Tonbridge Risk Assessment
Route Description & General Hazards
The route outlined above is only one of the possible options at this wonderful location.
Details will be confirmed over the coming weeks as the Locations gets set to welcome all AquaPaddlers.
Risk Assessment
DATE CARRIED OUT: 05/03/2023 ASSESSMENT CARRIED OUT BY: Brett Scillitoe
| HAZARD | WHO MIGHT BE HARMED? | HOW MAY THE RISK BE ADEQUATELY CONTROLLED? | WHAT FURTHER ACTION MAY BE REQUIRED? | Review comments / review date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DROWNING | Paddlers & Others | Wearing of buoyancy aid Instruction in capsize procedures Relevant supervision for novices Advised to keep away from waters edge | Buoyancy aids tested annually Induction sessions for beginners and new members Instructors to ensure buoyancy aid correctly fitted. Regular checks on hire equipment during the season. | 31/03/2024 |
| HYPOTHERMIA / HYPERTHERMIA | Paddlers | Advised on the correct clothing to wear. Adjustment to clothing as required | Continuous dynamic risk assessment. | 31/03/2024 |
| SLIPS TRIPS AND FALLS | Paddlers, Parents, Coaches & others | Regular observation of the bankside, recommendation of footwear | Ensure appropriate footwear is worn | 31/03/2024 |
| SPRAINS, STRAINS AND SOFT TISSUE INJURIES | Paddlers, Parents Coaches & others | Trained to lift correctly Ask for help Encouraged to paddle correctly |
Ongoing training and regular checks of procedures Appropriate checks on lifting crafts | 31/03/2024 |
| POLLUTION AND WATER QUALITY | Paddlers | Advised to bathe soon after immersion Made aware of flotsam | Risks higher in spate conditions. Avoid intentional capsizes in poor conditions | 31/03/2024 |
| OTHER WATER USERS | Paddlers and other users | Paddlers instructed to be aware of other water users and how to take appropriate/avoiding action. | Informed as to possible other water users and location | 31/03/2024 |
| BOATS & PWC | Paddlers & Safety team | Paddlers advised to abide by the waterways laws, keeping river right and allowing river cruisers to pass by. | Appropriate skill and awareness information including training | 31/03/2024 |
| EXHAUSTION/FATIGUE | Paddlers and water safety team | Advise paddlers to bring a drink and have eaten an hour before paddling | Water safety team will assist and help them ashore. | 31/03/2024 |
| CAPSIZED CRAFT | Paddlers | Information to be collected on entry of ability. Ask paddlers to look after each other on the water. | Water safety to assist capsized paddlers. | 31/03/2024 |
| WEATHER/WIND | Paddlers & Safety Team | Weather reports checked the day before and on the morning. Advise paddlers of exiting the water should adverse weather conditions approach. | Continuous dynamic risk assessment | 31/03/2024 |
| Wild Animals Eg: Swans | Paddlers | Advise paddlers to maintain distance from all wildlife, especially Swans with their signets. | If a nesting family is close to the start/finish, the paddle will be moved to a different location to protect the animals. | 31/03/2024 |
| Environment | Everyone | Advise everyone to stay on the paths and to prevent minimal damage to the flora and fauna. | Continuous dynamic risk assessment | 31/03/2024 |