Bathampton Health & Safety

Notes

A new venue for use when river is too high or fast.
The K and A Canal comes with its own hazards and limitations.

Risk Assessment

General hazards

Hazard Who is at risk? Duration Inherent risk Residual risk Control measures Further action required Notes
All Activities Paddlers, Spectators, Crew Constant Possible chance of a Minor incident Remote chance of a Minor incident Participants must comply with AquaPaddle/Club Policies and therefore with certain British Canoeing Policies. This applies mainly to car parking, around the public open spaces at the start and at the finish and the canal towpath. Care must me taken to be aware of others operating in the same space such as members of the public walking, cyclists, runners, dog walkers and children Ongoing continual review that all conditions are being observed and adhered to by Crew. Ensure each member/visitor has access to a current copy of the AquaPaddle Policies, via the website.

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 Briefly Probable chance of a Minor incident Remote chance of a Minor incident If carrying a craft alone, paddlers are to ensure it is within the limits of their limitations and experience. If you need some help ask and share the load. Be wary of the different surfaces and their condition and so that increase the need for help with simple manual handling tasks All paddlers are advised that two people should lift boats at least. Failure to do so could lead to injury. Watch the surfaces being used, watch out for ground based hazards that may lead to slips, trips and falls.
Car Park Paddlers, Spectators, Crew Constant Probable chance of a Major incident Remote chance of a Minor incident People are to be made aware of traffic within parking areas and note the proximity of the road to the start and finish areas. Vehicles are to park safely so as not to obstruct access routes. Club officials are to control cars in the venue at the start and the end of the event when the traffic flow requires it. The car park is open to members of the public and other users. AquaPaddle Crew are to wear high-visibility clothing to ensure the cars can see the marshals.
Children Paddlers, Spectators, Crew Constant Possible chance of a Minor incident Remote chance of a Lost Time incident Children are only allowed to take part in AquaPaddle is accompanied by are parent/guardian or coach if part of an organised club training session. Prior notice should be given to the Captain that they will be attending. Children as members of the public will be using the towpath and represent a hazard to paddlers, spectators and crew. Crews need to be aware of the presence of minors on the event and future events.
Spectating Paddlers, Spectators, Crew Majority Probable chance of a Minor incident Improbable chance of a Minor incident Spectators are not to encroach over the towpath ant the start and finish areas also keep clear of the water's edge. Instructions will be issued. Spectators are best placed to stay on the grassy mounds set back from the towpath. There are publicly available seats. AquaPaddle Crew to monitor and advise the spectators when they are not acting in the best manner.
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. On the canal side there are mooring rings and also mooring ropes from the canal craft. Theses may be across the footpath or the verge. But care needs to be exercised to at all times to avoid algae covered hard standing areas or, bird deposits etc. particularly when wet. Ongoing review at start of event by AquaPaddle Crew. This is a public open space. Ongoing continual review that all conditions are being observed and adhered to by AquaPaddle paddlers, spectators and Crew.
Viewing Area Paddlers, Spectators, Crew Constant Possible chance of a Minor incident Remote chance of a Minor incident The viewing areas are set back from the towpath and are public open spaces. We need to ensure they are kept tidy to prevent trips and falls.

On Water hazards

Hazard Who is at risk? Duration Inherent risk Residual risk Control measures Further action required Notes
Collision with other waterway users Paddlers, Crew Minority Remote chance of a Minor incident Remote chance of a Lost Time 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. There are a lot of moored craft on this section of he canal and their positioning can effect visibility. There are constrictions along the canal and inlay cases only sufficient width for one motorised craft. There is not a lot of room. Don't force through. Stay back and then overtake. All members of the group are to be informed as to possible other river users and locations, what to do when boats approach.
Effect of Hot, Cold and wind from Weather and Environmental Paddlers, Crew Briefly Remote chance of a Minor incident Remote chance of a Lost Time incident Captain and Location Safety Team to assess the weather before getting on the waterway. The event is to be cancelled if not considered safe. Captain should consider instructing participants to bring: drinking water, hats, sunscreen, windproof clothing, or extra layers as appropriate
Entrapment Paddlers, Crew Briefly Possible chance of a Major incident Improbable chance of a Lost Time incident Paddlers are to either have a Crew member present or be in a minimum number of three that are at the standard to self-rescue and rescue others; one person is aged over 18 or a coach (Land or Water) is in the vicinity. Spray decks are to be appropriate for kayaks. Paddlers in kayaks are to be competent to wear a spray deck if one is used. During briefing address likely overhanging or strainer hazards British Canoeing Awards set an appropriate level for standards, such as 2 Star, Explore awards and higher. However other factors can be taken into account such as experience, competition level and paddlers being at the standard that to self-rescue and rescue others, during paddling on the water.
Environment Paddlers Constant Possible chance of a Serious incident Remote chance of a Minor incident Paddlers are to be aware of other water users and keep away from powered craft Paddlers are to be aware of wildlife on and surrounding the water system and steer clear of any floating rubbish. Be especially careful of pollutants that leak from moored craft. Captains, Crew and Experienced Paddlers are to stay vigilant and ensure they have a plan to get to safe water at all times to mitigate the risks when they occur. Report leaks and pollution incidents to CRT and EA
Equipment Failure - board deflates while on the water - fall in and hit head or get injured, Leash Snaps causing them to come detached from their board if they fall in. Paddle snaps and unable to paddle back to launch point Paddlers Briefly Remote chance of a Minor incident Remote chance of a Minor incident All equipment will need to be checked before launching into the water. Crew are trained in how to tow Paddlers if issues arise with boards. Dynamic risk assessment to be carried out on the water to monitor any issues that may arise with equipment. Before Padders enter the water a visual check of all craft needs to be carried out
Hazard from prevailing wind and weather conditions Paddlers, Crew Briefly Possible chance of a Minor incident Remote chance of a Minor incident Events will not operate over 18 mph standing wind (depending on the wind direction) unless a safe location is found and agreed upon by two Event Safety Team (Captain, Time Lord and experienced on-water Crew Member).  The wind can effect the movement of canal craft not just impede progress for paddlers. Therefore, keep alert for boat movements Assess by Captain, check weather forecast. If thunderstorms occur after an event has begun, ask the Paddlers to return to a safe area on the bank, if there are less than 7 seconds between the lightning flash and the thunder. This follows the BC guidance.