GENERIC RISK ASSESSMENT: FIELD STUDIES IN or BY RIVERS/STREAMS
Significant HAZARDSLikely places/ways that people could be seriously harmed / CONTROL MEASURES and PRECAUTIONS that staff agree to adopt as their normal practice
Discuss with all staff that organise or help lead this type of visit. Consider the suggested measures below, and tick those that you decide are helpful and applicable, and delete or put a cross against those that are not. Add extra measures in each section as needed. /
Insufficient
staff training, qualifications, and ratios
g accidents/injuries / Level of Experience/Qualifications required:
q For all field studies involving young people in or beside water, leader competence must be approved by the Headteacher/School EVC and, in locations that might be considered “potentially hazardous” (e.g. deep or fast flowing streams), also by the LA Educational Visits Consultant – all of whom may request evidence of recent and relevant leadership experience of the activity, together with specific risk assessments.
q For field studies that involve “river walks” or “gorge scrambles” (i.e. walking/scrambling up or down the course of a river), or sites in remote areas, the leaders must have the same levels of qualification as that specified for gorge scrambles (see and complete generic risk assessment for “Gorge Scrambling”)
q For field studies that do not involve group members entering into the water, or only involve group members wading in waters that would reasonably be considered “very safe” – i.e. shallow (below knee height), slow moving or flat water - the Group Leader(s) must have reasonable experience of leading similar field studies with young people, and all other leaders must be trained and briefed thoroughly before the activity takes place
Staffing ratios required:
q Min. 1:8 recommended
q An additional competent adult assistant is also highly recommended.
Insufficient risk assessment and management planning
g accidents/injuries / q This risk assessment will be read and completed in addition to the generic risk assessments “All Educational Visits” and “All Travel” and “All Overseas Visits” (if applicable) which give general safety guidance applicable to all visits.
q For field studies that involve “river walks” or “gorge scrambles” (i.e. walking/scrambling up or down the course of a river), or sites in remote areas - this risk assessment will be read and completed in addition to the generic risk assessment “Gorge Scrambling and River Walking” which includes general safety guidance applicable to these activities
q Guidance in the leaflet "Group Safety at Water Margins" (available from http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/visits) will be read and followed
q The river will be pre-visited and specifically risk assessed by the leader, (with advice from others who know the site well and can advise on hazards e.g. changing water levels, and the LA Educational Visits Consultant if appropriate) regarding particular control measures and/or operating procedures required
q
Slips, Falls, Jumps, Collisions
g injuries / The Group Leader(s) will ensure that:
q the section of water used is suitable and presents no undue risks e.g.
· no broken glass/ barbed wire etc.
· no steep or slippery banks
· no unstable banks that are likely to collapse
· good visibility for leaders to supervise/monitor whole area used
· rocks are not unduly slippery
q that the group is set, and stays within, clear boundaries which define an area that can be properly supervised and presents no unreasonable risk to the group
q each group member wears appropriate footwear
q close supervision is provided by experienced and trained staff
q the group are briefed regarding behaviour/conduct required
q the group are briefed not to throw stones
q the group are briefed not to push others into water
q the group are briefed to be particularly careful at the water’s edge
q the group are warned to step slowly/carefully and to beware of slipping on wet rocks
q no diving/jumping into waters is allowed
q
Areas of deep or fast moving water
Immersion
g drowning / The Group Leader(s) will ensure that:
q prior local knowledge is sought and acted upon, especially regarding the depth and nature of water and any specific hazards
q information is obtained about rainfall and water levels during the previous few days prior to the activity
q an up-to-date local weather forecast is obtained
q swimming is not allowed (unless a pre-planned part of the activity – see generic risk assessment “Swimming during Educational Visits”)
q appropriate checks are made regarding what hazards may lie downstream or round the corner (fallen tree, fence, weir, waterfall)
q sites are chosen with a safe, gently sloping bank/shore where group members can enter/exit water easily
q sites are chosen with gently shelving shores, with no sudden changes in depth/gradient
q a throwline or rescue reaching aid (e.g. walking pole) is carried by the leader who is trained in its use
q regular and frequent head counts are made by staff
q all staff are briefed in rescue procedures
q
Streams/ rivers after heavy rain, or where affected by “water releases”
Rise in water level/ strength of current
g drowning / The Group Leader(s) will ensure that:
q uptodate checks are made beforehand regarding the suitability of the weather forecast and the conditions over the past few days (N.B. conditions might alter considerably from previous visits)
q if the river is subject to “releases” from dams etc., that checks are made with the water authorities to ensure the group is not at risk
q an alternative plan B has been discussed and available if conditions are not suitable
q a decision is made on the day whether or not to proceed or adapt activity on basis of weather forecast, depth/strength of water etc.
q
Remote streams/ rivers
Falling in
g hypothermia / The Group Leader(s)will ensure that:
q the group is suitably clothed according to the prevailing conditions and with due regard to the weather forecast
q spare clothes and a towel are carried in case someone falls in
q
Pond Dipping
Falling in
g drowning / The Group Leader(s)will ensure that:
q the activity takes place in areas of shallow water, with gently shelving shores
q sites are chosen with no access to deep water
q the activity takes place in an area where access to the water is restricted by a strong fence/barrier
q leaders carry and are trained in use of a throwline or lifebuoy
q
Pond Dipping - nets
Net poles
g injuries to eyes / The Group Leader(s)will ensure that:
q the group are briefed regarding the potential risks, especially to eyes, of net poles
q
Polluted waters
Infection
g illness (e.g. Weil’s disease / The Group Leader(s)will ensure that:
q the water appears clean and clear
q there are no obvious sources of pollution present (e.g. dead animal upstream)
q group members do not drink the water
q the group washes hands after the activity, before eating/drinking
q cuts and wounds are protected by waterproof plasters
q
Additional hazards? / q Additional precautions?
N.B. Whilst field studies involving water are often valuable and important parts of the curriculum, it should be noted that several serious accidents have occurred recently, and the activity should never be undertaken lightly.
Moving water has considerable force and young people can be knocked off balance in even shallow waters.
It is essential that such activities are carefully planned at sites that have been well researched, and are led by suitably qualified and competent leaders.
Staff Agreement: “I have read and understood this risk assessment, and I agree to adopt as standard the control measures and precautions stated above”
Staff name(continue list overleaf if required) / Job title / Sept 2013 – 14
(Initials/date) / Sept 2014 – 15
(Initials/date) / Sept 2015 – 16
(Initials/date) / Sept 2016 – 17
(Initials/date) / Sept 2017 – 18
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4 Initial Risk Assessment carried out by (Name): Taff Bowles (Position): ERYC Educational Visits Officer Date: 01/09/2013