the IMPACT Programme IMPACT Adventure Trust, Gamekeepers Lodge, Ballindalloch, Banffshire AB37 9DR, Scotland, UK IMPACT Adventure Activity Assessment and Management Policy and Procedure Safety is always paramount at IMPACT Adventure but it must be appreciated that an element of is inherent in adventure; absolute safety can never be guaranteed. It is however recognized that all reasonable precautions be taken to reduce this inherent element of. Under health and safety legislation, IMPACT Adventure have a duty to ensure the health and safety of those who participate in activities, both clients and staff. IMPACT Adventure also have a duty to ensure that no one else is harmed as a result of those activities. As part of this duty, IMPACT Adventure must ensure that a assessment is undertaken for each activity by a competent person which covers those s that are reasonably foreseeable. This assessment is the process applied to the identification of hazards, the subsequent evaluation of the associated s and the implementation of a series of control measures to minimize the s highlighted. assessment is an ongoing process and is used as an aide memoir and induction training manual for IMPACT Adventure staff. The assessments contained herein are organic in their nature. The staff at IMPACT Adventure are continually and dynamically assessing all the s associated with each activity and when necessary the assessments in this document will be updated to show any relevant changes.
Contents Assessment Matrix assessments; an overview Activity Assessments; Rock Climbing / Abseiling Hill walking o Summer o Winter o Scrambling o Scree Running Camping Wild / Managed site Gorge walking / Canyoning Open Canoeing / Kayaking Off Road Cycling Sea Level Traverse / Coasteering Tyrolean Traverse Orienteering Climb Wall (Indoor) Cabin Cruise / Pleasure Boat Improvised Raft Building Water Skiing / Towing Problem Solving Activities Bushcraft Campfire
Assessment Matrix : : Anything that is likely to cause harm The associated with a hazard is a combination of the seriousness of the harm (CONSEQUENCES) and the probability (LIKELIHOOD) that the event will occur. An event may have many possible outcomes - ranging from a fatality to a near miss - and the likelihood of each outcome is different CONSEQUENCES Extreme Injury Major Injury (These definitions are extracted from the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations, RIDDOR) Minor Injury Fatality or permanent disability I. Fracture other than to fingers, thumbs or toes II. Amputation III. Dislocation of the shoulder, hip, knee or spine IV. Loss of sight (temporary or permanent) V. Any penetrating eye injury VI. Injury resulting from an electric shock / burn leading to unconsciousness or requiring resuscitation or admittance to hospital for more than 24 hours VII. Unconsciousness caused by asphyxia or exposure to a harmful substance VIII. Loss of unconsciousness arising from absorption of any substance by inhalation, ingestion or through the skin IX. Acute illness requiring medical treatment where there is reason to believe that this resulted from exposure to a biological agent, it s toxins or infected material Small cuts and grazes or injuries requiring minor medical treatment Environmental / Equipment Damage LIKELIHOOD Very Likely Likely Possible Unlikely Very Unlikely Occurs frequently Likely to occur several times Could occur sometime Unlikely, though conceivable So unlikely that the probability is close to zero Since is dependant on the likelihood of harm occurring, as well as the severity of the harmful outcome, it can be categorised qualitatively using the matrix below. = Likelihood of Occurrence x Consequence of outcome Likelihood of occurrence Consequence Very Likely Likely Possible Unlikely Very Unlikely Extreme High High High Medium Major High High Medium Insignificant Minor Medium Medium Insignificant Insignificant Environmental / Equipment Damage Medium Medium Insignificant Insignificant Insignificant High = High Medium = Medium = Insignificant = Insignificant
Assessments; an overview The assessments that follow are designed to highlight the main s associated with each activity. Each assessment has been made by a suitably competent and/or qualified person on behalf of IMPACT Adventure. The member of staff leading the activity will carry out a Dynamic Assessment before and during the activity. If any hazards are identified that were not included in the original assessment these will be reported to the Activities Manager for inclusion. This will include, but is not limited to information obtained from the incident, accident and near miss logs. s associated with a particular area or location will be included into these Generic assessments thus alleviating the need for site specific assessments. These additions will be marked as site specific and the location or area noted. These additions may include rights of access to a particular area of land for example. It is the responsibility of the Activities Manager to ensure that all members of IMPACT Adventure staff who are to be involved in these activities have read and understood this document and are aware of their responsibilities when it comes to reporting incidents, accidents and near misses, which are integral to the assessment process. These documents cannot include every conceivable and therefore it is the duty of every participant whether staff or client to communicate any real or perceived to the Activities Manager, who will make a decision based on competence / qualification or advice as to whether or not to continue with the activity and at that location and whether or not to include that in the assessment. When at a specific site the lead member of staff must take all reasonable measures to assess the site for potential dangers and take precautions to reduce any s. As a minimum, this will be interpreted as alerting the group of the s and the means of reducing those s.
the IMPACT Programme IMPACT Adventure Trust, Gamekeepers Lodge, Ballindalloch, Banffshire AB37 9DR, Scotland, UK Assessment Rock Climbing / Abseiling Falling Session organised and run only by SPA assessed staff. always attached to safety rope were appropriate. Close supervision of belay technique. Back up system for novice and inexperienced belayers. Staff training and monitoring. Bouldering maximum height identified by Lead Outdoor Education Practitioner. Spotters used for all bouldering activity. Head injury Helmets to be worn at all times when near the climbing area. Safe climbing location free from loose rock. Equipment failure Daily, monthly and annual inspections by qualified staff. A ropes maintenance programme to be followed. Rope burns Staff to belay or directly supervise belaying. Staff training + monitoring. Entanglement and Staff to belay or directly supervise belaying. collision with others. Staff training + monitoring. Insig Emotional Challenge by choice. Clothing or hair snags Rings and loose jewellery to be removed, loose clothing tucked in and hair tied back. Hypothermia Appropriate clothing for conditions. Instructor essentials to include a survival bag, hot drink and spare clothes. Stuck on abseil / Climb Releasable abseil system. Staff to be trained and monitored. Insig Qualified staff monitored regularly. Belay demonstration given by instructor to include lowering. Gri Gri not to be used with novice climbers. Injury from uncontrolled Climbers must not leave the ground until the supervising instructor has belaying checked the competence of the belayers. Correct belay procedure to be followed to include: backup belaying Peer belaying to be constantly monitored and co-ordinated by OEP s. Based on the ability of the group, the instructor appropriate belay groups.
Non-Trauma Injury A thorough warm up should be under taken before the start of any activity. Other users All should be given a thorough brief of behaviour safety and etiquette. Insignificant.
Assessment Hill Walking Summer / Winter (s identified are in addition to those for Summer) / Scrambling / Scree Running Hypothermia Clothing layers to be worn, suitable clothing for conditions. Spare clothes to be carried. Suitable sleeping bag and tent supplied. Sunburn / sunstroke Sun screen and water to be carried, OEP vigilance. Injury from trip or fall Suitable foot wear to be worn, route choice, group under supervision, confidence rope used if needed. Heat exhaustion Water and hat to be carried on trip. Exhaustion from physical effort Adverse weather conditions River crossing Getting lost Stomach upset / infection from water Blisters Wildlife OEP vigilance. Route choice should be appropriate to the abilities of all participants. Insignificant Detailed weather forecast prior to trip. Clothing suitable for conditions and season. Where possible use an alternative route, if none is available use procedure as given by the MLTUK Use of appropriate map, compass and route card to include overshoot and safety features. Route card held at centre. Water from designated area set by trained staff. Insignificant Use of suitable footwear, change of socks where possible. Advice given on packing of rucksack. Instructor to carry blister packs in first aid kit. Group to be wary of crossing fields of livestock and farms. Gates to be closed after use. Safety brief to include touching foxgloves or nettles. Med Insignificant
Benighted Avalanche Movement on steep ground (snow or ice) OEP to inform Activities Manager of prior to departure and agree a procedure. OEP and Activity Manager to follow an agreed procedure. Each Participant will carry a working transceiver (switched on). All participants will be thoroughly briefed on what actions to take in the event of an avalanche. In addition to a current weather forecast a current avalanche forecast should be obtained from the SAAS. OEP s will make route choices based on current advice and experience. All participants will be properly briefed and practice the correct use of crampons and ice axe. All participants will practice self arrest techniques at an appropriate location. The lead OEP will brief and practice all participants in techniques for movement on step ground as per the MLTS. Insignificant Continuous monitoring of route and weather. Scrambling This activity will be led as per MLTUK MIA Syllabus by appropriately qualified OEP s Scree Running This activity will be avoided by all Outdoor Education Practitioners Insignificant
Assessment Camping Wild / Managed site Hypothermia Burns Stomach upsets to wear correct clothing, to carry spare clothing, adequate sleeping bags and well maintained tents and equipment. Staff in constant supervision. Training in campcraft and the safe use of stoves, fuel and matches. Stoves always lit on level ground. Cooking area situated away from tented area. Water from designated area set by trained staff, all food to be thoroughly cooked and hot. Trip or fall Torches to be used at night. Training and safety brief on campcraft to include awareness of guy ropes. Other people Group kept together around central camp area. Group to work in pairs. Wildlife Equipment Failure / Damage Group to be wary of crossing fields of livestock and farms. Gates to be closed after use. Safety brief to include touching foxgloves or nettles. Insignificant All equipment to be checked prior to being issued. Insignificant
Assessment Gorge Walking / Canyoning As per Hill Walking and Rock Climbing assessments Drowning Hypothermia Trip or Fall Entrapments Jumps and Slides into pools. Sudden spate conditions. Buoyancy aids to be worn throughout activity. OEP vigilance. Appropriate clothing for prevailing conditions worn, consider water and air temperature. Awareness of participants condition throughout activity. Appropriate emergency equipment readily available. Helmet worn and fitted correctly. Careful route choice by instructor to avoid hazard. Appropriate use of spotting techniques. Consider protecting sections with the use of ropes. Appropriate footwear used. Briefing and demonstration to participants on good foot placements. Access routes to venue assessed. Ropes used to be in a releasable system. Avoidance of identified vegetation or rock hazards. Good group briefing on foot placements. Pools carefully checked for hazards before use. Landing areas for slides inspected and assessment made on prior to use. Pools entered feet first only. Weather forecasts interpreted and past and present conditions taken into account. Site approval from Lead Outdoor Education Practitioner on site. Medium Constant Vigilance Bridge of Brown gorge should only be used if water is below the level of The Hole as identified by the Activities Manager.
Assessment Open Canoeing and Kayaking Drowning Hypothermia Moving and handling boats and equipment Sharp objects on access an egress areas Entrapments. in boats, vegetation, rocks Adverse Weather Conditions Impact with rocks and other solid objects Buoyancy aids worn and correctly fitted. Appropriate group/leader ratio for environment. Competent group supervision and management. water confidence known. Appropriate clothing worn for expected conditions. Awareness of participants condition throughout activity Appropriate emergency equipment readily available. Use sufficient people to share the load when moving boats or equipment Coaching and use of good lifting techniques, to protect from injury Co-ordinated the loading unloading trailers/racks. Care to be exercised when emptying swamped boats Instructor to check boats have sufficient buoyancy fitted. Footwear worn at all times. Prior to use, areas checked for hazardous sharp objects Avoid identified vegetation or rock hazards. Boats correctly fitted to participants. On moving water only bulkhead footrests to be used. Fittings in boats secure. coached on getting in and out of boats. briefed on hazards of vegetation and rocks. briefed regarding white water swim position. Weather forecasts interpreted, and likely conditions assessed. On-site approval from Lead Outdoor Education Practitioner. Continual dynamic assessment required during activity. Helmets worn on moving water. Group briefing regarding white water swim position. Care exercised at access and egress areas.
Infection from waterborne diseases Collisions with fishermen, swimmers, other craft and other water users Water quality to be assessed visually prior to session. Cover all cuts and abrasions. Wash hands before eating food. Rinse all wetsuits, dry thoroughly. Shower after activity. Operations of other users on site should be identified and assessed. If s to other water users from our activities are identified, our activity will be modified. Discussions with other users are useful to reduce any conflict and s.
Assessment Off Road Cycling Fall from Bike Hypothermia Hyperthermia Dehydration Equipment Failure lost/separated from group. Collision with other road/trail users Adverse Weather Conditions Helmet fitted correctly and worn. Gloves worn. Participant ability assessed in a controlled environment. ous sections of trail managed effectively. Speed controlled by the instructor, appropriate to participants ability. Ground conditions and terrain hazards, particularly in wet conditions are continually assessed by the instructor. When snow, ice or frozen ground is expected, the decision for the activity to run is taken in morning staff meeting. clothing and straps secured to avoid entrapments in moving parts. Appropriate clothing worn for expected conditions. Instructor aware of participants condition throughout activity. Appropriate emergency equipment readily available. Additional drinking water available/accessible. Trip appropriate for prevailing weather conditions. Bikes regularly maintained. All bikes have pre-issue checks completed by the instructor. Faulty bikes clearly labelled and removed from service. ous sections of trail managed effectively. Means of carrying out common trailside repairs readily available. coached in correct use of gears and brakes. Group is managed effectively by the instructor. Limited group size and leader/participant ratio. Route planned to reduce the use of public roads. Group is managed effectively by the instructor. Forestry operations signs and advice followed. Group briefed on considerate riding. Weather forecasts interpreted, and likely conditions assessed. On-site approval from Lead Outdoor Education Practitioner. Where storm force winds are forecast, decision on route choice, or the cancellation of activity will be made in the morning staff meeting.
Trees low branches Brashings Bike out of control Forestry operations River Crossings Poor light conditions. Darkness briefed to group. Unfamiliar sections of trail, lead by instructor. Effective group control through hazardous sections. wear eye protection. Use of brakes coached and practised by participants. Participant ability assessed in a controlled environment. Speed controlled by the instructor, appropriate to participants ability. Known hazard areas managed by instructor. Forestry operations signs and advice followed. Awareness of increased traffic on forestry roads in areas of operation. Where possible route chosen to avoid active areas. Route planned to avoid hazardous water crossings. Instructor carefully manages any hazardous water crossings. Lights and high visibility vests available for participants when expecting to travel in poor light conditions or in darkness. Emergency lighting carried at times of year where daylight is short.
Assessment Sea Level Traversing / Coasteering Drowning Head injury and other injuries Cold shock and hypothermia. Winding or injury due to poor landing in water. Injury due to hitting rock. Sea conditions Injury through contact or collision with other people. will be issued with necessary safety equipment, including wetsuit and buoyancy aid to help flotation. Buoyancy aids are NOT optional. In extreme white water conditions minimal time will be spent in the water. Coasteering route will minimise use of areas of loose rock. Suitable helmets will be worn by all participants. Ensure all participants have correctly fitting wetsuits, helmets and buoyancy aids. Hooded tops may be used in very cold weather. Instructors encourage clients to keep moving around and to give themselves time to adjust to the water temperature when they first enter. Sessions shortened if needed. A safety bag is available at all times. All participants are taught jumping techniques suitable for the size of jump. No coasteering route will have jumps that are compulsory. All jumping techniques are demonstrated by the Instructor, with small jumps being used to begin with before larger heights are attempted. The Instructor is nearby at all times. must show that they are capable of jumping effectively and able to land well. Weaker jumpers are encouraged at lower levels with staff next to them to help or pull them back if they slip. Jumps will be assessed by the Lead Outdoor Education Practitioner and only those indicated by them will be used. Check forecast and monitor weather and sea state. Instructor to check landings and take into account tidal swells. that wish to jump at the same time, as others must be well apart. Staff will dictate how far this is. No one may jump holding hands.
Seaweed covered or slippery rocks & walking on loose boulders. Strong sea swell & large waves. Unintentional swim due to being washed off or falling in. Barnacles & sharp rock. All participants are told to proceed with care and are guided over the best available routes to avoid large amounts of seaweed etc. Each person is told to use hands as well as feet for support to aid balance and safe movement across the rocks. Walking on areas of barnacled rocks is encouraged for maximum grip. When walking on seaweed look for pools or indentations that hold water as these will provide more stable footing The Instructor leads the group, encouraging them to help each other & fore-warning them of obstacles such as wet & slippery rocks. are briefed on prevailing conditions and told what to expect, how to react and what to do in the event of an unintentional swim occurring. Instructor verbally and visually warns participants of incoming waves. Where exposed to large waves/ swell the group will be kept in a safe area until asked to move. A throw line will be at hand at all times. are shown how to place hands and feet. Also shown the best way to get out of the water and what to do when they are being washed around or near to rocks. Demonstration and/ or practice to help learn good technique.
Assessment Tyrolean Traverse Hit from falling objects Fall from Height Slips and Trips Entanglements Equipment failure Other Site users Jewellery/ Piercings Helmet worn Good group management and briefing on site/route Assessment of site/route before use. Consider the impact of weather conditions on stability of site/route. Effective group management on site/route Safe and efficient rope systems employed Helmet worn Personal Protective equipment used appropriately Appropriate footwear used. Access to, from and moving around the site assessed. High areas highlighted to group during briefing, and managed effectively. When deciding on session venue the instructor and course co-ordinator are to consider the impact of past and expected weather on underfoot conditions. Personal items secured away from devices. Good briefing regarding hazard completed. Gloves worn if pulling on tensioned rope Avoid or protect ropes running over abrasive edges. Ensure correct fitting and use of harnesses The condition of all equipment to be assessed prior to use, suspect items removed from service. Backup for tensioned rope system employed Anchors carefully assessed Operations of other users on site should be identified and assessed Where to other site users from our activities is identified, our activity will be modified. Discussions with other site users are useful to reduce any conflict and s All rings, earrings should be removed or covered with appropriate tape Belly button piercings are required to be removed or protected with tape/dressing
Student stuck in mid traverse Back rope used to recover participant
Assessment Orienteering Slips trips and Falls Getting Lost Forestry Operations Injury from branches and brashings Good briefing highlighting hazards Suitable footwear to be worn Discuss route choices Staff trained and familiar with area used Students briefed on what do to if lost. Whistle Carried Explain boundaries to students Obey all signs from forestry contractors Brief on hazards from Log stacks Use areas where there are no excepted operations. Full body cover clothing s of branches highlighted Emergency procedure briefed Control locations to avoid brashing areas
Assessment Climbing Wall (Indoor) This activity is provided externally. All external suppliers must be checked by the Activities Manager before they are used by IMPACT Adventure. Any s identified by IMPACT Adventure staff, which are not dealt with by the external providers own assessment policy should be detailed below.
Assessment Cabin Cruising / Pleasure Boating This activity is provided externally. All external suppliers must be checked by the Activities Manager before they are used by IMPACT Adventure. Any s identified by IMPACT Adventure staff, which are not dealt with by the external providers own assessment policy should be detailed below. Drowning All All participants must wear life jackets or buoyancy aids when on or around the water.
Assessment Improvised Raft Building Injury from poles All equipment checked prior to use to check for damage and splintering of poles. Briefing on carrying poles, for younger children poles must be carried in twos. Briefing on the dangers of swinging poles around or throwing poles during the construction and dismantling phases. Briefing on the dangers of standing on unsecured poles during the construction and dismantling phases. Briefing on the dangers of entrapment of fingers during both the construction and dismantling phases. Damaged equipment removed from the activity. Staff supervision throughout the activity to enforce this. Injury from ropes Injury from falling poles or rafts Drowning All Briefing to emphasise the dangers of swinging ropes around in close proximity of others. All Spectators kept at a safe distance from the activity when the construction is taking place. With younger pupils staff to assist with this phase of the activity to reduce the danger. Care to be exercised when turning the raft over or moving it. Supervising staff to assist where necessary. When on the water all participants must wear helmets throughout this phase of the activity. must wear appropriate buoyancy aids throughout the activity. In the case of capsize, staff to ensure all participants involved are accounted for and safe. Safety boat to be on the water at all times when a raft is sailing. Buoyancy aids checked by staff prior to the session beginning. Staff vigilance throughout the session to ensure buoyancy aids are worn correctly. Rafts to be tethered by a rope to the bank to avoid running away (on moving water).
Hypothermia Hit by paddles Weils Disease and other water born diseases Being swept away Staff to ensure that clothing is appropriate to the prevailing weather conditions. Cagoules to be issued whenever participants require them. Special attention to be paid to appropriate headwear. Staff to carry an appropriate group shelter and survival bag in their safety kit. Location of local telephones to be known by supervising staff or mobile telephones to be carried throughout the activity. Staff to carry appropriate spare clothing throughout the activity. Ensure that participants are aware of the dangers of wielding paddles in confined spaces. Helmets to be worn at all times when on the water. Staff vigilance throughout the session. to be warned of the dangers and instructed to wash their hands at the earliest possible time. All participants to be warned of the dangers and instructed not to eat or put their fingers in their mouths, noses or eyes until hands have been washed. All participants instructed to have a shower as soon as possible The activity not to take place when rivers are in spate. Safety boat to be on the water at all times during crossing of rivers. Supervising staff to have relevant safety equipment readily at hand including throw-lines. Rafts to be tethered by a rope to the bank to avoid drifting away (when on moving water).
Assessment Water Skiing / Towing This activity may be provided externally. All external suppliers must be checked by the Activities Manager before they are used by IMPACT Adventure. Any s identified by IMPACT Adventure staff, which are not dealt with by the external providers own assessment policy should be detailed below. Drowning Life jackets or buoyancy aids should be worn at all times by all participants. Injury from ropes Briefing to emphasise the dangers of swinging ropes around in close proximity of others. Briefing on entanglement procedure. Lead Outdoor Education Practitioner should carry a suitable knife to deal with any entanglement issues. Other users Care should be taken to avoid other water users when towing. Impact Injury. Propeller It is the responsibility of the Lead Outdoor Education Practitioner to ensure that towing only takes place where there is a suitable depth of water and at an appropriate distance from the shore or other obstacles. Ramps should be avoided. It is the responsibility of the Lead Outdoor Education Practitioner to ensure the correct piloting of the craft to enable participants to avoid contact with the propeller Constant vigilance.
Assessment Problem Solving Activities Slip,trip or fall Lifting exercise equipment Wearing a blindfold during an exercise Wooden planks/poles used as part of exercise Use of scissors during exercise Use of rope All exercises not above head height Spotters when appropriate Instructor awareness Set up all equipment prior to activity Use of lightweight equip Brief participants on correct lifting techniques and or assist when appropriate Set route away from obstructions Regulate speed of movement Instructor awareness Safety briefing at start of exercise Safety briefing Rounded end scissors Instructor control Safety briefing before exercise OEP awareness
Assessment Bushcraft Branches + Brash Fire Burns Knifes Branch Pruner Instructor to introduce safe handling practice, highlight to face and eyes. Use Gloves OEP monitoring and work in small area. See campfire assessment. Defined area for actual fire. Safety briefing. OEP monitoring. Instructor to judge that group is suitable to use knifes. Safety briefing. OEP Monitoring. Round end knifes to be used. Only use knifes while sat still, NOT walking around. Knifes to be issued when in use and collected in when not in use. Safety Briefing OEP monitoring Saw Safety briefing OEP monitoring
Assessment Campfire Burns Slips, trips and falls Environmental conditions Verbal instruction Supervision Movement restricted to outside the seating circle Adult only to tend fire Sand/water bucket to be present First Aider on site Verbal instruction Adequate lighting i.e. torches & lamps Move about small groups at a time Advise against running Assessment of conditions which may influence decision to continue activity Sparks from fire Fire should be tended from an up wind direction. must remain a safe distance from the fire as dictated by the Lead Outdoor Education Practitioner.