The Everdon Activities Centre Risk Assessment

Transcript

THE EVERDON ACTIVITIES CENTRE RISK ASSESSMENT ACTIVITIES These risk assessments to be reviewed on a termly basis Revised: October 2012 Activity Woodland Studies Significant Hazard Litter, various sorts Group of People Especially at risk Students Visiting Staff Centre Staff Existing controls or where the Further action required or estimate Information may be found Of remaining level of risk Students given clear instructions not to pick up litter especially hypodermics, condoms, etc. Remaining level of risk – low A problem close to car parks. Berries, fungi, etc. Students Visiting Staff Centre Staff Students told not to handle or eat. Hand wipes carried on activities. Wash hands upon return to the Centre. Rope Swings Students Visiting Staff Clear instructions not to use. Close monitoring of students. Remaining level of risk – low Lost Children Students Students to work in defined areas under direct adult supervision. Regular headcounts of whole group or sub-group as appropriate. Strangers intent on harm Horses Animal Droppings Activity Significant Students Remaining level of risk – low Students work under direct adult supervision. Regular headcount. Remaining level of risk - low Students Visiting Staff Centre Staff Horse Riders Instructions given about importance of moving to one side, no sudden noise and movement. Remaining level of risk – low Students Students told not to handle. If appropriate, rubber gloves to be used. Antiseptic wipes carried by staff. Existing controls or where the Group of People Wash hands upon return to the Centre. Further action required or estimate Woodland Studies Hazard Bracken – Cuts Whiplash from branches Falling tree debris Especially at risk Students Visiting Staff Centre Staff Information may be found If handling Bracken, use gloves. The stalks are capable of inflicting sharp cuts to hands. Students Visiting Staff Centre Staff Instructions given not to walk close to the person in front. Following people to shield eyes. Consider issue of safety goggles in higher risk situations eg. searching for source of stream. Students Visiting Staff Centre Staff In periods following major storms there are large amounts of debris ‘hung up’ in trees. Avoid using woods at night following storms. Pick route with care. Do not use woods in periods of high winds. Inspect trees in work areas for signs of decay. Move to new area if suspect Stream Studies Activity Trips, falls, slips Students Visiting Staff Centre Staff Avoid leading groups through heavy undergrowth. First Aid Kits available. Forestry Operations Students Visiting Staff Centre Staff Use alternate site when forest operations taking place. Significant Group of People Existing controls or where the Of remaining level of risk Remaining level of risk – low Remaining level of risk – low Remaining level of risk – low Remaining level of risk – low Remaining level of risk – low Further action required or estimate Hazard Stream Studies Especially at risk Students Visiting Staff Information may be found Inspection of stream prior to use with group as levels vary enormously following rainfall. Remaining level of risk – low Students Visiting Staff Do not use stream if water levels are higher than wellie boot tops. Remaining level of risk – low Students Visiting Staff Centre Staff Work in defined places where risk is less. Students to be assisted descending banks. Remaining level of risk - low Hypothermia Students Visiting Staff Carry survival bags, spare clothing. Be aware that in cold, wet, windy conditions, following immersion hypothermia is a possibility. Water deep in places Students Visiting Staff Drowning Force of water Banks steep in places Slips Students Visiting Staff Centre Staff Of remaining level of risk Use site specific areas where water depth has been tested. Do not use stream if water levels high. Instructions to group not to step on moss covered rocks, branches, etc. Place feet between rocks. Care descending grass banks. Remaining level of risk – low Use site specific locations previously inspected for glass, barbed wire, etc. Objects in water Activity Significant Students Visiting Staff Centre Staff Group of People Remaining level of risk – low Existing controls or where the Further action required or estimate Hazard Stream Studies Entrapment Downstream hazards Especially at risk Students Visiting Staff Centre Staff Information may be found Use site specific locations. Of remaining level of risk Remaining level of risk - low Students Visiting Staff Centre Staff Risk assess areas downstream of work areas for barbed wire, low lying branches, fallen trees across stream. Remaining level of risk – low Remaining level of risk – low Sheep/Cattle in field Pollution/Contamination Students Visiting Staff Centre Staff Students Visiting Staff Centre Staff Enter fields where cattle are present in large group with caution. Check with farmer regarding presence of heifers with young calves and bulls. Most domestic animals will move well away from noisy children! Cover cuts with waterproof plasters. Do not drink water! Do not put hands in mouth. Wash hands thoroughly after activity. Remaining level of risk – low Students warned not to eat creatures/plants. Remaining level of risk – low Creatures/Plant Life Students Visiting Staff Remaining level of risk – low Activity Farm Visits Significant Hazard Animal Faeces Group of People Especially at risk Students Visiting Staff Centre Staff Existing controls or where the Information may be found Ringworm, e-coli in faeces. Students informed to be aware of this when sitting and putting equipment down. Do not put hands in mouth. Antiseptic wipes available. Wash hands thoroughly when returning to the Centre. Further action required or estimate Of remaining level of risk Remaining level of risk - low Machinery Students Visiting Staff Centre Staff Students do not touch or climb on farm machinery. Close supervision of group is required when any movement of machinery is taking place. Remaining level of risk – low Infection Students Visiting Staff Centre Staff Hygiene needs to be a high priority. Children should be instructed not to put hands in mouths or allow animals to lick them. Close supervision of hand washing needs to take place before children eat. The farm must have adequate washing facilities. Closely monitor children for signs of illness following farm visit. If any symptoms of sickness, diarrhoea, etc. are noted, immediately seek medical attention and inform the authorities that a farm visit has been made. Pregnant women should avoid contact with sheep during lambing periods. Activity Farm Visits Significant Hazard Contact with animals Eating Pond Dipping Deep Water/Drowning Group of People Especially at risk Students Visiting Staff Students Students Visiting Staff Existing controls or where the Information may be found Do not allow entry of children into restricted areas where large animals are present. Young children should be discouraged from handling bottle fed lambs. After handling animals, hands should be immediately washed to minimise risk of E-Coli infection. Students need to be instructed not to sample animal feeds or raw milk. If food is to be consumed on the farm (packed lunches) an area free of infection needs to be established and hands washed thoroughly prior to eating. Students given clear instructions that there is no need to enter the water. Check the depth of water up to 3 feet from bank with a pole. Rapid change in depth indicates steep banks. Move to another location. Closely supervise students and carry out headcounts. Further action required or estimate Of remaining level of risk Remaining level of risk – low Remaining level of risk – low Carry rescue throw bag/line and Rescue Pole. Activity Pond Dipping Significant Hazard Slips/trips Group of People Especially at risk Students Visiting Staff Hypothermia Students Visiting Staff Pollution Students Visiting Staff Centre Staff Creatures/Plant Life Students Visiting Staff Existing controls or where the Information may be found Choose a location which is flat and offers firm footing. Avoid slopes that are steep, covered with grass. Further action required or estimate Of remaining level of risk Remaining level of risk – low Immersion in water a problem in winter Carry spare clothing. Have access to a or when cold/windy. mobile phone to arrange evacuation if necessary. Cover cuts with waterproof plasters. Do not drink water! Do not put hands in mouth. Carry antiseptic wipes. Wash hands thoroughly after activity. Students warned not to eat creatures/plants. Remaining level of risk – low Remaining level of risk – low Activity Road walking with Groups (daytime) Significant Hazard Passing Vehicles Horses Road walking with Groups (Night/poor visibility) Passing Vehicles Group of People Especially at risk Students Visiting Staff Centre Staff Students Visiting Staff Centre Staff Students Visiting Staff Centre Staff Existing controls or where the Information may be found Groups walk in single file facing traffic. One leader walks 30 metres in front of group to give approaching traffic warning of presence. Leaders carry whistles. Upon hearing whistle, group stops and stands on verge. Areas where blind corners/lack of verge exists close to the Centre – mapped. Group given instructions as to appropriate behaviour in initial briefing – stand still/quiet/no sudden movements. Further action required or estimate Of remaining level of risk Ensure enough whistles for each leader sack. Produce map of hazardous areas. Remaining level of risk – low Leaders wear high visibility vests. All of group wear high visibility vests. Leaders carry torches. Groups walk in single file facing traffic. One leader walks 30 metres in front of group to give approaching traffic warning of presence. Leaders carry whistles. Remaining level of risk – medium Activity Road walking with Groups (Night/poor visibility, con’td..) Significant Hazard Passing Vehicles Footpaths across farmland Slips on stiles, wooden bridges across ditches Farm Gates Group of People Especially at risk Students Visiting Staff Centre Staff Students Visiting Staff Centre Staff Students Visiting Staff Centre Staff Existing controls or where the Information may be found Upon hearing whistle group stops and stands on verge. Areas where blind corner/lack of verge exists close to the Centre – mapped. Use minibus if appropriate to reduce movement of groups along roads at night. Staff to offer assistance where crossing is awkward or a slip likely to cause injury. (Wood used for stiles is often slippery when wet). Further action required or estimate Of remaining level of risk Investigate possibility of purchasing torch/lamp giving high visibility flashing light. Seek permission from local landowners to cross their land rather than walk on roads. Remaining level of risk – low Do not allow students to climb on gates/fences. Opening of gates often involves lifting – use manual handling techniques Remaining level of risk - low Barbed Wire Electric Fences Activity Significant Students Visiting Staff Centre Staff Students Visiting Staff Centre Staff Group of People Do not allow students to run in an uncontrolled manner. Be aware when crossing stiles. As for barbed wire. Do not allow students to touch. Electric fences crossing paths must be insulated at that point. Existing controls or where the Remaining level of risk – low Further action required or estimate Hazard Footpaths across Farm Spraying Operations farmland Farm Animals Farm Machinery Farm Chemicals Animal Faeces Especially at risk Students Visiting Staff Centre Staff Students Visiting Staff Centre Staff Students Students Visiting Staff Centre Staff Students Visiting Staff Centre Staff Information may be found Turn back or seek alternative route. Of remaining level of risk Remaining level of risk – low Cattle main hazard, especially young bullocks and dairy cattle with calves. Move across field in large group. Be prepared to turn back if they appear aggressive. Do not allow students to climb on farm machinery. Keep clear of farming operations. See notes on spraying. Do not allow students to touch or play with full or empty canisters. Remaining level of risk – low Do not touch. Remaining level of risk – low Do not put hands in mouth. Wash hands thoroughly before eating (see Risk Assessment on Farm Visits). Do not use farm buildings/field barns to shelter in or eating spots. They represent a source of infection if they have been used to house animals. Remaining level of risk - low Activity Everdon Trail Significant Hazard Crossing roads Horses Horses Little Everdon Orienteering Trail Horses Group of People Especially at risk Students Visiting Staff Existing controls or where the Information may be found Normal road safety rules – eg. no crossing between parked cars or blind corners. Activity takes place in groups with direct adult supervision. Further action required or estimate Of remaining level of risk Remaining level of risk – low Students Visiting Staff Centre Staff See Woodland Studies Risk Assessment Remaining level of risk – low Students Visiting Staff Horse Riders See Woodland Studies Risk Assessment Remaining level of risk – low Students Visiting Staff Horse Riders Briefing about appropriate behaviour. See Woodland Studies Risk Assessment Remaining level of risk – low Activity Little Everdon Orienteering Trail Significant Hazard Cattle/Bullocks Road Walking Canal Visits Immersion/Drowning Slip between boat and bank Group of People Especially at risk Students Visiting Staff Centre Staff Existing controls or where the Information may be found Sometimes present on Little Everdon Estate. Group moves bunched together. Students Visiting Staff See Road Walking Risk Assessment. Students Visiting Staff Students Visiting Staff Further action required or estimate Of remaining level of risk Remaining level of risk – low Remaining level of risk – low Strict supervision of group on tow paths. Carry throw line. Do not allow students to cross on lock gates. Do not allow students to get too close to canal edge/boat as slip between two represents a hazard resulting in a crush injury. Do not allow students to operate or climb on canal equipment. Remaining level of risk – low Remaining level of risk – low Remaining level of risk – low Boat Journey Students Visiting Staff Do not accept casual offers of journey on boats. Use recognised contractor with appropriate Health & Safety Certificate/Safety equipment. Remaining level of risk – low Activity Church Visits Church Visits Significant Hazard Uneven surfaces. Slip/trip Hazard Access Ladders Stairs to Towers Heavy unstable objects Blind Trail Collision with tree. Trip Hazard Group of People Especially at risk Students Visiting Staff Students Visiting Staff Students Visiting Staff Students Existing controls or where the Information may be found Students to walk not run. Brief students on importance of high standards of behaviour. Do not allow students to climb. Only ascend church towers with specific permission of church authority and after a risk assessment by Centre Management. Further action required or estimate Of remaining level of risk Remaining level of risk – low Remaining level of risk – low No running. High standards of behaviour. All members of group to wear helmets. Group guided by adult. Group hold on to each other/move slowly. Area to be cleared of obstacles as far as possible. Remaining level of risk – low Remaining level of risk – low Whiplash from branches Students Contact with electric power cables. Kite strikes pupil Students Visiting Staff Centre Staff Blindfolds protect eyes. Group moves slowly. Remaining level of risk – low Use areas clear of overhead cables. Kite Flying Remaining level of risk – low Use fabric based kites only. Activity Campcraft Skills Significant Hazard Tent blowing away in strong winds Group of People Especially at risk All Eye damage caused by pole spike end Participants Tripping over Pegs All Existing controls or where the Information may be found Ensure correct pitching of tents and awareness of wind direction. Further action required or estimate Of remaining level of risk Remaining level of risk – low Teamwork and understanding of tent construction technique. Remaining level of risk – low Shorten guy ropes, pegs driven fully into the ground. Make group aware of hazard of running in tent area. Remaining level of risk – low Hot liquid spilt from stove All All cooking in designated area. Strict instructions on clothing. Footwear to be worn. Participants Fuel stored separate to stoves. Students bring burner unit to remote place to refuel. Participants Ensure cooking area is flat. No stepping over stoves. Reduce movement. First Aid and cooling water available. Flare up of stove caused by inappropriate refueling First Aid and cooling water available. Unbalanced stove/knocked over First Aid and cooling water available. Use of pan grip Participants Train students in use. Do not leave attached to stove whilst cooking. Remaining level of risk - low Activity Significant Group of People Existing controls or where the Further action required or estimate Hazard Exploration of Railway Tunnels Trip/Fall Especially at risk All Information may be found Weekly inspection by Country Park staff. Group move as a chain supporting each other if undertaking exploration without artificial light. Adult leader at front. Leaders with torches for emergency use. Of remaining level of risk Remaining level of risk – low Use of Candles Burn Participants Orienteering Becoming disorientated Strangers intent on harm Specific Site Hazards Participants Participants Participants Participants issued with gloves and candle holders. Group move at greater than arm length apart. Instruction given on how to hold a candle. Use ‘open’ sites with clear identifiable boundaries. Clear instructions and identification of limits at start of session. Students given one clue to find and return to start until become confident/competent. No students work alone. Staff deployed to monitor as much of work area as possible. Students given safety briefing and notified of dangers and ‘out of bounds’ areas. First Aid available. Remaining level of risk – low Remaining level of risk – low Remaining level of risk – low Remaining level of risk - low Activity Tracking Fire Lighting Significant Hazard Trip Collision with Trees, etc Burns Group of People Especially at risk Students Students Visiting Staff Existing controls or where the Information may be found Briefing regarding safe movement. Work in pairs (blind/spotter). Sites chosen to be free of trip hazard as far as practicable. Further action required or estimate Of remaining level of risk Remaining level of risk – low Use established fire pit. Instructions to group to avoid going in centre of pit or walk around outer circle. Instructor is 1st Aid Trained. Remaining level of risk – low Burns kit and fire blanket taken to site. Bucket of water available at all times. Check direction and strength of wind before using fire steels. Children to kneel with backs to the wind with no children or equipment downwind of them. Use cotton wool holders to prevent wind blowing lit debris onto children. In Remaining level of risk – low strong sunlight difficult to see flames – brief students of danger. Activity Cooking marshmallows, etc. Significant Hazard Burns to mouth Sharp stick in body or head Group of People Especially at risk Students Visiting Staff Existing controls or where the Information may be found Instructions to group to not touch food or put it in their mouths until it has cooled down. Instructions and demonstration to group showing how to use sticks safely. Further action required or estimate Of remaining level of risk Remaining level of risk – low Use of Kelly Kettles Burns & Scolds from tipping over. Explosion if cork left in. Students Visiting Staff Ensure Kelly Kettle is on stable ground, supported if necessary. Instruction to remove cork. Staff to check before student use. Minibus Travel Mechanical defects All passengers Driver Minibus regularly maintained and records kept. Remaining level of risk – low All passengers Driver All drivers to undertake and pass the MIDAS Driving Test. Remaining level of risk – low All passengers Driver Staff to supervise getting on and off. Driver Unsuitability Getting on and off the minibus Alighting onto path of on-coming traffic. All passengers Driver Loose Luggage All passengers Driver Remaining level of risk - low Remaining level of risk – low Side door always to be adjacent to path. Store luggage under or behind seats. . Remaining level of risk – low Remaining level of risk – low Significant Hazard Activity Minibus Travel Mobile Forest School Group of People Especially at risk Existing controls or where the Information may be found Further action required or estimate Of remaining level of risk Seatbelt misuse All passengers Driver Explanation and check by driver. Remaining level of risk – low Students misbehaviour All passengers Driver Planning positioning of staff and staff intervention. Remaining level of risk – low Loss of pupils/staff All passengers Regular head counts Remaining level of risk – low Burns Students Visiting Staff Centre Staff Use portable fire pit. Establish hazard zone in which children are not permitted. Do not use supplied stand. Use bricks so that pit is just above the surface of ground. Use steps from group kit as low level seating. Instructions to group to avoid going in pit or walk around outer circle. Other controls as for permanent Remaining level of risk – low sites). Explosions/Fire Students Visiting Staff Centre Staff Check location of session is at a safe distance from buildings/fuel sources and combustible materials. Remaining level of risk – low Activity Mobile Forest School Significant Hazard Shelter Build (Eye injuries) Group of People Especially at risk Students Visiting Staff Existing controls or where the Information may be found Further action required or estimate Of remaining level of risk Wood used for poles to be checked for sharp points before use. Tent pegs to be accounted for. Students supervised with bungy ropes so not used as catapults. Children to be given instruction and supervision regarding safe handling. Remaining level of risk – low