BRITISH CANOEING SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR CLUBS AND

Transcription

BRITISHCANOEINGSAFETYGUIDELINES
FORCLUBSANDVOLUNTEERS
BritishCanoeingSafetyGuidelinesforClubsandVolunteers
©BritishCanoeing2014
These Guidelines are the copyright of British Canoeing. All rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced,storedinanyformormeanselectronic,mechanical,filmorotherwisewithoutthepriorpermissionofthe
copyrightOwner.UpdateandUpgradematerialisprotectedonthesamebasis.
Acknowledgements:
PerkinSladeInsurance
PaulDebney–EndsleighInsurance
RobertCunnington
KeithHampton
PublishedandDistributedby:
BritishCanoeing
NationalWaterSportsCentre,
AdboltonLane,
WestBridgford,Nottingham,
NG122LU
Tel:08453709503
©BritishCanoeingSafetyGuidelinesforClubsandVolunteersV2-0
Page2of59
CONTENTS
SECTION1–INTRODUCTION
4
BritishCanoeingSafetyManagementGuidance
5
DutyofCare
7
SECTION2–GUIDETORISKASSESSMENT
10
AGuidetoGenericRiskAssessment
11
AGuidetoRiskManagementandRiskAssessmentinPaddlesport
15
GuidanceNotesonGenericandSite/ActivitySpecificRiskAssessment
17
PaddlesportOperationalConsiderations:Writing,DevelopingandRevisingtheRiskAssessment
20
DynamicRiskAssessmentinPaddlesport:theSafePersonConcept
22
SECTION3–APPENDICES
24
1.BritishCanoeingHealthandSafetyPolicy
26
2.BritishCanoeingInsuranceBriefing
27
3.ClubSafetyReview
29
4.SafetyChecklistforClubActivity
31
5.BritishCanoeingEventSafetyAudit
45
6.BritishCanoeingCompetitionManagement
51
7.ExampleParticipantStatement
54
8.ColdWaterCanKill
55
9.Water-BourneInfectiousDiseases
56
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SECTION1
INTRODUCTION
BRITISHCANOEINGSAFETYMANAGEMENTGUIDANCE
The purpose of this guide is to provide guidance and
supportinmattersofsafetymanagement.AsaNational
GoverningBodyBritishCanoeinghasaresponsibilityfor
health and safety. This guidance provides clubs and
volunteersoperatingandrunningeventsandactivitiesin
thenameofBritishCanoeing,withguidelinestosupport
andensurethesafetyofBritishCanoeingmembersand
members of the public with whom they come into
contact.
At the heart of health and safety and indeed safety
managementingeneralis'RiskAssessment'.Mentionof
thewords'RiskAssessment'conjuresupallsortsofimages
inpeople’sminds,andcentraltothisisoftendreadand
fear. Dread at the mere thought of having to undertake
thework,fearatthethoughtoftheessenceofoursport Theinformationispresentedsothatthepersoncomingto
being eroded by society’s desire to remove risk from thetaskofproducingariskassessmentfromscratchisable
everythingthatmoves.
tounderstandthebasic,essentialbackgroundandtheory,
alongwithtemplateoutlinestoallowthemtoproducean
As a National Governing Body and as a volunteer or club effectiveandlivingdocumenttosupportparticipantsand
officialweneedtoachieveanacceptablebalanceinterms events.
ofsafetymanagement.Itiscleartousallthatwehavea
dutyofcaretootherswithwhomwecomeintocontact.We Section 3 – The Appendices provide some additional
canonlybesurethatwearemeetingthatdutyifwetake information, checklists etc. that may support you in
steps to analyse the risks involved while participating in fulfillingyoursafetyresponsibilities.
canoeingeventsandactivities.
Thoseofyouwhoalreadyhaveaclearunderstandingof
That said we do need to keep things in perspective. As risk assessment may not need to dwell for long on the
volunteers we are all driven by a desire to take part, information presented, however, you may wish to view
compete,orassistothersindoingso,andrightlyso,given thetemplatesinthissection.Thesemayremovesomeof
thatwedoso(inthemain)voluntarilywewishtoseesuch theworkneededtoproduceyourownriskassessmentand
opportunities maximised. Spending lots of time on perhaps importantly for us all, they may assist in
administrationisoftenseenascounterproductiveandas maintaining consistency in their production and ensure
suchnevermakesittothetopoftheUrgentandImportant thatriskassessmentisameanstoanend–notanendin
file. Nonetheless ensuring that we address the issue of itself.
safe participation is important – risk assessment is
fundamentaltothis.Wecankeepitinperspective,ifwe Noteverytypeofcanoeingisa‘risk’activity.Howeverno
understandthefundamentalsofriskassessmentandare adventure sport can ever be totally safe. Respect and
able to be efficient, comprehensive and concise when admirationisduetothosewho,knowingtheirsportand
carryingoutriskassessments.
their abilities, push back the frontiers of feasibility by
tacklingeverhardergradesofwater;orchoosetoexplore
This first section of the document provides a general inwildandlonelyplaces;orundertakesolopaddlingbeit
introductiontoourresponsibilities.Thisshouldhelpyou inoneofthesecontexts,orsimplytofindtheirownlevel
better understand your Duty of Care and what may be ofself-fulfillment.
considerednegligence.
We do not agree with those who regard the occasional
BywayoffurthersupportSection2providesinformation inevitablelossoflifeinthesecircumstancesasdisastrous
onriskassessmentandtherecordingofriskassessments. forthesport.Northatthosewhochoosetheseoutlets–
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knowingwhattheyareat–areactinginanirresponsible BRITISHCANOEINGEVENTS
manner.Farfromit.Theyarekeepingalive,infacttheyare This guidance document provides clubs and volunteers
furthering, the essential spirit in mankind to advance operatingandrunningeventsandactivitiesinthenameof
againsttheelements.
British Canoeing, with guidelines to support and ensure
thesafetyofBritishCanoeingmembersandmembersof
Weare,however,facedwithadilemma.Weallwantand thepublicwithwhomtheycomeintocontact.
demand‘freedom’.Inreality,however,iftheexerciseof
that ‘freedom’ causes us harm, a growing number of In 2015 British Canoeing introduced a number of
peoplethenwanttoapportionblame.Somewouldseek requirements to support event safety. This includes the
recompense against those who permitted or set up the introduction of an Event Safety Workshop, requirement
activity.Themediajoinsinthisprocess.Inconsequence, for the appointment of Event Safety Officers, and the
incidents are distorted beyond recognition, and the introductionofeventauthorisationprocedures.Theseare
dividinglinebetweenfreedomofaction,andresponsible explained further overleaf, and apply to the following
provision,becomesdifficulttodefine.
categoriesofeventsandactivities:
Numerous examples of this process can be cited,
sometimesleadingtoincreasedlegislation.
1.
Some forms of canoeing have an inherent risk factor.
Regrettably,whenatragedydoesoccur,themediatends 2.
to react out of all proportion to the actual very low
incidence of fatalities within the sport. The difficulty for
British Canoeing, as the Governing Body, is to tread the
border zone of taking reasonable precautions, yet
retainingtheadventurousnatureofthoseaspectsofthe
sportwhichcarryanelementofdanger.
Ourorderofpriorityshouldbe:
1.
2.
3.
4.
That no one should lose their life or be seriously
injured,ifthiscouldhavebeenavoidedthroughthe
implementationofsimplewarningsorsafeguards.
Thatthosetakingpartincanoeingareabletodoso
protected and kept safe from harm while they are
with staff, coaches and / or volunteers. This is
particularlytrueinrespectofchildrenandvulnerable
adults.
Thatunnecessaryadversepublicityshouldnotaccrue
to the sport, hastening the day when further
restrictivelegislationmaybeapplied,orgivingexcuse
tothosewhowouldevennowuseanyreasontobar
ouractivity.
Thatwherereasonablypossible,groundsforaclaim
thatwouldinvokeourinsurancepolicybeavoided,in
ordertoensurethecontinuanceofthisbenefitasa
final compensation to an injured party, at a
reasonablecosttothemembership.
3.
BritishCanoeingEvents:Theseeventswillhavedirect
funding and resource support from British Canoeing
or Home Nation Association. Such events might
includeaWorldCup/Championship.
Discipline Committee Events: These events have a
significant relationship with a discipline committee,
normally advertised by British Canoeing or Home
Nation, for example Divisional slalom events, tours.
Some are run directly by the Discipline Committee
while others are run by a club on behalf of the
DisciplineCommittee.
ClubEvents:TheseareClubeventsinvolvingnonclub
members. Such events are self-sufficient within the
club and do not have any support, funding, or
promotion by British Canoeing or Home Nation
disciplinecommittee.
CoachingactivitydeliveredwithinthescopeoftheBritish
CanoeingCoachingTermsofReferenceisnotconsidered
tobean'event'withinthesedefinitions.
Events organised by ad-hoc groups of members are not
‘BritishCanoeingEvents’unlessspecificapplicationismade
forthemtobesorecognised,andagreementisreceivedin
writingfromBritishCanoeingortherelevantHomeNation
Association.
TheinclusionofeventsontheBritishCanoeingCalendar
ortheirnotificationinBritishCanoeingPublicationsdoes
not, in itself, imply British Canoeing recognition or
indemnity under British Canoeing’s Liability Insurance
Policy.
Those running canoeing events and activities are asked
therefore, to take such reasonable precautions as are
practicableinthelightofthesepriorities.
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EVENTSAFETYWORKSHOPS
➤ Ensuringthatariskassessmentoftheevent/activity
Inordertosupportclubsandcanoeingactivityatalllevels
hastakenplacetoestablishthatanyplannedactivity
BritishCanoeinghasdevelopedaworkshopthathighlights
oreventisindeedsafeandreasonable.
‘duty of care’ issues and offers simple and effective
solutionstomanagesafety.Thefocusoftheworkshopis ➤ That any identified hazard can be controlled, that
toraiseawarenessofsafetymanagementanddutyofcare
monitoring activities for the event/activity are in
issuesastheyaffectclubsandcommittees,bothintheir
place,andthatestablishedcutoffproceduresarein
normal everyday activities and also when they may run
place.
events. The workshop provides guidance and support to
mitigate responsibilities using the concept of an ➤ Givingfactualinformationtoparticipantsconcerning
‘activity/event span of control’ to bring simple well
theparticularnatureofanyhazardswhichmayexist.
organisedsolutionsthatpeoplecanunderstandandapply
This could be by way of ensuring access to and
duringeventhemostcomplexprocess.
knowledge of the British Canoeing Statement of
Participation.
APPOINTMENTOFSAFETYOFFICERS
BritishCanoeingrequireallclubsrunningclubevents(as
described above) to appoint a safety officer and put in
place procedures to ensure the management of event
safety appropriate to the level of events that they
run. Whilst Discipline committees must appoint two
SafetyOfficerstosupportthecommitteeinthefulfilment
of their event safety responsibilities. Safety Officers are
required to attend the event safety workshop described
above.
AUTHORISATIONOFEVENTS
➤ Ensuring that each participant has signed an
acknowledgment of risk. See Example Participant
StatementinAppendix7.
These actions do not absolve the organiser/s from their
responsibility to undertake reasonable precautions, nor
does it remove the participant’s right in law to sue for
damagesshouldnegligencebeinvolved.Itdoes,however,
affirmthattheattentionofthepersonhasbeendrawnto
thehazardousnatureoftheactivity,ifsuchisinvolved.
BritishCanoeingrequireeventstobeauthorisedasbelow: ➤ Ensuring safe Codes of Practice that cover all
reasonablemeasurestoprotectallthosetakingpart
1. British Canoeing Events: Authorisation of major
incanoeingactivitieskeepingthemsafe.
events is the responsibility of the British Canoeing
SeniorManagementTeamorhomenationBoard.
➤ The wearing of buoyancy aids and crash helmets is
2. Discipline Committee Events: Require authorisation
considered the norm where ‘white water’ or the
bytheDisciplineCommittee(withsupportfromtheir
shootingofweirs,isinvolved.Indeeditismandatory
appointedSafetyOffer).
insomecompetitiveevents.
3. Club Events: Require authorisation by the Club
Committee(withsupportfromtheirappointedSafety
➤ Participationshouldbelimitedtothosewhodeclare
Offer).
themselves competent to handle the conditions,
taking into account the type and amount of safety
cover it is practical to provide at sites of particular
SAFETYPRINCIPLES
difficulty.
Thereisaresponsibilityinlawfororganisersofactivities
to see that reasonable precautions are undertaken to
➤ Safety and rescue craft/personnel should be
ensurethesafetyofparticipants.
considered as part of the risk management
procedures put in place. Suitable safety cover for
Whereobvioushazardsexist,therefore,itisexpectedthat
eventsinvolvingweirsorrapidsofparticulardifficulty
organisers will undertake to identify and take such
couldrangefromhavingreliable,competentpaddlers
precautions as seem appropriate and reasonable in the
strategically placed, to having trained bank-side
circumstances to provide for the safety of organizers,
rescuepartiesordiversonhand.
volunteersandparticipants.
Thesecouldinclude:
OTHERPROBLEMS
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Where electrical or mechanical apparatus is used in the SPECIALISTCOMMITTEERESPONSIBILITIES
running of an event/activity, care should be taken to Each Specialist Committee should keep under review its
ensure that it is operated in accordance with the guidelines regarding the provision of safety precautions
manufacturer’srecommendations.
whichitconsidersreasonableforitsparticulardiscipline.
DUTYOFCARE
Included here is a very general and basic view of 3.3. Your neighbours are those people whom, if you
negligence. It sets out and hopefully answers the
thoughtaboutitmightbeinjuredbyyournegligent
questions that you ought to be asking. The term ‘injury’
actsandomissions.
used herein means primarily physical injury and
Forexample:-
consequentialfinanciallosses.
a)Whendrivingamotorcaryourneighbourswould
include:-
1. WHERE DOES NEGLIGENCE FIT INTO OUR SOCIAL
-anypassengersinyourcar
FABRIC?
-otherroadusers,driversandtheirpassengers
1.1. Allofusunderstandthatdeliberatelycausinginjury
-pedestrians,cyclistsetc.
toothersisacriminaloffenceordinarilyresultingin
-ownersofpropertyadjoiningtheroad
punishmentoftheperpetrator.
b) Anyone for whom you have accepted
1.2. Allofusunderstandthatsomeinjuriesareaccidental,
responsibility(seelaterfortheeffectofbeinga
i.e.thecircumstancesgivingrisetothemarewholly
groupleader/club’sofficer).
unforeseeable. No one is responsible. No 3.4. The Duty of Care requires you to consider the
compensationispayable.
consequences of your acts and omissions and to
1.3. In between those two ends of the spectrum are
ensurethatthoseactsand/oromissionsdonotgive
‘negligent acts’, i.e. they are not deliberate, but the
risetoaforeseeableriskofinjurytoanyotherperson.
injuryisforeseeable.Thenegligentpersonwillnotbe
Clearly,oneisnotexpectedtoguaranteethesafety
punished, however, the injured party may seek
ofothers,merelytoactreasonably.
financialcompensationasaresult.Thecompensation 3.5. In short, all of us owe a duty not to injure other
ispaidbytheindividualwhohascausedthelossand
peoplebyournegligentactsandomissionsandthat
couldamounttomillionsofpounds!
isanindividualdutywhicheachofusoweallofthe
timetoour‘neighbours’.
2. WHATDOESITDO?
2.1. Thesystemofrulesisdesignedtodetermineinany 4. DOES ORDINARY MEMBERSHIP OF A CLUB OR
incidentorinjurywhetherthenegligentactactually
SOCIETYAFFECTMYORDINARYDUTYOFCARE?
causedinjury,whethercompensationshouldbepaid, 4.1. Notusually.Youstillowetheindividualdutyofcare
andifso,howmuch.
to your neighbours. However, the people who are
your ‘neighbours’ might alter and/or increase to
3. HOWDOESITAFFECTME?
include other club members and others with whom
3.1. Eachofusowesa‘DutyofCare’toour‘neighbours’
you may now come into contact as a result of
not to cause them injury by our negligent acts and
membershipofthatclub.
omissions.
3.2. Inordertosatisfyor‘discharge’thatdutyofcareyou
must behave as a ‘reasonable person’ would, but
takingintoaccountyourspecificskill,knowledgeand
experience. For example, a ‘reasonable’ nonmedically qualified ‘rescuer’ might be forgiven a
medical mistake which a reasonable qualified
paramedicwouldbeexpectednottomake.
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5.
WILLBEINGAGROUPLEADEROFACLUBOROTHER
ACTIVITYALTERMYORDINARYDUTYOFCARE?
5.1. It may do. As a group leader (or team captain) you
have accepted the responsibility of leading others.
You owe them a duty to ensure that they are not
exposedtoaforeseeableriskofinjuryasfarasyou
reasonablycan.
5.2. Itshouldbenotedthatonanyoutingwhereagroup
leaderhasnotbeenappointedthemostexperienced
and or qualified person there ought reasonably to
interveneandatleastadviseifaforeseeableriskof
injuryarises.
6. WILLACCEPTINGOFFICEINACLUBAFFECTMYDUTY
OFCARE?
6.1. Yes,itmaywelldoso.Ifyouacceptapositionyouare
likely to agree to carry out certain functions which
may affect the safety of others both inside and
outsidetheclub.Youareacceptingresponsibilityand
youmustfulfilthosedutiestothebestofyourability
without negligence. That is, you must not create a
foreseeable risk of injury and you must take
reasonablestepstodealwithanyforeseeableriskof
injurywhichexistsorarises.
Forexample:ifyouagreetobetheequipmentofficer
you must make reasonable inspections of the
equipmenttoseethatitisreasonablysafe.
7. CONCLUSION
7.1. The law of negligence seeks to ensure that as
individuals we are responsible for our actions and
inactions,andthatweconsiderthosewhomightbe
injuredbythoseactsandomissions.
7.2. The actual standard varies according to an
individual’sskillandexperience,andrequiresusallto
behavereasonably.
7.3. It is not possible to lay down golden rules which if
followed will prelude the possibility of a successful
civil claim. However, behaving responsibly and
consideratelyislikelytomeanthatnoinjurywillbe
occasionedinthefirstplace.
7.4. Thesafetynetthatweallhopewewillneverneedis
liability insurance. If a compensation claim is
successfully brought then this insurance should pay
out. Please see Appendix 2 for details regarding
insurance cover provided for British Canoeing
members.
©P.J. Debney, Partner, Cartwright and Lewis, Solicitors
1998. Sponsored by The Student Activities Safety
Association.
Page9of59
SECTION2
GUIDETORISKASSESSMENTS
AGUIDETOGENERICRISKASSESSMENT
INTRODUCTION
It is incumbent on all those promoting and offering
sportingandadventuretrainingopportunitiestolookafter
all persons, whether they are participants, instructors,
supportstaff,volunteersorobservers,toensure,sofaras
isreasonablypracticable,theirhealthsafetyandwelfare.
The sports, recreation and activities sector has clear
awareness of the need to provide personal challenge
through sporting activities, whilst at the same time
tempering this against the need for effective safety
management. The sector can demonstrate a good track
record in this respect through its providers, lead bodies, Sportingactivitiesareoftenwellregulatedinthisrespect
councilsandclubs.
butassociatedandconsequentialactivities,whichmight
include social and fundraising events, prize giving,
Despitethistherehasbeenanumberofseriousaccidents downtime between sporting events and heats, travel,
‘offthefield’,whichhasdemonstratedthatmorecouldbe and tournaments by teams and individuals, are not
done to manage safety on the social side of sporting always considered in respect to common and civil law
activity where there is no less a ‘duty of care’. This dutyofcare.
Guidanceaimstohighlightthisissueandoffersimpleand
effectivesolutionswiththeaimofreducingrisk.
This duty encompasses all persons who might be
associatedwithactivities,whethersportorsocialrelated,
WHATISINITFORTHESPORTS
such as participants, spectators, coaches, instructors,
INDUSTRY?
volunteers, contractors, visitors and guests, and also
Seriousaccidentscanbelifechangingnotonlyforthose membersofthepublic.
sufferinginjurybutforthosehavingtodealwithincidents.
They often damage the reputation of the sporting IntermsofcriminalliabilitytheHealthandSafetyatWork
organisation and can result in less participation and etc.Act1974,Section2,statesthat:
supportwherethereisperceivedlackofcontrol.Thereare
consequential increasing insurance premiums for
“itshallbethedutyofeveryemployertoensure,so
everyone, which are especially difficult for those
far as is reasonably practicable, to protect the
organisations struggling to maintain adequate funding.
health,safetyandwelfareofallhisemployees”
Accidentscanmeanlossforeveryoneinvolved.Thereare
few, if any, accidents that can be considered ‘just bad ItisalsoanabsolutedutyundertheManagementofHealth
luck’,‘unfortunate’ortheresultoffollyandnegligenceof andSafetyatWorkRegulations,foremployerstocarryout
the individual. The vast majority of accidents can be assessmentsoftherisksinworkplacesundertheircontrol.
effectivelyprevented.
This guidance recommends that all aspects of sporting
activities,includingthosementionedabove,areeffectively
DUTYOFCARE
managedthroughtheriskassessmentprocess.
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According to HSE “Health and safety law does not
generally apply to volunteers running a club with no
employees,unlesstheclubhasresponsibilityforpremises
likeaclubhouseorplayingfields”.Furtheradviceisavailable
fromwww.hse.gov.uk.
RECENTSERIOUSACCIDENTS–ANEW
TREND
In recent years there has been a trend toward serious
accidentsinactivitiesassociatedwith,butnotasadirect
consequence of, sporting activities. These serious
accidentshaveresultedinlifechanginginjuriesandmultimillionpoundsettlementclaims.Thedistresscausedtoall
thoseinvolvedincludingtheorganisersandsportsbody,
hasalsobeenconsiderable.
Inmostcasesitwasfeltthatmorecouldhavebeendone
to prevent these incidents, adding to the stress and
anxietyofthoseinvolved.Shouldthistrendcontinueitis
possible that the associated sports could suffer, and
further compound the calls for more draconian safety
measures which recent reports such as the Lord Young
Reviewhavebeentryingtoresist.
TheLordYoungReviewemphasisestheneedforareturn
to‘commonsense’andhighlightsthatnotallaccidentscan
beblamedonsomeone,andaccidentsshouldnotalways
result in someone paying compensation. It is hoped in
time that this approach will be clarified by future court
decisions.
The potential for contributory negligence must be
acknowledged for those suffering injury as a result of
accidents where event/activity organisers can
demonstrate that they did all that is reasonably
practicable to prevent accidents. Such contributory
negligence is likely to affect the opportunity for
compensation claims, especially if there is evidence of
failure by the claimant to follow safety measures and
instructionsrequiredbysupervisorystaff.
Insurance underwriters will cover all reasonable
compensation claims under its policies but expects a
reasonable level of supervision and management of
activities outside of the core sporting activity. This will
enablethestrongestpossibledefenceofclaimswhenthis
isdeemedappropriate.
Theseincidentshaveincommontheiroccurrenceduring EFFECTIVECONTROLMEASURES
‘downtime’ outside of the sporting /adventure training SUPERVISION
activity.Contributingfactorsinclude:
All activities associated with sports, recreation need a
reasonablelevelofsupervisorymanagementandcontrol.
1. Alcohol
Supervisorsmaybedesignatedinstructors,volunteersor
2. Bravadoandbadbehaviour
supportstaff.
3. Environmental hazard not appreciated as risks
e.g.watercourses
Theymusthavethestrengthofcharacterandauthorityto
4. Circumstances not thought to need control or be able to intervene at appropriate times to control
supervision
bravado or adverse behaviour which might lead to
accidents. They need training or briefing to be able to
They differ in cause but their common opportunities for applyeffectivemanagementtotheactivity.Theywillbe
preventionarethreefold:
aware of the key hazards and risks associated with the
event/activity.Apersoninthisroleisactingonbehalfof
➤ Acceptanceoftheresponsibilityforriskofinjury theclubororganisationandindelegatingyourauthority
extendsbeyondcoresportingactivities
forthisdutyyoumustensuretheindividualsknowwhatis
➤ Effective control of those involved through expected of them. They must be briefed and have full
supervision by suitably briefed and responsible awarenessofthemainhazardsandrisksidentifiedforthe
persons
event/activity in question. If you fail in this key task the
➤ Theneedforsimpleriskassessmentincommon possibilitytheevent/activitywillrunsafelyislikelytobe
withnormalsafetymanagementpractice
moreduetogoodfortunethangoodplanning.
Ifthesemeasuresweretobeeffectivelyappliedthen
itismorelikelythatthemajorityofseriousaccidents
couldbeprevented.
SAFEENVIRONMENT
Environmental factors which might contribute to
accidents outside of sporting activities are many and
varied. They might include topographical features
outdoors such as elevated locations, nearby roads and
Page12of59
trafficorrailways,watercoursesincludingrivers,canals,
lakesandpondsandunderwaterhazardsincludingdepth,
flow/current/tides,mudbanksetc.Theweatheralsohasa
role to play whether travelling to venues or events or
hostingevents/activitiesinextremesofheatandcold.The
potential effects of altitude might be a further
consideration.
Where premises are used hazards might include physical
conditions in respect to maintenance and design, lighting
levels,extremechangesinlevelandprotectionmeasures,
capacity issues and fire precautions, including means of
escape considerations, window safety, balconies and
glazingissuesetc.Thelistisnotexhaustive.Muchdepends
on the social activities planned and the potential hazards
andrisksevident.Muchofitshouldbecommonsense.
ALCOHOLCHALLENGES
Itisrecognisedthatclub,tourandeventactivitiescanoften
becentredonsocialisingandrelaxingwithalcohol.Safety
risks are compounded by inhibition and over-indulgence,
and when combined with key risks such as water course,
fallsfromheightandotheroftenobvioushazards,theycan
bealethalcombination.
Thekeyissuewhichcanresultinseriousaccidentsisthe
combinationeffectofalcohol,unforeseenenvironmental
factorsandthefailuretoplanortheeffectofachangeof
plan. Impromptu activities which often end up poorly
managedandsupervisedarealsoarecipeforincidents.It
should be acknowledged that the vast majority will not
result in any incident causing injury but a few minutes
thoughtbysomeonewithexperiencewilloftenmakethe
differenceinkeepingallactivitiessafe.
Anassessmentisnomorethanacarefulexaminationof
whatconditionsorpracticescouldcauseharmtopeople.
Adequate assessments will enable you to determine if
sufficientprecautionshavebeentakenorifmorecanbe
done to prevent harm. The aim of assessments is to
preventinjuryorillness.
ACTIONPLAN
Onceallthehazardsandriskshavebeentakenaccountof
it is essential that a clear and simple plan should be
developedwhichformsthebasisofprotectingeveryone
involved in the event/activity. This will need to take
accountoffirstaidandresponsetoanyincidentshouldit
beneeded.Allsupervisorystaffmustbeapprisedofitand
theirroleandresponsibilityincaseofincidents.
Designatedsupervisorsmustanticipateandrecognisethis
potential and do their utmost to support responsible
behaviourandresponsibledrinking.
RiskAssessmentisthekeytoensuringhazards,personsatriskandcontrolmeasuresareidentified
andimplemented.
HOWTOASSESSTHERISKSINACTIVITIESASSOCIATEDWITHSPORT
Therearefivebasicsteps:
Lookforthehazards
Ignorethetriviaandconcentrateonsignificanthazardse.g.potentialfor
falls from height, water courses, crowd control, barriers, separation of
traffic,potentialforpowerfailure,electricalhazards,equipmentfixedto
preventcollapse,alcoholuseincombinationwithabove,etc.
Decidewhomaybeharmedandhow
Participants, instructors, volunteers, visitors and guests, cleaners,
contractors,membersofthepublic.
Evaluatetherisks
Consider how likely it is that each hazard could cause harm. Decide
whether,afterallprecautionshavebeentaken,significantrisksremain
andwhethertheexistingprecautionsareadequate.Forexamplelevelof
supervision,adequatebriefing,etc.
Page13of59
Recordfindings
TheRiskAssessmentmustbesuitableandsufficient.Inadditionasimple
record of most important and key findings will demonstrate efforts to
preventaccidentsandsupportthereviewtheassessments.
Reviewassessmentandrevise
itifnecessary
Wherethereisachangeofcircumstances,forexamplechangeofvenue
ofdeterioratingweatherconditionsorinthelightofexperience
Note1:Seeoverleafforanexampleriskassessment
Note2:Reviewproceduresmustbeinplacetoensuretheriskassessmentdoesnotbecomeout-of-date.
CONSIDERATIONSFORASSESSMENTOFRISK–EXAMPLEAWARDSPRESENTATION
Hazard
Whomightbeharmed?
Istheriskadequately
controlled
• Lookforhazardsthatyou
couldreasonablyexpectto
resultinsignificantharm.
Usethefollowingexamples
asaguide.
There is no need to list
individuals by name – just
think about groups of people
undertaking similar roles or
whomightbeaffectede.g.
Have you already taken
precautions against the risks
from the hazards you listed?
For example, have you
considered:
• Capacityofvenue,
permittednumbers
• Organisers,coaches,
instructors,stewardsand
volunteers
• Keyhazardsassociated
withvenuetoprevent
accidents
• Participants
• Adequateexperienced
supervision
• Environmenthazards
includingwatercourses,
topography,fallsfrom
height,etc.
• Vehicleaccessandcarpark
safety,lighting
• Slipping/tripping/falling
hazards(e.g.poorly
maintainedfloorsorstairs,
poorlighting)
• Fireprecautions,including
meansofescape
• Venuesetup;useof
contractors
• Potentialforactivityat
height(e.g.mezzanine
flooruse,show
activities/effects)
• Electricitycapacity,
protection,anduse
• Useoffireworks/smoke/
lasers/lightingandother
effects
• Manualhandling
• Attendeesespeciallyyoung
personsandthosewith
specialneeds
• Clearbriefing,information,
instruction
• Venuestaff/maintenance
personnel
• Emergencyplanproperly
communicated
• Contractors
• Adequatesystemsor
procedures
Payparticularattentionto:
• Staffwithspecialneeds
Dotheprecautions:
• Peoplewithchallenging
behaviour
• Meetthestandardsetbya
legalrequirement?
• Visitors/Guests/
Celebrities
• Complywitharecognised
industrystandard?
• Inexperiencedoryoung
volunteersandstaff
• Representgoodpractice?
Whatfurtheractionis
necessarytocontrolthe
risk?
What more could you
reasonably do for those risks
which you found were not
adequatelycontrolled?
You will need to give priority
to those risks which affect
largenumbersofpeopleand/
or could result in serious
harm. Apply the principles
below when taking further
action, if possible in the
followingorder:
• Removetherisk
completely
• Tryalessriskyoptione.g.
changevenue
• Preventaccesstothe
hazard(e.g.bybarriers)
• Organiseactivitiesto
reduceexposuretothe
hazard
• Restrictalcohol,clarifyof
‘outofbounds’areas
• Reducerisksasfarasis
reasonablypracticable?
If so then the risks are
adequatelycontrolledbutyou
may need to indicate the
precautionsyouhaveinplace.
Youmayrefertoprocedures,
manuals, organisation rules
etc.
• Seatingarrangements,
stands,terracedseating,
gangways,etc.
• Alcohol;availability,
openingtimes,service
methods
Page14of59
• Possibilityofunauthorised
access
PerkinsSladeIntelligentInsurance
Page15of59
AGUIDETORISKMANAGEMENTAND
RISKASSESSMENTINPADDLESPORT
Tomanythementionofthetermriskassessmentconjures
upfeelingsofdreadandconcernthattheessenceofour
sportisbeingtakenawaybysociety’sdesiretoremoverisk
fromeverythingthatwedo.Redtape,anextrahurdleto
jumpjusttogetoutandpaddle,orapieceoffrightening
legislation,whateveryourview,andaswithanyseemingly
new development or change, we have to keep things in
perspective.
➤ Riskassessmentsarenowaneverydayoccurrence
bothintheworkplaceandintheoutdoors.
SITE/ACTIVITYSPECIFICRISK
ASSESSMENT
Specific events/activities, should be risk assessed to
ensurethatthoseparticipatingintheactivitiescandoso
safely, and in order that the organisers/volunteers meet
thedutyofcaretheycarrytomakethisso.Undertaking
this task may therefore require the risk assessment of
particular activities, specific sites, or indeed particular in
riverfeaturesorstructures.
DYNAMICRISKMANAGEMENT(SAFE
PERSONCONCEPT)
➤ Their purpose is to identify potential hazards, Theongoingassessmentswemakethroughoutthedayor
calculate the risk and try to omit or reduce that throughout a session, are referred to as ‘the Dynamic
risktoanacceptablelevel.
Management of Risk’. This is an alternative/addition to
generic risk assessment. Dynamic risk assessment is a
➤ Riskassessmentdoesn’thavetobecomplicated, continuous process of identifying hazards. The risk is
timeconsumingandonerous.
assessedandactiontakentoeliminateorreducerisk.In
thiswaywearecontinuallymonitoringandreviewingthe
➤ Risk assessments are second nature for rapidlychangingcircumstanceswithinpaddlesport.
experiencedcoachesandinstructors.
Events and activities often take place in POTENTIALLY
➤ Any perceived cultural change requiring that risk hazardous environments and situations. This is because
assessmentstakeplaceisfalse–theonlychange organisers (and participants) are prepared to accept
is the fact that we are now required to produce reasonablelevelsofriskinordertoprovide(takepartin)
writtenriskassessments.
adventurous and interesting experiences. Everyone
involvedmust,however,seektominimisetherisk.
Thereareanumberoflevelsofriskassessment:
GENERICRISKASSESSMENT
Genericriskassessmentisimportantbecauseitformalises
our thinking and gives consistency to the way an
organisationworksoranevent/activitymighttakeplace.
Thedisadvantageofagenericriskassessment,writtenfor
everyone, is that it can become static and forgotten in
practice.Itmaybereadasprescribedbyasupervisorbut
forgottenduringtheevent/activity.
Suchriskassessmentsareuseful,fortheinexperienced,in
managingtheunexpectedorcanhelpensureconsistency
whenthesametriporeventisrunregularlyorbydifferent
people.Theyofferbasiccoreprinciples,whichcanthenbe
applied and adapted. They can encourage a more
proactive approach to preparation, through training and
equipmentthatmightbecarried.
From an outdoor activity point of view dynamic risk
management and assessment should always be
complementary to any established generic risk
assessment. Arguably as paddlers (in the context of
paddler, coach, leader, organiser, volunteer or official),
our individual experience and developed understanding
and awareness of the environment in which we paddle
Page16of59
providesuswiththejudgmentskillstomake'dynamic'on- WHOSHOULDUNDERTAKEGENERIC
the-move decisions relating to both our own and the RISKASSESSMENTS?
safetyofothers.
Thiswouldbeanappropriatepersonappointedbyvirtue
of their overall experience to make risk assessment
That said, however, and given that dynamic risk judgments. A practitioner can bring a background of
assessments are often not written down, a clearer experience,trainingandqualificationstotherole.Itcould
understandingoftheconsciousandsubconsciousanalysis be that external assistance is sought to undertake such
ofriskthatgoesoninsuchcircumstancesisimportant.
work. Whatever route you choose it is important to
remember, particularly from the point of view of the
Further details of dynamic risk assessment and its 'safe volunteer, that risk assessments are based on core
person’conceptsareavailableonpage22.
principles established on reasonable knowledge and
reasonableaction.
WHICHTYPEOFRISKASSESSMENT?
Again,withoutraisingconcern,itispossiblethatyoumay, HOWSHOULDIRECORDGENERICRISK
depending on the purpose behind your risk assessment, ASSESSMENTS?
needtoconsideroneapproach,twooutofthethreeora Whiletherearenumerouswaysofrecordinggenericrisk
combinationofallthreetypes.
assessmentsitisimportantthatwrittenriskassessments
areclearandconcise,andthattheyare'living'documents.
You may be simply undertaking a risk assessment for Normalpracticefollowsthefivestepsmethodpromoted
yourself.Equallyyoumayundertakeariskassessmentas by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). If you require
a person in charge of others, club officer, employer or furtherinformationandguidelinestohelpyouunderstand
employee.
genericriskassessmentsandhowtowritethempleasesee
thefollowingsectionoverleaf.
To help you we will look in detail at each approach and
identifywhentheymightbebestused.
FORFURTHERINFORMATION
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have a wealth of
Wherewehavegoneintodetailpleaseappreciatethatthis resourcesregardingmanagementofhealthandsafetyand
istohelpgainacompleteandthoroughunderstandingof risk assessment. Please see www.hse.gov.uk, or the HSE
risk assessment. The key points to bear in mind, with InfoLine–tel.:08453450055.
examples, are provided, as are actual risk assessment
modelsforavarietyoftypicalsituations.
Page17of59
GUIDANCENOTESONGENERICANDSITE
/ACTIVITYSPECIFICRISKASSESSMENT
Theseguidancenotesareintendedasaresourceforthe
personwhoisresponsibleforfacilitatingtheproduction
of a written risk assessment. It should be remembered
that the HSE consider that the competent person in
chargeismoreimportantthanawrittenriskassessment
becauseitistheywhoareinthebestpositiontoassess
therisksatthattime,asitistheywhoareintheactual
environment.Assuchtheyareabletoact‘dynamically’,
to assess the risk and immediately implement a
‘controlling’ action. Also, they have the ability to
constantlyreviewtheriskassessmentastheconditions
alter-whichclearlytheydoinpaddlesportactivity.Itis
clearlyvitalthatthosedeemedtobecompetenttotake
charge of events/activities have appropriate
qualifications,experienceandtraining.
of risk assessment is centred around making good risk
assessments on the basis of the conditions presented,
rather than being limited or constrained by a written
format.Therefore,awrittenriskassessmentisaguideto
‘reasonable steps’ to be taken in identifying, assessing,
controlling and monitoring risk from hazards; it not
intendedtosupersededecision-makingbythepeopleon
theground–onlytohelpinform.
Thefollowingrationaleisbasedonthe‘HealthandSafety
Executive(HSE)‘FiveStepstoRiskAssessment’document
1997.Thisdocumentshouldbereadinconjunctionwith
thisrationale.
RISK
is defined as the ‘chance’, great or small,
thatsomeonewillbeharmedbyahazard.
Itisimportantthatthewrittenriskassessmentdoesnot
become‘self-important’,indeeditisvitalthateducation
HAZARD
isdefinedasanythingthatcancauseharm.
Risk assessment is concerned with the identification of significant hazards which exist, and the reasonable
precautions(CONTROLS)thataresubsequentlyputinplace,inanefforttominimiserisktoparticipants,clients,
staffandthepublic.
GENERICPADDLESPORTHAZARDSANDRISKS
Within paddlesport / outdoor activity there are generic risks associated with the actual type of paddlesport being
undertakene.g.seakayaking, whitewaterkayaking,etc.Also,therearesitespecificrisksassociatedwiththeactual
activitylocationbeingused.
Genericriskscanbeidentifiedasfollows:
Genericrisk
Drowning
Hypothermia–hyperthermia
Overtakenbydarkness
Activity
Sea,lakes
Surf
Whitewater
River,sea,lake,
canal,pooI
Genericrisk
Gettinglost
Collision
Head/spinalinjury
Entrapment
Diagram1:genericrisksforthetypeofpaddlesportactivityundertaken
Page18of59
SITE/ACTIVITYSPECIFICRISKASSESSMENT
Site specific risks are really quite unique to a specific location– given the overall range of other factors which may
possiblyprevailonthatlocation.Thefollowinglistisonlyaguidetostimulatethoughtonthisarea.
Sea/Lakes
Localwinds,rip-currents,effectoftide,waterquality,launching/landingareas,difficult
access: cliffs, dense vegetation. Local creatures: crocodiles, weaver fish. Obstacles:
groynes,outflowpipes,dams,sandbanks,ships.Otherwaterusers:jetskis.
Surf
Local winds, rip-currents, effect of tide. Types of break: beach, bar, reef or other.
Launching/landing areas. Other water users. Obstacles: groynes, piers. Water quality:
sewageoutfallpipes.Localcreatures:jellyfish.
WhiteWater
Weirs,bridges,stanchions,piers.Geologytype:limestone(footentrapments).Features:
angular or rounded boulders (broaching potential). Boulders, undercuts, siphons, etc.
Flood characteristics of river/catchment area. Depth of water, constrictions, specific
rapids. Other water users. Local creatures: hippopotamus. Launching/landing points,
gorges,densevegetation.Waterquality:oldmineworkingsleakingintotheriver.
River,Sea,Lake,Canal
Water quality. Pollution: trashed cars, bacteria, litter, effluent, etc. Other water users.
Launching/landing areas: restrictions in canalised sections. Water obstacles. Local
weatherconditions.Tidesandcurrents.
Pool
Waterquality.Conditionofpool.Exit/entrypoints,depthareaswithinpool.Emergency
doors in the event of a fire or for paramedic access. Polo: consider the nature of the
physicalcontactelementbetweenparticipants,particularlysofttissueinjuries.
Diagram2:sitespecificrisks–somefactorswhichmaypresentasignificantrisk
WHATCONSTITUTESAPADDLESPORT
RISK?
It is important to be realistic about risk assessment in
paddlesport activity; therefore it is sensible to identify
only the significant hazard(s) which are present in the
actualactivityandthechancesofthesebeingharmful(i.e.
a risk.) Diagram 2 highlights some possible site specific
risks.Thislistisbynomeansexhaustive;itspurposeisto
stimulatethought.AsisthecasewithDiagram1,onlythe
significant risks have been identified, likewise when
undertaking a site specific risk assessment; look only for
hazards which you could reasonably expect to result in
significantharmundertheconditionsandcircumstances
ofyourworkplace(i.e.activitysite.)
EXPECTATIONSOFACTIVITY
It should be expected by those taking part in any
paddlesport activity that such things as blisters, fatigue,
bumpsandbruises,forexample,are‘normal’occurrences
and do not constitute a risk within the context of risk
assessment. This point should be highlighted during the
pre-activity briefing, so that clients are aware of this.
Consequently, these factors would not form part of a
writtenriskassessment.
TheexampleRiskAssessmentRecordshownonpage19,
showswhatmightbeincludedintherelevantsection.
TAKINGACCOUNTOFTHEVARIABLES
WhiletheHSE5StepstoRiskAssessmentmodelisavery
useful model and provides a good basis for us to work
fromthenatureofoursport,andthevariouseventsand
circumstanceswemayhavetoriskassess,suggeststhat
it would be useful to consider a few other factors. In
addition to following the 5 steps guide as discussed
earlier you will note that it may also be appropriate to
'proportionalise’therisk(s)byidentifyingorcategorising
particular risk(s) in terms of Probability over Severity,
andalsoallowsfora'controlvariance'.
Establishing the high, medium or low risk potential of a
particular hazard can assist in establishing a reasonable
levelofcontrolforthatrisk.
Anexampleofthismightbewhereariskassessmentfora
sprint race was being prepared. As with any risk
assessmentinvolvingon-wateractivitiesdrowningwould
have to be reflected within the overall assessment. If
drowningwasdeemedmediumtohighriskaBuoyancyAid
islikelytobeachosencontrolmeasure.However,ifitwas
Page19of59
a lower risk scenario (e.g. within the boundaries of a writtenriskassessmentisoftenundertakenandkeptfor
closed regatta lake) alternative precautions, such as eachspecificsiteused,andmaycoverarangeofsimilar
Powerboatcover,maybechoseninstead.
activitiestakingplacethere.Whilethatisnottosaythat
there will not be variables to consider on each separate
Anotherexamplethatcouldbecoveredinthiswaymight occasion, this should be precisely where the person
be where certain recognised water levels or flow rates responsibleusesacombinationofapproachestomonitor
affect access to certain waterways. For example, and maintain safety, e.g. an established generic risk
controllingauthoritiesonanartificialwhitewatercourse assessmentidentifyingthesignificanthazardswhichexist
mayhavesetlevelsandratestofitdifferent‘userprofiles', and allowing the pre-planning of reasonable controls,
with different requirements in place in different supported by an ongoing 'dynamic' appraisal of the
conditions.
activity,people,environmentandweather.
DOINEEDTORISKASSESSALL
EVENTS/ACTIVITIES?
This would include the risks generic to the type of
paddlesportundertakeninrelationtothesitespecificrisks
The level of detail and formalisation of risk assessments to be encountered. Thus adequate control measures I
shouldbeproportionatetothelevelofrisk.Typicallysite further control action if necessary, can be identified to
andmajoreventriskassessmentsareformallyrecorded.A reducetherisktoacceptablelevels.
EXAMPLEOFRISKASSESSMENTRECORD
OPERATOR:
ADDRESS:
TEL:
DATEOFASSESSMENT:
ASSESSMENTREVIEWDATE:
SIGNED:
DATE:
ACTIVITY:
Flat water kayaking, intro session
(May–Aug)
HAZARD
WHOMIGHTBE
HARMED?
Drowning
(genericrisk)
Staff
Hypothermia
(genericrisk)
Staff
Clients
Clients
LOCATION/SITE:
ISTHERISKADEQUATELYCONTROLLED?
WHATFURTHERACTIONIS
NECESSARYTOCONTROLTHERISK?
Buoyancyaidstobewornatalltimesonthe
water.BAscomplywithCEAstandards.BAs
andKayaksundergomonitoringtostandards
laidoutinBritishCanoeingguidelines.Staffare
BritishCanoeingqualified.
Allclientsgivenpre-sessionbriefing–
actionintheeventofacapsize.
Coachchecksthatthebuoyancyaids
arecorrectlyfittedandfastened.
Allstaff/clientstowearwarmclothingas
appropriate.Wetsuitlong-johnscanbeissued
atthediscretionoftheinstructorinchargeof
thesession.Allstaff/clientsareissuedwitha
waterproofkayakcag.AheadcoveringI
alwaysused.
StaffJudgmentCallstobeupheld.
Established‘cutoffs’forsessionsi.e.
windonshoreforce2max(Beaufort
scale).‘GreenBay’isa‘sheltered’site
(inBritishCanoeingtermsof
reference).
Note:Inthesectiontitled‘Whatfurtheractionisnecessarytocontroltherisk?’thekeytothemanagementofriskis
thataqualifiedCoachchecksthatthebuoyancyaidsarecorrectlyfittedandfastened,forexample.Thisalsohighlights
thepointthatthecompetentpersoninchargeisessentialtoriskassessmentandtheimplementationofanycontrol
measures.
Page20of59
PADDLESPORTOPERATIONAL
CONSIDERATIONS:WRITING,DEVELOPING
ANDREVISINGTHERISKASSESSMENT
Everyone who has responsibilities linked to the risk ACCIDENTBOOKANDNEARMISSBOOK
assessmentshouldhaveclearinductionintheformofat It is recommended that separate ACCIDENT and NEAR
leastfamiliarisationtraining,whentheybecomeinvolved MISS BOOKS are kept as part of an inclusive system for
inrunningrelatedactivitiesorevents.
monitoring incidents and accidents – rather than a joint
‘doitallbook’.Thereasonforthisisthat:
All staff / key club officials, volunteers, coaches and
leadersshouldhaveanestablishedavenueforinforming 1. Actual accidents and identified near misses or
the author of the risk assessment if other significant
perceivednearmissescanbeloggedseparately.This
hazardsandrisksbecomeapparentthathaveimplications
allowsdataanalysistobeeasierandmorefocused.
forriskassessment.
2. Itenablesnearmissestobeconsideredontheirown
meritsfor‘significanthazard’potentialappearingout
Aresponsibleproviderofpaddlesportwillhaveanethos
ofeverydayworkingpractice.
of valuing and listening to comments and suggestions in 3. The accident book may well tend to highlight those
orderthattheymayconstantlyimprovetheirservice.The
hazardsthathavealreadybeenidentified,e.g.‘slipping
feedback approach is considered vital in this process.
andfallingonthewoodenjetty,whenit’swet’.These
Users of the risk assessment may provide feedback in a
shouldalreadybehazardsthathavebeenminimised
variety of ways; this could include meetings (which are
toareasonablelevel,througheffectivemonitoringof
held on a regular basis), the Accident Book, Near Miss
incidentsandaccidents.If‘slippingonthejetty’keeps
BookorviaanAnnualReviewoftheRiskAssessment.An
happening,thenthecontrolmethodsclearlyneedto
annual review is recommended either at the end of the
be amended through the review process, because
season or a period of defined time. This creates a clear
theymaynotbeadequate.
mechanismwherebytheriskassessmentcanbekeptup- 4. IfanyonenoticesthatrecordsintheNearMissBook
to-dateandimprovedthroughpractice.
show a new hazard, or increase in frequency of a
hazard (e.g. that powerboats frequently come too
It is the responsibility of ALL involved to constantly
close to open canoe sessions on Lake X), then this
monitor safety (no matter what their position in the
hazardcancomeontotheagendafordiscussionand
club/organisation) and to report it to the chain of
assessment. It may well be the case that a new
management. Equally, it is for the management to
‘control’needsaddingtotheRiskAssessment.
respond appropriately and responsibly. All parties are
accountableforsafetyand‘ignorance’isnotconsideredto
Creating an environment where the near miss book
beadefenceinacourtoflaw.
procedure can work is important. Experience shows
thatnearmissbooksworkbestwheretheyarenone
formal,non-judgmentalandperhapsanonymous.
In a club environment the club committee are likely to
evolvethecontrolandmanagementoftheaccidentbook
and near miss book to an appointed safety officer,
however, a culture for reporting all incidents and near
misses should be encouraged within the whole club
membership.
Page21of59
STANDARDOPERATINGPROCEDURES
FORSPECIFICPADDLESPORT
ACTIVITY/SITEOPERATINGPLANS
RIDDOR‘95–THEREPORTINGOFINJURIES,
DISEASESANDDANGEROUSOCCURRENCES
REGULATIONS1995
Itwouldlogicallyfollowthatallriskassessmentsaretaken
into account when activity-specific standard operating
procedures are written, so that these operating
procedures reflect the best practice, not only of British
Canoeingrecommendedoperatingguidelines,butalsoof
any activity-generic and site-specific hazards, and
connected risks, and the procedures which control and
minimisesuchrisks.
ThereportingofcertainaccidentsandillHealthatWorkis
a legal requirement, as defined by the HSE (RIDDOR).
Noting that RIDDOR only requires you to report ‘work
relatedaccidents’.Furtheradviceandreportingprocedures
aredetailedatwww.hse.gov.uk.
ASAFEETHOS
Bits of paper (in a risk assessment and safety procedures context) only record how it is intended that safety is
organised and risk is controlled. Safety and risk management are only as good as the people on site and the
judgmentcallstheymake.Humanjudgmentandappropriateresponsesarecentraltosafety.
Page22of59
Dynamic Risk Assessment In Paddlesport:
the ‘Safe Person’ Concept
In paddlesport we work and play in an inherently
dangerous place. People go there for adventure and it’s
not always possible or desirable to take all the dangers
away from the environment. The alternative is to direct
oureffortsintomakingthepeoplesafe.
We all have a responsibility for our own safety and the
safety of others. Those of us that are coaches or
event/activity organisers have a ‘professional’
responsibility.
THEDYNAMICMANAGEMENTPROCESS
Thisapproachiscalledthe‘safeperson’concept.Itmust
beclearlyunderstoodthatallleaders/organisers/helpers
etc. have the authority, as well as the duty, to take
immediate action in the interest of safety. This is a
fundamentalpartofthesafepersonconcept.
Dynamic management process is the continuous
assessment and control of risks in a rapidly changing
environment. Everyone should take on a degree of
responsibility for their own, and their neighbours wellbeing.However,theoverallresponsibilityforthislieswith
theleaders,event/activityorganisersandhelpers.Those
Thesafetyofaparticipantisrelianttoalargedegreeon responsibleforsafetymustensurethatsafepracticesare
the self-discipline, knowledge and skills of the followedandthat,sofarasisreasonablypracticable,risks
individual/s). A safe person has a number of important areeliminatedorreducedtotheminimum.
qualitiessomeofwhichareshowintheillustrationbelow.
PRE-PLANNING
The safe person concept therefore relies on a number of
personal attributes, together with the right support from
others,allowingforflexibilityofresponseinordertoreact
to unforeseen or changing circumstances. In the end
decisionswillbemadebasedonunderpinningknowledge,
skills and experience applied in the precise circumstances
facedatthetime.
Is vital to ensure that the ‘safe person’ is in the best
possiblepositiontotackleincidentsandtoassistwithand
undertakedynamicassessments.Leadershipstyles,group
control,positionofmaximumusefulness,etc.wouldform
part of this pre-planning requirement, as would venue
choice, participant numbers, ability, equipment, etc. the
listisalmostendless.
Vigilantastoownsafety&others
Supervision
Goodteammember
Correctpersonalequipment
Capableperformer
Personaldevelopment&experience
Information&training
Disciplinedtoworkwithinframeworkof
systems&procedures
Adaptabletochangingcircumstances
Qualitiesofa‘safeperson’
Page23of59
Itisalsoimportantatthestageofpre-planningtoconsider benefits, DO NOT PROCEED, but consider viable
theresourcesavailable.Havewegotthenecessaryrescue alternativesorintroduceadditionalcontrolssuchas:
equipment,andarewetrainedand practicedinrealistic
scenarios(thevalueofformalrescuetrainingherecannot
➤ Useofadditionalpersonalprotectiveequipment
beunderstated)?
➤ Useofspecialistknowledge
➤ Bankorboatsupport
The dynamic assessment is the final link in a risk
assessment process, it takes place within circumstances Paddlers, and in particular leaders/event organisers and
that are unforeseeable and / or are changing constantly volunteers, need to manage safety by constantly
(i.e.ourwhitewaterriver).Itisthisfinalassessmentwhich monitoringthesituationandreviewingtheeffectiveness
werelyupontoallowustocarryonourpaddlingactivities ofexistingcontrolmeasures.
safely,andtomakecarefullyconsidered judgments.The
dynamicapproachisacontinuousthoughtprocess.
HOWTOPLAYDOMINOES
Much work has been done about what causes accidents
As the activity/event progresses, you will need to gather andithasbeenshownthatinjuriesinvariablyresultfrom
information, evaluate situations and then apply your acomplicatedsequenceoffactors,thelastbeingtheinjury
judgmenttodecidethemostappropriatecourseofaction. itself.Thisisoftenreferredtoasthedominotheory.Itis
Hazardsmustbeidentifiedcontinuouslyandtherisktoall oftenseriesoffactorsorminorincidentsleadinguptoan
concerned considered. The benefits of proceeding with a
taskmustbeweighedcarefullyagainsttherisks.
REASONABLYPRACTICABLE
RISK
BENEFITS
Thinkbeforeyouactratherthanactbeforeyouthink
Theconsequencesofawrongdecisionintheinitialstages
of an incident may be irreversible. Start making your
decisions before the participants arrive; think about the
weather,waterlevels,levelofpaddlers,gameplanandthe
kit needed. What information is available? Has someone
already done a generic risk assessment? Is there anyone
fromwhomyoucouldobtainsomelocalknowledge?
injuryitselforindeedamajorincident.Thesefactorscan
be in any order. This means that an accident can be
preventedifyoutakeactionatanyoneofthestagesofthe
sequence.
If you are alert and using the dynamic approach to risk
assessment, the odds are stacked in your favour. If you
manageeachofthefactorsinitsownrightandinrelation
to the other factors for the day, you should be able to
breakthedominoeffect.
DECISION-MAKING
Stress can adversely affect the quality of the decisionmaking.Dowealwaysrecognisethesignsofdeterioration
intheprocess?
LEARNINGFROMTHEEVENT/ACTIVITY
Once we have dealt with the situation you should not
become complacent, when does your responsibility for
your companions, participants, officially and morally
Although there are always time constraints on decision- finish? As the urgency of the situation diminishes you
makinginemergencies,thisshouldnotbeusedasareason shouldstarttorecordtheinformationandperhapspassit
foracceptingtheunacceptable.
ontosomeoneelse.Ifareviewistotakeplaceorfeedback
given,itshouldbecompletedassoonaspossibleafterthe
If after implementing all available control measures, the activityandthesituationisover.Thiscouldbeformal(e.g.
potentialcostofproceedingwithataskstilloutweighsthe ameeting)orinformal(e.g.comparingexperiencesovera
mugofteainthecafé).
Page24of59
SECTION3
APPENDICES
APPENDICES
1. BRITISHCANOEINGHEALTHANDSAFETYPOLICY
26
2. BRITISHCANOEINGINSURANCEBRIEFING
27
3. CLUBSAFETYREVIEW
29
4. SAFETYCHECKLISTFORCLUBACTIVITY
31
5. BRITISHCANOEINGEVENTSAFETYAUDIT
45
6. BRITISHCANOEINGCOMPETITIONSAFETYMANAGEMENT
51
7. EXAMPLEPARTICIPANTSTATEMENT
54
8. COLDWATERCANKILL
55
9. WATER-BOURNEINFECTIOUSDISEASES
56
Page26of59
1.BRITISHCANOEINGHEALTHANDSAFETYPOLICY
Thispolicyappliesto:
1.
British Canoeing events and activities which are
directlyorganised,administered,orwithinthecontrol
of British Canoeing, its Committees, Regions, Sports
and Recreation Committees, which directly
necessitatetheuseoftheirservicesorresources(NB.
The inclusion of events and activities in the British
Canoeing Calendar, or notified in British Canoeing
publications, does not necessarily constitute British
Canoeingrecognition).
2.
Courses run by members of the British Canoeing
CoachesorLeaders.
Thelevelofriskthatchildrenandvulnerableadultsmaybe
Other events and activities run by affiliated clubs, exposed to should be significantly lower than that of
whicharelistedintheclub’sNewsletterorDiary.
knowledgeable and experienced adults, who would be
4. British Canoeing qualified coaches and leaders capable of making their own judgements. Participants
shouldbeawareoftherisknatureofcanoeingandshould
participatingineventsandactivities.
alsobemadeawareofthemostsignificanthazardsrelevant
The policy does not cover ad-hoc activities organised by to the location or activity. Participation in competitive
groupsofmembers.
eventsshouldbelimitedtothosewhodeclarethemselves
Canoeing* is an assumed risk sport, but all reasonable competenttohandletheconditions,takingintoaccountthe
stepsshouldbetakentoreducethatrisk.Nooneshould hazardsandsafetycoverprovided.
3.
losetheirlifeorbeseriouslyinjuredifthiscouldhavebeen
avoided through the implementation of simple warnings
or safeguards. Canoeing events and activities should be
made as safe as is reasonably practicable through the
application of risk assessment. The level of detail and
formalisationofriskassessmentsshouldbeproportionate
to the level of risk. Typically site and major event risk
assessments should be formally recorded, whilst ad hoc
assessments may be verbally agreed between relevant
personnel, who may include coaches, students and club
officials,whereasdynamicriskassessmentswilloftenbe
undertakenbyonepersonassituationsarise.
Risk assessment should identify the appropriate level of
rescue provision for the given venue, environment and
individual specifics (taking into account factors such as
distances, types of canoe or kayak, use of buoyancy aids,
ability of participants, water temperature, weather
conditions and currents). It is recognised that rescue
provisionmaynotalwaysbepracticable,especiallyfortours
bygroupsofpaddlerstrainedandequippedfortheventure,
orundertheleadershipofsuitablyqualifiedcurrentBritish
Canoeing Coaches or Leaders. Suitable safety on rivers or
longer events cover could range from having reliable,
competentpaddlersstrategicallyplaced,tohavingtrained
bank-siderescueparties,orevendiversonhand.
Theriskassessmentofactivitiesshouldbeconsidered‘good
practice’, which is largely defined in British Canoeing
guidance, coaching & leadership qualifications. Good Theuseofbuoyancyaidsandhelmetsareconsideredthe
practiceisnotmandatory,butdeviationsfromitshouldbe norm where ‘white water’ or the shooting of weirs is
risk assessed. Routine deviations from British Canoeing involved. Indeed, they are often compulsory for many
guidance, coaching or leadership qualifications should be disciplineevents.
supportedbywrittenriskassessments.Whereappropriate
the written risk assessments should also identify the *Canoeingreferstoopencanoes,kayaks,standuppaddle
conditions for cancellation of the event/activity when the boards and sit on tops, with single or double bladed
paddles
riskswouldbeconsideredunacceptable.
Page27of59
2.BRITISHCANOEINGINSURANCEBRIEFING
LiabilityinsurancecoverisabenefitofBritishCanoeing
membershipandnormallyappliesto;individualBritish
CanoeingmembersresidentintheUK;affiliatedclubs
andregisteredmembersofaffiliatedclubsresidentin
the UK. British Canoeing, Canoe Association of
Northern Ireland and the Scottish Canoe Association
insurancecoverismanagedbyPerkinsSlade;whilstfor
CanoeWalesit’stheDoodsonBrokingGroup.Further
details of the insurance cover provided, exclusions,
requirementsfortheinsurancetobeconsideredvalid,
andthetypesofactivitiescoveredareprovidedbythe
insurancecompanieswithcontactdetailsavailableon
theHomeNationWebsites.PerkinsSladehasaspecific
websitedesignatedforBritishCanoeing(inc.CANIand
SCA) members. This answers many of the frequently
askedquestions;www.ps-bcu-insurance.com.
The insurance provided typically covers legal liability
for damages and legal costs arising out of third party
loss, injury, or damage linked to canoeing or related
activity.Thisnormallyincludescoverforcoacheswhen
providingtuition,whetherforafeeornot,althoughis
unlikelytocoveracoachoperatingasabusiness.
ADVICEONTHERESPONSIBILITYOFCLUB
OFFICIALS
ItispresumedthatelectedofficialsofBritishCanoeing
clubs, or members acting officially on their behalf, are
responsiblepersonsactinginaresponsiblemanner.Itis
alsoacceptedthatcanoeingisanactivitywhichinvolves
certaininherentrisks.
Itisknownthatgoodinitialtraining,agradualbuilding
up of experience, the wearing and use of recognised
safetygear,alliedtotheknowledgeofitsuseandofthe
canoeing environment, have provided a good track
recordofsafety.Itisnotexpected,inotherwords,that
activityshouldberestrictedtovery‘safe’canoeing.But
it is expected that when others are let into more
dangerous ventures, this will be done in accordance
with accepted precepts. There is clearly both a legal
andamoralresponsibilitytodoso.
Irresponsibleorcarelessleadership,however,willnot
invalidatetheliabilityinsurance.Infact,itisonlywhen
negligence is involved, that the policy is likely to be
invoked!Therearenogroundsforcompensationtobe
paidifthoseauthorisingtheactivityarenotconsidered
byaCourttohavebeenguiltyofnegligence.
NOTE–Whileitisnotaninsurancerequirementthat
clubjourneys,clubactivitiesoreventstobecovered
byqualifiedcoaches,theholdingornotofaCoaching
qualification by the appointed, or presumed leaders
of a canoeing venture, is a factor which would be
takenintoaccountbyacourtindeterminingwhether
ornotnegligencewasinvolved.
It is important to remember that should you be
involved in an incident that may give rise to a claim
againstyoutoNOTadmitliability.Potentially,indoing
thisyouareallowinginsurerstheoptiontowalkaway
andceasetheirinvolvementinanycase.
In any situation Club Officials should ensure that all
clubeventsandactivitiesareendorsedbythemand
led by appropriately experienced / qualified
individuals, and such individuals are confirmed by
them as being appropriate to do so through club
recordsandorcommitteeminutes.
Clubofficialsshouldalsomakeadistinctionbetween
clubtripsandeventsandpeeronlytrips/events.Such
distinction should be made very clear to their
members and highlight the degree of individual
responsibility in attending either type of
activity/event.
Page28of59
NOTE–Clubsandaffiliatemembersshouldnotethat
affiliate members are only covered by the liability
insurance when taking part in recognised club
activities.
CHECKINGTHESMALLPRINT
Aswithallinsurancepoliciesitisimportanttoensure
thatyouarefamiliarwiththedetailofwhatiscovered,
andwhatisnot.Weadviseallmemberstofamiliarize
themselveswiththesefinerdetailsandtocontactthe
insurancebrokerforspecificadviceinthecaseofany
uncertainty. This is particularly pertinent where
coachesarereceivingafeeforcoaching,formembers
whoareforeignnationals,wherecoverisrequiredfor
premises/club houses, and matters relating to
employersliability.
NOTIFICATIONOFACCIDENTSANDINJURIES
On26April1999,theCivilJusticesystemwasamended
toreflectanumberofchangesnowknownastheWoolf
Reforms, the purpose being to resolve disputes more
quickly but without necessarily having to resort to
litigation. For Personal Injury claims in particular, the
consequences for Sport and Recreation are
considerable.
Ifanindividual(theclaimant)sustainsaninjuryheor
shehasupto3yearstoissueaclaim(formerlyawrit)
against another individual or club (the defendant)
consideredtohavebeennegligentincausingtheinjury.
Thedefendanthasonly21daystoacknowledgereceipt
oftheclaimandafurther90dayseithertoacceptor
deny liability and, in the case of a denial, to produce
supporting documentation and evidence. Failure to
observe these time scales could give Insurers an
opportunitytolimitorevendenyindemnitywhich,of
course, could have serious ramifications for the
defendant.
Asaresultofthis,allthoseinvolvedinSportarenow
requiredtoreport(totheirInsuranceBrokers)every
incident,particularlythoseinvolvingapersonalinjury,
whichcouldgiverisetoasubsequentclaim.Thiswill
ensure that detailed records are kept, so that in the
event of a claim a defence may be more quickly and
accurately mounted. As well as being able to ensure
that the information is appropriately archived it will
provideadatabaseofinjuriesandincidentstosupport
developments in best practice, technique
development.Indeeditwillensurethatpractitioners,
not insurance companies dictate safety policies. Note
recordsmustbekeptforatleast25years.
Individualsreportingincidentsinthiswayneedhaveno
fearorconcernaboutactionbeingtakenagainstthem.
Thedetailsofincidentsreportedwillonlybeusedfor
thepurposestatedandwillbeheldconfidentially.The
purpose of the form is to ensure that reporting
requirements are met and that in the unlikely event
that a claim is made against you insurers can act
speedilytocovertheclaim.Thenon-reportingofthis
type of information could result in insurers limiting
coverordenyingindemnity.
Werecommendthatadesignatedpersonwithinyour
club/organisation is made responsible to record any
reportableaccident.
British Canoeing, Canoe Association of Northern
IrelandandScottishCanoeAssociationmembersreport
via the Claims Advice section of: www.ps-bcuinsurance.com.
CanoeWalesmembersreportvia:
http://www.doodsonbg.com/Make-a-Claim
FINALWORDONINSURANCE
The law requires us to take reasonable care for the
safetyofothers.Themoralcodeclearlyalsoimpliesthis
duty. In practical terms, if a large claim occurred, the
renewal premium could be prohibitive. There is
thereforeadutyonallofustoensurethatitremainsat
modestcosttoBritishCanoeingforthebenefitofthe
member who may become a genuine victim of
circumstance. It is important that the policy is not
invokedthroughirresponsibility.
BOATINSURANCE
Please contact your Home Nation Association for
further information on insurance for accidental
damage,loss,ortheftofcanoesandkayaks.Favorable
premiumsmayhavebeennegotiated.
Page29of59
3.CLUBSAFETYREVIEW
Thepurposeofthisdocumentistoassistyouandyourclubassessthemanagementofsafetywithinyourclubandclub
activities,andinparticularassistyouinproducingyourStandardOperatingProcedures.Atthisstageitisnotmeantto
becomprehensive,merelyaguidetowhichyoumaywishtoaddfurtheritemsandcommentsasameansofcompleting
athoroughreviewaspartofanongoingsafetymanagementprocess.
Thisdocumentoutlinesanumberofresponsibilitiesandactionsforclubmembers,committeesandcoaches/leaders.
ISYOURCLUBASAFECLUB?
PERSONAL
Allmembersshouldread,acknowledgeandfollowallappropriateclubsafetyguidelines.
CLUB(CLUBCOMMITTEE)
➤
➤
➤
➤
Activelypromoteacultureofsafepractice
Produceandcommunicatesafetyguidelinesforallyourmembersandcoachestofollow
ModifyStandardOperatingProceduresinthelightofincidents,riskassessmentsandcurrentgoodpractice
Beclearaboutwhenclubactivityisclubactivity
COACH
Coachesshouldeducateandtrainpaddlersinunderstandingsafetymanagementpracticesandinunderstandingand
followingtheclub’sStandardOperatingProcedures.
CLUBSAFETYADVISER
Itisadvisableforclubstoappoint,fromwithintheircommittee,asafetyadviserorofficerto:
➤ Adviseonmattersofsafetyfortheclubandallclubactivities
➤ Adviseontheeffectivenessoftheclub’sStandardOperatingProcedures
➤ UndertakeStandardOperatingProceduresannualreview
STANDARDOPERATINGPROCEDURES
StandardOperatingProceduresmustbeformulatedandcommunicatedbytheclub,byallappropriatemeanspossible
toeducateandtrainitsmembers,includingInductionProgrammesforallnewmembers.Allnewmembersmustreceive
acopyoftheStandardOperatingProceduresandparticipateinanInductionProgramme.
ItistheprimaryfunctionoftheStandardOperatingProcedurestocareforthesafetyofclubmembers,otherwater
usersandthepublicatlarge.
Asamatterofgoodpracticeclubsareadvisedtocomplete,aheadofproducingtheirStandardOperatingProcedures,a
thoroughauditofclubactivityandcurrentpractice.Suchanexercisewillthenprovideanindicationofexistingareasof
goodpracticeaswellasareasneedingfurtherwork/developmentinordertoensurethesafetyofmembersinallclub
activities.
Furtherdocumentsareavailabletoassistyouinthisprocess–BritishCanoeingEventSafetyAudit(Appendix5),Safety
ChecklistforClubActivity(Appendix4).
Page30of59
COMMUNICATIONOFSAFETYCRITICALINFORMATION:
TheClubshouldmakesurethatitsmembershaveeasyaccesstosafetycriticalinformation.Wherepossiblethiswould
beonprominentdisplay.Forexample:
➤ Aplanofthelocalwaterhighlightinghazards,anyzoning,navigationorcirculationrulesalongwithemergency
accesspoints(namedandwherenecessarywithpostcodes).
➤ Guidancetomemberswhentakingpartinclubevents.
➤ Guidanceontheclub’sHealthandSafetypolicy.
➤ Guidanceontheclub’sChildProtectionandScreeningpolicy.
➤ Instructionstocoveranyvariationtonormalproceduresneededtomanagerisksresultingfromtidalcurrents,
stream,windorotherclimaticconditions.
➤ VisualAidsonsafepractice,lifesavingandup-to-dateresuscitationtechniques.
➤ Instructionsforreportingincidents.
➤ TelephonenumbersforEmergencyServicesincludingtheexactlocationanddirectionstotheclub,andany
accesspointsincludingpostcodeoridentifiersusedbytheEmergencyServices.
➤ Vitaltelephonenumbersrelatingtosafetye.g.clubofficials,FirstAiders,thelocalaccidentandemergency
hospital,navigationauthority,riverorharbourpolice,RLNI,etc.
➤ Cleardirectionstothenearestandalternativetelephonepoints.
➤ ThepositionofFirstAidBoxesandequipment.
Furthergoodpractice(inadditiontominimumstandardstobeadopted):
➤ Emergencyservices,localnavigationauthoritiesandotherwaterusersshouldbeprovidedwithacopyofthe
StandardOperatingProceduresforanycommentorsuggestiontobemade.
➤ StandardOperatingProceduresshouldbemodifiedinthelightofincidentsorchangesingoodpractice.
TopicstobeaddressedbytheStandardOperatingProceduresshouldinclude:
➤ Rulesforclubmembersrelatingtotheirresponsibilitiesinrelationtosafepractice.
➤ Whenandwherecrewscantrain,warmupandcooldownonthewater.
➤ Thecriteriaforassessingtherisksassociatedwithanylocalonthewateractivity.
➤ Rulesrelatingtothetrainingofjuniormembers.
➤ EmergencyActionPlan–membersshouldbemadeawareoftheirrolesandactiontobetakenintheeventof
anemergency.
Page31of59
4.SAFETYCHECKLISTFORCLUBACTIVITY
Thepurposeofthisappendixistoassistyouandyourclubassessthemanagementofsafetywithinyourclubandclub
activities,andinparticularassistyouinproducingyourStandardOperatingProcedures.Atthisstageitisnotmeantto
becomprehensive,merelyaguidetowhichyoumaywishtoaddfurtheritemsandcommentsasameansofcompleting
athoroughreviewaspartofanongoingsafetymanagementprocess.
This document outlines a number of responsibilities and actions for club members, club committee and coaches /
leaders.
INTRODUCTIONANDINSTRUCTIONS
ThischecklististherecommendedminimumstandardtoensuresafetyofrecreationalactivitiesofBritishCanoeing
affiliategroups.Itspurposeistoensurethatallappropriatestepshavebeentakentoensurethesafetyofparticipants
inBritishCanoeingcanoeing-sanctionedpaddlingactivities.
Howtousethischecklist:
1.
Thischecklistisausefultoolforclubsafetyofficerstoassistthemcompleteagenericauditofallclubactivities,in
ordertoprovidetheclubcommitteewiththereassurancethatstandardsafetymeasuresforclubactivitiesare
met.
2.
Thischecklistisalsoausefultoolfortrip/journeyleaderswhenorganisingeitheraseriesofclubtripsornew
singletripsorjourneys.Pleaserefertoitwhenplanningforasafeactivity,andcompleteasrequiredtoconfirm
thatallreasonablestepshavebeentakentoensurethesafetyofallparticipants.
Guidancenotedinthischecklistarebasedonthefollowingdocuments:
➤
➤
➤
➤
➤
BritishCanoeingSafetyGuidelinesforClubsandVolunteers
BritishCanoeingTermsofReference
BritishCanoeingCourseStaffingRequirementsandRatio’s
BritishCanoeingCanoeandKayakHandbook
BritishCanoeingCoachingHandbook
Youmayfindithelpfultohavethesedocumentsonhand.
Page32of59
INFORMATIONABOUTTHEACTIVITY
Nameoforganisationhostingtheactivity:
Nameofactivity:
Descriptionofactivity:
Descriptionofparticipants(‘participants’
includepaddlers,officials,guides,instructors,
coaches,observers,etc.):
Activitydate(s)&times:
Activityvenue(s):
Otherrelevantinformationabouttheactivity
Pleasedocumentwhetherornotthefollowingsafetymeasureshavebeentakeninpreparationforyouractivityby
completingthecheckliststhatfollow.
Page33of59
1.MEMBERPROTECTION
Havethefollowingstepsbeenactioned?
Yes
No
Relevant
Action
Yes/No
1.1. CriminalRecordChecking&Disclosure
Date
completed
Haveallcoaches/instructorsandguides
beenscreenedfortheirrolesasperBritish
Canoeing/HomeNationChildProtectionand
VulnerableAdultspolicies?
Haveallpersonnelwhowillorarerequiredto
haveaDBS(England/Wales),AccessNI(NI)or
PVG(Scotland)beenappropriatelychecked?
Thisusuallyincludesthosewhowillhave
unsupervisedcontactwith,ortravelaway
with,teamsofpaddlersunder18yearsof
age.
NB:Intheeventthatthepersonscreenedis
foundtohavecommittedanycriminal
offencesorwhosehistorysuggeststhat
he/shemaybeaquestionablecandidatefor
therolehasappropriateactionbeentaken?
RefertoBritishCanoeing/HomeNationfor
detailsofappropriateaction.
1.2.ChildProtectionandVulnerableAdults
Policy
Hasyourclub/groupdevelopedand
implementedpoliciesandproceduresto
preventharassmentofanykind,including:
•
Sexualharassment
•
Racialharassment
•
Sexualityharassment
•
Disabilityharassment
•
Abuse
•
Vilification Discrimination–direct/
indirectequity
Page34of59
2.PLANNING
Yes
No
Relevant
Action
Yes/No
2.1 RiskManagement:
Date
completed
HasaSafetyManagementPlanbeen
developed,whichincludesthefollowing:
a. Chainofcommand
Whowillreporttowhomintheeventof
anemergency?
b. Communicationsystemsandtechnology
• Communicationtechnology(mobiles,
radios,satellitephones,etc.)thatcanbe
reliedupontoworkatthevenuehave
beenorganised.
• Hasemergencyresponseinformation
beendocumented,andisitreadily
availableintheeventofanemergency
thatrequiresexternalassistance?
Informationshouldinclude:
-Communicationandcontactdetails
-Escaperouteandlocationinformation
-Participantslists
-Medicalforms
-Transportdetails
Continuedover…
Page35of59
Yes
No
Relevant
Action
Yes/No
c. Emergencyprocedures
Date
completed
Haveemergencyproceduresbeendeveloped
anddocumented,foreachofthefollowing
events(asapplicable):
• Seriousinjuryorfatality
• Seriousthreatstopersonalsafetyfrom
high-riskenvironmentalconditions(e.g.
flood,storm,fire,etc.)
• Lostparticipants
• Behaviouralmanagementproblems
Dotheemergencyproceduresinclude(as
applicable):
• Priorityoftasks;immediate,second,third
• Rolesandresponsibilities
• Exitroutes,emergencyandevacuation
procedures
• Contactdetailsforbasecamp,and
programadministratorsasrequired
• Contactdetailsforpolice,rescueand
medicalservicesinthearea
• Communicationmodesandprotocols
• Locationmanagement
• Vehicularaccess
• Boataccess
• Helicopteraccess
• Identificationofnearestmedicalfacilities
• Identificationofnaturalhazardsand
appropriateresponse(asrequired)
• Postincidentmanagement;contactof
insurer,legalprocedures,postincident
trauma,counselling?
2.2.Floatplan
Hasafloatplanbeenestablished?
Doesthefloatplanincludefulldetailsof:
• Theroute
• Theparticipants
• Contingencyplans
Page36of59
3.PEOPLE
Yes
No
Relevant
Action
Yes/No
3.1Leaderresponsibilities
Date
completed
Doestheleaderhavethefollowingminimum
responsibilities(asapplicable):
• Researchlikelyhazards
• Confirmgroupexperience/capabilities
• AdheretotheBritishCanoeingSafety
Guidelines
• Ensureafullbriefingofparticipantsis
clearlycarriedoutandunderstood
• Checkriverlevelsandweatherreports
• Ensurethatallgroupequipmentisstored
correctly
• Confirmheadcountbeforedepartureand
throughouttrip
• Bealertforphysicalandpsychological
conditionofthegroup
• Controlpaceofthegroup(trips&
expeditions)
• Restgroupifnecessary(tripsand
expeditions)
• Ensure,tothebestofhis/herability,that
participantsdonotgetintosituations
beyondtheircapabilities
• Designateresponsibilitytootherleaders
• Confirmheadcountaftertrip(trips&
expeditions)
• Notifyappropriatepersonsofsafe
completion(trips&expeditions)
• Checkallequipmentonreturn
Continuedover…
Page37of59
Yes
No
Relevant
Action
Yes/No
3.2.Competencyandqualificationsof
Date
completed
instructorsand/orguides
Areallinstructorsand/orguidesqualifiedfor
therolesthattheywillperform?
• Therelevantqualification(seeBritish
CanoeingTermsofReference).
• Proofthattheirqualificationandskillsare
current–thismeans:
a. CoachesmeetBritishCanoeingCoach
UpdateRequirements
b. Coaches/guidescomplywithBest
Practiceguidelinesandobservethe
relevantclub/BritishCanoeing
constitution,bylaws,regulations
Experiencedvolunteerleaders
Experiencedvolunteerleadershavehadtheir
experienceformallyverifiedandconfirmedby
club/group.
3.3.Firstaidqualifications
Doallinstructorsandguides:
• Haveacurrentrecognisedbodyapproved
firstaidqualification?
• Haveadesignatedfirstaidkitasa
minimum?
Continuedover…
Page38of59
Yes
No
Relevant
Action
Yes/No
3.4.Communicationandauthority
Date
completed
Hastheleaderensuredthatallparticipants
aregivenclearandconciseinstructionson
thefollowingmatters:
• Thestatusofthetripintheclub/group
calendar,etc.
• Personalresponsibilities
• Arrangementsfortravelandmeeting
• Personalequipmentneeds
• Communicationarrangementsforoff/on
theriver
• Thecorrectandsafehandlingand
navigationofanycanoeorkayak
• Thecorrectfittingandwearingof
appropriatePersonalFlotationDevices
(PFDs)whicharetobewornatalltimes
• Thewhereaboutsofallgroupandsafety
equipment
• Inseaprograms,thegroupspacingand
averagespeed,aswellasthesignalstobe
usedbythetripleaderandparticipants
• Thegroup’scapsizeprocedure
• Sun/and/orenvironmentalprotection
• Groupmedicalconcerns
• Theprogramfortheday
• Theroleofeachparticipant
• Theexpectationsofeachparticipant
3.5.Generalequipment
• Haveallthepossibleeventualitiesbeen
consideredwhenselectingequipmentfor
theactivity?
• Havemeasuresbeenputintoplaceto
ensurethatallnecessaryequipment
(includingemergencysupplies)isavailable
toallparticipants,asappropriateforthe
event/activity?
Continuedover…
Page39of59
Yes
No
Relevant
Action
Yes/No
3.6.Boatsandassociatedequipment
Date
completed
• Arethekayaksandcanoesusedsuitable
forthenatureanddurationoftheactivity,
theconditionsexpectedduringthe
activity,andtheskilllevelsofall
participants?
Aremeasuresputintoplacetoensurethatall
craft:
• Provideastableplatformallowingstrokes
tobeperformedeffectively
• Possessthestrengthtowithstandall
foreseeableforces
• Notsink,butremainhorizontalwhen
swampedandbeuseableasbuoyancyfor
itscrew
• Becapableofbeingtowedbyropeand
graspedbyhand
• Allowforeasyexitintheeventofa
capsize
• Nottobedesigned,madeofamaterialor
finishedinawaythatcouldcauseinjuryto
impedeexit
• Arefittedwithendloopsortoggles
• Arefittedwithafootrestthatwillnot
allowfeettobecomeentrappedandthat
willnotbreakintheeventofforeseeable
paddlingforcesorimpacts
• Areofacolourthatisclearlyvisibleto
otherwaterusersorrescueauthorities
• Havepositivebuoyancyateachend
• Arerudders,skegsorretractablefinsused
onseakayaks?
Ifyesaretheyingoodworkingorder?
NB–paddlersshouldnotberelianton
themfordirectionalcontrolofthecraft.
• Pumporself-bailer–isapumporselfbailercarriedsothatwatermaybe
removedfromaseakayakcockpitas
necessary
Continuedover…
Page40of59
Yes
No
Relevant
Action
Yes/No
3.7.Ratiosandgroupsize
Date
completed
• Isthereanappropriateinstructor/guide:
clientratioforthistrip?
Todeterminethecorrectratioforyourtrip
refertoBritishCanoeingTermsofReference
andRatiodocumentation.
• Areappropriatesafetymanagement
proceduresinplacetocoverallsafety
scenarios?
3.8.Skillsofparticipants
• Hastheleadertakenallreasonablesteps
toensurethatparticipantsarecompetent
toparticipateintheproposedactivity
(ideallyanon-waterfamiliarization*or
appropriateStarAwardStatus)?
*Purposeoftheon-waterfamiliarisation
sessiontodemonstrateandpracticerelevant
skillsandproceduresincludingbutnotlimited
to:
• Personalperformance
• Rescue
• Self-rescueandcapsizedrills
Page41of59
4.EQUIPMENT
Yes
No
Relevant
Action
Yes/No
4.1.Paddles
Date
completed
• Arepaddlesappropriatetothetypeof
craft,anddotheybuildtheskilllevelsof
theparticipants?
• Arethereappropriatesparepaddles
available,asappropriateforthe
activity(s)?
4.2.Personalflotationdevices(PFDs)
ArePFDsthatcomplywiththerequirements
belowavailableforeachparticipant:
• ConstructioncomplieswithCEStandards
• Arethecorrectsizeandareadjustableto
ensureaproperfit
• EachPFDhasawhistleattached
(recommended)
• Whereapplicabletowingcowstailsare
quickrelease
• ThePFDsmustnotcontainanypocketor
othercomponentthatmayimpede
paddling,normalrescuepracticesorexit
fromcraft.
• AllPFDsarebrightincolour
(recommended)
4.3.Helmets
Arecanoeinghelmetsavailableandwornfor
allofthefollowingactivities:
• Paddlingwatergrade2andabove
• Surfing
• Paddlingamongrocksorinseacaves
• Duringrescuepractice
Continuedover…
Page42of59
Yes
No
Relevant
Action
Yes/No
4.4.Navigationequipment(where
appropriate)
Date
completed
• Willanappropriatechoiceofnavigation
equipmentbeused?Thismayinclude:
-Mapsand/ormarinecharts
-Compasses
-GPSreceiver
• Isthenavigationequipmenttreated
and/orstoredinsuchawayastomake
themwaterresistant?
4.5.Communicationequipment
• Hastheleaderdeterminedwhat
equipmentshouldbecarriedbythe
participants?Equipmentchosenmustbe
appropriatefortheactivityandareaof
operation.Itmayinclude:
-MarineWhistle
-Mobilephone
-Signalingmirror
-MarineVHFradio(operatorsshould
holdtheVHFcertificatefor
proficiency)
-Flares(red,smoke,parachute)
-Marine27MHzradio
-Torch
-Strobelight
-VHFradio
-Satellitephone
-Chemicallightstick(orelectronic
equivalent)
-EPIRB
• Isallelectronicandotherequipmentthat
canbedamagedbywatercarriedinwater
resistantcontainers?
Continuedover…
Page43of59
Yes
No
Relevant
Action
Yes/No
4.6.Safetyandrescueequipment
Date
completed
• Isallsafetyandrescueequipmentcarried
insuchawaythatitisquicklyandeasily
accessible?
• Doleadershaveanappropriatetowing
systemeasilyaccessible,sothatitcanbe
deployedquicklywhenneeded?
• Areotherparticipantscarryingtowlinesas
appropriatefortheactivityandatthe
discretionoftheleader?
• Arealltowingsystemsquick-release,and
aretheysetupsothattheydonotrestrict
themaneuverabilityofthetowingboat?
• Doallleadersinanyactivityinvolving
movingwatercarrythrowbags?
• Arethrowbagsavailable?
• Dosomeotherparticipantswhoare
trainedintheuseofthrowbagscarry
themaswell(atthediscretionofthe
leader)?
• Isarescueknifeavailableforallwhite
wateractivities?
• Aretheknivesquicklyandeasily
accessible(butnotcarriedontheoutside
ofaPFD)?
• Doestheleader(andotherparticipantsat
theleader’sdiscretion)carryabasicrepair
kitthatisappropriatefortheboatsthat
arebeingused?
4.7.Maintenance,replacementandstorage
ofequipment
Isallequipmentusedincanoeingactivities
used,maintainedandstoredaccordingto
manufacturer’sinstructionswhere
applicable?
Page44of59
5.RECORDINGANDREPORTINGINCIDENTS
Yes
No
Relevant
Action
Yes/No
5.1.Recordingandreportingincidents:
Date
completed
Yes
No
Relevant
Action
Date
• Doyourclub/groupmaintaincentralised
recordsofcanoeingincidentsand
accidentsthatresultedininjuryorhadthe
potentialtoresultininjury?
• Whoisresponsibleforreportingincidents
toBritishCanoeing,andaretheyawareof
thereportingrequirements?
6.OTHERREQUIREMENTS
Yes/No
6.1.Clothing
completed
Dotripleadersandallparticipantsadhereto
andpromotebestpracticeintheirchoiceof
clothing,footwearandpersonalequipment?
6.2.Sunprotection
Dotripleadersandallparticipantsadhereto
andpromotebestpracticesunprotection
behaviour?
6.3.Foodanddrink
Areadequatefoodanddrinksuppliesas
appropriateforthenatureanddurationof
theactivityforallparticipantscarriedor
available?
Page45of59
5.BRITISHCANOEINGEVENTSAFETYAUDIT
Thepurposeofthisdocumentistoassistyouandyourclubassessthemanagementofsafetywithinspecificclubevents
/races,andinparticularassistyouinproducingyourStandardOperatingProcedures.Atthisstageitisnotmeanttobe
comprehensive,merelyaguidetowhichyoumaywishtoaddfurtheritemsandcommentsasameansofcompletinga
thoroughreviewaspartofanongoingsafetymanagementprocess.
This document outlines a number of responsibilities and actions for club members, club committee, and
coaches/leaders.
Stage1
ACTION
Audit/comment
Whataretheclub’s/organiser’smotivations
forrunningtheevent
TheDecisiontoRun
• Motivations
• Pressures
Doestheclubalreadyhaveaprocessinplace formanagingtheevent/race?
Whatarethespecificpressuresontheclub
inrunningtheevent?
ACTION
Audit/comment
Doestheevent/racerequireNGB
authorisation?
ArethereanyNGBissuestonote/buildinto
theplanning?
Hastheclubappointedanoverallevent
organiserandestablishedaclearchainof
commandbetweencommittee,organiser,
safetycoordinator,marshals,safety
supporters,etc.
Stage2
EarlyPlanning
• Applicationand
authoritytorun
theevent
• NGBIssues
• Personnel
Haveallrelevantmembersoftheevent
deliveryteambeenscreenedforcompetence
andCRB?
‘Rightpeoplerightjob’
Page46of59
Stage3
ACTION
Audit/comment
Isthereanappropriate‘SpanofControl’/
managementinfrastructureinplaceforthe
event/race?
HasaSafetyOfficerbeenappointedforthe
event?
IstheSafetyOfficeramemberofthe
OrganisingCommittee?
Iswatersafetyaregularitemateach
meetingoftheOrganisingCommittee?
Iswatersafetypartoftheeventreview?
HasaRiskAssessmentbeenundertaken
coveringsituationsonbothlandandwater?
Pre-Event
Considerations
‘SpanofControl’
• Management
• Safety
• Facilities
• Race/event
needs
• Comms
Isthenatureofthecourse/event
environmenttakenintoaccount,including
spectatorareas,carparking,start/finishareas,
roomforpaddlerstotakeoverthemajorityof
thecourse,androomtoaccommodateother
waterusersorpaddlersnotracing?
IstheRiskAssessmentreviewedaftereach
event,takingaccountofpreviousincidents,
changestoarrangements,changestothe
course,etc.ornewhazards?
DoyouhaveaChildProtectionand
VulnerableAdultsScreeningPolicyandifso
doesitmeettheBritishCanoeingChild
ProtectionandVulnerableAdultsPolicy
requirements?
HasaCompetitionSafetyPlanbeen
formulated,basedonyourRiskAssessment?
DoestheSafetyPlancoverthedecisionmakingprocessforcancellationdueto
inclementconditions,rulesapplyingtothe
event,communications,medicalandfirst
aid,thestartandfinish,racemonitors/
umpires,instructionstoofficialsand
competitors,emergencyvehicleaccessand
anAccidentandEmergencyActionPlan?
HastheCompetitionSafetyPlanbeenshown
tothepolice,waterauthority,ambulance
service,lifesavingandfirstaidorganisations
toconfirmthattheeventcantakeplace
undersafeconditionsforbothcompetitors
andthegeneralpublic?
Page47of59
Doyouensurethatofficials,safetyboat
crews,umpires,firstaidersandmedical
officerarefullybriefedaboutyourAccident
andEmergencyActionPlan?
Doyougenerateaparticipantregister?
Doyourequireparticipantstocompletean
eventregistrationform?
Doyoutakebookingsforyoureventonthe
day?Ifso,howisthismanagedinrelationto
venueaccess,venueauthorisationandrisk
assessmentactivity?
Doyourequireparticipantstosigna
statementofphysicalcompetenceand
whereappropriateamedicaldeclaration
form?
DoyourequireparentalConsentformstobe
completedforparticipantsundertheageof
18?
Isallsuchdatasensitivelyheldandsubjectto DataProtectionbestpractice?
Page48of59
Stage4
ACTION
Audit/comment
Havealltheeventteambeengivenclear
guidanceandconciseinstructionsinrespect
oftheevent/race?
WhatInstructionsarerequiredforofficials
andcompetitors?
Doyouprovidetrainingtoeventorganisers,
racemarshalsandsafetyteams?
Doyouprovideofficialsandcompetitors
withinstructionswhichincludelocalracing
rules,navigationrules,flowpatternand
identificationoflocalhazards,togetherwith
aplanofthecourseillustratingthese
features?
Doyouadvisecompetitorsoftheactions
theyshouldtakeintheeventofanaccident,
togetherwithemergencytelephone
numbersandthelocationofthenearest
telephone?
Doyouprovideofficialswithspecific
instructionsregardingtheirparticularduty?
Doyouinstructcourseofficialsandsafety
launchcrewstobeinpositionpriortocrews
boating?
DayoftheEvent
CALM–
Communication
/Avoidance/Lineof
sight/Management
• Management
• Eventplan
• Thevenue/
routesandrules
• Decisionsand
dynamicrisk
assessment
• Communications
• ITneeds
• Theentrantsand
others
Safetyteams/umpires
Doyouprovidelifejackets/buoyancyaidsfor
allsafetyteammembers/launchumpires
whenonduty?
Doyoursafetyteams/umpirescarry
buoyancyaids/helmets,throwlines,river
knives,firstaidequipmentandthermal
blankets?
Doyouinstructyoursafetyteams/umpires
thatintheeventofanaccidenttheirfirst
dutyistothesafetyofthecompetitor?
Doyouprovidesafetyteammembers/
launchumpireswithradiocommunication
andloudhailers?
Wherepracticaldoyouprovidebanksafety
teams/umpireswiththrowlinesandsafety
equipment?
Racemarshals
Doyouappointsufficientracemarshalsso
thatbetweenthemtheycanobservethefull
event/course?
Page49of59
Doyouplaceracemarshalsinpositions
wheretherearetightbends,narrow
passagesthatpreventovertaking,orwhere
specialcareneedstobetaken?
Doyouprovideracemarshalswithradio
communicationandloudhailers?
Safetyboats
Doyouprovidesafetyboatssuitableforthe
taskinsufficientnumberstoproviderapid
response?
Arethecrewsofyoursafetyboats
competentinboathandlingandrescue
techniques(preferablytrainedtoRYA
PowerboatLevel2)?
Doyoursafetyboatscarrybuoyancyaids,
linethrowingequipment,thermalblankets,
firstaidequipment,bailer,knife,paddle,
enginecut-outlanyarddevice,anchorand
lineandsimplehandholdsfixedtotheside?
ArethecrewsinradiocontactwithEvent
Control?
Doyouprovidelifejackets/buoyancyaids
forallsafetyboatcrewsonduty?
FirstAid
Doyouprovidefirstaidcover?
DoyouappointaMedicalAdvisertoensure
thatallmedicalaspects,recoveryandfirst
aidareputinplace?
Doyouensurethatcompetitors,supporters
andthegeneralpublicknowwheretoobtain
firstaid?
Doyouhaveamedicallyqualifieddoctoron
sitetoprovidegeneralmedicalsupportand
advice?
Doyouhaveamethodofcommunicationto
summonfirstaidtoanaccident?
General
Doyouhaveasystemtocheckthat
competitors’boatsareinasafeconditionto
racebeforeembarkationisallowed?
Whererequireddoyoudisplaywarning
noticesoftheeventtootherwaterusersand
theactionstheyshouldtake?
Wherepracticaldoyouclearlybuoythe
event/racecourseandtrafficlanesforother
Page50of59
passingriverusersasrequiredbythelocal
navigationorharbourauthority?
Page51of59
Stage5
ACTION
Audit/comment
Whatarethereportingprocedures?
HaveyouclearlyidentifiedanyNGBissues?
Doyouhaveareview/clear-upplan?
Howdoyouensurethatlessonslearntare
fedintofutureevents?
PostEvent
• Recording/
reportingof
incidents
• NGBissues
• CleaningUp
• Reviewand
Lessonslearnt
• Results
• Thankyous
Page52of59
6.BRITISHCANOEINGCOMPETITION
SAFETYMANAGEMENT
Thepurposeofthisdocumentistoassistyouandyourclubassessthemanagementofsafetywithinyourclubandclub
activities,andinparticularassistyouinproducingStandardOperatingProcedures.Atthisstageitisnotmeanttobe
comprehensive,merelyaguidetowhichyoumaywishtoaddfurtheritemsandcommentsasameansofcompletinga
thoroughreviewaspartofanongoingsafetymanagementprocess.
This document outlines a number of responsibilities and actions for club members, club committee and coaches /
leaders.
RESPONSIBILITIES
COMPETITORS
➤ Readandunderstandtheinstructionstocompetitors
➤ Reportanyincidentsatthecompetition
CLUB
➤ Distributeinstructionstocompetitors
➤ Providearepresentativetoattendanysafetybriefings
COACH
➤ Readandunderstandtheinstructionstocompetitors
➤ Discusstheseplanswiththeirpaddlersandchecktheirunderstanding
COMPETITIONSAFETYOFFICER
➤ FacilitatetheproductionandfulfilmentoftheCompetitionSafetyPlanforthecompetition
COMPETITIONORGANISERS
➤ EnsurethataneffectiveCompetitionSafetyPlanisproduced ➤ EnsurethattheCompetitionSafetyPlanisdistributedtoallcompetingclubsandotherrelevantparties,race
officials,safetyboatandotherpersonnel ➤ ReadandunderstandtheCompetitionSafetyPlan ➤ Keepcompetitionorganisersinformedwithongoingsafetyaspectsofthecompetition
➤ Setanappropriatetimelineforraceentry
➤ EnsurethattheRaceApplicationincludesmedicaldeclarationdetailsfromallcompetitors
Page53of59
DISCIPLINECOMMITTEE
➤ AppointaDisciplineSafetyAdvisor ➤ ApproveCompetitionApplications ➤ ApprovethesubmittedCompetitionSafetyPlan
DISCIPLINEWATERSAFETYADVISER
➤ Review/adviseontheeffectivenessoftheCompetitionSafetyPlan
MINIMUMSTANDARDSTOBEADOPTED
COMPETITIONSAFETYPLAN
TheprimarypurposeoftheCompetitionSafetyPlanistoensurethesafetyofcompetitors,officials,otherwaterusers
andthepublicatlarge.
➤ TheCompetitionSafetyPlanmustbeformulated,publishedandcirculatedbythecompetitionorganisers
➤ ItisvitalthatthoseaffectedbytheCompetitionSafetyPlanknowwhatactionsaretobetaken,bywhomand
when,andinwhatsequence,tomaintaineffectivecontrolandcoordination
➤ CompetitionSafetyPlansorrelevantcopiesmustbereceivedbybothcompetitorsandofficialsatleastthree
dayspriortothecompetition
➤ CompetitionSafetyPlansmustbeinplaceevenforsmallprivatecompetitions TOPICSTOBEADDRESSEDBYCOMPETITIONSAFETYPLAN(COMPLETEEVENT
SAFETYAUDIT):
➤ Vehicleandtraileraccessroutes
➤ Circulationpatternstobefollowedatalltimesduringtheperiodofracingandduringpracticesessionson,or
intheneighbourhoodof,thecourse
➤ Anyspecialpointsofdangeronornearthecourse
➤ Safetyboattype,numbersandlocations
➤ FirstAidpositions
➤ Safetyequipmentrequiredforthecompetition
➤ Summoninghelp
➤ Cancellingorsuspensionofthecompetition
➤ Medicalsupportarrangements
Page54of59
➤ Locationofemergencytelephonesandsuitablecommunicationssystems, (includingback-up)coveringonthe
water,internallyandtooutsideagenciesandemergencyservices
➤ Marshalinginstructionsandcontrol
➤ Whenandwherepaddlers/teamscanpractice,warmupandcooldownonthewater
➤ Accessandtransportarrangements(thereneedstobeadistinctionbetweenthe levelsofresponseneeded
formajorandminorincidents) ➤ Boatstoragearrangements ➤ Launchingandlandingprovision ➤ EmergencyActionPlanwithdetailsofimmediateactionstobetaken
FURTHERGOODPRACTICE(INADDITIONTOMINIMUMSTANDARDSTOBE
ADOPTED)
➤ Printouts,orinformationandinstructionsbasedon,theCompetitionSafetyPlanshouldbeproducedtogive
separate succinct information to the competitors and to the various officials to highlight individual
responsibilities
➤ Pre-competition meetings for team leaders, coaches, officials, etc. to reinforce the requirements of the
CompetitionSafetyPlan
➤ EmergencyservicesandlocalnavigationauthoritiesshouldbeprovidedwithacopyoftheCompetitionSafety
Planinsufficienttimeforanycommentorsuggestiontobemade
➤ CompetitionSafetyPlansshouldbesubjecttodynamicreviewandmodifiedinthelightofthecompetition
revieworanychangesintheriskassessment
➤ Competitionorganisersshouldsetthecriteriatoenablethemtojudgewhenacompetitionshouldbecancelled
orsuspended(e.g.strongwinds,poorvisibility,roughorfastflowingwater,etc.) ©BritishCanoeingSafetyGuidelinesforClubsandVolunteersV2-0
Page55of59
7.EXAMPLEPARTICIPANTSTATEMENT
TOUR: TOURDATE:
TOURLEADERS:
‘GoCanoeing’TourParticipantDeclaration
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Ihavewatchedandunderstoodthesafetybriefgivenbythetourleader(s)forthetourIamtakingpartin.Ihave
askedtheleader(s)toclarifyanypointsIamuncertainof.
IamawarethattheactivitiesIamtotakepartinareofastrenuousandadventurousnature.Iacknowledgesuch
riskandthereforeaccepttheneedforresponsiblebehavior,includinglisteningtoandfollowingsafetyinstructions.
Ihavenomedicalconditionordisabilitywhichmayberelevanttomeparticipatinginthisactivity.
Ihavebeenadvisedonthewaterqualityissues.
IamnotundertheinfluenceofAlcoholorDrugs.
IamabletoswimandIamconfidentinopenwaterwearingtheclothingIwillbewearingwhilstparticipatinginthe
activity.
Iamawarethatthesessionmaybecancelledforoperational,weatherorenvironmentalrelatedsafetyissues.
IagreetoabidebyBritishCanoeing’s‘GoCanoeing’CodeofPractice.
In signing below I declare that I agree with the above statements and am aware of the risks associated with
participatinginthisactivity.ByfillinginmyemailaddressIagreetoreceivefutureoffersandupdatesfromBritish
Canoeing.
Name
Signature
Emergencycontact
Emailaddress
BritishCanoeing,NationalWaterSportsCentre,AdboltonLane,HolmePierrepont,NottinghamNG122LU.
Page56of59
8.COLDWATERCANKILL
(BritishCanoeingColdWaterCanKillV1.0July2015)
Nomatterhowgoodaswimmeryouare,suddenunexpectedimmersionincoldwatercausesaninitialcoldshockthat
affects your muscular co-ordination and impairs your ability to swim. Heat loss from immersion can quickly cause
hypothermia.Anyofthesefactorscanleadtodrowning.Everyonehasaresponsibilitytoassessandmanagetheriskof
immersionincoldwaterandtoknowwhattodoifitoccurs.
RESPONSIBILITIES
PERSONAL
Follow the Paddlesafe minimum standards and those
set by the clubs and competitions. Always wear
appropriate, layered clothing with outer windproof
protection.AlwayswearyourBuoyancyAid.
➤
➤
➤
➤
CLUB
Askotherswithlocalknowledgetoassistwithyour
riskassessment.
Checkallequipmenttobeusedisingoodcondition
beforegoingafloat.
Knowandfollowthelocalnavigationrules.
Knowandunderstandthelocalhazardsinthearea.
Don’t go out in the dark alone or in cold or poor
conditions.
Planyour ‘safety strategy’before you go afloat–
willitwork?Checkitout.
Ifafeatureofyouractivity,checksafetyboatcover
issuitableforemergencies(ifcoverbreaksdown,
aborttheouting).
Plantheoutingsothattherescuetimewillbeas
shortaspossible.
Assessandcontroltheriskofcoldwaterimmersionto
your members. Educate and train members in
emergency procedures in the event of cold water
immersionandhypothermia.
➤
COACH
➤
Follow the Paddlesafe minimum standards and those
set by clubs and competitions. Manage and educate
your students to ensure they are not at risk from
hypothermia. Manage the risk of cold water
immersion.
CLOTHING
CLUBWATERSAFETYADVISER/REGIONAL
WATERSAFETYADVISER
Monitorthecomplianceofclubsandcompetitionswith
Paddlesafeminimumstandards.
COMPETITIONORGANISERS
Ensure your competition is managed with regard to
cold water immersion and hypothermia risks to
competitorsandofficials.
MINIMUMSTANDARDSTOBE
ADOPTED
Managing the risks before the outing if cold water
immersionandhypothermiaareassessedaspotential
issues.Rememberthatthereislessrescuetimeincold
conditions.
RISKMANAGEMENT
➤ Check local weather forecasts and conditions
(couldconditionsdeteriorateduringtheouting?).
➤
Should be bright and visible, with several layers to
reduce heat loss. Should be close-fitting, to avoid
getting caught up in equipment. Waterproof fabric is
advisablefortheouterlayer.Hatsshouldbewornand
noteasilylostinacapsizesituation.Glovesorpogies
willkeephandswarm.
COMMUNICATION
Set up a means of communication which is simple,
easy-to-useandreliable.Checkthatitworks.
Arethereanycommunicationdeadspotsanddoyou
haveasystemtocovertheseareas?
Let others know you are out / comply with club
reportingrequirements.
Makesureyouhaveamethodofcontactingemergency
services.
EQUIPMENT
Ifappropriateandawayfromcentreensureyouhave
appropriatespareclothing.
Ifappropriateandawayfromcentrecarrysparefood
andwarmdrinks.
Throwlinesmustbeavailable,inuseandfunctional.
Page57of59
9.WATER-BORNEINFECTIOUSDISEASES
(BritishCanoeingWater-BorneInfectiousDiseasesV1.0)
BEWAREOFBUGS,BLOOMSANDBIO-HAZARDS
RESPONSIBILITIES
PERSONAL
Followtheadviceandtraininggivenbyyourcluband
coachesonthepreventionofcontactwithpotentially
harmfuldiseases.Adoptthesemeasuresaspartofyour
routinebefore,duringandafterpaddling.
Beawareofthesymptomsofwater-bornediseasesand
toknowwhatactiontotake.
CLUB
MINIMUMSTANDARDSTOBE
ADOPTED
Information about water-borne diseases, prevention
andsymptomsshouldbeprovidedtoallmembers.Club
membersshouldbeadvised:
➤ Neverdrinkwaterfromariverorlake.
Provide information on diseases most likely to be
encountered by club members, either on their home
waterorwhentheyvisitothervenues.Displayposters
in appropriate places (Safety Notice Board, changing
rooms,toiletsetc.)informingmembersofthedangers,
avoidance, symptoms and treatment of water-borne
diseases.
COACH
Make yourself aware of the diseases likely to be
encountered on your home water or at other venues
that club members / paddlers may visit. Include
knowledgeaboutthepreventionandthesymptomsof
water-borne diseases as part of your training
programmes. Be aware of the potential dangers of
contact with water-borne diseases, the immediate
treatment of someone suspected of coming into
contactwithapossiblecontaminant,andtheneedto
seek medical attention. Be aware of measures to
reduce the possibility of contact with potentially
harmful diseases and train your crews in the routine
useofsuchmeasures.
CLUBWATERSAFETYADVISER
Make yourself aware of the diseases likely to be
encountered on your home water or at other venues
thatclubmembersmayvisit.Beabletorecognisethe
causesofwater-bornediseases(e.g.algalblooms)and
their symptoms. Be aware of the treatment for
someone who may contract such diseases. Have
knowledge of the preventative measures that should
be used to avoid contamination and so reduce the
likelihood of infection. Advise the club in all of the
above.
➤ Ifcontaminatedwaterhasbeenswallowed,refer
toyourdoctorwithfulldetailsoftheincident.
➤ Onlydrinkfromyourownwaterbottle.
➤ Alwaysshoweraftercontactwiththewater.
➤ Wash hands thoroughly and shower if necessary
beforeeatingordrinking.
➤ Cover cuts and abrasions (including blisters) with
waterproofdressings.
➤ Wear suitable footwear, particularly when
launching or landing, and particularly if it is
necessarytowadeintothewater,topreventdirect
contactwiththewaterandprotectthefeetfrom
cutsandabrasions.
➤ Avoid immersion in, or contact with, water,
particularlyifthereisanalgalscumorbloom.
➤ Donotsplashriverorlakewaterontoyourfaceor
body in order to cool down (take a bottle of tap
waterwithyouforthis).
➤ Hosedownallequipmentafteroutingstoremove
anypotentialcontamination.
➤ Wash, and thoroughly dry, any contaminated
clothingbeforere-use.
➤ Maintain your immunisation regime against
Tetanus, also Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Polio,
TyphoidandDysenterywhentrainingabroad.
Page58of59
FURTHERGOODPRACTICE
Inadditiontominimumstandardstobeadopted.
PERSONAL
➤ Avoid jumping into, or swimming in, rivers and
lakes.
➤ Don’tsubmergehandsorlegsoverthesideofthe
boat in order to cool down (take a bottle of tap
waterwithyouforthis).
➤ Dominimisecontactwithwaterbywearingclose
fittingclothing.
CLUB
➤ Supplyalcoholwashbottlesintheboathouse.
FURTHERINFORMATION
Thewaterwepaddleuponisnotalwaysascleanaswe
would choose and certainly is not pure enough to be
swallowedwithoutgivingmorethanapassingthought
to the possible effects it will have upon our internal
systems.TheBritishCanoeingSafetyGuidelineshave,
as their primary aim, the prevention of accidents
involvingphysicalinjury,damagetoequipmentand,at
worst, drowning. However, there are other risks to
health associated with water-based activities which
arisefromthemicrobiological,orchemical,qualityof
thewateritselfandofitsimmediateenvirons.Theuse
ofinlandwaterscanneverberiskfreeanditisessential
that,asusers,weareawareoftheriskspresent.
WATER-BORNEDISEASESMOST
LIKELYTOBEENCOUNTERED
WEIL'SDISEASE-LEPTOSPIROSIS
TheriskofcontractingLeptospirosisfromrecreational
waterisverysmall,howevertheseriousnatureofthe
diseaseissuchthatwemustbeawareofthedangers
andshouldtakesimpleprecautionstoreducetherisk
of infection. Leptospirosis is an infection caught
through contact with infected animal urine (mainly
fromrodents,cattleorpigs).Thecausalorganismcan
enterthebodyviacutsorabrasionsoftheskinor,the
lining of the nose, mouth, throat or eyes. If flu-like
symptomsdevelopshortlyaftercontactwiththewater
(1-3weeks)thenyourdoctorshouldbecontactedand
advisedofthecircumstancesofexposure.
Cyanobacteria are commonly found in fresh and
brackish water during mid to late summer. Algal
blooms can form during extended periods of warm,
settledweather.Thebloomsmaybeflocculentorhave
ajellyorpaint-likeappearanceandarenormallybluegreenincolourthoughred,brownorblackformscan
occur. Algal scums accumulate downwind on the
surfaceoflakesandslowmovingwater.Themajority
of blooms produce allergens and/or toxins and have
causedthedeathofanimals,includingsheepanddogs.
Inhumanstheycancauseeyeirritation,dermatitisand
joint/muscle pain or, more seriously, gastro-enteritis,
pneumonia, liver damage and certain neurological
conditions.
GASTRO-INTESTINALILLNESS
Theuseofinlandwaterwillneverberiskfreeanditis
essentialthatusersareawareoftherisksinvolvedin
usingaparticularstretchofwater.Assessingtherisks
posedbywaterqualityisdifficultasconditionscanvary
substantiallyinaveryshortspaceoftime.Ingeneral,
the health risk will depend on the number and
proximity of sewage effluent discharges in any
particular body of water. There are currently no
microbiological standards for recreational water and,
atpresent,onlythepowersprovidedunderthePublic
HealthAct1936-Section259,todealwith‘anypond,
ditch,gutterorwatercoursewhichissofoulorinsuch
a state as to be prejudicial to health or a nuisance’,
provide us with protection. Many organisms causing
gastro-intestinal illnesses (e.g. Salmonella) can be
found in water contaminated with sewage and extra
precautions should be taken when rowing on floodwater and water known, or suspected, to contain
sewage.
HEPATITISA
Hepatitisiscausedbyaviruspresentinfaecesandis,
therefore another condition that may be contracted
from water contaminated with sewage. The onset of
Hepatitis can be abrupt and symptoms include fever,
jaundiceandabdominaldiscomfort.
OTHER
Other potential infections include Polio, Tetanus and
Typhoid, though they are less likely to be found in
Britishwaters.
➤ HSEGuidanceonLeptospirosis
BLUE-GREENALGAE-CYANOBACTERIA
Page59of59

BRITISH CANOEING SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR CLUBS AND

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