RISK ASSESSMENT
GENERAL
1. MEDICAL CONDITIONS. We should be aware of any medical conditions, illnesses or injuries before clients (groups or individuals) arrive on site. A system must be in place to ensure information filters down to all instructors.
ACTION
a) Booking forms containing requests for information on medical conditions are required to be completed by all groups. Information is relayed to Chief Instructor at the beginning of each week.
b) If groups fail to complete a form, eg who book through a third party, or information is not relayed to beach site for any reason, Chief Instructor must ask group leaders for details.
c) All individuals booking on a course of instruction must complete a booking form.
d) Individuals hiring on a casual basis must be asked discreetly for details of any relevant medical conditions.
2. NON-SWIMMERS. It is the policy of the Centre to encourage appropriate participation of any non-swimmers in activity sessions (group bookings) where possible; they are at risk if the session is not managed correctly.
ACTION
a) Booking forms requesting numbers of non-swimmers are required to be completed by all groups. Information is relayed to Chief Instructor at the beginning of each week.
b) Identification of non-swimmers by an appropriate method eg cagoules or other clearly differentiated clothing. All instructors made aware of special cases.
c) Non-swimmers limited to those activities kept within their depth eg bodyboarding. Which activities are appropriate depends on the day – Chief Instructor to advise.
d) Where possible, allocate a separate Instructor to non-swimmers.
3. GROUPS WITH DISABILITIES / SPECIAL NEEDS. May require more supervision an liaison with accompanying trained helpers.
ACTION
a) Ensure when taking the booking that we have adequate information on the extent of any special needs, numbers in the group, numbers of accompanying trained helpers willing to assist in supervising activities.
b) Ensure adequate staffing for the session and all staff are fully briefed on what to expect.
c) Special arrangements may need to be made for transport to the beach eg liaison with IW Council for access along the revetment especially peak season.
SITE SPECIFIC HAZARDS
1. FOOT INJURIES. Risk of injury to staff and clients from sharp stones, rocks, weaver fish, items of beach litter eg glass.
ACTION
a) Clients encouraged to wear protective footwear when participating in activities (groups advised in our brochure to bring suitable footwear).
b) Staff similarly advised in Health and Safety Statement.
c) Daily beach clean of area used for watersports.
d) Staff vigilance in reporting new hazards during different states of the tide eg when rough weather exposes new hazards formerly hidden by sand.
2. GROYNES. The breakwaters are the only real physical hazard to clients and are dangerous to different degrees depending on conditions; for example, at high water the groynes cannot be seen and in rough weather individuals may be swept on to the groynes by the longshore current quite swiftly. There is also temptation to climb the post at the end of the groynes and jump/dive off, usually by locals who could set a bad example to others.
ACTION
a) All clients are made aware of the hazard and advised to keep away from the breakwaters (and not to climb the post) at all times BEFORE going afloat whether through the group briefing or personally to individual hirers.
b) Supervision by staff whenever clients are on the water.
c) Warnings to locals who climb the posts.
3. SEA WALL. At high spring tides there is a hazard caused by splashback off the wall, from clapotis, undertows, the temptation to jump/dive off the wall directly into the sea.
ACTION
Chief Instructor to decide on the day whether to
a) Cancel or reschedule the session
b) Postpone the session until the tide drops back
c) Remove activities to another beach
d) Proceed with activities ensuring all clients are advised which slipways/steps to use for access.
e) Instructors should prevent anybody from jumping directly off the wall into the water
4. GROWTH OF WEED ON CONCRETE STEPS & SLIPWAY. Can be slippery underfoot and a problem especially early season.
ACTION
a) Ensure IW Council advised of hazard before opening of Centre.
b) If no action taken either clear weed ourselves or include hazard in briefings to clients and advise of safe areas to use for access.
5. UNIDENTIFIED CONTAINERS WASHED ASHORE. Could contain hazardous chemicals or other dangerous substances. If in doubt:
ACTION
a) Ensure clients and members of the public do not approach the container.
b) Call 999 and ask for Fire Brigade.
EQUIPMENT
1. RISK OF INJURY FROM FAULTY OR ILL-MAINTAINED EQUIPMENT
ACTION
a) Comprehensive equipment checks before every session and rigorous maintenance regime.
b) Keeping of a maintenance Log Book.
2. ISSUE OF INAPPROPRIATE EQUIPMENT TO CLIENTS
ACTION
a) Use only qualified staff to issue equipment.
b) In-house training programme.
3. ABUSE/MISUSE OF EQUIPMENT
ACTION
a) Client briefings (groups and individual) to ensure clients aware of appropriate use of equipment.
b) Close supervision of activities.
MANAGEMENT OF ACTIVITIES
1. HYPOTHERMIA. Risk of cold injury especially early season with vulnerable groups eg children.
ACTION
a) Ensure adequate protective clothing
b) Staff vigilance in early recognition of the signs of cold injury
c) Chief Instructor should be prepared to shorten the session.
2. ACTIVITIES MUST BE APPROPRIATE TO THE WEATHER CONDITIONS. Groups booking on Splash Sessions are advised in our brochure that activities may be curtailed or cancelled depending on the weather conditions on the day. They management also reserves the right to refuse to hire equipment deemed inappropriate for the conditions on the day.
ACTION
a) Weather forecast taken on a daily basis.
b) Chief Instructor decides on the day those activities to run and will review the decision as conditions change.
c) Chief Instructor to have the qualifications and experience necessary to make judgements in line with general guidelines laid down by the management.
3. ACTIVITIES MUST BE LED BY COMPETENT STAFF
ACTION
It is the policy of the Centre that activities should be led by staff qualified to the standards laid down by the following bodies (in order of priority)
a) The licensing authority in the case of those activities that fall within the scope of the Activity Centres (Young Person’s Safety) Act 1995 and subsequent Regulations issued under the Act.
b) The National Governing Bodies
c) The Management, in the case of those activities not covered by a) or b)
d) In-house training provided to all staff with accompanying staff reference manual giving comprehensive guidelines as to the management of activities.
e) Qualifications are checked and copies kept on file.
f) On going staff training and development programme instituted.
4. APPROPRIATE STAFF / STUDENT RATIOS SHOULD BE MAINTAINED
ACTION
It is the policy of the Centre to adhere to recommended ratios laid down by NGBs. However, we recognise that the management of some activities (eg using surfboards on flat water) and the prevailing conditions may permit variation from these guidelines.
a) Chief Instructor to decide suitable ratios on the day.
b) Chief Instructor to have qualifications and experience necessary.