Foremark (Burton) Health & Safety

Notes

14/5/2024 - first draft of risk assessment

Risk Assessment

Foremark (Burton) risk assessment was reviewed by Glyn Smith (Captain) on 14 May 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	Briefly	Probable chance of a Lost Time incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	If carrying a boat alone, paddlers are to ensure it is within the limits of their limitations and experience.	All paddlers are advised that two people should lift boats at least. Failure to do so could lead to injury.
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.
Changing rooms		Minority	Possible chance of a Minor incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Changing rooms are to be kept as dry as possible and tidy to prevent trips and falls.	No food waste is to be left within changing rooms.
Spectating	Spectators	Majority	Probable chance of a Minor incident	Improbable chance of a Minor incident	Spectators are not to encroach over the perimeter fencing or water's edge. Instructions will be issued. On-site induction.	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)		Minority	Possible chance of a Lost Time 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 wood is specific non-slip construction. But care needs to be exercised to avoid algae or, bird deposits etc. particularly when wet. Appropriate PFDs must be worn on pontoons.	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. Anyone accessing a pontoon must be wearing an appropriate PFD.

General hazards

Hazard	Who is at risk?	Duration	Inherent risk	Residual risk	Control measures	Further action required	Notes
Children	Paddlers, Spectators	Constant	Possible chance of a Major incident	Remote chance of a Minor 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	Crews need to be aware of the presence of minors on the event and future events.
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 and must wear appropriate PFDs – 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.
Safeguarding	Paddlers, Spectators, Crew	Minority	Possible chance of a Lost Time incident	Improbable chance of a Minor incident	All members and people on our site agree to follow our AquaPaddle/Club Policies and procedures, of which safeguarding and code of conduct is one of them. An Event Captain/Safeguarding Officer is to have oversight over the Safeguarding of the event.	Crew and other Volunteers who have regular contact with U18 are to be DBS checked and attend a safeguarding course.
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.

On Water hazards

Hazard	Who is at risk?	Duration	Inherent risk	Residual risk	Control measures	Further action required	Notes
Collision with mooring buoys and other static objects	Paddlers	Minority	Possible chance of a Minor incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Instructor and assistants to give clear guidance and path the avoid obstacles.	Review course route and ensure Crew are fully trained.
Collision with other waterway users	Paddlers, Crew	Constant	Possible chance of a Major incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Paddlers instructed to be aware of other water 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.  Safety boat operators must be qualified and to keep prop clear of paddlers.	All members of the group are to be informed as to possible other river users and locations, what to do when boats approach
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, which is to be cleared from pitches before use.	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.
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
Launching / Landing Areas and Sides	Paddlers, Spectators, Crew	Minority	Probable chance of a Serious incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Paddlers are to use the primary Launching area at our ramp, paddlers are not to exit on pontoons unless required to fulfil official duties for the event. When embarking and disembarking from the water from a Kayak, Canoe, or SUP ensure that care is used with help if necessary, using the correct technique Crew are to be inducted to location of safe evacuation locations. All persons using the floating pontoons must be wearing an appropriate PFD.	Standing in SUPs is prohibited when within falling distance to an object – including walls. Kneeling when embarking and disembarking the SUP. Helmets may be used for SUPs. Signage relating to PFDs on the pontoons must be adhered to.
On Water Safety Cover	Paddlers	Majority	Probable chance of a Major incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Before any water users enter the water, the safety boat must be launched and crewed.	Safety briefing for crew and paddlers to ensure that all paddlers know that the safety boat is required.
Other water users including power boats, sails, kayakers etc	Paddlers, Crew	Constant	Possible chance of a Minor incident	Possible chance of a Minor incident	Although engine should move for paddle ensure the group maintain a safe distance from other vessels where possible. Always move and keep clear of shipping and other river users.	Conduct training with Crew.

Medical hazards

Hazard	Who is at risk?	Duration	Inherent risk	Residual risk	Control measures	Further action required	Notes
Drowning. (see also Safety Cover - Off Water Section )	Paddlers, Spectators, Crew	Majority	Remote chance of a Major incident	Improbable chance of a Lost Time incident	Paddlers are required to be able to swim and wear a buoyancy aid on the water. Sole people on shore or pontoons must wear buoyancy aids if there are no other people nearby. Site induction, visitors are to be advised of any danger areas.	Life Buoys & throw lines are available on shore or the dock wall for people to throw to the causality when a person needs assistance. 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 Crew (Land or Water) is in the vicinity with a throw line if on land. For the event, the Crew are to ensure that water activities under their control are safe, and paddlers are to follow the instructions of the Crew in all safety matters without question.
Handling of boats and paddles and accidental falls whilst in/on the craft leading to Head Injuries	Paddlers, Crew	Constant	Possible chance of a Minor incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Helmets are advised to be worn whilst on the water and carrying craft.	Captain and Crew could set a good example and wear a helmet when the activity or conditions dictate. Crew to carry Walkie Talkie Radios and/or a mobile phone to summon emergency services and be able to relay where they are on the waterway and the nearest access point
Hypothermia / Hyperthermia	Paddlers, Crew	Constant	Possible chance of a Minor incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	AquaPaddlers to be given info about appropriate dress and Crew to give the AquaPaddlers a wetsuit if deemed necessary.	Carry foil blanket (if the instructor sees fit). Make sure the AquaPaddlers are out of the water and taken to an appropriate assemble/exit point and call for emergency assistance if need be.

Event Specific hazards

Hazard	Who is at risk?	Duration	Inherent risk	Residual risk	Control measures	Further action required	Notes
Propeller Danger	Paddlers, Crew	Constant	Possible chance of a Major incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	The safety boat will be fitted with a kill code to ensure the engine cuts out if needed (as RYA advise). Safety boat operator must be suitably qualified.	Kill cord to be fitted to the engines and used at all times, Crew training given.
Safety Boat	Paddlers, Crew	Constant	Possible chance of a Major incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Safety Boat to be used for various activities or to transport Paddlers to river locations that are safely out of the wind/tidal pull if deemed necessary. Also, to be used in the event of an emergency. Only exceed the maximum manufacturer's limit in an emergency. Collisions are to be reported to AquaPaddle HQ and the local waterway Governing Body.	All EC Partners to have completed the RYA Powerboat level 2 qual. In-house Crew training to all other employees.