Land-Based Activities Risk Assessments Activity Archery Owen Senior (GNAS) GNAS Leader 1:12 should be reduced to meet the needs of participants where appropriate - e.g. Personal injury E.g. Bruising to forearms, arrow impaling, cuts, bruises Poor supervision. Poor safety brief. Inability of participants to behave in a safe manner. Running to collect arrows. String hitting forearm repeatedly from fi ring. No safety zone set. Poor instruction and demonstrations. Shooting line to be established. Staff to control when bows are picked up and shot etc. Arrows to only point towards target. Everybody collects arrows only when instructor indicates it s safe too. Designate a safe zone away from the range for waiting. No running at the range. Instructor to demonstrate correct technique for shooting and collecting arrows and monitor. Forearm protectors are available if necessary. Instructor to provide health and safety briefi ng to prevent injuries. Injury to others Public Unacceptable range set up. Instructor to consider surroundings carefully before erecting range. Minimum area required behind / side of the shooting targets. Warning signs could be used if taking place in a place where lots of public are around.
Axe Throwing Induction 1:12 should be reduced to meet the needs of participants where appropriate - e.g. E.g. Trips and slips, cuts, bruises Poor supervision. Poor safety brief. Inability of participants to behave in a safe manner. Running to collect axes. No safety zone set. Poor instruction and demonstrations. Throwing line to be established. Staff to control when axes are picked up and thrown etc. Axes only to be thrown towards targets. Everybody collects axes only when instructor indicates it s safe too. Designate a safe zone away from the range for waiting. No running at the range. Instructor to demonstrate correct technique for throwing and collecting axes and monitor. Instructor to provide health and safety briefi ng to prevent injuries. Injury to others Public Unacceptable range set up. Instructor to consider surroundings carefully before erecting range. Minimum area required behind / side of the targets. Warning signs could be used if taking place in a place where lots of public are around.
Bushcraft - Cooking Awareness of LW Safety Procedures 1:12 Dependant on Group needs Personal Burns Food Poisoning Cross Contamination Food Poisoning Poor Cooking Food Poisoning Infected Food and the public Inappropriate use of knives. Blunt tools. Poor behaviour. Poor instruction or monitoring. Knives and chopping boards used for different purposes. Unwashed hands. Meat and fi sh undercooked. Inappropriate produce selected for cooking. Individual allergies. Inappropriate storage of meat and fi sh. Thorough instructor briefi ng and group observation. Regular maintenance of tools. Instruction to be provided including health and safety briefi ng. On-going supervision. Clearly marked chopping boards and knives for different tasks. Instructors to provide briefi ng on food hygiene. Hands must be washed regularly in hot, soapy water. Food must be brought to a safe. All food preparation equipment to be scrubbed in hot soapy water. Wash hands after activity. Meat and fi sh are to purchased / defrosted shortly before the session. Produce should be kept in a cool room or fridge away from direct sunlight and insects. Food must be brought to a safe.
Bushcraft In-house Training Programme Variable should be reduced to meet the needs of participants where appropriate - e.g. Use of Axe Use of Knife & Machetes Using a Bow Saw Using a Folding Spade Fires out of control Personal Burns and Public Using tools incorrectly. Blunt tools. Poor behaviour. Poor instruction & monitoring. Using tools incorrectly. Blunt tools. Poor behaviour. Poor instruction & monitoring. Using tools incorrectly. Blunt tools. Poor behaviour. Poor instruction & monitoring. Using tools incorrectly. Poor behaviour. Poor instruction & monitoring. Making fi res in inappropriate locations. Making fi res during sustained periods of dry weather. Poor behaviour. Poor instruction & monitoring. Instruction to be provided, including health and safety briefi ng. Ongoing supervision. Tools only given to participants who can behave sensibly. No running in proximity of session. Axe used on a fl at surface. Axe stored in a safe place when not in use. Instruction to be provided, including health and safety briefi ng. Ongoing supervision. Tools only given to participants who can behave sensibly. No running in proximity of session. When not in use knife to stay in its case. Tools to be carried in their cases. Instruction to be provided, including health and safety briefi ng. Ongoing supervision. Tools only given to participants who can behave sensibly. No running in proximity of session. Instruction to be provided, including health and safety briefi ng. Ongoing supervision. Tools only given to participants who can behave sensibly. No running in proximity of session. Instruction to be provided, including health and safety briefi ng. Ongoing supervision. Fires must only be lit at areas where permission has been granted. Extra care must be taken when lighting fi res during sustained periods of dry weather. Notify fi re brigade (if required).
Climbing & Abseiling Artifi cial Structures (SPA) Climbing Wall Award (CWA) Holder minimum Abseiling module required to deliver abseiling 1:10 should be reduced to meet the needs of participants where appropriate - e.g. E.g. Slips, Cuts, Twisted Ankles, Spinal Injuries, Broken Bones Falling Injury from slipping and hitting wall whilst climbing or abseiling. Inappropriate spotting whilst bouldering. Inappropriate jewellery being worn. Climbing without shoes. Cold, wet windy days. Sitting for long periods at venue which acts as a suntrap or is exposed to the elements. Carrying heavy equipment on the walk in to crag. Anchor Failure. Participants wanting to get a close look over the edge. Equipment Failure. Incorrect harness fi tting. Incorrect/unsupervised belaying. Becoming Stuck Participants Hair caught in fi g of 8. Becoming scared. Helmets must be used for all climbing activities. Instructor to provide a thorough health and safety briefi ng. Participants should be shown how to spot correctly for bouldering and this must be enforced. Jewellery must be removed. Appropriate clothing to be worn. should be carried, dependent on weather Use of sun cream to be encouraged. Ensure instructor and participants are tied in appropriately to systems at all times. Safety rope to be used on abseils. All participants and instructors who are at the top of the structure must be secured appropriately. Instructor to check harnesses and helmets before each turn. Multiple anchors should be used where appropriate. Ensure all equipment is checked before, during and after activity. Regular karabiner checks. Instruction on safe belaying technique to be provided and Instructor must monitor. Long hair must be tied back. Instructor to consider route choice and possibility of participants getting stuck on ledges. If participants are nervous they need to be encouraged to try leaning back on the safety rope near the beginning of the climb.
Climbing & Abseiling Natural Rock Sites (SPA) Single Pitch Award (SPA) Holder minimum 1:10 should be reduced to meet the needs of participants where appropriate - e.g. E.g. Slips, Cuts, Twisted Ankles, Spinal Injuries, Broken Bones Falling Rock falling from above. Falling or slipping on to rock. Injury by slipping whilst climbing/abseiling and hitting rock. Cuts on hands from climbing. Inappropriate spotting whilst bouldering. Trips whilst walking to and from crag. Jewellery being worn. Climbing without shoes. Cold, wet windy days. Sitting for long periods at venue which acts as a suntrap or is exposed to the elements. Carrying heavy equipment on the walk in to crag. Anchor Failure. Participants wanting to get a close look over the edge. Equipment Failure. Incorrect harness fi tting. Incorrect/unsupervised belaying. Becoming Stuck Participants Hair caught in fi g of 8. Becoming scared. Ensure all equipment is checked before, during and after activity. Staff and participants must wear helmets at all times whilst at the crag and appropriate clothing. Designate a safe zone away from the crag for waiting. Remove dangerous loose debris from top when setting up. Instructor to provide health and safety briefi ng to prevent injuries. Instructor to hold fi rst aid qualifi cation and carry fi rst aid kit. Participants should be shown how to spot correctly for bouldering and this must be enforced. Jewellery must be removed. should be carried, dependent on weather Ensure instructor and participants are tied in appropriately to systems at all times. Safety rope to be used on abseils. Designate safe area for observers to watch from. Instructor to check harnesses and helmets before each turn. Multiple anchors should be used where appropriate. Ensure all equipment is checked before, during and after activity. Regular karabiner checks. Instruction on safe belaying technique to be provided and Instructor must monitor. Long hair must be tied back. Instructor to consider route choice and possibility of participants getting stuck on ledges. If participants are nervous they need to be encouraged to try leaning back on the safety rope near the beginning of the climb.
Duke of Edinburgh Expeditions, Technical Advisor Bill Benyon Appropriate Technical Competence Lead - Duke of Edinburgh Supervisor Training First Aid Certificate In line with NGB and D of E Rules should be reduced to meet the needs of participants where appropriate - e.g. E.g. Slips, Cuts, Twisted Ankles, Spinal Injuries, Broken Bones Difficulty controlling body Water Borne Infection Tripping over rocks. Tiredness leading to falling over more easily. Back injuries caused by lifting heavy rucksacks. Lone working for instructor. Cold, wet windy days. Carrying heavy equipment. Drinking from inappropriate sources. Food Poisoning All Cross contamination. No hand washing facilities. Ticks & Lyme s Disease Sitting in long grass Walking through thick undergrowth. Group Becoming Lost Participants Poor training and assessment prior to expedition. Burns & Scalding Tents Setting Fire Child Protection Issues for Unsupervised Groups Participants Inappropriate use of stoves. Carelessness. Cooking in tents. Smoking. Mixed sex groups and campsites. Instructor to provide health and safety briefing to prevent injuries where appropriate. First Aid and emergency procedure training to be provided prior to expedition. First Aid kit to be carried by all groups. Group taught how to lift rucksacks appropriately in pairs if needed. Staff to report to checkpoints. Obtain weather forecast and plan accordingly. Use of sun cream to be encouraged. Training to be provided to group to allow them to make a sensible and informed decision. Water treatment may be required. Follow good food hygiene principles. Training to be provided in hand washing and the use of low risk foods. Appropriate brief given to group about prevention and removal of ticks. Supervision plan to be created prior to the expedition. Group to carry a mobile phone and numbers exchanged with supervisor. Group to receive navigation training and be deemed competent to carry out expedition in the terrain. Group to report to checkpoints at set times. First Aid training to be provided. When using trangias the fuel should be stored away from the stove and when refilling is required the burner should be carried to the fuel. Participants to receive training on the safe use of stoves and preventing burns and scalds. Participants are not allowed to cook or use naked flames in tents, except in exceptional circumstances when the instructor is fully confident in the group s ability to carry this out safely. They should be trained how to do this and do so only in the porch. Campsites to be supervised if necessary. Have male and female staff.
High Ropes (SPA) ERCA or Vertex Qualifi cation Single Pitch Award (SPA) with signifi cant high ropes experience and local familiarisation for set elements. 1:10 should be reduced to meet the needs of participants where appropriate - e.g. E.g. Slips, Cuts, Twisted Ankles, Spinal Injuries, Broken Bones Falling Slipping and banging head. Cuts on hands from climbing. Jewellery. Climbing without shoes. Climbing ladders not secured. Holding on to metal wires. Rope burns from certain elements. Cold, wet windy days. Sitting for long periods at venue which acts as a suntrap or is exposed to the elements. Anchor Failure. Equipment Failure. Incorrect harness fi tting. Incorrect/unsupervised belaying. Helmets must be used for high ropes activities. Instructor to provide health and safety briefi ng to prevent injuries. Jewellery must be removed. Appropriate clothing to be worn. Ladders to be held at bottom whilst participant is climbing. should be carried, dependent on weather Use of sun cream to be encouraged. Ensure instructor and participants are tied in appropriately to systems at all times. Instructor to check harnesses and helmets before each turn. Ensure all equipment is checked before, during and after activity. Regular karabiner checks. Instruction on safe belaying technique to be provided and Instructor must monitor. Becoming Stuck Participants Becoming scared. If participants are nervous they need to be encouraged to try leaning back on the safety rope near the beginning of the climb. Rescue kit to be nearby.
Low Level Walking (<600m) (ML Summer) Coastal & Countryside Leader or above 1:12 should be reduced to meet the needs of participants where appropriate - e.g. E.g. Slips, Cuts, Twisted Ankles, Spinal Injuries, Broken Bones Water Borne Infection Ticks & Lyme s Disease Group not returning Tripping over rocks. Tiredness leading to falling over more easily. Descending steep routes. Back injuries caused by lifting heavy rucksacks. Cold, wet windy days. Carrying heavy equipment. Drinking from inappropriate sources. Sitting in long grass. Walking through thick undergrowth. Low cloud. Injury. Poor navigation. Instructor to provide health and safety briefi ng to prevent injuries where appropriate. Group taught how to lift rucksacks appropriately in pairs if necessary. Obtain weather forecast and plan accordingly. Use of sun cream to be encouraged. Instructor to consider carefully the sources of water which are used by themselves and group, based on local knowledge. Appropriate brief given to group Instructor to leave route details, including return time and emergency contact details.
Mountain Biking Under 600m SMBLA Trail Leader or equivalent 1:8 should be reduced to meet the needs of participants where appropriate - e.g. E.g. Slips, Cuts, Head Injuries, strained backs Bike Failure Falling off bike caused by: Poor balance. Wet surface. Steep descents. Loose surface. Vehicles. Too close to the person in front. Equipment Failure. Long rides. Brake pads worn. Derailleur snapped. Punctures. Pedals snapped. Participants must wear helmets. Instructor to provide health and safety briefi ng(s) and leadership to prevent injuries in accordance with their NGB qualifi cations. Instructor to consider group competence when selecting route. Instructor may do a competence test before riding from the start point. When cycling on roads, extra care should be taken and the highway code should be followed. Instructor must ensure all bikes are safe, checked in accordance with NGB qualifi cations before participants ride. Appropriate clothing / equipment to be worn / carried. Full bike check to occur prior to session. Instructor/group must carry a repair kit appropriate to the level/length of ride.
Summer Mountain Walking (>600m) (ML Summer) Mountain Leader Award Summer 1:10 should be reduced to meet the needs of participants where appropriate - e.g. E.g. Slips, Cuts, Twisted Ankles, Spinal Injuries, Broken Bones Water Borne Infection Ticks & Lyme s Disease Group not returning Tripping over rocks. Tiredness leading to falling over more easily. Descending steep routes. Back injuries caused by lifting heavy rucksacks. Carrying heavy equipment. Drinking from inappropriate sources. Sitting in long grass. Walking through thick undergrowth. Low cloud. Injury. Poor navigation. Instructor to provide health and safety briefi ng to prevent injuries where appropriate. Group taught how to lift rucksacks appropriately in pairs if necessary. Walking rope to be carried for emergency use. Obtain weather forecast and plan accordingly. Use of sun cream to be encouraged. Instructor to consider carefully the sources of water which are used by themselves and group, based on local knowledge. Appropriate brief given to group. Instructor to leave route details, including return time and emergency contact details.
Night Walk/Night Line Experience & familiarisation 1:12 should be reduced to meet the needs of participants where appropriate - e.g. E.g. Slips, Cuts, Head Injuries Not taking suffi cient care when walking in the dark. Walking in to objects. Uneven surfaces. Emotional Damage Participants Being scared of the dark. Jumping out on people. Losing group members Participants Solo Walks. Unsupervised group walks. Instructor to provide health and safety briefi ng(s) to prevent injuries, including the need to take additional care because of the dark. Appropriate clothing / equipment to be worn / carried. Staff to monitor and supervise emotions and group dynamics appropriately. Torch to be carried. For solo walks an obvious route must be used e.g. straight track instructor should set clear end point. Remote supervision to be used for unsupervised groups. Brief group of the importance of staying together and counting group members on a regular basis. Instructor to count group members regularly.
Orienteering Playgrounds & Local Parks Familiarisation Not appropriate to defi ne dependant on type of activity, group & support from other teaching staff. should be reduced to meet the needs of participants where appropriate - e.g. E.g. Slips, Cuts, Twisted Ankles Tripping over when running. Exhaustion Participants Prolonged running. Course too long and diffi cult for participant needs. Becoming lost/ separation/non-return Participants Course too diffi cult Insuffi cient tuition. Group not abided instructions. Instructor to provide health and safety briefi ng to prevent injuries. Use of sun cream to be encouraged. Set orienteering route to suit group. Flexible itinerary to respond to individuals needs. Meeting point and whistle signal/time to return should be set at the start of session. Appropriate instruction of map reading skills to be provided to participants. Careful consideration of group competence needs to be examined before allowing group to work independently. Brief participants on need to stay as group. Brief participants on furthest boundaries. Instructor to keep record of direction group was last seen heading in.
Team Building Experience & familiarisation As appropriate should be reduced to meet the needs of participants where appropriate - e.g. E.g. Slips, Cuts, Head Injuries, strained backs Lifting people off the ground and dropping them. Falling off benches. Pushing & shoving. Emotional Damage Participants Participants falling out with others. Not listening to other people. Instructor to provide health and safety briefi ng(s) to prevent injuries, including safe lifting techniques to protect the head, neck and back in particular. Spotting must be used where there is risk of participants falling. Staff to monitor and supervise emotions and group dynamics appropriately.
Team Sports NGB or experience & familiarisation variable dependant on group and adult support. should be reduced to meet the needs of participants where appropriate - e.g. E.g. Bruising to forearms, arrow impaling, cuts, bruises Foul play. Slippery surface. Over excitement. Poor refereeing. Slide tackles on astro-turf. Dehydration. Ensure consistent refereeing.