Generic Risk Assessment Record A15 Educational activities ... - RSPB

Generic Risk Assessment Record A15 Educational activities on RSPB sites
Part 1 Activity/Role: Educational activities on RSPB sites Location/Dept: Nagshead Reserve OS Grid Ref SO606085
Date of generic assessment August 2008 Date of local revision April ʹ09 Other related assessments?
Hazards/hazardous events Who is affected Typical outcome Current RSPB control measures in place Hazard
present?
Risk level
L*H ‐> RL
Pond dipping – falling into
open water
Pond dipping – carrying nets
and frames
Pond dipping – dipping nets
into water
Pond dipping – contact with
blue green algae
Pond dipping – contact with
conntaminated water (rats
urine)
Children;
teachers
Children; others
on site; teachers
Wet child; nausea from
water ingestion
Cuts and bruises from
contact with frames
Pond dipping area checked for loose edging, steep gradients or
extreme deep water before and during dipping and any
adjustments made to work practices.
Children are spread out on the dipping platform to avoid
overcrowding. Where work is done in pairs only one person from
a pair is on the platform at a time.
Clear pre‐pond‐dipping instruction and safety talk is given by
RSPB workers before the activity, with close supervision during
the activity.
A rescue pole or throw line is available at the dipping area.
Yes
U*SH=T
Nets are carried vertically with mesh bag uppermost. Yes U*SH=T
Children Cuts and bruises Children spaced evenly along the pond edge and instructed to
check around them for other children before and during dipping.
Children;
teachers, RSPB
workers
Children,
teachers, RSPB
workers
Yes
U*SH=T
Nausea, ill health Pond is not used if blue green algae is present Yes U*SH=T
Nausea, Weil’s disease
All children checked to see if any open wounds or sores present.
Open wounds or sores are covered or child is prevented from
accessing the pond water.
Waterless cleansers are available for immediate use.
All are instructed not to put hands in or near mouth until hand
washing is complete after the activity has ceased.
Hands are washed immediately after the activity and before
eating or drinking.
Teachers advised of symptoms in case of subsequent illness.
Yes
U*H=SL
Slight harm Harmful Very harmful
Unlikely Trivial Slight Moderate
Likely Slight Moderate Substantial
Very likely Moderate Substantial Intolerable

Generic Risk Assessment Record A15 Educational activities on RSPB sites
Part 1 Activity/Role: Educational activities on RSPB sites Location/Dept: Nagshead Reserve OS Grid Ref SO606085
Hazards/hazardous events Who is affected Typical outcome Current RSPB control measures in place Hazard
present?
Mini beast studies – lifting
heavy stones and logs
Mini‐beast studies – shaking
trees
Sweeping for insects
‘First Nature’
Teachers, RSPB
workers
Teachers, RSPB
staff, children
Children,
supervising
adults
Children,
teachers
supervising
Muscles strains,
splinters
Minor head injuries
from falling branches
Minor cuts and bruises,
cuts and stings
Cuts and stings,
abrasions, hay fever,
allergic reactions
Children are not allowed to lift any heavy stones or logs.
Children always have help to lift other stones and logs and to
place them down slowly.
Children are stood well clear of any tree when it is shaken by
adults.
Children supervised and instructed in shaking the tree away from
other people.
Anyone watching is well clear to avoid items getting into eyes.
Areas checked for thistles and nettles and children advised of
location and how to avoid them.
Children are not allowed to enter areas where vegetation is as tall
or taller than they are.
Nets are only opened by teachers or RSPB workers.
Sweep nets used individually with at least twice the length of the
net as distance between each child.
Work is done in area where there are no nettles. All children
advised of how to identify nettles and other stinging plants.
Children suffering from hay fever are given only pollen free leaves
for sensory activity.
All children shown how to identify ragwort and instructed not to
touch or pick it.
Hand washing is done immediately after the activity and before
any eating or drinking.
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Risk level
L*H ‐> RL
U*SH=T
U*SH=T
L*SH=SL
L*SH=SL
Slight harm Harmful Very harmful
Unlikely Trivial Slight Moderate
Likely Slight Moderate Substantial
Very likely Moderate Substantial Intolerable

Generic Risk Assessment Record A15 Educational activities on RSPB sites
Part 1 Activity/Role: Educational activities on RSPB sites Location/Dept: Nagshead Reserve OS Grid Ref SO606085
Hazards/hazardous events Who is affected Typical outcome Current RSPB control measures in place Hazard
present?
Bird watching using optical
equipment
– hide flap use
– equipment hitting face
– viewing bright light
Children
Bumps, bruises,
temporary sight loss
through viewing sun
Enviroprobe Children Minor injuries, slips
and trips
Lost child
Children,
supervising
adults
Child upset,
disorientated
Children shown how to open and secure flaps. RSPB staff and
teachers check flaps secure before bird watching starts.
Children shown how to adjust optics to suit their own eyes.
Children’s use restricted to short periods.
Space is left between children using the hide seats, behaviour is
controlled.
Children instructed not to point optics at the sun or other bright
lights.
All students receive instruction before using any equipment.
Use of enviroprobe items is supervised at all times by RSPB or
other teaching staff.
Students only use equipment in the designated areas and are not
allowed to wander off.
RSPB staff supervising to follow guidance in CoP 42 Child safety
and welfare
Yes
Yes
Yes
Risk level
L*H ‐> RL
L*SH=SL
U*SH=T
U*SH=T
Do current controls adequately control the risk?
Yes
If no, complete Part 2 – Further controls. If Yes, go straight to Part 3 Emergency details and other assessments
Slight harm Harmful Very harmful
Unlikely Trivial Slight Moderate
Likely Slight Moderate Substantial
Very likely Moderate Substantial Intolerable

Generic Risk Assessment Record A15 Educational activities on RSPB sites
Part 2 Controlling the residual and locally specific risk
Hazard/hazardous events from
Part 1 requiring further control
Who is affected Typical outcome Further control measures needed Who will do them
and by when
Risk level
L*H ‐> RL
Slight harm Harmful Very harmful
Unlikely Trivial Slight Moderate
Likely Slight Moderate Substantial
Very likely Moderate Substantial Intolerable

Generic Risk Assessment Record A15 Educational activities on RSPB sites
Part 3 Emergency details and other assessments
Is heavy, sustained or repetitive manual handling involved (see CoP 14)? No If YES carry out detailed manual handling assessment
Is the use of any hazardous substances involved (see CoP 12; Newsletter 78)? No If YES ensure current COSHH assessment followed
Are any special groups at risk (young people, pregnant workers, nursing mothers)? Yes If YES carry out specific assessment
Is lone working required? No If YES see CoP 31 for specific instructions
PPE needed Safety boots Safety Wellington Impact grade goggles Leather gloves PVC/nitrile gloves Hard hat Ear protection Half
mask respirator Other (list)
Safety equipment needed?
Assessment undertaken by:
Jean James
Position
Lead Field Teacher
Manager confirming assessment (see CoP 10):
Barry Embling
Date for revision
April 2011
Emergency information must be available. Where the assessment applies to fixed RSPB sites (offices, reserves) note where any/all of the following information is held: ‐
Otherwise, and for all other assessments complete as far as is possible.
Nearest telephone
Mobile held at Visitor centre, use CSMA
site opposite entrance to reserve
Nearest A&E department
Minor injuries unit at Lydney, full A&E at Gloucester Royal
Quality of mobile phone or radio reception?
radio reception on site, mobile phone coverage patchy across
forest
Access point for emergency services
Main entrance to site from Parkend
Type of access for emergency services
Normal 4 WD Air
First Aid Cover needed
App’td Person Emergency First Aid at Work Mountain
Where provided?
All field teachers are first aid at work trained, first aid kit
carried by field teachers when away from the visitor centre
Slight harm Harmful Very harmful
Unlikely Trivial Slight Moderate
Likely Slight Moderate Substantial
Very likely Moderate Substantial Intolerable

Generic Risk Assessment Record A14 School visits to RSPB sites
Part 1 Activity/Role: School visits to RSPB sites Location/Dept: Symonds Yat, Forestry Commission OS Grid Ref SO565160
Date of generic assessment August 2008 Date of local revision April ʹ09 Other related assessments?
Hazards/hazardous events Who is affected Typical outcome Current RSPB control measures in place Hazard
present?
Risk level
L*H ‐> RL
Collision with car during
arrival or departure
Visiting children,
other car park
users
Teachers, Staff
Bruising, broken limbs,
other major injury
Separate coach parking is provided where practicable.
Pedestrians and vehicles segregated
Coach parking area and pedestrian route to centre/meeting
point clearly signed/identified
Where road crossing is required prior instructions are sent to
visiting teachers.
Yes
U*H=SL
Activities undertaken in cold
or wet weather
Visiting children,
teachers, RSPB
workers
Hypothermia
Booking information always contains clear advice on children
wearing and bringing appropriate cold weather clothing and
footwear.
Prolonged exposure to wind/rain avoided by adapting
programme accordingly.
Yes
U*H=SL
Activities undertaken in very
hot weather
Visiting children,
teachers, RSPB
workers
Heat exhaustion,
sunstroke, sunburn
Booking information advises the wearing of sunscreen and
sun hats during the summer months.
Children kept in the shade as far as practicable.
Children reminded to have plenty to drink before and during
the visit.
Yes
U*H=SL
Contact with insects
Visiting children,
teachers, RSPB
workers
Stings, insect bites
Children are instructed before commencing activities in areas
containing stinging insects on how to behave e.g. not swatting
at them.
Yes
U*SH=T
Tick bites
All involved in
activity
Rash, inflamed area of
skin. (Lyme disease rare)
Walking in bracken, heather or tall grasses is avoided and
activities are kept to cleared paths.
Teachers are advised in advance of how to identify ticks and
the action to take to remove them.
Yes
U*H=SL
Slight harm Harmful Very harmful
Unlikely Trivial Slight Moderate
Likely Slight Moderate Substantial
Very likely Moderate Substantial Intolerable

Generic Risk Assessment Record A14 School visits to RSPB sites
Part 1 Activity/Role: School visits to RSPB sites Location/Dept: Symonds Yat, Forestry Commission OS Grid Ref SO565160
Hazards/hazardous events Who is affected Typical outcome Current RSPB control measures in place Hazard
present?
Contact with allergens
Confrontation with other
visitors or their dogs
Children, others
visiting the site
Children,
teachers, RSPB
workers
Allergic reactions –
specific information to be
recorded in Section 2.
Aggressive behaviour,
stress, dog bites
Slips, trips or falls Children Bruises, sprains, minor
cuts and grazes
Contact with hazardous plants Children Poisoning through
ingestion of berries,
nausea.
Information is requested at time of booking on any child in the
visiting party who is known to suffer allergic reactions to any
substances.
All site teaching staff are made aware of emergency
procedures and are equipped with mobile phones or radios to
facilitate immediate evacuation of any child who suffers a
severe allergic reaction.
Teachers and RSPB workers watch for dogs, particularly those
not on leads, and children are instructed not to approach
them.
Children are informed and reminded of the areas where there
is particular risk of falling, e.g. lots of tree roots, wet leaves,
moss etc. Children are instructed not to run, during or
between activities.
Pre‐activity safety talk by RSPB staff includes instructing
children not to put fingers in their mouths after handling
plants nor attempting to eat any of the plants.
Minimum supervisory ratios of children during activities, as
per RSPB requirements ‐ see CoP 42
All staff are made aware of emergency procedures should
ingestion occur.
All children wash their hands as soon as possible after any
activity and before eating or drinking.
Where ragwort is present children are instructed not to touch
or pick it.
Work with children in bracken infested areas will not take
place during July/August/September.
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Risk level
L*H ‐> RL
U*H=SL
L*H=M
L*SH=SL
U*H=SL
Slight harm Harmful Very harmful
Unlikely Trivial Slight Moderate
Likely Slight Moderate Substantial
Very likely Moderate Substantial Intolerable

Generic Risk Assessment Record A14 School visits to RSPB sites
Part 1 Activity/Role: School visits to RSPB sites Location/Dept: Symonds Yat, Forestry Commission OS Grid Ref SO565160
Hazards/hazardous events Who is affected Typical outcome Current RSPB control measures in place Hazard
present?
Contact with dog faeces Children Toxocariasis; nausea Clear instruction is given to all visitors with dogs to clean up
after them.
Children instructed not to touch any dog faeces, supported by
supervision during activities.
Hand‐washing is done as soon as possible after the activity
and before eating or drinking.
Contact with livestock and
droppings
Lost child
Fire at the centre
Children E‐coli; nausea Work in areas where livestock have been within the previous
week is avoided where practicable.
RSPB workers provide pre‐activity instruction to avoid
touching any droppings, supported by supervision during
activity.
Hand washing is done as soon as possible after the activity
and always before eating or drinking.
Children,
supervising
adults
Children,
teachers, RSPB
workers
Child upset,
disorientated
Burns, smoke inhalation,
nausea.
RSPB staff follow procedures in CoP 42 Child safety and
welfare
Centre fire procedures are outlined to all groups before visit
commences.
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Risk level
L*H ‐> RL
U*SH=T
U*SH=T
U*SH=T
U*H=SL
Do current controls adequately control the risk? Yes
If no, complete Part 2 – Further controls. If Yes, go straight to Part 3 Emergency details and other assessments
Slight harm Harmful Very harmful
Unlikely Trivial Slight Moderate
Likely Slight Moderate Substantial
Very likely Moderate Substantial Intolerable

Generic Risk Assessment Record A14 School visits to RSPB sites
Part 2 Hazardous events from part 1 requiring further control and locally specific hazards
Hazard/hazardous events Who is affected Typical outcome Further control measures needed Who will do them
and by when
Risk level
L*H ‐> RL
Slight harm Harmful Very harmful
Unlikely Trivial Slight Moderate
Likely Slight Moderate Substantial
Very likely Moderate Substantial Intolerable

Generic Risk Assessment Record A14 School visits to RSPB sites
Part 3 Emergency details and other assessments
Is heavy, sustained or repetitive manual handling involved (see CoP 14)? No If YES carry out detailed manual handling assessment
Is the use of any hazardous substances involved (see CoP 12; Newsletter 78)? No If YES ensure current COSHH assessment followed
Are any special groups at risk (young people, pregnant workers, nursing mothers)? Yes If YES carry out specific assessment
Is lone working required? No If YES see CoP 31 for specific instructions
PPE needed Safety boots Safety Wellington Impact grade goggles Leather gloves PVC/nitrile gloves Hard hat Ear protection Half
mask respirator Other (list)
Safety equipment needed?
Assessment undertaken by:
Jean James
Position
Lead Field Teacher
Manager confirming assessment (see CoP 10):
Barry Embling
Date for revision
April 2011
Emergency information must be available. Where the assessment applies to fixed RSPB sites (offices, reserves) note where any/all of the following information is held: ‐
Otherwise, and for all other assessments complete as far as is possible.
Nearest telephone
mobile held by ʺdate with natureʺ team
at peregrine viewing point
Nearest A&E department
Minor injuries at Dilke Hospital full A&E at Gloucester
Royal
Quality of mobile phone or radio reception?
mobile coverage patchy in forest.
Access point for emergency services
Either main car park or disabled
parking depending on site of casulty
Type of access for emergency services
Normal 4 WD Air
First Aid Cover needed
App’td Person Emergency First Aid at Work Mountain
Where provided?
All field teachers hold first aid at work certificates, first aid kit carried by field
teachers when away from the education centre
Slight harm Harmful Very harmful
Unlikely Trivial Slight Moderate
Likely Slight Moderate Substantial
Very likely Moderate Substantial Intolerable