Bath Health & Safety

Notes

An upstream start then up to Bathampton and return. The main hazards are other river users and the weir at Bathampton.

Risk Assessment

Bath risk assessment was reviewed by P CARROLL (Captain, Bath Canoe Club - Club Safety officer) on 27 July 2024.

Off Water hazards

Hazard	Who is at risk?	Duration	Inherent risk	Residual risk	Control measures	Further action required	Notes
Boat and Manual Handling	Paddlers, Crew	Constant	Possible chance of a Minor incident	Possible chance of a Minor incident	If carrying a boat alone, paddlers are to ensure it is within the limits of their limitations and experience. Aim to share the load especially for kayaks and canoes. The length of SUPs can also make carrying difficult. Good manual handling techniques to be used	All paddlers are advised that two people should lift boats at least. Failure to do so could lead to injury.
Tripping or Slipping on access steps or pontoons. (see also Drowning - Medical section)	Paddlers, Spectators, Crew	Constant	Possible chance of a Minor incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Advised to wear suitable wet footwear with a non-slip sole, or training shoes, when using the access steps to the pontoons and whilst stepping on and off the pontoon bridges. Pontoon walking surface is specific non-slip construction. But care needs to be exercised to avoid algae or, bird deposits etc. particularly when wet. Car park is a loose surface and steps to the platform are steep.	Ongoing Housekeeping Maintenance to ensure the minimum build-up of growth or droppings by AquaPaddle Crew when the risk is increasing. Ongoing continual review that all conditions are being observed and adhered to by AquaPaddle Crew. Paddlers can view the launch area to see it before using it. In high water mud is deposited on the platform.	Weather conditions can change the condition of the loose surface in the car park.

On Water hazards

Hazard	Who is at risk?	Duration	Inherent risk	Residual risk	Control measures	Further action required	Notes
Bridge/Viaduct pillars – strong water flow	Paddlers, Crew	Constant	Remote chance of a Major incident	Possible chance of a Major incident	The water flow beneath the bridge/viaduct can be stronger due to decreased space for the volume of water to flow. Paddlers are to be advised to be steady or sit down if this makes them uncomfortable.	A regular assessment of the flow around the structures needs to be carried out. Route briefing advises the best water position under Grovesnor Bridge
Collision with other waterway users	Paddlers, Crew	Majority	Remote chance of a Major incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Paddlers instructed to be aware of other river users and how to take appropriate/avoiding action. Paddlers to pass on River right when going upstream or downstream. However, on bends a dynamic assessment of position is necessary.	All members of the group are to be informed as to possible other river users and locations, what to do when boats approach	Main hazard is the 3 river cruisers and whilst only likely to meet one at a time occasional two will meet restricting available space on river. SUP paddlers to go on knees to keep control, kayakers and canoeists to move in to the side

General hazards

Hazard	Who is at risk?	Duration	Inherent risk	Residual risk	Control measures	Further action required	Notes
Personnel Limitations	Paddlers, Spectators, Crew	Constant	Probable chance of a Lost Time incident	Improbable chance of a Minor incident	Limitations for water activities are to be declared through the registration documents. People on the pontoons are to be kept to a minimum – only officials are permitted access.	If physical ability / fitness is observed as limiting factor then the participant will be refused to take part.