Date of generic assessment August 2008 Date of local revision 16/4/2010 Other related assessments? A14 School visits Pond dipping falling into open water Pond dipping carrying nets and frames Pond dipping dipping nets into water Pond dipping contact with blue green algae Pond dipping contact with conntaminated water (rats urine) Children; teachers Children; others on site; teachers Wet child; nausea from water ingestion Cuts and bruises from contact with frames Pond dipping area checked for loose edging, steep gradients or extreme deep water before and during dipping and any adjustments made to work practices. Children are spread out on the dipping platform to avoid overcrowding. Where work is done in pairs only one person from a pair is on the platform at a time. Clear pre pond dipping instruction and safety talk is given by RSPB before the activity, with close supervision during the activity. A rescue pole or throw line is available at the dipping area. Nets are carried vertically with mesh bag uppermost. Children Cuts and bruises Children spaced evenly along the pond edge and instructed to check around them for other children before and during dipping. Children; teachers, RSPB teachers, RSPB Nausea, ill health Pond is not used if blue green algae is present No Nausea, Weil s disease All children checked to see if any open wounds or sores present. Open wounds or sores are covered or child is prevented from accessing the pond water. Waterless cleansers are available for immediate use. All are instructed not to put hands in or near mouth until hand washing is complete after the activity has ceased. Hands are washed immediately after the activity and before eating or drinking. Teachers advised of symptoms in case of subsequent illness. harm Harmful Very harmful Unlikely Trivial Likely Substantial
Mini beast studies lifting heavy stones and logs Mini beast studies shaking trees Sweeping for insects First Nature Teachers, RSPB Teachers, RSPB staff, children adults teachers Muscles strains, splinters Minor head injuries from falling branches Minor cuts and bruises, cuts and stings Cuts and stings, abrasions, hay fever, allergic reactions Children are not allowed to lift any heavy stones or logs. Children always have help to lift other stones and logs and to place them down slowly. Children are stood well clear of any tree when it is shaken by adults. Children supervised and instructed in shaking the tree away from other people. Anyone watching is well clear to avoid items getting into eyes. Areas checked for thistles and nettles and children advised of location and how to avoid them. Children are not allowed to enter areas where vegetation is as tall or taller than they are. Nets are only opened by teachers or RSPB. Sweep nets used individually with at least twice the length of the net as distance between each child. Work is done in area where there are no nettles. All children advised of how to identify nettles and other stinging plants. Children suffering from hay fever are given only pollen free leaves for sensory activity. All children shown how to identify ragwort and instructed not to touch or pick it. Hand washing is done immediately after the activity and before any eating or drinking. slight harm Harmful Very harmful Unlikely Trivial Likely Substantial
Bird watching using optical equipment hide flap use equipment hitting face viewing bright light Children Bumps, bruises, temporary sight loss through viewing sun Enviroprobe Children Minor injuries, slips and trips Lost child adults Child upset, disorientated Children shown how to open and secure flaps. RSPB staff and teachers check flaps secure before bird watching starts. Children shown how to adjust optics to suit their own eyes. Children s use restricted to short periods. Space is left between children using the hide seats, behaviour is controlled. Children instructed not to point optics at the sun or other bright lights. All students receive instruction before using any equipment. Use of enviroprobe items is supervised at all times by RSPB or other teaching staff. Students only use equipment in the designated areas and are not allowed to wander off. RSPB staff to follow guidance in CoP 42 Child safety and welfare No Do current controls adequately control the risk? N If no, complete Part 2 Further controls. If, go straight to Part 3 Emergency details and other assessments harm Harmful Very harmful Unlikely Trivial Likely Substantial
Part 2 Controlling the residual and locally specific risk Hazard/hazardous events from Part 1 requiring further control Who is affected Typical outcome Further control measures needed Who will do them and by when Falling tree branches teachers, RSPB Injury to head or other body parts City Care trained arboretist checks Whitlingham site every winter and all necessary work carried out preseason. If very windy RSPB staff will move activity away from area where there are trees WCT before season starts RSPB staff Fire at the centre People with mobility problems Burns, smoke inhalation, nausea Consult with school regarding any pupils attending with mobility problems. Make individual plans for safe evacuation of the classroom if the lift is unavailable. Lead field teacher and staff harm Harmful Very harmful Unlikely Trivial Likely Substantial
Part 3 Emergency details and other assessments Is heavy, sustained or repetitive manual handling involved (see CoP 14)? N If YES carry out detailed manual handling assessment Is the use of any hazardous substances involved (see CoP 12; Newsletter 78)? N If YES ensure current COSHH assessment followed Are any special groups at risk (young people, pregnant, nursing mothers)? N If YES carry out specific assessment Is lone working required? N If YES see CoP 31 for specific instructions PPE needed Safety boots Safety Wellington Impact grade goggles Leather gloves PVC/nitrile gloves Hard hat Ear protection Half mask respirator Other (list) Safety equipment needed? No Assessment undertaken by: Tina Anderson David Bingham Position Lead Field Teacher RSPB East of England Health & Safety Advisor Manager confirming assessment (see CoP 10): Sharon Sanderson, Public Affairs Team, East of England Regional Office Date for revision March 2011 Emergency information must be available. Where the assessment applies to fixed RSPB sites (offices, reserves) note where any/all of the following information is held: Otherwise, and for all other assessments complete as far as is possible. Nearest telephone Whitlingham Barn Activity Centre Nearest A&E department Norfolk and Norwich Quality of mobile phone or radio reception? Good Access point for emergency services Whitlingham Car Park Type of access for emergency services Normal 4 WD Air First Aid Cover needed App td Person Emergency First Aid at Work Mountain Where provided? RSPB teachers trained harm Harmful Very harmful Unlikely Trivial Likely Substantial