EXETER CANOE CLUB RISK ASSESSMENT

CLUB SEA TRIPS (GENERIC) / COMPLETED BY MIKE CRISPIN
ASSESSMENT DATE OCTOBER 2010 / REVIEW DATE OCTOBER 2011
HAZARD / WHO MAY BE HARMED / RISK / CONTROL MEASURES
Moving craft and equipment. Loading roof racks and trailers / Any participant / 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. NB if personal buoyancy aids are worn it is individual’s responsibility to ensure conformity.
Environmental pollution. Biological hazards / Any participant / Illness/infection / Check water quality before starting trip – move to another area if pollution levels suspected to be high. Cover cuts and abrasions. Shower after trip if possible.
Capsize / Any participant / Entrapment. Swim resulting in increased risk of hypothermia or illness from pollution hazards / Capsize drill training. Adequate safety cover in place. Wear correct clothing and equipment.
Other water users / Any participant / Injury from collision / Knowledge and awareness of surroundings. Effective group control and leadership
Rocks and other objects in the water / Any participant / Injury from collision / Knowledge and awareness of surroundings. Effective group control and leadership
weather – rain fog snow / Any participant / Exposure leading to hypothermia. Loss of visibility / Wear suitable clothing/equipment. Cancel trip if weather conditions pose significant risk to group. adequate planning route plan with compass bearings/escape routes etc.
Weather - wind / Any participant / Deterioration of sea conditions. Slowed progress into head wind. Fatigued paddlers. / Get weather forecast prior to trip. Cancel trip if forecast doubtful. Plan for alternate landing site if necessary.
Weather - sun / Any participant / Risk of sunburn/sunstroke dehydration / Guard against long periods of exposure to direct sunlight. Use appropriate clothing/sunscreens. Ensure participants are regularly hydrated
Tide races and overfalls / Any participant / Risk of loss of control leading to capsize. Possible separation of individual from group/boat. Loss of equipment / Knowledge and awareness of surroundings. Effective group control leadership. Bear in mind ability of group avoid such areas if necessary.
Landing on crowded/surf beaches / Any participant / Injury to any water user due to collision. Possible capsize during surf landing. / Knowledge and awareness of surroundings. Efficient group control/leadership. Bear in mind ability of group. Use quiet area of beach if possible. Ensure adequate safety precautions in place.