RISK ASSESSMENT FOR GROUPS RESIDING IN GUESTHOUSE POST Please note extra information at end of document - 1 -
ACCOMMODATION Gasthof Zur Post, Marktstraße 34, 5660 Taxenbach, Austria. Tel: 0043(0)6543 5304 Hazards Fire Who might be harmed? Existing Control Measures Pre visit check of information/assurance from Snowslippers. Accommodation complies with fire, health & safety national standards. Fire authority s inspection up to date. Visual inspection of fire escapes, equipment, meeting point and emergency procedures carried out. Meeting point on pavement in front of guesthouse Emergency services can access the site easily if required. Snowslippers inform group re fire procedures on arrival Party leaders to check and carry out practice emergency evacuation procedures on arrival. Take up any issues, such as locked fire doors with guesthouse management. Smoke alarms fitted in hallways All exit doors can be opened internally. All windows and balcony doors can be opened. Fire extinguishers on all floors, kitchen, bar/disco area and dining room. Fire signage visible and operational in event of power failure on the ground floor. No smoking allowed in building except in the designated areas of the disco/bar on the 1 st floor and the ground floor bar. Is control measure in place? If not state the action to be taken with timescales. Indicate any other additional control measures. Residual Rating - 2 -
Fire safety documents & procedures on 1 st, 2 nd and 3 rd floors in hallways. Child protection Appropriate security arrangements are in place to prevent unauthorised persons entering the accommodation and/or rooms. Separate male and female sleeping accommodation and washing facilities are provided. Staff accommodation is close to pupil s accommodation. Windows and balcony doors can be securely closed. Students and staff have exclusive and secure use of top two floors of accommodation (guest rooms). Domestic hazards Accommodation complies with relevant health & safety regulations Visual inspection of balconies, stairways, electrical fittings, hazards in grounds or immediate surroundings On arrival, staff and pupils to report any faulty items found in rooms to guesthouse management. - 3 -
Guesthouse is situated in the centre of a small Alpine village so traffic risks are minimal. Kitchens subject to regular spot checks to ensure hygiene and safety standards are met. ACTIVITY: SKIING Hazards Ski lifts Who might be harmed? Existing Control Measures Students taught how to use ski lifts safely, students are not taken onto more advanced lifts until they have used the basic beginner lifts so they gain experience and understand the importance of adhering to correct procedures. Is control measure in place? If not state the action to be taken with timescales. Indicate any other additional control measures. Residual Rating - 4 -
Collisions/ accidents Weather Lift staff will assist with new skiers boarding and exiting the lifts when asked by the ski instructor. Lift speed can be reduced for beginners upon instructor s request. Students are not taken onto ski slopes until their qualified ski instructor is confident of their ability. Ski equipment is fitted according to ability, height and weight of the individual, the bindings are set accordingly and as a legal requirement these settings are kept for ski school records. Ski instructors check students are wearing equipment correctly. Students must wear helmets. All instructors carry walky-talkies and/or mobile phones to inform emergency service of accidents. All instructors trained in first aid and carry first aid kits with them. All instructors are aware of mountain safety protocol. Ski instructors are fully trained into organising their ski group safely and monitor on a continuous basis to avoid dangerous behaviour e.g. cutting up friends or leaving the line to do jumps etc. No independent skiing during lessons. Snowslippers recommends no independent skiing for under 18s at any time. Students should be checked by staff in the morning before they leave their accommodation to ensure they have appropriate clothing for the day. All students made aware of dangers of weather on mountains, both the cold and the harmful effects of the sun. HIGH - 5 -
Student whereabouts In severe weather groups allowed to take extra breaks to warm up. Party leaders are provided with details of Snowslippers contact and their guesthouse. This information should be passed onto students. Students briefed on procedures in case of losing their ski group. Ski instructors briefed to make regular ski group stops. Ski instructors briefed to make regular countins during a ski run. Ski instructors briefed to always inform person to lead and person to follow at the back. Tight handover procedures between school staff and ski instructors in the morning at the beginning of lessons and at the end of lessons. If a group running late on return their ski instructor informs Snowslippers. Ski school instructor supervises school children during lunch break. Snowslippers recommends Headcount by school staff before leaving the mountain and before every coach departure for every coach trip throughout the week. Ski Instructors All Snowslippers British ski instructors and reps are CRB checked ( Criminal Reference Bureaux checked). Other instructors teaching Snowslippers groups have the equivalent appropriate checks. All instruction and briefings are given in fluent English. All instruction takes place in clearly marked areas, these areas range from beginner s slopes through to advanced skiing areas. Ski School Snowslippers groups are taught by qualified Instructors. - 6 -
Avalanche The Red-White-Red ski school will only employ individuals with the right to work in the EU. It is a registered Austrian company; 13/02-2340-7/13-1991. Not held in an avalanche prone resort, however all ski instructors have been through avalanche training. N/A N/A ACTIVITY: SNOWBOARDING Ski lifts Hazards Who might be harmed? Existing Control Measures Students taught how to use ski lifts safely, students are not taken onto more advanced lifts until they have used the basic beginner lifts Is control measure in place? If not state the action to be taken with timescales. Indicate any other additional control measures. Residual Rating - 7 -
Collisions/ accidents Weather so they gain experience and understand the importance of adhering to correct procedures. Lift staff will assist with new snowboarders boarding and exiting the lifts when asked by the instructor. Lift speed can be reduced for beginners upon instructor s request. Students are not taken onto ski slopes until their qualified snowboard instructor is confident of their ability. Snowboard equipment is fitted according to ability, height and these settings are kept for ski school records. Instructors check students are wearing equipment correctly. Students must wear helmets. All instructors carry walky-talkies and/or mobile phones to inform emergency service of accidents. All instructors trained in first aid and carry first aid kits with them. All instructors are aware of mountain safety protocol. Instructors are fully trained into organising their group safely and monitor on a continuous basis to avoid dangerous behaviour e.g. cutting up friends or leaving the line to do jumps etc. No independent snowboarding during lessons. Snowslippers recommends no independent snowboarding for under 18s at any time. Students should be checked by staff in the morning before they leave their accommodation to ensure they have appropriate clothing for the day. All students made aware of dangers of weather on mountains, both the cold and the harmful effects of the sun. HIGH - 8 -
Student whereabouts Snowboard instructors Ski School In severe weather groups allowed to take extra breaks to warm up. Party leaders are provided with details of Snowslippers contact and their guesthouse. This information should be passed onto students. Students briefed on procedures in case of losing their ski group. Instructors briefed to make regular group stops. Instructors briefed to make regular count-ins during a run. Instructors briefed to always inform person to lead and person to follow at the back. Tight handover procedures between school staff and instructors in the morning at the beginning of lessons and at the end of lessons. If a group running late on return their ski instructor informs Snowslippers. Instructor supervises school children during lunch break. Snowslippers recommends Headcount by school staff before leaving the mountain and before every coach departure for every coach trip throughout the week. All Snowslippers British snowboard instructors and reps are CRB checked ( Criminal Reference Bureaux checked). Other instructors teaching Snowslippers groups have the equivalent appropriate checks. All instruction and briefings are given in fluent English. All instruction takes place in clearly marked areas, these areas range from beginner s slopes through to advanced skiing areas. Snowslippers groups are taught by qualified Instructors. The Red-White-Red ski school will only employ individuals with the right to work in the EU. - 9 -
Avalanche It is a registered Austrian company; 13/02-2340-7/13-1991. Not held in an avalanche prone resort, however all instructors have been through avalanche training. N/A N/A ACTIVITY: SLEDGING Hazards Who might be harmed? Existing Control Measures Is control measure in place? If not state the action to be taken with timescales. Indicate any other additional control measures. Residual Rating - 10 -
Exposure to cold Accidents/ collisions Avalanche Ensure that students are wearing suitable clothing and footwear, ideally the same clothing from the days skiing. Monitor students for signs of cold. Gloves to be worn Students must wear helmets. Snowslippers rep informs students about procedures for ascending slope to start position, keeping well away from the sledging run. Appropriate footwear must be worn (no ski boots) Students are informed about procedures for descending hill. Hill has a flat area at the base which ensures a safe slowing with no obstacles. Students not complying with stringent safety rules are removed from activity. Two Snowslippers reps will monitor activity along with at least two teachers. Snowslippers recommends teachers perform regular headcounts of both students on slope and those in nearby cafes or restaurants. Sledges supplied are made from plastic so as to reduce risk of injury. First Aid qualified individual present at activity. Not an avalanche prone resort. YES MED MED - 11 -
ACTIVITY: BOWLING Hazards Who might be harmed? Existing Control Measures Basic H & S info Snowslippers will brief group on fire exits, toilets and meeting place in evacuation. Accidents Group informed of procedures regarding bowling safely and safe use of facilities. Group informed of how balls return to collection point importance of keeping fingers away from machine when in use. First Aid qualified individual present at activity. Public The bowling alley will be for the exclusive use of the school. Group is kept in proximity of supervisors upon entering and leaving premises on the way to the coach collection point. Headcount upon entering the coach. Is control measure in place? YES If not state the action to be taken with timescales. Indicate any other additional control measures. Residual Rating MED - 12 -
ACTIVITY: SWIMMING Hazards Basic H & S info Missing students Who might be harmed? Existing Control Measures Those students not swimming to be monitored by staff member in café or to be supervised back at guesthouse. Snowslippers recommends that students should be divided into small groups or instructed to keep in groups during time in swimming pool, so in the case of injury one person can stay with a student while others get help. Accidents Students instructed to adhere to stringent H&S regulations as defined by institution. These will be explained by Snowslippers representative upon arrival at swimming pool. Life guards on duty. Swimming pool complies to European Standards for Swimming pools in EU/EEA; issues covered include; Implement procedures to minimise the risk of falling e.g. hold rails, non slip flooring etc. No equipment in swimming pool where hair or fingers can become stuck. European standard for swimming pool EN 13451-1 adhered to detailing minimum safety standards and water quality expectations. Swimming pool is checked and certificated annually by Austrian H & S executive. Level 2 certified by OQA, Promotion of Quality Awards. - 13 - Is control measure in place? If not state the action to be taken with timescales. Indicate any other additional control measures. Residual Rating MED HIGH
Hygiene Member of Best Health Austria. Hygiene certification displayed in reception area of pool. All spas and swimming pools are monitored by the Austrian authorities. All individuals are by law required to shower before entering the swimming pool. European standard for swimming pool EN 13451-1 adhered to detailing minimum water quality expectations. Bad Gastein is classified as a Spa so stringent water quality tests have to be passed on a regular basis. Traffic light system on slides preventing students from colliding on the water slide. No deep water in pools, Water depth does not exceed 1 meter, 15 centimetres. - 14 -
FERRY CROSSING Hazards Student whereabouts Who might be harmed? Control Measures recommended by Snowslippers Close supervision on vehicle deck No access to deck during rough weather or during night time. Establish buddy system of two's or three's (each responsible for named other). Establish a specific seating area / meeting point and have a member of staff there throughout crossing Explain the ferry emergency procedures (term muster station etc) to the group Plan arrangements for docking, reminding group of numbered stairway to coach deck Careful head count before disembarkation Planned procedure for missing pupils e.g. member of staff to leave as foot passenger. Medical Be aware of students prone to sea sickness. Provide medication if necessary that is approved by parent/guardian. Domestic hazards Use of reputable ferry companies (P&O). Follow instructions of crew members in the event of emergencies such as evacuation, boarding of life rafts. Is control measure in place? If not state the action to be taken with timescales. Indicate any other additional control measures. Residual Rating COACH JOURNEY - 15 -
Hazards Student whereabouts Who might be harmed? Control Measures recommended by Snowslippers Close supervision during stop off's at service stations, ferry terminal etc. Establish buddy system of two's or three's (each responsible for named other). Establish a specific seating area / meeting point and have a member of staff there throughout crossing on ferry. Careful head count before departing. Planned procedure for missing pupils. Ensure satisfactory student/staff ratio. Medical/hygiene Be aware of students prone to travel sickness. Provide medication if necessary that is approved by parent/guardian. Ensure first aid box is available for use. Coach drivers clean bus daily. Toilet waste emptied on regular basis in certified waste disposal unit. Road hazards Use of reputable coach company. Mobile phone on each coach. Seat belts on all seats and to be worn at all times.. Students not to stand or walk up and down the bus when in motion (exception of visits to onboard toilets). Coach company have specific procedures to implement after road accidents. Coach drivers not allowed to drink alcohol within 12 hours of driving. Inform students of vehicles driving on opposite side to those in the UK. Coach drivers to adhere to legal driving hours. All vehicles fitted with winter tyres and have snow chains on board. Is control measure in place? If not state the action to be taken with timescales. Indicate any other additional control measures. Residual Rating - 16 -
Coach drivers introduce themselves and give a brief safety talk. Vehicles have marked exits. GENERAL RESORT Hazards Student whereabouts Who might be harmed? Control Measures recommended by Snowslippers Establish buddy system of two's or three's (each responsible for named other). Establish a specific meeting point and time for shopping trips. Careful head count before departing. Planned procedure for missing pupils. Is control measure in place? If not state the action to be taken with timescales. Indicate any other additional control measures. Residual Rating Student behaviour Road hazards/general resort hazards. Check contents of shopping when students board coach after visit to shopping centre for inappropriate purchases such as alcohol. Use guesthouses away from large urban areas. Inform students of vehicles driving on opposite side to those in the UK. Ensure students walk in single file on narrow pavements. Ensure students walk towards oncoming traffic if it is necessary to walk on a road. Ensure students cross roads at zebra crossing or traffic lights if available. Inform students of importance of 'sensible' footwear for walking around resort. - 17 -
Emergency Telephone Numbers The international dialling code from Austria to the United Kingdom is 0044 The international dialling code from the United Kingdom to Austria is 0043 To call a UK mobile whilst it is in Austria you do not need to change or add any numbers. You call it as if it was in the UK. Austria is one hour ahead of U.K. time. For daytime emergency calls use the RED WHITE RED SKI SCHOOL who are in radio contact with the groups on the mountain, or any of the SNOWSLIPPERS AUSTRIAN NUMBERS. Address Tel Police St Johann Emergency 133 0591 335140 Fire Emergency 122 Ambulance Emergency 144 Doctor Bischofshofen Goldegg Dr. Windischer Dr. Ginzel Dr. Hintrestieninger 06462 2828 06462 3570 06415 85070-18 -
Dentist Dr. Mayr 06462 42830 Bischofshofen Chemist (Apotheke) On main streets 0800-1200, 1430-1800 Banks 0800-1200, 1500-1630 Post Office 0800-1200, 1500-1800 Taxi Service 24hrs Bischofshofen St. Johann 06462 2200 06412 8686 Lift & Ski Bus company Tourist office Snowslippers UK End Easter - 26 Dec SNOWSLIPPERS AUSTIRA 26 December - End Easter Gondola station RED WHITE RED SKI SCHOOL 0830 1800 (Austria Time) Coaches Bischofshofen St. Johann 14 Park Road, Clydach, Swansea SA6 5LT Snowslippers Ltd, C/o Red White Red Ski School, Postfach 163, A-5600 St Johann im. Pongau, Austria Salzburg Sportwelt Hauptstrasse 159 A-5542 Flachau Salzburger Land/Austria Red White Red Ski School Postfach 163, A-5600 St Johann im. Pongau, Austria Emergency Daytime 06412 6260 06462 2471 06412 6036 01792 843456 Beti: 0043(0)6642222606 Dan: 0043 (0) 664 2224331 Dave: 0043(0)664 2222385 Head Rep: 0043(0) 664 8444016 06412 6743 06412 5525 Gerhard Sint: +43 (0) 6644 340866 Contact Dave Williams on: 0043(0)664 2222385-19 -
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