary. Fall Arrest Block tested before use. Maximum weight 100kg (15.75 stone) Minimum weight 30kg (4.72 stone) Scales utilised where necessary to ascertain weight of participant. given verbal guidance and demonstration on how to land. Call stand clear from top of pole. Ground response all clear. will be told to step forwards off Parachute Drop launch platform NOT jump or launch backwards. Page 12 of 22

13 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. Activity ORIENTEERING Getting Lost / Incidents Personal Injury 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 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. Drowning briefed to stay away from the Ardeche & Labeaume Rivers which borders the Orienteering site. Page 13 of 22

14 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 Impact injuries through capsize Manual Handling Lighting strike can be played during an 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 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. Instructors are to postpone the activity until the storm has passed or return to centre in accordance with the Non- Emergency Contingencies Procedure. Page 14 of 22

15 PADDLESPORTS cont. Other Users Participant s Observation and awareness. briefed on positioning when passing/ waiting for others. Swamping Underwater Obstructions Participant s Participant s 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 15 of 22

16 Savane PADDLESPORT ARDECHE DESCENT Drowning/ entrapment The Ardèche Descent will not be permitted to take place when the river level indicator at Salavas is over the red marker. If the level is within the orange marker the Activity Manager, in conjunction with Head of River will decide if Ardeche Descents can take place. Advice will be sought from the Ardeche Gorge Wardens in the event of a significant rise in river level whilst groups are at bivvy site. Staff will be aware of participants locations at all times when on, in or near the river. The group will be split into smaller cells (4 boats) with an Instructor for each cell. RIVER LEADERS will supervise all rapids where there is a risk of entrapment. canoes/kayaks will be kept free from possible sources of entrapment. Buoyancy aids worn at all times when canoeing/kayaking. Staff will be trained prior to working with participants. This training will cover all specific risk areas where entrapment or drowning is more likely to occur and what to do to avoid or deal with incidents. Hyperthermia (heat / sun stroke), dehydration and sun burn through lack of fluid intake and/or exposure to sunlight and intense heat Hypothermia (drop in body core temperature) through prolonged exposure to cold or immediate through immersion. Manual Handling briefed on capsize drill. will not be allowed to participate without sufficient drinking water being available. Instructors will monitor their Canoe Cells; ensuring participants are appropriately hydrated. RIVER LEADERS will ensure re-hydration packs and fluids are carried on every descent. Lunch venues will be used that offer shade. Water games to be played at suitable locations. Light clothing will be used, where appropriate, to protect skin exposed to the sun. Children to be advised to use high factor sun barrier and its application supervised by Instructors. Instructors will supervise and monitor the condition of the participants in their charge. Watertight barrels will be provided to participants for them to place a change of clothing and bedding in. Instructors will ensure that lids are properly fitted. Rescue of participants and equipment staff trained in safe methods of manual handling. 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 boat to the bank. Page 16 of 22

17 Savane PADDLESPORT ARDECHE DESCENT cont. Impact injuries through capsize Major rapids will be manoeuvred one boat at a time where it is likely that a capsized canoe will present a downstream Impact injury through collision with rock or another canoe. Impact injuries through white water swimming Injury through using incorrect manual handling techniques Impact injury from rock Jumps hazard for other participants. Helmets are to be worn wherever there is a significant risk of head injury through collision. briefing basic boat handling skills to be imparted by Instructors during initiation. Effective positioning of Instructors and RIVER LEADERS on rapids. (PMU) will be shown the correct/safe method for swimming in white water prior to getting on the water. Where Acorn Adventure run white water swimming as an activity i.e. Wombling, the venues will be identified by Activity & Training Manager/Technical Advisor/Activity Manager/Head of Paddlesport prior to season commencing. On Descents, venues will be chosen by the RIVER LEADERs and Water Game Operating Procedures will be adhered to. These venues will represent the lowest risk of injury while retaining the element of fun. Wombling will not take place above a risk area or where other river users compromise our ability to control the activity. Full PPE will be worn. Younger participants will not be expected to move boats on their own but may be used to assist. Wherever possible the lifting or carrying of heavy objects will be avoided. Where it cannot be avoided, as many people as necessary will be used to share the load. Canoes/kayaks will be emptied before loading on to or off trailers. Staff will be trained in safe techniques for manual handling. Instructors will, in turn, train the participants in their charge in appropriate methods for lifting and carrying. Instructors will brief participants on how to move personal barrels safely. The movement of very heavy barrels will be minimised. Buoyancy aids to be worn for all jumps. Helmets will not be worn when jumping. Jumps will only take place at authorised locations and with the permission of the Party Leaders. Sufficient water depth and/or flow checked by RIVER LEADER prior to activity commencing. A spotter will be used to control other river users. Staff will be trained in supervisory and control techniques for safe jumping. NO jumping at Windy Corner. Page 17 of 22

18 RAFT BULID (Improvised) Defective / damaged Equipment will be checked before each session to ensure that equipment and staff the equipment is safe. Drowning and or Buoyancy aids and helmets will be issued at the stores and a entrapment. and staff 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 Lightning Strike Off shore winds. being swept into open water. and staff 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. Page 18 of 22

19 Savane RAFT BUILDING (Improvised) Poorly constructed Provide sufficient barrels, poles and lines for the construction rafts, raft collapse, and staff of a raft to carry all participants. entrapment. 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.) River bank and roots Protruding roots are to be cleared at the start of the season Wind/current and throughout. A designated operation area is to be set. When river current is high, rafts will be tethered. Instructor strongly enforce the down river boundary. Canoes or spare sit on top kayaks will be available as a rescue platform and ready for use. Equipment including serrated safety knife, throw line, whistle and First Aid kit will be with the Instructor. Buoyancy aids and helmets will be issued and fitted at the stores, but a detailed check will be made prior to the group going on the water. Page 19 of 22

20 RIVER TREK Drowning in the Instructors will be aware of participants locations at all times river when on/in or near the Labeaume River and Ardeche River. The session will be cancelled in high water or where the river is full of flood debris. Instructors will check the weather forecast prior to the activity commencing. Weak or non-swimmers will be identified and will wear buoyancy aids when on or in the water. For other participants the decision whether to wear buoyancy aids will be made by the Activity Manager. All river crossings will be checked by Instructors prior to Impact injury from rock jumps Injury caused by a slip, trip or fall Public roads with moving vehicles. Risk of a vehicle hitting a person and staff participants negotiating. Jumps will only take place at authorised locations. Sufficient water depth and/or flow checked by Instructors prior to activity commencing. A spotter will be used to control other river users. Staff will be trained in supervisory and control techniques for safe jumping. Instructors to advise the participants of unstable terrain. to walk in single file and not to rush on narrow paths. Appropriate footwear with full toe protection to be worn. The road on route to the Labeaume river is narrow; groups will need to walk in single file with an Acorn member of Staff/Party Leader at the front and back of the group giving slow down signals to vehicle drivers and making participants aware of approaching vehicles. Adult e.g. Party Leaders should be used to assist where possible if only one member of staff is present. Younger participants may have decreased road awareness and require higher levels of supervision. Page 20 of 22

21 SWIMMING Barrier fencing & gate Appropriate regulation height. Locked when pool not in use. Chemicals Pool chemicals will be locked away. Only trained staff will use the chemicals and regular checks will be made and logged to ensure safe levels. Service contract with SERRE. Diving in shallow No diving allowed. water Floating objects Guests getting into difficulty Ladders Lightning Strike Overcrowding River Swimming Sides of the pool Number of objects will be controlled to ensure that supervisor has an unobstructed view of participants above and below the water. Appropriate rescue aids will be available e.g. throw lines and reach pole. Instructors will place themselves at the boundaries of the swim area to enable close surveillance. Groups will be made aware of deep and shallow areas where applicable. Non and weak swimmers will wear buoyancy aids. Lead Instructor must hold an appropriate water safety award plus Site-Specific Training & Assessment. Alternatively Lead Instructor could hold an appropriate water safety award plus Site-Specific training. Lead Instructor will brief participants on: Boundaries. Safety signal i.e. whistle & hand above head. One person on the ladder at a time. Ladder steps will be checked prior to season commencing. Instructors are to postpone the activity until the storm has passed or return to centre in accordance with the Non- Emergency Contingencies procedure. Instructors will be aware of, and control, volume of people allowed in the swimming area. At busy periods a pool booking system will operate. In addition to other control measures, supervisors will identify boundaries, inform participants of local hazards, identify underwater obstructions and approve jumps. Supervisors must position themselves in positions of maximum usefulness(pmu). will be briefed not to run as surfaces are slippery when wet. Page 21 of 22

22 WATER GAMES Being swept down Staff to be in the water at the edge of the operating area. stream Throw bags to be with the Instructors. Drowning Appropriate rescue aids will be taken, e.g. throw lines and reach pole. Instructors will place themselves at the boundaries of the swim area to enable effective surveillance. Groups will be made aware of deep and shallow areas where applicable. Signs will be used to show pool depth. Non-swimmers and weak swimmers will wear buoyancy aids. Lead Instructor must hold an appropriate water safety award plus Site-Specific Training & Assessment. Alternatively Lead Instructor could hold an appropriate water safety award plus Site-Specific training will be counted in and out of the water. Lead Instructor must be aware at all times, how many participants are in the water. Lead Instructor will brief participants on, Boundaries and Safety signal agreed before anyone enters the water. Foot injury When in the water appropriate footwear must be worn. Lightning Strike Instructors are to postpone the activity until the storm has passed or return to centre in accordance with the Non- Emergency Contingencies procedure. Page 22 of 22