Burton Health & Safety

Notes

First review of the Risk Assessments prior to our first Pilot event. RA to be reviewed after the event and adjusted based on any lessons learned.

Risk Assessment

Burton risk assessment was reviewed by Glyn Smith (Captain) on 20 March 2024.

General hazards

Hazard	Who is at risk?	Duration	Inherent risk	Residual risk	Control measures	Further action required	Notes
All Activities		Constant	Remote chance of a Major incident	Improbable chance of a Minor incident	Participants must comply with AquaPaddle/Club Policies and therefore with certain British Canoeing Policies	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.
First Aid / Injuries	Paddlers, Spectators, Crew	Constant	Probable chance of a Minor incident	Improbable chance of a Minor incident	Paddlesport is an “assumed risk sport”. There will be a designated First Aid AquaPaddle/club official on site.	All Crew are qualified first-aiders. All injuries should be reported on the incident report. Means of contact for emergency services to be available at the venue. Defib is available with the Time Lord.
Personnel Limitations	Paddlers	Constant	Probable chance of a Lost Time incident	Improbable chance of a Minor incident	Limitations for water activities are as per our Safety Policy. People on the pontoons are to be kept to a minimum – only officials are permitted access. Unless there is an exceptional event there are no land restrictions on personnel.	For the event if there are officials for that event (such as Canoe Polo) the referees are to ensure that the water activities under their control are safe, paddlers are to follow the instructions of the referee/officials in all safety matters without question.
Safety Cover	Paddlers	Majority	Probable chance of a Major incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Crew are to either have a Captain present or be in a minimum number of four Crew 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. Compliant with the AquaPaddle/Club Safety Policy. The Captain and or an Event Safety Officer is to have oversight over the Health And Safety of the event.	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.	We need a minimum of 5 crew to run the event.

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	Remote 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 quick release waist leash (and appropriate training) is strongly recommended.	A regular assessment of the flow around the structures needs to be carried out.
Collision with other waterway users	Paddlers, Crew	Constant	Possible chance of a Minor incident	Possible 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	Rowers are regular users of this stretch of water. Paddlers will be asked to keep out of their way, and to make their presence known when paddling. Details of the event to be shared with local water users (Burton Canoe Club and the Rowing Clubs)
Effect of Hot, Cold and wind from Weather and Environmental	Paddlers, Spectators, Crew	Constant	Possible chance of a Minor incident	Remote chance of a Minor 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 are to be competent to wear a spray deck if one is used	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.
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, Crew	Constant	Possible 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
Flow rate / Levels on Rivers and Canals - Paddlers, boats and, craft could get washed downstream into hazards	Paddlers, Crew	Constant	Possible chance of a Major incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	River level to be assessed before getting on the river by sight and through use of EA River gauges. We will use the EA gauge at Drakelow and will need levels below 1.4m before we proceed.	No paddling when the River is graded RED or YELLOW. The AquaPaddle event is to be cancelled.
Fog and poor visibility	Paddlers, Spectators, Crew	Constant	Remote chance of a Major incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Captain to check the forecast and if in doubt go to the location to check the conditions. The paddle will be cancelled if the conditions are deemed to be unsafe.	Assess by Captain and Crew, check weather forecast.
Polution and risk of infection	Paddlers, Crew	Constant	Possible chance of a Lost Time incident	Possible chance of a Lost Time incident	Advised to wash hands with hot water and soap before eating or drinking and shower at the end of the event, especially after immersion and made aware of flotsam.	Crew to assess waterway condition on the day. Avoid intentional capsizes in poor conditions
Weir	Paddlers, Crew	Constant	Possible chance of a Major incident	Remote chance of a Major incident	Weirs must be avoided. On the Trent, a few hundred meters above the start/finish area, the river splits with the river left channel going near Burton Weir. A marshal will be stationed near this split to guide paddlers.	Captain to assess conditions on the day and avoid if not safe. Appropriate skill and awareness training
Wildlife	Paddlers, Crew	Constant	Possible chance of a Minor incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Brief Paddlers about approaching wildlife, and maintaining a safe distance whenever possible. ‘If it's free, let it be’ There are usually a large number of swans and other large birds around the Stapenhill park area where they are fed.	Ensure Crew relay information to the AquaPaddlers.

Off Water hazards

Hazard	Who is at risk?	Duration	Inherent risk	Residual risk	Control measures	Further action required	Notes
Car Park	Paddlers, Spectators, Crew	Minority	Probable chance of a Major incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	People are to be made aware of traffic within parking 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. Cars are to adhere to the speed limit of 5mph during the event.	The car park is also accessed by other users. AquaPaddle Crew are to wear high-visibility clothing to ensure the cars can see the marshals.

Medical hazards

Hazard	Who is at risk?	Duration	Inherent risk	Residual risk	Control measures	Further action required	Notes
Hazard from slipping or tripping	Paddlers, Spectators, Crew	Constant	Probable chance of a Minor incident	Possible chance of a Minor incident	Brief Crew and AquaPaddlers on the danger of slipping and tripping at all entry and exit points if necessary.	Briefing/checklist of Crew used at start of the session.

Event Specific hazards

Hazard	Who is at risk?	Duration	Inherent risk	Residual risk	Control measures	Further action required	Notes
Propeller Danger	Paddlers, Crew	Briefly	Remote chance of a Major incident	Improbable chance of a Major incident	The rowing clubs regularly use a power boat to coach their rowers. Paddlers will be instructed to keep well clear of them.	Kill cord to be fitted to the engines and used at all times, Crew training given.