BUSHWALKING TRACKS AND CONSERVATION OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES

BUSHWALKING TRACKS AND CONSERVATION OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES Nvember 2017

Rle f BTAC In 2006, Bushwalking Victria (als knwn as BWV) created a standing cmmittee knwn as the Bushwalking Envirnment Cmmittee (BEC). In Nvember 2013 the Bard decided t rename BEC as the Bushwalking Tracks and Cnservatin (BTAC) t reflect mre clsely the new and expanded rle develped as part f the Bushwalking Victria strategic review prcess: T prvide a mre practive fcus n tracks and trails strategy i.e. t cncentrate n lking at pprtunities fr new r upgraded tracks and trails and t be able t articulate a visin f the bushwalking facilities that we want fr the future. T increase the fcus n engaging with key land-manager decisin makers s that we can influence planning as it affects bushwalkers mre effectively and at an earlier stage. T mre actively engage bushwalking club members and individual members f Bushwalking Victria in track maintenance and cnservatin activities. BTAC Structure BTAC perates at 4 different levels BTAC Cmmittee The BTAC Cmmittee is a standing cmmittee f Bushwalking Victria. Its rle is t develp, crdinate, prmte and administer its tracks and cnservatin strategy (see abve). The BTAC cmmittee members include the: BTAC Cnvener BTAC Tracks and Cnservatin Prjects Crdinatr Bushwalking Track Develpment Crdinatr Tracks at Risk Crdinatr Field Officers Liaisn Publicatins Crdinatr. Fr details refer t the Bushwalking Tracks and Cnservatin (BTAC) Charter and Cmmittee Rles. BTAC Field Officers BTAC Field Officers are drawn frm the Bushwalking Victria club netwrk and individual members. They are appinted by the BTAC cmmittee and are respnsible fr a designated gegraphic area. They liaise and netwrk with lcal bushwalking clubs and Land Managers and reprt mnthly t the BTAC Cmmittee. They are expected t be lng-term appintees and nt subject t changes at club cmmittee level. They shuld be frequent visitrs t their area and build strng relatinships with Land Managers. 2017-11-27 2017_11_01 BTAC Operatinal Prcedures V3.0.dcx 2

Duties Be respnsible t BTAC fr a designated area. Raise issues with the BTAC Cmmittee as necessary. Research and investigate issues and actins as requested by the BTAC Cmmittee. Liaise and netwrk with lcal clubs. Build strng relatinships with Land Managers. Recmmend pssible curses f actin n issues. Present a reprt mnthly t the Field Officer Crdinatr, wh will reprt t the BTAC Cmmittee. Arrange r cnduct field trips if necessary t investigate/assess an issue. Nte: Field trips must be apprved in advance by the BTAC Cmmittee fr expenses are t be reimbursed. See als Field Officers Resurce Kit. BTAC Club Cntacts BTAC Club Cntacts act as a pint f cntact t receive infrmatin abut prjects and t advise BTAC f track / cnservatin issues and activities that cncern their club. Duties Receive advice and infrmatin frm the BTAC cmmittee and disseminate t club members. Receive and cllate advice frm club members abut issues r prblems encuntered n tracks when bushwalking and frward t the BTAC cmmittee. Encurage club members t cmplete and submit Track Cnditin Reprt r Illegal Activity in the Bush Reprt frms t tracks@bushwalkingvictria.rg.au. Reprt the advice frm club members t the lcal Ranger (if knwn) r t the relevant BTAC Field Officer. Identify track wrk fr which Bushwalking Victria culd prvide assistance, and advise BTAC Tracks and Cnservatin Prject Crdinatr. Advise the BTAC Tracks and Cnservatin Prject Crdinatr via email (prjects@bushwalkingvictria.rg.au) f any track r cnservatin wrk dne by their club, and the number f man-hurs wrked. BTAC Vlunteers BTAC Vlunteers are individual members f Bushwalking Victria r its affiliated clubs wh d the hands-n wrk n tracks and cnservatin prjects. Wrk may include clearing vegetatin, cnstructing r repairing steps r rails, fixing netting n bardwalks, installing r replacing signs, clearing water bars, remving nxius weeds r any ther wrk that 2017-11-27 2017_11_01 BTAC Operatinal Prcedures V3.0.dcx 3

Parks Victria r ther Land Managers wuld like us t help with. Vlunteers may act as a Prject Leader, a Crew Leader r as a Track Wrker. Attending track maintenance and cnservatin activities/events/prjects is vluntary and there is n bligatin r expectatin that a vlunteer will attend every day f every activity. Hwever nce a vlunteer has accepted a place n an activity, particularly when accmmdatin r ther benefit is prvided, they are expected t wrk n the agreed days. Duties See Prject C-rdinatr Guidelines Crew Leader Guidelines Vlunteer Track Wrker Guidelines. Rle f Bushwalking Victria s Office Manager The Office Manager maintains a database f BTAC Field Officers, Club Cntacts and Vlunteers. This includes crrecting/updating member details as ntified by the BTAC Cmmittee r a Vlunteer. Vlunteer details are used t ntify members abut track and cnservatin prjects via email. If an insurance claim is made as a result f participatin in a BTAC activity, the Vlunteer s details may be sent t an insurance cmpany as part f the insurance cmpany investigating a claim. Wrking with Land Managers BTAC wrks n public land at the request, r with the c-peratin, f the Land Manager, such as Parks Victria (PV), the Department f Envirnment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP), and the lcal cuncil r shire. The Land Managers are the legal managers f the land and they have the final decisin n all track maintenance issues. Fr all prjects n public land, BTAC plans the wrk t be dne with a designated cntact persn, usually a ranger within PV r DELWP. The PV r DELWP Cntact Ranger determines whether a Ranger will be Present during the wrk. The prject must be apprved by the authrised Land Manager fr the vlunteers t be cvered by State Gvernment Insurance. The Land Manager requires vlunteers t cmplete a frm t recrd their participatin fr insurance purpses. (Activity Attendance register fr Vlunteers Ver 2.0 2016/05/11) Bushwalking Victria s public Liability and Persnal Accident Insurance als cvers track maintenance activities fr members f Bushwalking Victria where a land manager s insurance des nt apply. Parks Victria use the nline app ParksCnnect DELWP and ther Land Managers have similar frms. 2017-11-27 2017_11_01 BTAC Operatinal Prcedures V3.0.dcx 4

BTAC Prcedures T minimise the mst cmmn risks encuntered in track and cnservatin wrk, BTAC the fllwing prcedures and practices are t be fllwed in all cases. Jb Safety Analysis The Land Manager must cmplete a Jb Safety Analysis (JSA) fr each activity and cnduct a safety briefing. The JSA identifies the requirements fr supervisin, tls and equipment and accreditatin fr a particular jb. Its cmpletin requires an assessment f the hazards and risks assciated with the task. These steps are an integral part f planning the activity. DELWP and ther Land Managers have similar prcesses and requirements. Bushfires Wrk will nt be scheduled during the httest part f the year. Events will be cancelled if a Ttal Fire Ban is declared. A radi r mbile phne shuld be carried during the fire seasn t check fire ban status and warnings. It is useful t dwnlad bth the Vic Emergency app and the Emergency+ app. Any advice frm Parks Victria r DELWP staff n matters relating t fire, use f stves etc must be fllwed. Pwered Equipment Pwered equipment is t be used nly by persns with the required qualificatins (chain saw licence) and experience (use f brush-cutters, hedge trimmers, drills). Land Manager regulatins and standards fr the use f equipment shall be bserved at all times. Persns using pwered equipment must nt wrk alne. They shuld wrk at a safe distance frm thers t ensure prmpt delivery f aid in case f accident. Hand Tls Hand tls such as bush saws, mattcks etc shuld be checked fr safety befre being issued fr an activity, taking int accunt the tasks, design f equipment and maintenance (prperly fitted handles etc). Use f Chemicals Applicatin f chemicals must be dne by r supervised by a persn with an Agricultural Chemical User Permit (ACUP). 2017-11-27 2017_11_01 BTAC Operatinal Prcedures V3.0.dcx 5

Prtective Clthing and Equipment Persnal prtective equipment (PPE) apprpriate t the task must be wrn. Chainsaw peratrs must wear chaps, steel capped bts, glves, helmet with visr, eye and ear prtectin. The Land Manager will advise peratrs f brush-cutters and hedge trimmers r thse applying herbicides r pesticides f the required PPE fr the activity. All Vlunteers must wear sturdy bts, lng pants and lng sleeved shirts (JSA requirements fr sme wrking grups) and additinal persnal prjective safety equipment hard hats, glves, eye prtectin that may be required. The Land Manager may direct that clured safety vests must be wrn. Extremes f Weather Activities shall nt be cnducted in extreme weather cnditins, e.g. heat, cld, heavy rain, thunder and lightning r high winds. Apprpriate Gear fr an Activity Vlunteers must take apprpriate gear listed by Prject Leader in the wrk plan. Leaders shuld cnfirm that Vlunteers have suitable camp gear, clthing, equipment, fd and water t meet all reasnably predictable events. The leader can deny participatin in the activity if a persn des nt bring suitable fd r clthing. First aid Leaders shuld ensure that persns with suitable training and equipment are available. Vlunteers shuld carry a persnal first aid kit at all times. Medical Cnditin Any vlunteer wh has any medical cnditin shuld give a sealed envelpe t the leader cntaining details f the cnditin, any relevant infrmatin abut medicatin and hw much t administer in case f emergency. Emergency cntact infrmatin and name f dctr shuld als be prvided. A secnd envelpe with the same details shuld be placed inside and n tp f pack with details f where the medicine is in the pack. It is als their bligatin t infrm the leader f any cnditin that wuld affect their ability t d any wrk r activity asked f them. Organisatin The Land Manager has verall charge f the activity, and Crew Leaders and ther Vlunteers must bey their instructins and wrk practices. 2017-11-27 2017_11_01 BTAC Operatinal Prcedures V3.0.dcx 6

Vlunteers shall cmply with all reasnable requests frm the Crew Leader and fllw safety measures specified fr the tasks. Leaders and Vlunteers shall ensure that their whereabuts are knwn t thers, and that n persn shuld leave the party withut ntifying and btaining the permissin f the Crew Leader. Permissin will nly be granted if anther vlunteer is available t accmpany the persn wishing t leave the wrk party t return t base. Instructinal training in the use and strage f tls during the activity apprpriate fr type f wrk t be perfrmed must be given at the cmmencement f the activity. This includes instructin n hw t carry tls safely. Prject C-rdinatr Guidelines The Prject Leader is appinted by the BTAC Tracks and Cnservatin Crdinatr. Negtiate with the Land Manager the timing f the wrk and the assistance required: manpwer, prtective clthing/equipment, finance, tls and equipment. Develp a prject plan describing the wrk t be dne by BTAC, dates and times, fd, clthing, equipment, accmmdatin / camping, and travelling arrangements. Ensure that, when wrk is first rganised, the Land Manager will prvide insurance. Ensure that the Ranger has the required paperwrk and that the paperwrk is actually cmpleted. Identify the specific OH&S requirements fr the wrk. Identify the skills and r certificates/qualificatins needed by BTAC crew members. Recruit BTAC members with the requisite skills: Prepare email seeking expressins f interest t participate in the prject fr the Office Manager t email t persns n the BTAC Vlunteer List. Prepare a ntice fr t appear in Bushwalking News Victria seeking expressins f interest frm prspective new vlunteers. Advise respndents whether r nt their services are needed. Assign Crew Leaders if wrk requires several crews. Prject Leader Guidelines Liaise with the Prject C-rdinatr regarding the prject plan describing the wrk t be dne by BTAC, dates and times, fd, clthing, equipment, accmmdatin / camping, and travelling arrangements. Send detailed infrmatin abut arrangements fr the scheduled wrk and a detailed list f things t bring t the respnding vlunteers. 2017-11-27 2017_11_01 BTAC Operatinal Prcedures V3.0.dcx 7

On arrival at the prject base, ensure that all Vlunteers sign the Land Manager s frms and a BTAC attendance sheet. If the wrk grup is t be split int smaller wrk crews, liaise with Crew Leaders abut their areas f respnsibility/activity n the prject Brief the vlunteers befre wrk cmmences: prvide infrmatin n hazards, intrduce crew leaders and assign peple t wrk crews, and describe cmmunicatin prcess. Ensure all Vlunteers are fit fr the wrk they have been assigned. Organise training in safe handling f tls and equipment fr new r inexperienced crew members. Mnitr activity: mnitr safety as the wrk prgresses and keep track f BTAC crew members. In the absence f a representative f the Land Manager, assume a full supervisry rle. Ensure the wrk is carried ut in accrdance with the agreement with Land Manager and OH&S requirements. With a Ranger, if present, cnduct a debrief at the end f the activity. Check that equipment used is cllected; check cnditin, and returned t strage with a reprt f any prblems encuntered r any equipment requiring maintenance/replacement. Cmplete requisite reprting dcumentatin. Frward reprts t the BTAC Prject Crdinatr, including befre and after phts if available. Crew Leader Guidelines Cnsult with the prject leader abut the prject requirements. Assign tasks t crew members accrding t their skills. Supervise crew t ensure that wrk is dne in accrdance with instructins and safety briefing. Check that equipment used is returned t Prject Leader and reprt any prblems. Cmplete necessary paperwrk and give t the Prject Leader. Vlunteer Track Wrker Guidelines Wrk under the directin f the Prject Leader and cmply with the Prject Leader s instructins while undertaking activities, including and nt limited t: Wrking using hand tls (spade, axe, crw bar, fern hk, rake, he, bw/pruning saw, hammer, screw driver r herbicide applicatr) 2017-11-27 2017_11_01 BTAC Operatinal Prcedures V3.0.dcx 8

Using pwered equipment fr which n certificate is required (hedge trimmers, brush cutters, electric drills, slashers) Using chain saw (certificate required) Applying agricultural chemicals withut supervisin (ACUP required) Applying agricultural chemicals under supervisin (ACUP nt required) Marking way pints using GPS Cmmunicating by UHF radi r satellite phne Identifying weeds r pests fr cntrl. In agreeing t participate in BTAC activities, participants agree t:- Act under the reasnable instructins f the Activity Leader. Dress and carry apprpriate clthing fr the activity and weather cnditins. Carry yur wn fd and water (sufficient fr the duratin f the activity and weather cnditins). Carry yur wn first aid kit. Carry a Participants Emergency Cntacts and Medical Infrmatin frm (in the tp f yur pack). As a participant yu need nly d what yu are cmfrtable in ding. Read r be infrmed f the details in the Jb Safety Analysis (JSA) fr each f the tasks yu are t carry ut. If yu becme aware f hazards nt cvered in the JSA prcess, immediately advise thers in the vicinity f the hazard, and then advise the Activity Leader. Stand clear f participants using mtrised tls. Only apprach participants using mtrised tls nce yu have made eye cntact with them and they are aware that yu wish t cmmunicate with them and have either shut dwn the machine r therwise made it safe fr yu t apprach. Stay with the wrk grup r let smene knw when yu need t temprarily leave the activity site. If yu feel unwell, immediately let smene knw, wh will then ntify the Activity Leader. If accmmdatin is prvided yu may be required t share a rm. Yu are nly permitted t leave yur wrk grup if apprved by the Prject Leader and partnered by at least ne ther member. 2017-11-27 2017_11_01 BTAC Operatinal Prcedures V3.0.dcx 9

APPENDICES Frms and Checklists Examples f BTAC frms: BTAC Prject Leader s Checklist BTAC Prject Activity Reprt Incident Reprt Frm Activity Attendance Register Fr Vlunteers 2017-11-27 2017_11_01 BTAC Operatinal Prcedures V3.0.dcx 10

BTAC Prject Leader s Checklist Print ut this checklist and cmplete prgressively Befre the Activity Get cntact details f the ranger Cntact the ranger and get details f what is required Assess the wrk t be dne by BTAC Estimate assistance required: manpwer, financial, equipment. Check insurance cver Check paper wrk requirements Write prject plan Identify specific OH&S, skills, certificates/ qualificatins/ requirements Advertise t vlunteers and members f BTAC Assess vlunteers and chse Advise accepted Vlunteers f final arrangements In the week immediately prir t the task cntact the Ranger t verify that everything is still OK and that the JSA checklist has been cmpleted (fr Parks Victria/ DELWP). Cnsult if extreme weather seems likely Assist peple t share transprt and advise them t establish cst sharing arrangements with the driver Cllect BTAC tls, equipment and persnal prtective equipment/clthing if required Check BTAC tls, equipment and persnal prtective equipment/clthing is fit fr purpse. At the Activity Rendezvus with the ranger, if that was the arrangement. Ensure that all vlunteers cmplete the Recrd f Vlunteer Hurs frm. Ensure that the required Land Manager paperwrk is cmpleted. Ensure that a safety briefing is given by yurself r a ranger. Ensure that new r inexperienced members are shwn hw t use tls and equipment. Advise peple that if they have a medical cnditin they must prvide infrmatin t Prject Leader / Crew Leader Assign vlunteers t wrk crews and intrduce crew leaders Check that all Vlunteers are fit fr the wrk they have been assigned and that they have suitable clthing, fd, water and equipment Ensue that everyne is aware f requirements fr lunch and tea breaks (bring them with yu r cme back t base) and imprtantly infrm the party f the day s cmmunicatin prcedures Check that the apprpriate safety equipment is being wrn, issue tls, infrm all Vlunteers f the First Aid Kit lcatin and head ff Mnitr prgress and mnitr safety as the wrk prgresses Where pssible take befre and after phts t recrd sme f the wrk dne If n land manager representative present, supervise the wrk with the crew leaders After the Activity Check that the wrk is cmplete Debrief wrk crews 2017-11-27 2017_11_01 BTAC Operatinal Prcedures V3.0.dcx 11

Check that equipment used is returned t land manager / BTAC Check with the ranger (if present) as t whether the wrk is satisfactry r if anther date needs t be set t cmplete the wrk Check if the ranger has ther tasks that culd be the subject f a future wrking bee Ensure that everyne has transprt hme cunt yur numbers, making sure that all the party are accunted fr Fr BTAC equipment - repair/replace damaged equipment, arrange rutine service if due, replace expendables: il, fuel, glves. Frward BTAC Recrd f Vlunteer Hurs frm and BTAC Activity Reprt t the BTAC Prject Crdinatr Ask Vlunteers t frward any befre and after phts t send t BTAC Prject Crdinatr 2017-11-27 2017_11_01 BTAC Operatinal Prcedures V3.0.dcx 12

BTAC Prject Activity Reprt Date f Activity: Lcatin: Name f Prject Leader: Name/s f Crew Leader/s: Land Manager Cntact (usually a ranger): Land Manager Name: Land Manager Lcatin: (e.g. Parks Victria Heyfield) Land Manager Cntacts: Phne: Mbile: Email: Descriptin f the wrk (including start time fr briefing and final departure time): The name f the track/s, the area f the track actually wrked n and the type f: clearing e.g. benching, remving fallen timber, install signs, repair infrastructure Types f weeds remved, cntrlled, slashed, cut and painted, dug ut Cnservatin wrk nest bxes, water bars, bard walk n fragile area Did the Land Manager cmplete the frms fr Insurance? Yes N 2017-11-27 2017_11_01 BTAC Operatinal Prcedures V3.0.dcx 13

Is further wrk necessary t cmplete the prject? If yes give details: Des the land Manager suggest any further wrk in this area? If yes, give details: Further relevant cmments: 2017-11-27 2017_11_01 BTAC Operatinal Prcedures V3.0.dcx 14

Incident Reprt Frm T be cmpleted by Prject Manager r Crew Leader as sn as practical after the incident. This reprt shuld be kept by the BTAC Prject Crdinatr as a frmal activity recrd. In the event f any serius injury (an injury requiring medical treatment) cpies f the incident reprt must be frwarded t the current Bushwalking Victria insurance prvider. with a cpy t admin@bushwalkingvictria.rg.au r mail t Bushwalking Victria, PO Bx 1007, Templestwe Vic 3106 Part 1 Reprt Prepared By: Date Prepared: Date f Incident: Time f Incident: Type f Event: Track clearing, install water bars, remving nxius weeds: Lcatin: Type f Incident: Injury, missing persn, damage t prperty, theft, fire, etc: Incident Details: 2017-11-27 2017_11_01 BTAC Operatinal Prcedures V3.0.dcx 15

Actin Taken: Part 2 External Invlvement: Were authrities r ther agencies ntified at the time? If s wh, by whm, and hw? Did they then take a rle in managing the incident? If apprpriate have the Insurers been ntified? Final Outcme: What was the final utcme f the incident? When was it reslved? Future Preventin: Can this incident be prevented at future BTAC activities? If s, hw? Supplementary Infrmatin: This sectin can include a list f attachments, such as a map, witness statements etc. 2017-11-27 2017_11_01 BTAC Operatinal Prcedures V3.0.dcx 16

Privacy Nte The inclusin f the names f individuals and their cntact details in this reprt must be dne in accrdance with relevant Privacy laws. 2017-11-27 2017_11_01 BTAC Operatinal Prcedures V3.0.dcx 17

Activity: Date Frm Date T: Leader: All persns participating in this activity must sign this register prir t cmmencing any tasks indicating that they have read the declaratin belw. Declaratin (please read) By signing in t this activity I agree t the fllwing requirements: I understand the type f activity t be undertaken and I have been infrmed f the details in the Jb Safety Analysis (JSA) fr each f the tasks t be carried ut. I will infrm the Activity Leader if I have any reasn that may prevent r restrict me frm undertaking any f the tasks I may be assigned. I have read, understd and agree t abide by the Bushwalking Victria, Bushwalking Tracks and Cnservatin Respnsibilities f Participants dcument. I will carry a Participant s Emergency Cntact and Medical Infrmatin frm with current details. I cnsent t phtgraphs r vides taken n an activity t be used by BWV fr prmtinal purpses, r state my decisin nt t participate in phts r vide prductin. Vlunteer Name Club / BWV Email Mbile / Tel N. Signature Vl Hr Trvl Hr 1 2 3 4 5 6

Activity: Date Frm Date T: Refer t Declaratins n Page 1 Vlunteer Name Club / BWV Email Mbile / Tel N. Signature Vl Hr Trvl H 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 2017-11-27 2017_11_01 BTAC Operatinal Prcedures V3.0.dcx 19