EXETER CANOE CLUB RISK ASSESMENT

RIVER TRIPS/CANAL - (GENERIC) COMPLETED BY: Mike Crispin
Assessment date October 2010 / Review date October 2011
HAZARD / WHO MAY BE HARMED / RISK / CONTROL MEASURE
Moving craft etc loading roof racks/trailers / Any participant or helper / Injury from poor manual handling technique / Training in correct manual handling techniques
water / Any participant / drowning / CE approved buoyancy aids to be worn. Adequate safety cover/group control as dictated by conditions
Environmental pollution/biological hazards / Any participant / Illness/infection / Check water quality before starting session – do not undertake session or move to another venue if pollution levels are high.awareness of symptoms of illness. Cover cuts and abrasions. Shower after activity if possible
Wildlife eg. Swans / Any participant / Danger from attack/injury / Respect local wildlife habitats. Pass wildlife slowly and quietly allowing plenty of space.
Other water users / Any participant / Injury from collision / Knowledge and awareness of surroundings. Effective group control and leadership
Anglers / Any participant / Entrapment in lines. Being hit by anglers casting lines and bait. / Awareness of anglers operating in the area. Give plenty of space to pass safely. If in doubt make your presence known.
Capsize / Any participant / Entrapment. Swim resulting in increased risk of hypothermia and illness from pollution hazards / Capsize drill training. Adequate safety cover. Wear correct clothing and equipment
Portaging / Any participant / Slipping causing injury or falling into river / Wear correct footwear. Protect egress. Access points as necessary
Weather / Any participant / Exposure leading to hypothermia, wind chill, slower progress than expected, rise in water levels. / Ensure suitable clothing/equipment is worn alter activities if weather conditions pose a significant threat to the continued safety of the group. Set targets suitable for the ability of the group, Have knowledge of emergency egress routes
Weirs / Any participant / Stopper entrapment, injury from exposed spikes or other obstruction. / Ensure adequate safety cover is in place. Knowledge of river and surroundings. Portage if necessary
Stoppers / Any participant / Entrapment of paddlers and equipment / Knowledge of surroundings and ability to recognise different types of stopper. Ensure adequate safety cover is in place.
Broaching/pinning on boulders overhanging trees/branches, other river features / Any participant / Entrapment and increased risk of drowning / Knowledge of surroundings and emergency procedure in the event of a pin or broach occurring. Ensure equipment meets safety standard regulations
Undercuts / Any participant / Being swept under and becoming trapped / Knowledge of surroundings. Portage if required. Training to ensure suitable paddling ability for the activity
Siphon / Any participant / Being sucked under, entrapment and drowning / Knowledge of surroundings. Portage if required. Training to ensure suitable paddling ability for the activity
Safety rope entanglement / Any participant / Swimmer becoming entangled in throw line and having restricted movement/being pulled under water / Ensure all those carrying throwlines also carry river knives. Training in correct use of throwlines both throwing and receiving