King Edward VI School Southampton Canoeing and Kayaking Generic Risk Assessment January 2012
Reviewed & updated by ECW Kayaking & Canoeing: Generic Risk Assessment Hazards arising from Outdoor Kayaking & Canoeing Control measure(s) in place to reduce risk from each hazard Arrangements to ensure the control measure(s) continue to be effectively implemented Water Trapped in upturned boat due to 1. Incorrectly adjusted footrests. 2. Unable to remove spraydeck. 3. Unable to otherwise exit. All those canoeing must be water confident and where appropriate have completed a swimming test over 25m in light clothing. All wear approved buoyancy aids, which are checked on issue. Clear briefing from Coach making sure that 1. Footrests are adjusted so that feet DO NOT go beyond the footrest. 2. Spraydeck fitted to cockpit with release handle outermost. 3. Clear briefing and demo given on how to swiftly exit an upturned boat. Instruction by experienced and qualified UKCC/BCU Level 2 Coach or above. A L1 Coach may assist. Float testing of buoyancy aids carried out every year. Unconscious due to a medical condition Medical conditions indicated on B15, cross checked with school medical records by HEE Asthma inhaler carried by student and spare by the Coach. Students advised to notify instructor immediately symptoms develop. Epi-pens carried by student. Students advised to notify Coach immediately symptoms are developing. Students who suffer blackouts excluded from activity. participating Head Injury. 1. Capsizing in shallow water. 2. Hitting submerged object whilst capsizing. 3. Obstacles in water. 4. Struck by paddle blade. Helmets will be worn for all kayaking sessions. Helmets will be worn for canoeing sessions if the session includes moving water or if the nature of the session dictates. Clear briefing given on how to form up and break up a raft. First aid kit, mobile phone carried by Coach. Regular inspections to ensure helmets remain in full working order.
Hypothermia All wear water/windproof cagoule and dress appropriate to conditions. Extra clothing carried by Coach. Warm drinks carried by Coach on journeys. Identify early signs and deal with it before the conditions become prohibitive to the activity. Tow line carried to tow student(s) back to shelter. Bothy, survival bag, rations and spare dry clothes carried by Coach on journeys. Mobile phone carried by Coach. Back Injury Lifting Rescues From lifting: clear briefing and guidance from Coach on manual handling. At least two students per kayak. Numbers per canoe dependant on the size of the canoe and students but not less than two. Demonstration given on how to lift and carry as a pair working together and solo. All kayaks and open canoes fitted with buoyancy bags to reduce back strain during rescues. Training of staff on manual handling issues. Waterborne illness Clear briefing about Weills disease. Advise students of its flu like symptoms. Monitor information about the disease and water quality information at the activity sites. Bird Flu Briefing about finding groups of dead fowl. DO NOT touch. Make note of position, numbers of birds, type of birds and contact the Senior Coach who will contact DEFRA. Check DEFRA website for updated information. Hazards arising from Indoor Kayaking: Pool Control measure(s) in place to reduce risk from each hazard Arrangements to ensure the control measure(s) continue to be effectively implemented
Water Trapped in upturned boat due to 1. Incorrectly adjusted footrests. 2. Unable to remove spraydeck. 3. Unable to otherwise exit. Unconsciousness due to medical condition. All those canoeing must be water confident and where appropriate have completed a swimming test over 25m in light clothing. Pool lifeguards are always present Clear briefing from Coach making sure that 1. Footrests are adjusted so that feet DO NOT go beyond the footrest. 2. Spraydeck fitted to cockpit with release handle outermost. 3. Clear briefing and demo given on how to swiftly exit an upturned boat. Instruction by experienced and qualified UKCC/BCU Level 2 Coach or above. A Level 1 Coach may assist. Float testing of buoyancy aids carried out every 4-5 months. Unconscious due to a medical condition Pool lifeguards are always present Medical conditions indicated on B15, cross checked with school medical records by HEE Asthma inhaler carried by student and spare by the Coach. Students advised to notify instructor immediately symptoms develop. Epipens carried by student. Students advised to notify Coach immediately symptoms are developing. Students who suffer blackouts excluded from activity. participating Head Injury. 1. Slips & falls 2. Cuts Pool rules explained at the start of the session. Students reminded of the need to take care and walk carefully on poolside. Coach familiar with accident procedure and the location of the first aid kit. Mobile phone at poolside Head injury 1. Struck by paddle blade. 2. Injury from collision 3. Dental injury No glass to be taken into pool area. Appropriate briefing and supervision. Maximum of six kayaks in the pool at any one time. Clear briefing on the use of paddles in close proximity of others. Clear briefing about being alert and thoughtful when swimming or kayaking in order to avoid head collisions with bow/stern of kayak. Clear briefing and guidance from Coach. At least two students per kayak. Kayak fitted with additional flotation.
Pool environment 1. Chemical burns 2. Fume inhalation 3. Skin irritation 4. Eye irritation Liaise with pool staff regarding chemical checks Shower before and after use of the pool Advised to use swimming goggles & use nose clip, particularly if sensitive chlorine.