WGL Walking Group Leader Moorland walking award for upland but not mountainous terrain in Britain

Transcription

1 National Governing Body (NGB s) and Qualifications Glossary ML Mountain Leader Award Walking award for British mountains in summer conditions ML(W) Winter ML Award Walking award for British mountains in winter conditions WGL Walking Group Leader Moorland walking award for upland but not mountainous terrain in Britain BEL Basic Expedition Leader Award for leading groups in lowland areas SPA Single Pitch Award Rock climbing award for taking groups on natural single pitch crags MIA Mountaineering Instructors Award Rock climbing and mountaineering award for taking groups multi pitch rock climbing and scrambling MIC Mountaineering Instructors Certificate Highest level of instructional award in mountaineering able to take groups climbing and mountaineering in summer and winter BMG British Mountain Guide Internationally recognised award for mountain guiding LCMLA Local Cave and Mine Leader Award Award for leading groups underground - limits people to either certain underground trips or certain types of cave CIC Cave Instructors Certificate Highest level of award for teaching and leading caving BSCA British Schools Cycling Association One of a number of bodies accrediting cycling qualifications SCU Scottish Cycle Union Accredits trail and mountain bike qualifications OTC Commercial organisation running a series of mountain bike qualifications BHS ABRS British Horse Society Association of British Riding Schools

2 1. GENERIC RISK ASSESSMENT FOR ALL EDUCATIONAL VISITS This must be read in conjunction with the activity risk assessments that follow. HAZARDS Travel and transport See Generic risk assessment on travel Exposure to weather Appropriate clothing and equipment for time of year, activity and possible weather Plan for students who fail to bring appropriate clothing Adjust plans if necessary Lost students Suitable supervision Student preparation and briefing Use of buddy systems, regular meeting, head counts, identifiable clothing, small sub-groups Emergency plan for lost student action Child Protection Supervision Student preparation and briefing Use of buddy systems Appropriate choice of venue, transport, accommodation Illness or Injury First aid forms part of visit specific risk assessment First aid and travel sickness equipment carried Staff know how to contact emergency services at any point of the visit Individual medical needs are planned for Consent forms provide medical consent and essential information School emergency contact and emergency planning in place Special needs of specific students medical, behavioural, educational Information obtained from parents Advice sought from SENCO, students doctor, as appropriate Individual needs risk assessed as part of original plan Remote supervision See generic assessment on remote supervision Accompanying staff children Must be part of original visit approval Must be suitably risk assessed if not of same age as group separate supervision must be arranged Must not compromise group supervision or the running of the visit

3 Group behaviour, sex, alcohol, drugs. Expected standards of behaviour clearly agreed before visit Arrangements in place for sending a student home early including supervision and finance Students assessed as suitable for a particular visit by staff who know them Any visit should have clear aims Pre-visits cannot be recommended too highly The following should be considered: Ability and previous experience of accompanying staff. Age, ability and previous experience of young people/pupils. Swimming ability and water confidence if activity is in, on or near to water. Pupils with special needs, medical conditions or requiring particular attention. Staff to pupil ratio, defined groups and regular head counts. Communications between staff and back to school or base. Personal protective equipment available to pupils and staff, waterproofs, footwear etc. It is good practice to involve young people both in the risk assessment process and in the safety precautions to be followed. Accidents to young people, including several fatalities, highlight the need for great care in or near water. Particularly hazardous (and not allowed) is the unplanned entry into water by, for instance, a walking group on a hot day. Each excursion must be risk assessed on an individual basis any site specific assessments must be reviewed and not simply accepted. Recent accidents have occurred in parties lead by staff that have run incident free activity for many years. The risk assessment process is most important, the final assessment on paper should only be a record that reflects that process.

4 RATIOS HAZARDS Delay or Breakdown of Transport 2. TRANSPORT Derived from visit specific risk assessment Emergency school contact in place to relay information Emergency recovery cover in place for own transport Arrangements discussed and agreed with any contractor Extra funds carried to deal with problems on public transport Hired Coach / Bus Coach hired from LEA approved company or from reputable firm with correct operators licence Coaches fitted with seat belts which supervisory staff ensure are used Buses without seatbelts should not be hired for sole use Appropriate choice of locations for getting on and off the vehicle Close supervision and head counts when getting on and off and after any breaks in the journey Minibus Minibus correctly maintained and safety checked before use Forward facing seats and seatbelts fitted and used Driver appropriately licensed and on LEA database for driving authority vehicles Luggage on roof does not exceed 100 kg Luggage inside vehicle is securely stowed and clear of aisles Any trailers used do not impede emergency exits from vehicle EC requirements are understood and complied with if going abroad Appropriate choice of locations for getting on and off the vehicle Close supervision and head counts when getting on and off and after any breaks in the journey Private vehicles Vehicles must be roadworthy and appropriate Insurance must be appropriate Driver to ensure seatbelts worn at all times Parental permission obtained specifically for volunteer drivers Service Station and other breaks Head counts when getting on and off. Students briefed about purpose and timing of stop, appropriate behaviour, location of staff during break. Appropriate supervision of walk to and from vehicle. Use of buddy system where students remain in pairs or threes when unaccompanied. On foot Journey planned to avoid fast roads and dangerous junctions/crossings when possible Students briefed about hazards and expected behaviour Supervision appropriate to age of students and location

5 Public Transport Careful pre-planning including contingency plans for delays, cancellations or insufficient capacity for group. Very close supervision in crowded areas and when getting on and off transport. Head counts when getting on and off. Contingency plan for missing student or some way of stopping vehicle leaving if student unaccounted for. Large groups split into smaller groups each with own leader. Students to know their group and leader leaders to know their group. Younger students to wear identifiable clothing. Emergency plan in place students briefed where they are going and what to do if separated from group. Younger students should carry written details of destination and of school contacts but should not wear obvious name badges. Ferry Crossings Careful pre-planning including contingency plans for delays or cancellations. Very close supervision in crowded areas, vehicle decks and when getting on and off ferry. Head counts when getting on and off. Students briefed about rules especially re open deck areas, appropriate behaviour, location of staff during crossing. Meeting point agreed for crossing and on docking (numbered stairway for example). Use of buddy system where students remain in pairs or threes when unaccompanied. Contingency plan for missing student e.g. member of staff to leave as a foot passenger. Emergency plan in place students briefed where they are going and what to do if separated from group. Flights Careful pre-planning including contingency plans for delays or cancellations. Pre-booking to ensure a block of seats on the plane. Students briefed about appropriate behaviour. Very close supervision in baggage reclaim areas, when passing through passport control or customs and when moving around the airport. Appropriate supervision in terminal area and in departure lounge - use of buddy system where students remain in pairs or threes when unaccompanied. Meeting points and times arranged. Head counts when getting on and off. Contingency plan for missing student. Large groups split into smaller groups each with own leader. Students to know their group and leader leaders to know their group. Emergency plan in place students briefed where they are going and what to do if separated from group.

6 It is good practise for younger students to wear easily identifiable clothing, badges or hats. Students should not wear any badge identifying them by name. Students should know details of their destination and of school contacts. It would be good practise for younger students to carry written details of these.

7 3. RESIDENTIAL VISIT ACCOMMODATION HAZARDS Fire Building/grounds fabric Electricity and electrical appliances Catering Child protection Lost students RATIOS 1:10 QUALIFICATIONS Experience of residential visits Check accommodation holds a fire certificate or is exempt and has a fire risk assessment and has had a recent inspection from a fire officer. (Abroad - ensure it meets national standards and assess safety before using). Staff inspection of fire precautions on arrival. Briefing of students on emergency procedures (if possible a fire practise on the first day should be held). Visual inspections of stairways, balconies, bath/shower facilities (preferably on a pre visit but if not then before use). Accommodation has electricity at work certificate All electrical appliances are marked as being in date portable appliance tested. Group has exclusive use of the sleeping accommodation (preferred) or at least all group rooms are adjacent. Staff accommodation is adjacent to students. Group accommodation is segregated by gender. Student rooms can be locked if necessary but staff can always gain access (master key system). Student rooms cannot be accessed from outside (ground floor windows, balconies with fire exits etc). External doors and windows are secure against intrusion or main door is staffed by hotel staff 24 hours. Pupils know where staff will be throughout the night. Pupils are checked into rooms at lights out. Catering staff have food hygiene qualifications Students are not involved in catering or washing up unless this activity has been specifically risk assessed and is properly supervised. Students should be carefully briefed about boundaries for down time and timings / locations of meetings. Signing out and signing in system is in place and used Regular meetings for head counts should be held.

8 A pre-visit to accommodation is always to be recommended to ensure its suitability for the proposed visit. If students are to go off under remote supervision they should have a card giving contact numbers and address of accommodation (in the local language) plus some money for a taxi

9 4. DRY SLOPE SKIING HAZARDS Falls, collisions. Ski Tow. Hand and thumb injuries. RATIOS 1:10 QUALIFICATIONS Artificial Ski Slope Instructor. Before commencement of the session, pupils must be reminded of the safety precautions to be followed. Pupils should warm up before skiing. The use of mittens or gloves and long sleeved clothing to cover arms is essential. Standard operating procedures of the English Ski Council or Snowsport Wales apply. Pupils may overestimate their skiing ability and thus should not head straight for the top of the slope at the start of the session.

10 5. PISTE SKIING HAZARDS Falls, collisions. Cold related injuries. Avalanches. Getting lost. Snow blindness. Sun burn. Effects of Altitude. Inappropriate contact with strangers. QUALIFICATIONS Ski Course Organiser (SCO1): Minimum for at least one of the Party Leaders. Alpine Ski Course Leader: Recommended for Party Leader. BASI 3 (Min) or Instructor approved by the Local Ski School at the resort for teaching skiing. Before commencement of the session, it is recommended that pupils should warm up. Before commencement of the session, young people must be reminded of the safety precautions to be followed. The use of mittens or gloves, long sleeved protective clothing and eye protection is essential. Pupils must not be allowed to ski unsupervised. Only qualified ski technicians may adjust bindings. Young people should be made familiar with the Skiway Code. At least one of the party leaders must hold the SCO Award part 1. Visit leaders are strongly advised to hold the Alpine Ski Leaders Award (formerly the SCO II). Ski tour companies may offer attendance on these courses in place of inspection visits. SCO II holders can upgrade to ASLA, details from the English Ski Council Visit leaders are advised to opt for full instructional provision of 4 or 5 hours per day. The use of helmets with novice skiers is increasing annually. There are arguments for and against but perceived good practice changes over time; in future the use of helmets for young people may be the norm. Parents may wish to make an informed choice as to whether or not their children wear helmets. Accidents on skiing visits often happen outside of skiing activities. Tobogganing, sledging, poly bagging and ice skating all have their own associated safety issues which should be carefully considered before inclusion in a programme. Serious accidents and fatalities have occurred as a result of misuse of hotel balconies. Balconies also present possible unauthorised entry and exit points for pupils and/or unwelcome visitors.

11 Staff supervised ski sessions The following guidelines must be applied: Most staff supervised sessions will usually take place following formal instructional sessions, normally towards the end of a skiing day. It is essential to recognise the likelihood of fatigue and plan accordingly. Sessions should only be undertaken on local, easy slopes familiar both to students and leaders, and should be of short duration. Where skiing is supervised from a static position, then that teacher should have sight of the whole slope and ski tow and pupils that fail to ski under control be excluded from the session. Under no circumstances should groups be taken off piste, on pistes unfamiliar to students or leaders or on expeditions from piste to piste. Most staff will not be qualified to instruct and should avoid any attempt to introduce new skills. Teachers who wish to ski with their groups beyond the definitions above should hold the Alpine Ski Course leader Award.

12 6. ROCK CLIMBING AND ABSEILING HAZARDS Slips, trips and falls. Objective dangers rock fall. Environmental hazards weather and ground conditions. Use of equipment. RATIOS 1:4 Supervising single pitch. 1:2 Multi pitch. QUALIFICATIONS Indoor and Artificial Walls: Site Specific Training, CWA, CWLA or SPA. Single pitch climbs (within the definition of the Single Pitch Award): SPA Multi pitch (single pitch outside the remit of SPA) MIA MIC or BMG Qualified staff working within the remit of their award Students must be briefed before the session Students should warm up before climbing. Jewellery and rings must be removed, long hair tied back to avoid entrapment in belay and abseil devices. Helmets must be worn for all climbing on natural crags and should be for leading on artificial walls. A releasable abseil rope system must be used with abseiling sessions, together with a secondary safety system for the participant. Non-participants must not wait directly under the crag nor be in the arrival area for abseilers. Standard operating procedures of the activity apply (BMC, MLTE). Appropriate protective clothing, including footwear, should be worn. Careful supervision of belaying should take place with novices. All equipment should be appropriate for use, checked every session and use of ropes should be recorded. Equipment must be the responsibility of a named person and should be subject to a policy on maintenance and replacement Serious accidents and fatalities have occurred as a result of accidentally clipping main climbing rope into gear loops sewn on harnesses. No belay device can be considered foolproof. There are a number of accidents and near misses recorded with the use or misuse of gri-gris for instance. Full body harnesses or sit harness and chest harness should be used when appropriate (particularly small or large people who do not have a defined waist). Students with a disability may need specialist equipment and harnesses and staff may require extra training to work with such students. Belay systems used should be appropriate to the aims of the activity.

13 7. HILLWALKING, NON WINTER CONDITIONS HAZARDS Slips, trips and falls. Objective dangers rock fall, lightning. Environmental hazards weather and ground conditions. Getting lost. RATIOS QUALIFICATIONS 1:10 with another responsible adult. Lowland or coastal country - Basic Expedition Leader Hill or Moorland country - Walking Group Leader Basic Expedition Leader Mountain terrain - Summer Mountain Leader Award Qualified staff operating within the remit of their awards. Appropriate route selection for group, conditions and weather forecast. Appropriate protective clothing, including footwear. Suitable emergency equipment. Details of route and expected return time left with suitable emergency contact. Unaccompanied/ shadowed walks (or remote supervision expeditions such as those undertaken by DofE groups) raise further issues of control and supervision. In addition to above see generic assessment for unaccompanied activities.

14 8. MOUNTAIN WALKING, WINTER CONDITIONS HAZARDS Slips, trips and falls. Objective dangers Avalanches, rock fall, lightning. Environmental hazards weather and ground conditions. Getting lost. Cold related injuries. Snow blindness. Short days RATIOS 1:8 QUALIFICATIONS Winter Mountain Leader Award or higher. Qualified staff operating within the remit of their awards. Appropriate route selection for group, conditions and weather/avalanche forecast. Detailed weather forecast, weather history and avalanche report if available. Appropriate protective clothing, including footwear. Ice axe, crampons and the ability to use them safely and appropriately. Suitable emergency equipment. Details of route and expected return time left with suitable emergency contact. The safe use of ice axe and crampons must be taught before venturing into terrain where they may be necessary to make safe progress. Participants in snow craft training sessions must wear helmets and the site carefully selected for a safe run out for ice axe braking practice. The British climate is dangerously unpredictable. At sea level winter conditions can be present as early as October and remain until May. Such weather conditions can occur at any time of the year on the higher ground whilst there are occasional mild periods in winter which are free from snow and ice conditions. Climatic and underfoot conditions during the winter months are compounded by short daylight hours and the consequent implications for route length and group fitness. Winter conditions cannot be defined by exact dates and the term therefore includes:- All occasions when the route or any part of it is covered in snow or ice. Times when the existing or the forecast weather conditions for a route include near freezing temperatures with strong winds or persistent rain or snow.

15 9. WINTER CLIMBING HAZARDS Slips, trips and falls. Objective dangers Avalanches, rock fall, lightning. Environmental hazards weather and ground conditions. Use of equipment. Cold related injuries. Avalanches. Getting lost. Snow blindness. Short days. RATIOS 1:3 QUALIFICATIONS Mountain Instructor Certificate. British Mountain Guide. Qualified staff operating within the remit of their awards. Appropriate route selection for group, conditions and weather/avalanche forecast. Detailed weather forecast, weather history and avalanche report if available. Appropriate protective clothing, including footwear. Suitable technical equipment ice axe(s), crampons, helmets etc. Details of route and expected return time left with suitable emergency contact. Detailed weather forecast, weather history and avalanche report if available. Suitable emergency equipment.

16 10. GORGE WALKING/GHYLL SCRAMBLING/SEA LEVEL TRAVERSING HAZARDS Slips, trips and falls. Objective dangers - rock fall, lightning Environmental issues - sudden changes in water levels, weather and ground conditions. Drowning Hypothermia. Equipment failure. RATIOS 1:3 to 1:10 plus another responsible adult - depending on technicality QUALIFICATIONS Summer Mountain Leader and a moving water qualification (BCU coach, white water safety, swift water rescue) Mountain Instructor Award for technical gorges/sea level traverses. A lifesaving award if entry into deep water is likely. Detailed weather forecast and water level report if available. Appropriate protective clothing. Appropriate emergency equipment. Climbing helmets for all participants. Buoyancy aids for all venues where a fall into deep water is possible. Judicious belay selection and care constructing Tyrolean traverses. These activities can require a depth of expertise, experience and technical ability in more than one activity. Where entry into water is likely, leaders must carefully consider methods of safeguarding and retrieving any participant in the water.

17 11. CYLING HAZARDS Falls. Collisions. Traffic. Lost student RATIOS QUALIFICATIONS 1:8, plus another responsible adult. On road Lowland country trail riding Lowland country off road Off road mountain country (summer) Off Road mountain country (winter) In house assessment of experience or BSCA Touring Leaders course or equivalent OTC level 1 or BSCA Mountain Bike/Off road leaders award plus BELA or SCU Trail Cycle Leader Award (level 2) OTC level 2 plus WGL or SCU Scottish mountain Bike Leader Award (level 3) OTC level 3 plus ML award or SCU Mountain Bike Leader Award (level 3) OTC level 3 or SCU Mountain Bike Leader Award (level 3) plus ML winter award All participants must wear helmets. Appropriate protective clothing, guards/pads recommended for off road use. Careful route selection appropriate to the entire group. Strict group control methods shared with all participants before departure. Caution on long downhill sections. Initial practical test of group ability and bike safety before departure from start point. Safety checks to include brakes, wheels and headsets before session. Basic tools and spares carried and breakdown plan agreed. Leadership ability, experience and technical skills higher than those required for the chosen route. Follow the Country Code and Mountain Biking Code. Particular vigilance with blind corners Cycling in single file on busier roads may be necessary Group members should be proficient and know the highway code Particular care of unstable or wet surfaces This activity carries a significantly higher likelihood of risk of injury. It is often falsely assumed that if an individual can ride a bike then they can ride off road safely. Each route should be individually risk assessed. Effective group control is more difficult than with other activities. The term mountain biking can give a false impression of the terrain best suited to

18 this activity. Leaders planning to cycle with groups in wild country areas must hold the relevant walking leadership award for the terrain ie WGL or Summer ML. Mountain biking may be perceived as having greater environmental impact than other activities. It is important to cycle only on designated bridle paths and byways and not to contravene local agreements. The Forestry Commission has created a variety of mountain bike trails in a number of forest areas. These are generally well planned, graded and mapped.

19 12. UNDERGROUND EXPLORATION HAZARDS Slips, trips and falls. Rockfall. Getting lost. Bad Air poisoning. Exposure to radon. Rapid change in water levels. Drowning. Light failure. Failure of props, stopes, false floors etc. RATIOS QUALIFICATIONS 1:6 1:10 depending on planned trip Operating within their remit: Local Cave Leader Award, Level 1 or 2 as appropriate. Local Mine Leader Award Cave Instructor Certificate Appropriately qualified staff working within the remit of their award. Detailed weather forecast and water level prediction. Local knowledge. Familiarity of venue to leader. Appropriate protective clothing. Reserve method of lighting. Only mines inspected and approved by a qualified mines surveyor can be used. Limited exposure in high radon areas.

20 13. CAMPING HAZARDS Slips, trips and falls. Weather and ground conditions. Lifting and carrying. Burns and scalds. Sickness/hygiene related illness. Abuse/inappropriate contact with strangers. RATIOS 1:15 plus another responsible adult, or as appropriate to summer or winter walking if camping in remote areas QUALIFICATIONS BEL or suitably experienced in lowland terrain, WGL in Moorland/hill country. Summer ML if in mountainous area. Winter ML in winter conditions. Detailed weather forecast. Serviceable tents, sleeping bags and ground insulation. Careful selection of campsite and arrangement of tents taking into consideration other users, management of camp, weather conditions. Careful briefing of students re what to do in an emergency, meeting point, location of staff tent. Suitable supervision of cooking reflecting experience, age and nature of group. Appropriate cooking equipment (Trangia type or self sealing gas cartridge stoves are most appropriate). No smoking in or next to tents. In remote areas, careful briefing regarding areas for drinking water, personal washing, washing dishes and visiting the toilet. Careful briefing emphasising the importance of personal hygiene and the implications of not following such advice. There is a perceived risk of groups lowland camping being vulnerable to intrusion by unwanted visitors. This should not put staff off this activity as it is much more a perceived then real risk and can be controlled by site choice and management measures. Management of human waste should be appropriate to the area. This may be carrying out or it may be burying. Toilet paper should be burned and ashes buried or carried out. It would be prudent to check best local practise prior to the trip. Perhaps the greatest hazard is of fire and the group leader should establish safety procedures and a risk assessment of which all campers are made aware. With fixed camps, the kitchen area is particularly at risk and should have its own water and sand buckets to hand. All containers of inflammable liquids should be so marked and safely stored. A recent serious accident highlighted the dangers of re-fuelling a Trangia stove with methylated sprit whilst still alight. Meths containers are now available with a non-return valve and these must

21 replace existing Sigg bottles or any container used for re-fuelling without a non-return valve. Only gas canisters with self-sealing valves should be used with gas lighting and gas stoves. Extreme caution should be exercised when changing canisters and this should only be done in the open air, and away from lit stoves. Adequate separation between tents is important. Prohibit running and ball games in the vicinity of stoves and tents. Cooking inside lightweight tents should be avoided whenever possible. If extreme circumstances made it essential then appropriate safeguards should be taken. Stoves should not be stored in sleeping areas in tents.

22 14. ORIENTEERING HAZARDS Slips, trips and falls. Cuts, scratches, abrasions. Getting lost. Traffic. Abuse/inappropriate contact with strangers. RATIOS 1:10 1:30 depending on location. A second responsible adult would be recommended for some groups / areas QUALIFICATIONS In house training or BOF teacher/leader for school grounds and local park. BOF Instructor for woodland, forest and larger areas. Weather forecast. Appropriate venues. controlled area with natural boundaries for beginners Appropriate protective clothing, long trousers and long sleeves for forest O. Participants briefing Distinctive sound signal for return to base. Participants have whistles, watches, and return to base times. Type of event to match venue and group ability. Groups of two or three initially, not a solo event from outset. Star course events will give immediate feedback as to young people s ability and thus reduce the likelihood of getting lost. Briefings should include cut off times, emergency procedures, relocation strategy, out of bounds areas etc. Staffing and supervision plans should allow for safe supervision of the group at base and those out on the course.

23 15. HORSE RIDING AND PONY TREKKING HAZARDS Falls. Collisions. Traffic. Bites. Hygiene. RATIOS 1:10, plus another responsible adult. QUALIFICATIONS BHS Instructor or BHS / ABRS recognised centre All participants must wear helmets. Appropriate protective clothing. Approved BHS provider, a member of Association of British Riding Schools. Careful route selection appropriate to the entire group. Strict group control methods shared with all participants before departure. This activity comes under the AALS regulations if it takes place in remote country. The provider should be registered with and inspected by the Environmental Health Officer of the local council.

24 16. FIELDWORK HAZARDS Slips, trips and falls. Environmental issues - Falling objects, proximity to water. Weather and ground conditions. Diseases - Weil s, tetanus, Lyme disease. Traffic. Abuse/inappropriate contact with strangers. RATIOS 1:15 dependent on year group, terrain etc. QUALIFICATIONS Experience, group leader training, BEL. WGL, ML or above if in appropriate terrain. Party management appropriate to location. Local knowledge of coastal/river sites and individual risk assessment of each site. Detailed weather forecast including tide times for coastal locations. Extreme caution with river studies. Briefing re dangers of road traffic etc in urban fieldwork. Appropriate protective clothing and footwear (e.g. eye protection if using geology hammers, helmets for all participants near cliff areas). Plan B for adverse conditions. Participants trained in safe use of equipment. Remote supervision controls (see generic assessment on remote supervision) if appropriate. A number of recent accidents and fatalities have reflected a total underestimation of the power of water and the effect of sudden immersion. River study and coastal sites should be carefully chosen beforehand and not used if water levels rise in a short period of time. Swimming / paddling should not take place unless pre-planned, risk assessed and parental consent given. The impact of fieldwork groups is an issue in more environmentally sensitive areas. The digging of soil pits and use of geology hammers on rocks for instance should be avoided, particularly in sensitive areas.

25 17. FARM VISITS HAZARDS Site specific hazards machinery, chemicals, slurry pits, animals, buildings, fencing. Child protection. Infection and illness Inappropriate student behaviour. 1:1 for under 1 year olds RATIOS 1:2 for nursery age children 1:8 for years 1 4, increasing in later years QUALIFICATIONS Experience of farm visits Appropriate group size. Close supervision larger groups split into small groups each with its own supervisor Farm individually risk assessed. Appropriate supervision and hygiene arrangements as per advice in A Handbook for Group Leaders Farms regularly open for school visits should have carried out their own risk assessment which the group leader could inspect and review. Arrangements and conditions on farms can change daily; risks should be reviewed at the start of the visit.

26 18. KAYAKING AND CANOEING HAZARDS Water drowning, hypothermia. Lifting and carrying. Slips, trips and falls. Environmental hazards - drifting offshore, rips and races, stoppers, strainers etc. Collisions. Other water users. Weather and water conditions. Water quality RATIOS 1:6 to 1:10 depending on environment Sheltered waters BCU Level 2 Coach (in relevant discipline) QUALIFICATIONS White water grade 2 Level 3 Coach (in discipline) (All BCU qualifications are White water above grade 2 Level 3 Coach plus 5* disciple specific i.e. Surf Level 3 Surf Coach Inland kayak, sea kayak, Large Lakes - journeys Level 3 coach (plus 5* for advanced trips) surf, open canoe) Sea - journeys Level 3 coach (plus 5* for advanced trips) Appropriately qualified staff working within the remit of their award. Buoyancy Aids/Lifejackets as appropriate. Water confidence of participants ascertained. Detailed weather forecast. Appropriate clothing for weather, water conditions, craft and environment. Appropriate safety equipment for environment and craft. Helmets recommended for all sessions with risk of collisions with others or fixed objects. Good manual handling practise. Participants made aware of health issues from water quality. Detailed weather forecast should help ensure avoidance of off shore winds on open water Local access agreements must be adhered to Follow the relevant guidance for surfing if running a kayak surf session Rafted open boats can provide a stable platform for initial paddling sessions or to cater for young people with particular needs. However, capsizes of rafted open canoes, although unlikely, can present more problems in righting and emptying

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28 19. DINGHY SAILING HAZARDS Water drowning, hypothermia. Lifting and carrying. Slips, trips and falls. Environmental hazards lee shores, rips and races, water quality. Collisions. Other water users. Weather, wind and water conditions. Capsizes, entrapment. Head injuries (especially from booms). Depends on craft but a guide would be: RATIOS 1:6 single handed craft 1:3 dinghies QUALIFICATIONS RYA qualified staff operating under the management of an RYA Senior Instructor Detailed weather forecast. Appropriate protective clothing. Buoyancy Aids/Lifejackets as appropriate. Water confidence of participants ascertained. Helmets to be considered by SI for certain boats/groups. Defined and agreed sailing area. Effective fleet communication. Appropriate safety cover. Good Manual Handling practise. Participants made aware of the health issues from water quality.

29 20. POWERBOATING HAZARDS Water drowning, hypothermia. Lifting and carrying. Slips, trips and falls. Collisions. Other water users. Weather, wind and water conditions. Capsizes, entrapment. Engine and propeller injuries. Engine failure. RATIOS 1:6, 1:12 if used for cover for sailing fleet. Also dependant on size and safe working load of craft. QUALIFICATIONS RYA Powerboat Level 2, Safety Boat if used for cover for sailing fleet. Detailed weather forecast. Buoyancy Aids/Lifejackets as appropriate. Regular servicing and safety checks of craft and engine. Appropriate craft for location and conditions. Appropriate emergency equipment for location. Spare means of propelling the boat. Appropriate protective clothing. Use of kill cords. Effective method of communication with shore and with fleet. Good Manual Handling practise. Do not exceed safe load. The safety role of powerboats may mislead groups and leaders into thinking they are inherently safe. Powerboats have the potential to increase the level of risk unless used with extreme caution. Water trapped in the hull of a Dory was a contributory factor in a capsize and drowning in Portsmouth harbour, September 1999.

30 21. WINDSURFING HAZARDS Water drowning, hypothermia. Water quality. Lifting and carrying. Slips, trips and falls. Collisions. Other water users. Weather, wind and water conditions. Hitting the boom/mast. Drifting offshore. RATIOS 1:6 QUALIFICATIONS RYA qualified staff operating under the management of a level 2 instructor Detailed weather forecast. Appropriate protective clothing. Appropriate safety boar cover. Buoyancy Aids/Lifejackets as appropriate. Water confidence of participants ascertained. Defined and agreed sailing area. Effective communication. Good Manual Handling practise. Participants made aware of health issues from water quality.

31 22. SURFING HAZARDS Water drowning, hypothermia. Lifting and carrying. Slips, trips and falls. Environmental hazards dumping surf, undertow, rips, water quality. Collisions. Other water users. Weather, wind and water conditions. Drifting offshore. RATIOS 1:10 QUALIFICATIONS BSA Level 1 Coach Detailed weather forecast. Appropriate protective clothing, steamers, footwear etc. Buoyancy Aids. Water confidence of participants ascertained. Defined and agreed surfing area. Effective communication. Foam boards for novices. Ankle leashes. Careful briefing. Effective form of rescue available on beach (extra board, throw line, etc). Participants made aware of health issues from water quality. An effective form of rescue must be at hand. Water quality can vary around the coast. Check via local knowledge, surfing websites etc. Small waves under 1 are ideal for novices.

32 23. IMPROVISED RAFTING HAZARDS Water drowning, hypothermia. Lifting and carrying. Slips, trips and falls. Environmental hazards drifting offshore, water quality. Collisions. Other water users. Weather, wind and water conditions. Capsizes, entrapment: This is potentially a major hazard with this activity various designs of raft have issues with stability, protruding poles, entrapment in ropes or between barrels, raft break-up etc. RATIOS 1:10 QUALIFICATIONS In house assessment of experience and transferable qualifications Detailed weather forecast. Appropriate protective clothing. Buoyancy Aids/Lifejackets as appropriate. Water confidence of participants ascertained. Helmets recommended. Defined and agreed rafting area. Effective communication. Effective safety cover and agreed procedures. Good manual handling practise. Rafts checked by staff for particular safety issues and students briefed accordingly. Participants made aware of health issues from water quality. This is perceived as a relatively low-key activity and thus not requiring technical skills nor experience on the part of the leader/instructor. However, the potential risk is greater than with other water activities and staff should be aware of this and supervise accordingly. Participants may get over enthusiastic or carried away whilst rafting. It is important to maintain effective communication to get immediate attention of all participants should a problem occur.

33 24. OPEN WATER SWIMMING HAZARDS Water drowning, hypothermia. Slips, trips and falls. Environmental hazards drifting offshore, water quality. Other water users. Weather, wind and water conditions. Cramp. Drifting offshore. Cuts, stings and bites (Weaver fish etc). RATIOS 1:10 minimum 2 staff. QUALIFICATIONS National Beach Lifeguard or National Rescue Award for Swimming Teachers and Coaches or Aquatic Rescue Test for Outdoor Activity Supervisors or Emergency Response Open Water. The RLSS are in the process of drafting a site specific award, more relevant to supervising this activity. Current First Aid (and resuscitation). Suitable location. Suitable water and weather conditions. Local knowledge is essential. A tightly defined, controllable area should be identified. One supervisor should always be out of the water. Swimming in up to waist deep water only. Diving should not be permitted. No eating for at least 30 minutes beforehand. Lifesaving equipment to hand, throw line, floats etc plus a whistle. First aid kit to hand including bivi bag/space blanket. Non-swimmers must be identified and excluded. Careful briefing including distress signals and everyone out signal. Preferably chose a location where there is official lifeguard cover. Participants in sight at all times and regular head counts taken. See A Handbook for Group Leaders DfES/0566/2002. Swimming in open water is potentially hazardous, requires very careful assessment and must always be adequately supervised. A disproportionate number of recent fatalities on school visits have been drownings (8 out of 12 deaths since September 2000). Few of these had been planned swimming activities and thus had not been adequately risk assessed beforehand. Swimming in the sea increases problems caused by variable factors such as currents, rips, waves and long shore drift. People that are good swimmers in pools are not necessarily as capable in open cold water. Sudden immersion can have a disabling effect and strong swimmers do drown. As with other outdoor activities, parents should be informed and their approval sought prior to the visit.

34 25. UNACCOMPANIED ACTIVITIES REMOTE SUPERVISION HAZARDS Getting lost. Abuse/inappropriate contact with strangers. Environmental hazards. Inappropriate student behaviour. Accidents. RATIOS Dependant on nature of activity QUALIFICATIONS As for activity being undertaken plus previous experience of remote supervision Appropriate group size / use of buddy system Groups must be assessed as suitable for the proposed activity. Staff knowledge of students and venue is vital. Clear geographical boundaries set. Appropriate behaviour standards agreed. Clear emergency briefing for all students including what to do if lost, frightened etc, where supervisory staff will be located. Clear timings set for activity and everyone aware of meeting points. Groups must have watches. Outdoor activity groups must have clear and concise instructions for emergency procedures and have emergency contact numbers. These in turn must be permanently manned by a person who has a clear idea of the necessary action to be taken. Groups should be self sufficient in any emergency equipment. For walking groups it is good practice for each group member to have a waterproof card with contact numbers and the names of the other group members plus an emergency action plan. Mobile phones are frequently out of range in the hills and although useful at times, must thus be regarded as just another layer of cover. During residentials students should carry a card giving contact numbers and address of accommodation. DofE training and assessment expeditions must be approved via the DofE office