Newcastle UniversityRisk Assessment
Note / Travelling without appropriate risk assessment may prejudice subsequent insurance claims.
Project / Module Title / Studying at Sichuan University as part of my BA Modern Languages course. While in Sichuan Chengdu, I will be learning the Chinese language in traditional class lectures, while integrating myself in the local culture.
PI / Module Leader / Dr Adventure / Travellers / J Doe
School / Modern Languages / Unit / NA
Travel dates / 04/09/10 – 30/06/11 / Date of assessment / 27/07/2010

Emergency Contacts

Contact overseas / xx x xxx xxx xxxx
Accommodation / Sichuan – 04/09/2010 – 09/12/2010, 19/01/2010 – 30/06/2011
Sichuan University, 24, Southern Section1, 1st Ringroad, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China, 610065.
Beijing – 09/12/2010 - 19/12/2010 Staying with friends, information to be provided
Shanghai –19/12/2010 – 03/01/2011 Staying with friends, information to be provided
Hainan –03/01/2011 – 19/01/2011 Staying with friends, information to be provided
Emergency Services / 110 Police, 119 Fire
British Embassy / 11 Guang Hua Lu, Jian Guo Men Wai, Beijing 100600. Telephone:(+86) (10) 5192 4000 General enquiries only(+86) (10) 8529 6083 Consular assistance for British nationals
Insurance / Emergency claims –Chubb Assistance: +44 (0) 207 895 3364 - provide a contact policy number:64811698 for UG students and 64811697 for PG and Staff. Contact NU for all claims – Tel: +44 (0) 191 208 6520
Newcastle University (NU) / +44 (0) 191 208 xxxx (School Secretary). +44 (0) 191208 xxxx (School Co-ordinator). +44 (0) 191 208 6817 (Security Control 24 hrs a day)
Travel Itinerary / Plane from Manchester International Airport on 04/09/2010, 1310, to Amsterdam. Amsterdam to Chengdu - Shuangliu Intl. (CTU), China, 05/09/2010, 900.
Travel to other areas within China will be using trains, not Trans-Siberian express.
Return journey Chengdu on 29/06/2011,1030, to Amsterdam. Amsterdam to Manchester 1705.
Any changes to the above will be provided to the University as soon as possible.
Does this travel and activity present a significant risk to safety / Yes / No
Hazard 1 / Accommodation
Risks / Risk to employees of theft and exposure to aggressive behaviour resulting in injury.
Risk of ill health, potential burns and fatalities as a result of fire and smoke inhalation.
Control Measures /
  • Use reputable accommodation and FCO and NU guidance will be followed. Student to use University accommodation, will remain vigilant at all times when arriving, leaving and answering doors. Where I travel to other locations identified in emergency contacts I will ensure they are in a suitable environment and that I travel with friends at all times.
  • Use available secure storage facilities for valuable items
  • Contact between NU and employee will be available, refer to emergency contacts. Student to contact NU within 24 hours of arrival. Regular contact maintained with Student and Tutor, monitoring visit planned.
  • Emergency evacuation procedures and routes of evacuation to be checked upon arrival at accommodation
  • University Security in place and on site 24hrs.

Hazard 2 / Dealing with People and Cultural Differences
Risks /
  • Risk to employees and members of the public of causing offence and confrontation. Risk of legal action, physical injuries e.g. head injuries, bruises and fractures.

Control Measures /
  • Research in preparation for the trip. Plan routes in commonly used areas and avoid areas of concern, including cultural or political events. Maps and other travel documents should be taken and used.
  • There is an underlying threat from terrorism in China. Potential for indiscriminate terrorist attacks and possibility of terrorist acts by groups opposed to the Chinese Government. They could be indiscriminate including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.Be aware of crowded areas, opportunistic theft and cultural sensitivity.
  • Carry an adequate sum of money for the day; this should be kept to a minimum.There is possibility that taxi and pedicab drivers might try to switch genuine bank notes for counterfeits. Ask in the bank or where you change money how to identify fake notes, and then check before accepting notes - it is quite normal to do so.
  • If confronted hand over whatever items the aggressors request and report the incident to the police.
  • Student to keep yourself informed of developments, monitor local and international media and regularly check this travel advice and register your trip with the Embassyin Beijing.

Hazard 3 / Extreme Weather Conditions
Risks /
  • Risk to employeesof dehydration, lethargy, heat stroke and sun burn from high temperatures out-doors.

Control Measures /
  • Research the weather conditions and pack appropriate clothing / products. Torrential rainfall in southern China has caused serious flooding in parts of Fujian, Jiangxi, Hunan Guizhou, Guangdong, Yunnan, Sichuan and Chongqing provinces and the Guangxi autonomous region in the south of China. Obtain the latest information before considering travel to those areas and follow advice from the local authorities when there.
  • Following the Sichuan earthquake of 2008, the Chinese government have implemented new safety procedures. I will ensure that I am aware of the procedures, and any changes made during my stay, and will make sure that I follow local advice and remain vigilant to my surroundings. I will follow the FCO advice and guidelines and avoid any place/area which it directs against.
  • Apartments and University Campus are air conditioned.

Hazard 4 / Dealing with Infections and Health Conditions
Risks /
  • Risk to employees of infection, dehydration, lethargy and digestive/stomach conditions.

Control
Measures /
  • Student suffers from asthma, and has arranged with GP to ensure enough supplies of necessary medication for the duration of my stay. I have researched into local practices and treatment methods. Student has serious allergy to penicillin. I will have allergy to penicillin translated into mandarin on paper as soon as I arrive so that if I require antibiotics from a non-English speaking Doctor, I will be able to communicate this allergy.
  • Take precautions for food and drinking, pack medication to treat digestive complaints, Medical attention to be sought where symptoms are experienced / persist.Only bottled water used and ensuring that water for cooking is comprehensively boiled, as well as ensuring that food is fully cooked. I will also be bringing sufficient water purification tablets which will provide protection against any water born infection. I will also be taking anti mosquito measures.
  • Immunisations required and advised by GP have been provided. I have been issued a course of anti-malarial drugs for my visit to Hainan.
  • The insurance certificate and insurance cover will be taken and made available if required.

Hazard 5 / Travel & Transport
Risks /
  • Risks to employees and public of road/air accident causing risk of theft, injury and fatality

Control Measures /
  • FCO travel advice checked and followed, use safest possible transport available. FCO LOCATE service used. Control Risks website viewed and used for information. There are poor quality roads and different driving laws, I will ensure that I follow all road safety procedures, as well as taking extra care crossing roads and the quality of vehicles I get in. I will not be driving a vehicle.
  • Reputable travel companies should be used, including taxis which must be fitted with seatbelts
  • Electronic copies or photocopies of passport to be held at all times All foreign nationals are required to carry their passport at all times as the Police regularly carry out random checks. Carry card with particulars in Mandarin.
  • Student not visiting areas bordering on Siberia, Pakistan, Vietnam, Laos and Burma, they are poorly policed. In Yunnan, drug smuggling and related crimes are increasing. Student not going to remote areas of China as there is attacks from armed bandits reported.
  • Over the Chinese New Year I intend to visit friends situated in Beijing, Shanghai and Hainan. I have my own insurances in place as the NU does not cover for these trips. I will ensure planning and preparations carried out, including FCO advicebefore travelling and have researched the areas I will be visiting. Rail Services will be used for internal travel;Trans-Siberian express trains are noted for smuggling and will be avoided. Search the compartment and secure the cabin door before departure. Student to be met at each location by friend. I have my own insurances for the above travel and for what the NU insurance does not cover.
  • Visa applied for and granted, health certificate received.

Hazard / Additional Hazards or Information
Risks
Control Measures
Assessor
Name: J Doe / Signature J Doe / Date 30/07/2010
PI / Module Leader / Line Manager / Supervisor
Name: Dr Adventure / Signature Dr Adventure / Date 09/08/2010