Island Barn - Molesey Health & Safety

Notes

Man-made Reservoir with reasonable steep banks that can be climbed easily with care.

There is a sandbar that affects SUP paddlers, in the SW corner, when the water is very low.

There is also pipework near the clubhouse that needs to be avoided. It is very visible.

Risk Assessment

Island Barn - Molesey risk assessment was reviewed by Brett Scillitoe (Captain ) on 05 March 2024.

General hazards

Hazard Who is at risk? Duration Inherent risk Residual risk Control measures Further action required Notes
All Activities Paddlers, Spectators, Crew 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 around their personal safety. 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.
Children Paddlers, Spectators Majority Remote 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. All Children MUST wear a buoyancy aid. Children under 11 should wear a lift jacket. Crews need to be aware of the presence of minors on the event and future events.
Moorings and ropes Paddlers, Spectators, Crew Constant Possible chance of a Minor incident Remote chance of a Minor incident All areas need to be reviewed by the Crew on arrival to make sure any ropes or buoy lines are secured as not to cause trips or entanglement. Sailing Club officials to be contacted to be made aware of the locations of the lines that are likely to cause issues.
Personnel Limitations Paddlers, Spectators, Crew 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 the Crew are to ensure that the water activities under their control are safe, paddlers are to follow the instructions of the Crew in all safety matters without question. The sailing club have a number of floating pontoons from which to launch from. These maybe slippery when wet or in very cold weather.
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 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.

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. Crew 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 Paddlers, Spectators, Crew 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. They are ultimately the responsibility of Island Barn Reservoir Sailing Club and participants and spectators must follow their guidelines. 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. 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 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 plastic or wood is specific non-slip construction. But care needs to be exercised to avoid algae or, bird deposits etc. particularly when wet. 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.

Event Specific hazards

Hazard Who is at risk? Duration Inherent risk Residual risk Control measures Further action required Notes
Changing Paddlers, Crew Majority Probable chance of a Minor incident Improbable chance of a Minor incident Adequate changing facilities for Male and Female is to be available – if alternative changing facilities are required paddlers to inform Crew Members. AquaPaddle/Club Safeguarding rules apply to all visitors – specifically regarding the Changing Room Guidance/Rules. If required gazeboes can be erected to provide changing room space for event paddlers with separate genders.
Toilets Paddlers, Spectators, Crew Briefly Probable chance of a Major incident Improbable chance of a Minor incident Toilets are to be provided for the event and are to be cleaned to a suitable hygienic standard before the event and stocked with the essentials. All Participants to ensure they clean after themselves to ensure hygienic standards do not fall. These are the responsibility of Island Barn Reservoir Sailing Club. Through the event and post-event club officials are to ensure the facilities are kept hygienic and stocked with essentials.

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, Crew Minority Remote chance of a Minor incident Remote chance of a Minor incident Crew to give clear guidance and path the avoid obstacles. Review route annually and ensure Crew are fully trained.
Collision with other waterway users Paddlers, Crew Minority Possible chance of a Major 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   Collisions between AquaPaddlers is most likely at the start of the even or in gusty conditions. Advice is given to warn paddlersto look out for each other. AquaPaddle is not a race, participants are reminded to be courteous to one another.
Effect of Hot, Cold and wind from Weather and Environmental Paddlers, Spectators, Crew Minority Possible chance of a Major 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.
Environment Paddlers, Spectators, Crew 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 the Reservoir 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 Minority Remote chance of a Major incident Improbable 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
Falling from inability to stand Paddlers Minority Remote chance of a Minor incident Remote chance of a Minor incident During the AquaPaddle Briefing, Check that all Paddlers can self-rescue, if not, talk through the correct way to fall and climb back on a board or kayak. Bring Paddlers to a safe spot on the riverbank and assist back on the vessel. Make Paddlers aware.
Hazard from prevailing wind and weather conditions Paddlers, Crew Majority Possible chance of a Minor incident Possible chance of a Minor incident Events will not operate over 18 mph standing wind (depending on the wind direction) (24 mph if all paddlers are known to be experienced and expect the increase risk of falling in) unless a safe location is found and agreed upon by two Event Safety Team (Captain, Time Lord and experienced on-water Crew Member).  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. 
Launching / Landing Areas and Sides Paddlers, Crew Minority Probable chance of a Serious incident Remote chance of a Minor incident Paddlers are to use the primary Launching and Exiting at the pontoons. 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 briefed to location of safe evacuation locations. 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.
Other water users including power boats, sails, kayakers etc Paddlers, Crew Minority Remote chance of a Minor incident Remote 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 sailing boats and other Reservoir users. Sailing boats should not generally be on the water during the AquaPaddle. Conduct training with Crew. 
SUP Leashes and entanglement Paddlers, Crew Minority Remote chance of a Major incident Possible chance of a Minor incident SUP leashes are to be worn at all events unless it is deemed to be an entanglement risk. Entanglement from buoys or submerged plant life. Quick-release belts are advised and assessment of the conditions/abilities of the group to determine the route. Specific pocket knife to be carried by Crew on duty.
Sandbank danger Paddlers, Crew Briefly Remote chance of a Minor incident Improbable chance of a Minor incident Paddlers/Crew are to be advised when the water level is low in the Reservoir there is a likelihood of grounding in the SW corner. Highlight the dangers. Crew to ensure the levels have been checked.
Water Quality Paddlers, Crew Constant Possible chance of a Serious incident Improbable chance of a Minor incident Water quality is regularly monitored and the results are held with the Responsible Authority Paddlers are to report any concerns to AquaPaddle Crew Members to contact the Responsible Authority to raise the concerns.
Wildlife Paddlers, Crew Minority Remote 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’ Ensure Crew relay information to the AquaPaddlers.

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, 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 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.
Emergency situation Paddlers, Spectators, Crew Majority Possible chance of a Major incident Possible chance of a Minor incident Ensure that the casualty and group are all called to a designated assemble/exit point. Call appropriate Partners/emergency services if require.  Annual emergency drills to be conducted. Signed terms and conditions by AquaPaddlers. Follow AquaPaddle emergency action plan and brief AquaPaddlers at the start of the session.
Exhaustion/Fatigue Paddlers Minority Possible chance of a Minor incident Remote chance of a Minor incident Advise paddlers to bring a drink and have eaten appropriately prior to paddling. Stop as required. Water safety team will assist and help them ashore.
Hazard from slipping or tripping Paddlers, Crew Minority Remote chance of a Minor incident Remote 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.
Hypothermia / Hyperthermia Paddlers, Spectators, Crew Minority Remote 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.
Pre-existing medical conditions Paddlers, Spectators Constant Possible chance of a Major incident Remote chance of a Major incident Terms and conditions require the person making the booking to notify any relevant medical conditions for their group before arrival. If the AquaPaddler has NOT informed the Captain or Time Lord or Crew, those parties are NOT responsible for any incident involving said condition. Captain/Crew only to authorise event admission where safety precautions can be put in place. DO NOT TAKE AQUAPADDLER OUT IF UNSURE OR WITHOUT A DOCTOR'S NOTE. Captain/Crew to ask about medical conditions during land base intro.
Spinal injury Paddlers, Spectators Constant Remote chance of a Major incident Remote chance of a Major incident Ensure all AquaPaddlers fill in medical information form. Teaching techniques and awareness of fall techniques and potential hazards.
Weil’s Disease Paddlers, Spectators, Crew Briefly Remote chance of a Major incident Remote chance of a Major incident Equipment is to be washed after use according to the NOP. If on static water, such as lakes and reservoirs, sampling should be carried out at regular intervals, including both micro and algae testing. Procedure in place for actions to be taken in the case of a poor water quality test, including Event Cancelation. Participants are encouraged to wash their hands as soon as possible after the activity. Participants are encouraged to cover any cuts and avoid ingesting the water. At the Sailing Club, avoid water collected on boat covers. This is where there is a probability of Rats Urine. Reservoir owners are to monitor the water and publish the results so that all Crew members can comply with safe working practices.