Risk Assessment Venue: Forth Canoe Club, Harrison Road, Edinburgh Date : What are the Hazards? Site Specific Water Temperature Air Temperature Wind Speed (not possible to manoever the boat as desired) Ice / entrapment Hazard today Y/N comment As required Hazard to who? Eg student / coach Is the risk adequately controlled? Coach to advise students of risk if necessary. Further Action Necessary? Review, Comments, Dates
Overhead dangers eg slalom gates / branches Boats coming down the canal Floating objects / branches / underwater obstructions Slippery steps at the put in Weils disease Trip hazards Swans Coach to advise students of risk if necessary Coach to advise students of risk and what to do if boats approach Coach to advise students of potential risk Coach to advise students of potential risk Coach to advise students of potential risk, and to advise washing hands after the session. Coach to ensure that floor area of the boat house and surrounding is free from rubbish and other items that may pose a risk of a trip or fall. Students to clean up the site after use. Club to ensure that bins are provided and emptied regularly. Coach briefs students about what to do if they encounter a swan.
Fire Bridges Boats secured safely in the boat house General Risks Drowning Capsize / entrapment Capsize As required Coach briefs students about fire procedure. If session will go under bridges then coach to warn students about objects being thrown from bridges. Members to ensure that boats are secured safely especially where they are stored above head height and may pose a risk of falling on someone. All participants to wear a buoyancy aid. Coach to check that buoyancy aids are worn correctly and are in good working order. Coach to check equipment (boats/footwear). Coach able to attempt to rescue entrapped paddler. Boats fitted with buoyancy as required, coach trained to empty boats / rescue crews. Coach checks that boats are appropriate for water conditions and that activities are appropriate for the group s ability. Hypothermia Session activities and clothing are appropriate
Impact injury paddle Inherent medical risks of canoeing (blisters, joint injury, minor cuts etc) Lifting injuries (including trailers and roof racks) Collision for the conditions; cancel the session if clothing / activities are inappropriate for the conditions. Leader s safety equipment reflects the conditions of the group. Coach to exercise proper group control Coach s safety briefing to include disclosure of risks and highlight any specific hazards. Coach to promote safe paddling practice. Ideally coach to be first aid qualified and to carry first aid kit. Coach to point out the location of first aid facilities. Coach to point out the location of an emergency phone. Coach to ascertain if there are any medical reasons which they should be aware of. Coach demonstrates and promotes safe lifting Coach briefs group about collision risks with third parties
Session parameters Coach to set out the physical boundaries for the session and any verbal or physical commands that will be used.