BRITISH CANOEING SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR CLUBS …canoescotland.org/sites/default/files/resources/documents/Event... · British Canoeing require all clubs running club events (as described

BRITISHCANOEINGSAFETYGUIDELINESFORCLUBSANDVOLUNTEERS

©BritishCanoeingSafetyGuidelinesforClubsandVolunteersV2-0 Page2of59

BritishCanoeingSafetyGuidelinesforClubsandVolunteers©BritishCanoeing2014

TheseGuidelines are the copyright of British Canoeing. All rights are reserved. No part of this publicationmay bereproduced,storedinanyformormeanselectronic,mechanical,filmorotherwisewithoutthepriorpermissionofthecopyrightOwner.UpdateandUpgradematerialisprotectedonthesamebasis.

Acknowledgements:PerkinSladeInsurancePaulDebney–EndsleighInsuranceRobertCunningtonKeithHampton

PublishedandDistributedby:BritishCanoeingNationalWaterSportsCentre,AdboltonLane,WestBridgford,Nottingham,NG122LU Tel:08453709503


CONTENTS

SECTION1–INTRODUCTION 4BritishCanoeingSafetyManagementGuidance 5

DutyofCare 7

SECTION2–GUIDETORISKASSESSMENT 10AGuidetoGenericRiskAssessment 11

AGuidetoRiskManagementandRiskAssessmentinPaddlesport 15

GuidanceNotesonGenericandSite/ActivitySpecificRiskAssessment 17

PaddlesportOperationalConsiderations:Writing,DevelopingandRevisingtheRiskAssessment 20

DynamicRiskAssessmentinPaddlesport:theSafePersonConcept 22

SECTION3–APPENDICES 241.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

SECTION1

INTRODUCTION


BRITISHCANOEINGSAFETYMANAGEMENTGUIDANCEThe purpose of this guide is to provide guidance andsupportinmattersofsafetymanagement.AsaNationalGoverningBodyBritishCanoeinghasaresponsibilityforhealth and safety. This guidance provides clubs andvolunteersoperatingandrunningeventsandactivitiesinthenameofBritishCanoeing,withguidelinestosupportandensurethesafetyofBritishCanoeingmembersandmembers of the public with whom they come intocontact.

At the heart of health and safety and indeed safetymanagement ingeneral is 'RiskAssessment'.Mentionofthewords'RiskAssessment'conjuresupallsortsofimagesinpeople’sminds,andcentral tothis isoftendreadandfear.Dreadat themere thoughtofhaving toundertakethework,fearatthethoughtoftheessenceofoursportbeing eroded by society’s desire to remove risk fromeverythingthatmoves.

As aNationalGoverningBodyandas a volunteeror clubofficialweneedtoachieveanacceptablebalanceintermsofsafetymanagement. It iscleartousall thatwehaveadutyofcaretootherswithwhomwecomeintocontact.Wecanonlybesurethatwearemeetingthatdutyifwetakesteps to analyse the risks involved while participating incanoeingeventsandactivities.

That saidwe do need to keep things in perspective. Asvolunteers we are all driven by a desire to take part,compete,orassistothersindoingso,andrightlyso,giventhatwedoso(inthemain)voluntarilywewishtoseesuchopportunities maximised. Spending lots of time onadministrationisoftenseenascounterproductiveandassuchnevermakesittothetopoftheUrgentandImportantfile. Nonetheless ensuring that we address the issue ofsafe participation is important – risk assessment isfundamentaltothis.Wecankeepitinperspective,ifweunderstandthefundamentalsofriskassessmentandareable to be efficient, comprehensive and concise whencarryingoutriskassessments.

This first section of the document provides a generalintroductiontoourresponsibilities.Thisshouldhelpyoubetter understand your Duty of Care and whatmay beconsiderednegligence.

BywayoffurthersupportSection2providesinformationonriskassessmentandtherecordingofriskassessments.

Theinformationispresentedsothatthepersoncomingtothetaskofproducingariskassessmentfromscratchisabletounderstandthebasic,essentialbackgroundandtheory,alongwithtemplateoutlinestoallowthemtoproduceaneffectiveandlivingdocumenttosupportparticipantsandevents.

Section 3 – The Appendices provide some additionalinformation, checklists etc. that may support you infulfillingyoursafetyresponsibilities.

Thoseofyouwhoalreadyhaveaclearunderstandingofrisk assessmentmay not need to dwell for long on theinformation presented, however, youmaywish to viewthetemplatesinthissection.Thesemayremovesomeoftheworkneededtoproduceyourownriskassessmentandperhaps importantly for us all, they may assist inmaintaining consistency in their production and ensurethatriskassessmentisameanstoanend–notanendinitself.

Noteverytypeofcanoeingisa‘risk’activity.Howevernoadventure sport can ever be totally safe. Respect andadmirationisduetothosewho,knowingtheirsportandtheir abilities, push back the frontiers of feasibility bytacklingeverhardergradesofwater;orchoosetoexploreinwildandlonelyplaces;orundertakesolopaddlingbeitinoneofthesecontexts,orsimplytofindtheirownlevelofself-fulfillment.

We do not agreewith thosewho regard the occasionalinevitablelossoflifeinthesecircumstancesasdisastrousforthesport.Northatthosewhochoosetheseoutlets–


knowingwhattheyareat–areactinginanirresponsiblemanner.Farfromit.Theyarekeepingalive,infacttheyarefurthering, the essential spirit in mankind to advanceagainsttheelements.

Weare,however,facedwithadilemma.Weallwantanddemand‘freedom’. Inreality,however, iftheexerciseofthat ‘freedom’ causes us harm, a growing number ofpeoplethenwanttoapportionblame.Somewouldseekrecompense against thosewho permitted or set up theactivity.Themediajoinsinthisprocess.Inconsequence,incidents are distorted beyond recognition, and thedividinglinebetweenfreedomofaction,andresponsibleprovision,becomesdifficulttodefine.

Numerous examples of this process can be cited,sometimesleadingtoincreasedlegislation.

Some forms of canoeing have an inherent risk factor.Regrettably,whenatragedydoesoccur,themediatendsto react out of all proportion to the actual very lowincidenceof fatalitieswithin the sport. Thedifficulty forBritishCanoeing, as theGoverningBody, is to tread theborder zone of taking reasonable precautions, yetretainingtheadventurousnatureofthoseaspectsofthesportwhichcarryanelementofdanger.

Ourorderofpriorityshouldbe:

1. That no one should lose their life or be seriouslyinjured, if thiscouldhavebeenavoidedthroughtheimplementationofsimplewarningsorsafeguards.

2. Thatthosetakingpart incanoeingareabletodosoprotected and kept safe from harm while they arewith staff, coaches and / or volunteers. This isparticularlytrueinrespectofchildrenandvulnerableadults.

3. Thatunnecessaryadversepublicityshouldnotaccrueto the sport, hastening the day when furtherrestrictivelegislationmaybeapplied,orgivingexcusetothosewhowouldevennowuseanyreasontobarouractivity.

4. Thatwherereasonablypossible,groundsforaclaimthatwouldinvokeourinsurancepolicybeavoided,inorder toensurethecontinuanceof thisbenefitasafinal compensation to an injured party, at areasonablecosttothemembership.

Those running canoeing events and activities are askedtherefore, to take such reasonable precautions as arepracticableinthelightofthesepriorities.

BRITISHCANOEINGEVENTSThis guidance document provides clubs and volunteersoperatingandrunningeventsandactivitiesinthenameofBritish Canoeing,with guidelines to support and ensurethesafetyofBritishCanoeingmembersandmembersofthepublicwithwhomtheycomeintocontact.

In 2015 British Canoeing introduced a number ofrequirements to support event safety. This includes theintroduction of an Event SafetyWorkshop, requirementfor the appointment of Event Safety Officers, and theintroductionofeventauthorisationprocedures.Theseareexplained further overleaf, and apply to the followingcategoriesofeventsandactivities:

1. BritishCanoeingEvents:Theseeventswillhavedirectfundingand resourcesupport fromBritishCanoeingor Home Nation Association. Such events mightincludeaWorldCup/Championship.

2. Discipline Committee Events: These events have asignificant relationship with a discipline committee,normally advertised by British Canoeing or HomeNation, for example Divisional slalom events, tours.Some are run directly by the Discipline Committeewhile others are run by a club on behalf of theDisciplineCommittee.

3. ClubEvents:TheseareClubeventsinvolvingnonclubmembers. Such events are self-sufficient within theclub and do not have any support, funding, orpromotion by British Canoeing or Home Nationdisciplinecommittee.

CoachingactivitydeliveredwithinthescopeoftheBritishCanoeingCoachingTermsofReferenceisnotconsideredtobean'event'withinthesedefinitions.Events organised by ad-hoc groups of members are not‘BritishCanoeingEvents’unlessspecificapplicationismadeforthemtobesorecognised,andagreementisreceivedinwritingfromBritishCanoeingortherelevantHomeNationAssociation.TheinclusionofeventsontheBritishCanoeingCalendarortheirnotificationinBritishCanoeingPublicationsdoesnot, in itself, imply British Canoeing recognition orindemnity under British Canoeing’s Liability InsurancePolicy.


EVENTSAFETYWORKSHOPSInordertosupportclubsandcanoeingactivityatalllevelsBritishCanoeinghasdevelopedaworkshopthathighlights‘duty of care’ issues and offers simple and effectivesolutionstomanagesafety.Thefocusoftheworkshopistoraiseawarenessofsafetymanagementanddutyofcareissuesastheyaffectclubsandcommittees,bothintheirnormal everyday activities and alsowhen theymay runevents.Theworkshopprovidesguidanceandsupport tomitigate responsibilities using the concept of an‘activity/event span of control’ to bring simple wellorganisedsolutionsthatpeoplecanunderstandandapplyduringeventhemostcomplexprocess.

APPOINTMENTOFSAFETYOFFICERSBritishCanoeingrequireallclubsrunningclubevents(asdescribed above) to appoint a safety officer and put inplace procedures to ensure the management of eventsafety appropriate to the level of events that theyrun. Whilst Discipline committees must appoint twoSafetyOfficerstosupportthecommitteeinthefulfilmentof their event safety responsibilities. Safety Officers arerequired toattend theevent safetyworkshopdescribedabove.

AUTHORISATIONOFEVENTSBritishCanoeingrequireeventstobeauthorisedasbelow:

1. British Canoeing Events: Authorisation of majorevents is the responsibility of the British CanoeingSeniorManagementTeamorhomenationBoard.

2. Discipline Committee Events: Require authorisationbytheDisciplineCommittee(withsupportfromtheirappointedSafetyOffer).

3. Club Events: Require authorisation by the ClubCommittee(withsupportfromtheirappointedSafetyOffer).

SAFETYPRINCIPLESThereisaresponsibilityinlawfororganisersofactivitiesto see that reasonable precautions are undertaken toensurethesafetyofparticipants.

Whereobvioushazardsexist,therefore,itisexpectedthatorganisers will undertake to identify and take suchprecautions as seem appropriate and reasonable in thecircumstances to provide for the safety of organizers,volunteersandparticipants.

Thesecouldinclude:

➤ Ensuringthatariskassessmentoftheevent/activityhastakenplacetoestablishthatanyplannedactivityoreventisindeedsafeandreasonable.

➤ That any identified hazard can be controlled, thatmonitoring activities for the event/activity are inplace,andthatestablishedcutoffproceduresareinplace.

➤ Givingfactualinformationtoparticipantsconcerningtheparticularnatureofanyhazardswhichmayexist.This could be by way of ensuring access to andknowledge of the British Canoeing Statement ofParticipation.

➤ Ensuring that each participant has signed anacknowledgment of risk. See Example ParticipantStatementinAppendix7.

These actions donot absolve theorganiser/s from theirresponsibility to undertake reasonable precautions, nordoes it remove the participant’s right in law to sue fordamagesshouldnegligencebeinvolved.Itdoes,however,affirmthattheattentionofthepersonhasbeendrawntothehazardousnatureoftheactivity,ifsuchisinvolved.

➤ Ensuring safe Codes of Practice that cover allreasonablemeasurestoprotectallthosetakingpartincanoeingactivitieskeepingthemsafe.

➤ Thewearing of buoyancy aids and crash helmets isconsidered the norm where ‘white water’ or theshootingofweirs,isinvolved.Indeeditismandatoryinsomecompetitiveevents.

➤ Participationshouldbelimitedtothosewhodeclarethemselves competent to handle the conditions,taking into account the type and amount of safetycover it is practical to provide at sites of particulardifficulty.

➤ Safety and rescue craft/personnel should beconsidered as part of the risk managementprocedures put in place. Suitable safety cover foreventsinvolvingweirsorrapidsofparticulardifficultycouldrangefromhavingreliable,competentpaddlersstrategically placed, to having trained bank-siderescuepartiesordiversonhand.

OTHERPROBLEMS


Where electrical ormechanical apparatus is used in therunning of an event/activity, care should be taken toensure that it is operated in accordance with themanufacturer’srecommendations.

SPECIALISTCOMMITTEERESPONSIBILITIESEach Specialist Committee should keepunder review itsguidelines regarding the provision of safety precautionswhichitconsidersreasonableforitsparticulardiscipline.

DUTYOFCAREIncluded here is a very general and basic view ofnegligence. It sets out and hopefully answers thequestions thatyouought tobeasking.The term ‘injury’used herein means primarily physical injury andconsequentialfinanciallosses.

1. WHERE DOES NEGLIGENCE FIT INTO OUR SOCIALFABRIC?

1.1. Allofusunderstandthatdeliberatelycausing injurytoothersisacriminaloffenceordinarilyresultinginpunishmentoftheperpetrator.

1.2. Allofusunderstandthatsomeinjuriesareaccidental,i.e.thecircumstancesgivingrisetothemarewhollyunforeseeable. No one is responsible. Nocompensationispayable.

1.3. In between those two ends of the spectrum are‘negligent acts’, i.e. they are not deliberate, but theinjuryisforeseeable.Thenegligentpersonwillnotbepunished, however, the injured party may seekfinancialcompensationasaresult.Thecompensationispaidbytheindividualwhohascausedthelossandcouldamounttomillionsofpounds!

2. WHATDOESITDO?2.1. Thesystemofrulesisdesignedtodetermineinany

incidentorinjurywhetherthenegligentactactuallycausedinjury,whethercompensationshouldbepaid,andifso,howmuch.

3. HOWDOESITAFFECTME?3.1. Eachofusowesa‘DutyofCare’toour‘neighbours’

not to cause them injury by our negligent acts andomissions.

3.2. Inordertosatisfyor‘discharge’thatdutyofcareyoumust behave as a ‘reasonable person’ would, buttakingintoaccountyourspecificskill,knowledgeandexperience. For example, a ‘reasonable’ non-medically qualified ‘rescuer’ might be forgiven amedical mistake which a reasonable qualifiedparamedicwouldbeexpectednottomake.

3.3. Your neighbours are those people whom, if youthoughtabout itmightbeinjuredbyyournegligentactsandomissions.Forexample:-a)Whendrivingamotorcaryourneighbourswould

include:--anypassengersinyourcar-otherroadusers,driversandtheirpassengers-pedestrians,cyclistsetc.-ownersofpropertyadjoiningtheroad

b) Anyone for whom you have acceptedresponsibility(see laterfortheeffectofbeingagroupleader/club’sofficer).

3.4. The Duty of Care requires you to consider theconsequences of your acts and omissions and toensurethatthoseactsand/oromissionsdonotgiverisetoaforeseeableriskofinjurytoanyotherperson.Clearly,oneisnotexpectedtoguaranteethesafetyofothers,merelytoactreasonably.

3.5. In short, all of us owe a duty not to injure otherpeoplebyournegligentactsandomissionsandthatisanindividualdutywhicheachofusoweallofthetimetoour‘neighbours’.

4. DOES ORDINARY MEMBERSHIP OF A CLUB ORSOCIETYAFFECTMYORDINARYDUTYOFCARE?

4.1. Notusually.Youstillowetheindividualdutyofcareto your neighbours. However, the people who areyour ‘neighbours’ might alter and/or increase toincludeotherclubmembersandotherswithwhomyou may now come into contact as a result ofmembershipofthatclub.


5. WILLBEINGAGROUPLEADEROFACLUBOROTHERACTIVITYALTERMYORDINARYDUTYOFCARE?

5.1. Itmaydo.Asa group leader (or teamcaptain) youhave accepted the responsibility of leading others.You owe them a duty to ensure that they are notexposedtoaforeseeableriskof injuryasfarasyoureasonablycan.

5.2. Itshouldbenotedthatonanyoutingwhereagroupleaderhasnotbeenappointedthemostexperiencedand or qualified person there ought reasonably tointerveneandatleastadviseifaforeseeableriskofinjuryarises.

6. WILLACCEPTINGOFFICEINACLUBAFFECTMYDUTY

OFCARE?6.1. Yes,itmaywelldoso.Ifyouacceptapositionyouare

likely to agree to carry out certain functionswhichmay affect the safety of others both inside andoutsidetheclub.Youareacceptingresponsibilityandyoumustfulfilthosedutiestothebestofyourabilitywithout negligence. That is, youmust not create aforeseeable risk of injury and you must takereasonablestepstodealwithanyforeseeableriskofinjurywhichexistsorarises.Forexample:ifyouagreetobetheequipmentofficeryou must make reasonable inspections of theequipmenttoseethatitisreasonablysafe.

7. CONCLUSION7.1. The law of negligence seeks to ensure that as

individuals we are responsible for our actions andinactions,andthatweconsiderthosewhomightbeinjuredbythoseactsandomissions.

7.2. The actual standard varies according to anindividual’sskillandexperience,andrequiresusalltobehavereasonably.

7.3. It is not possible to lay down golden ruleswhich iffollowedwill prelude the possibility of a successfulcivil claim. However, behaving responsibly andconsideratelyis likelytomeanthatnoinjurywillbeoccasionedinthefirstplace.

7.4. Thesafetynetthatweallhopewewillneverneedisliability insurance. If a compensation claim issuccessfullybrought then this insurance shouldpayout. Please see Appendix 2 for details regardinginsurance cover provided for British Canoeingmembers.

©P.J. Debney, Partner, Cartwright and Lewis, Solicitors1998. Sponsored by The Student Activities SafetyAssociation.

SECTION2

GUIDETORISKASSESSMENTS


AGUIDETOGENERICRISKASSESSMENT

INTRODUCTIONThe sports, recreation and activities sector has clearawareness of the need to provide personal challengethrough sporting activities, whilst at the same timetempering this against the need for effective safetymanagement. The sector can demonstrate a good trackrecord in this respect through itsproviders, leadbodies,councilsandclubs.

Despitethistherehasbeenanumberofseriousaccidents‘offthefield’,whichhasdemonstratedthatmorecouldbedone to manage safety on the social side of sportingactivity where there is no less a ‘duty of care’. ThisGuidanceaimstohighlightthisissueandoffersimpleandeffectivesolutionswiththeaimofreducingrisk.

WHATISINITFORTHESPORTSINDUSTRY?Seriousaccidentscanbelifechangingnotonlyforthosesufferinginjurybutforthosehavingtodealwithincidents.They often damage the reputation of the sportingorganisation and can result in less participation andsupportwherethereisperceivedlackofcontrol.Thereareconsequential increasing insurance premiums foreveryone, which are especially difficult for thoseorganisations struggling to maintain adequate funding.Accidentscanmeanlossforeveryoneinvolved.Therearefew, if any, accidents that can be considered ‘just badluck’,‘unfortunate’ortheresultoffollyandnegligenceofthe individual. The vast majority of accidents can beeffectivelyprevented.

DUTYOFCARE

It is incumbent on all those promoting and offeringsportingandadventuretrainingopportunitiestolookafterall persons, whether they are participants, instructors,supportstaff,volunteersorobservers,toensure,sofarasisreasonablypracticable,theirhealthsafetyandwelfare.

Sportingactivitiesareoftenwellregulatedinthisrespectbutassociatedandconsequentialactivities,whichmightinclude social and fundraising events, prize giving,downtime between sporting events and heats, travel,and tournaments by teams and individuals, are notalways considered in respect to common and civil lawdutyofcare.

This duty encompasses all persons who might beassociatedwithactivities,whethersportorsocialrelated,such as participants, spectators, coaches, instructors,volunteers, contractors, visitors and guests, and alsomembersofthepublic.

IntermsofcriminalliabilitytheHealthandSafetyatWorketc.Act1974,Section2,statesthat:

ItisalsoanabsolutedutyundertheManagementofHealthandSafetyatWorkRegulations,foremployerstocarryoutassessmentsoftherisksinworkplacesundertheircontrol.This guidance recommends that all aspects of sportingactivities,includingthosementionedabove,areeffectivelymanagedthroughtheriskassessmentprocess.

“itshallbethedutyofeveryemployertoensure,sofar as is reasonably practicable, to protect thehealth,safetyandwelfareofallhisemployees”


According to HSE “Health and safety law does notgenerally apply to volunteers running a club with noemployees,unlesstheclubhasresponsibilityforpremiseslikeaclubhouseorplayingfields”.Furtheradviceisavailablefromwww.hse.gov.uk.

RECENTSERIOUSACCIDENTS–ANEWTRENDIn recent years there has been a trend toward seriousaccidentsinactivitiesassociatedwith,butnotasadirectconsequence of, sporting activities. These seriousaccidentshaveresultedinlifechanginginjuriesandmulti-millionpoundsettlementclaims.Thedistresscausedtoallthose involved includingtheorganisersandsportsbody,hasalsobeenconsiderable.

Inmostcasesitwasfeltthatmorecouldhavebeendoneto prevent these incidents, adding to the stress andanxietyofthoseinvolved.Shouldthistrendcontinueitispossible that the associated sports could suffer, andfurther compound the calls for more draconian safetymeasures which recent reports such as the Lord YoungReviewhavebeentryingtoresist.

Theseincidentshaveincommontheiroccurrenceduring‘downtime’ outside of the sporting /adventure trainingactivity.Contributingfactorsinclude:

1. Alcohol2. Bravadoandbadbehaviour3. Environmental hazard not appreciated as risks

e.g.watercourses4. Circumstances not thought to need control or

supervision

Theydiffer incausebut their commonopportunities forpreventionarethreefold:

➤ Acceptanceoftheresponsibilityforriskofinjuryextendsbeyondcoresportingactivities

➤ Effective control of those involved throughsupervision by suitably briefed and responsiblepersons

➤ Theneedforsimpleriskassessmentincommonwithnormalsafetymanagementpractice

TheLordYoungReviewemphasisestheneedforareturnto‘commonsense’andhighlightsthatnotallaccidentscanbeblamedonsomeone,andaccidentsshouldnotalwaysresult in someone paying compensation. It is hoped intime that this approachwill be clarified by future courtdecisions.

The potential for contributory negligence must beacknowledged for those suffering injury as a result ofaccidents where event/activity organisers candemonstrate that they did all that is reasonablypracticable to prevent accidents. Such contributorynegligence is likely to affect the opportunity forcompensation claims, especially if there is evidence offailure by the claimant to follow safety measures andinstructionsrequiredbysupervisorystaff.

Insurance underwriters will cover all reasonablecompensation claims under its policies but expects areasonable level of supervision and management ofactivities outside of the core sporting activity. This willenablethestrongestpossibledefenceofclaimswhenthisisdeemedappropriate.

EFFECTIVECONTROLMEASURESSUPERVISIONAll activities associated with sports, recreation need areasonablelevelofsupervisorymanagementandcontrol.Supervisorsmaybedesignatedinstructors,volunteersorsupportstaff.

Theymusthavethestrengthofcharacterandauthoritytobe able to intervene at appropriate times to controlbravado or adverse behaviour which might lead toaccidents. They need training or briefing to be able toapplyeffectivemanagementtotheactivity.Theywillbeaware of the key hazards and risks associated with theevent/activity.Apersoninthisroleisactingonbehalfoftheclubororganisationandindelegatingyourauthorityforthisdutyyoumustensuretheindividualsknowwhatisexpected of them. They must be briefed and have fullawarenessofthemainhazardsandrisksidentifiedfortheevent/activity inquestion. If you fail in this key task thepossibilitytheevent/activitywillrunsafelyis likelytobemoreduetogoodfortunethangoodplanning.

SAFEENVIRONMENTEnvironmental factors which might contribute toaccidents outside of sporting activities are many andvaried. They might include topographical featuresoutdoors such as elevated locations, nearby roads and

Ifthesemeasuresweretobeeffectivelyappliedthenitismorelikelythatthemajorityofseriousaccidentscouldbeprevented.


trafficorrailways,watercourses includingrivers,canals,lakesandpondsandunderwaterhazardsincludingdepth,flow/current/tides,mudbanksetc.Theweatheralsohasarole to play whether travelling to venues or events orhostingevents/activitiesinextremesofheatandcold.Thepotential effects of altitude might be a furtherconsideration.

Where premises are used hazardsmight include physicalconditions in respect tomaintenanceanddesign, lightinglevels,extremechangesinlevelandprotectionmeasures,capacity issues and fire precautions, including means ofescape considerations, window safety, balconies andglazingissuesetc.Thelistisnotexhaustive.Muchdependson the social activitiesplannedand thepotentialhazardsandrisksevident.Muchofitshouldbecommonsense.

ALCOHOLCHALLENGESItisrecognisedthatclub,tourandeventactivitiescanoftenbecentredonsocialisingandrelaxingwithalcohol.Safetyrisks are compounded by inhibition and over-indulgence,andwhencombinedwithkey risks suchaswater course,fallsfromheightandotheroftenobvioushazards,theycanbealethalcombination.

Designatedsupervisorsmustanticipateandrecognisethispotential and do their utmost to support responsiblebehaviourandresponsibledrinking.

Thekeyissuewhichcanresultinseriousaccidentsisthecombinationeffectofalcohol,unforeseenenvironmentalfactorsandthefailuretoplanortheeffectofachangeofplan. Impromptu activities which often end up poorlymanagedandsupervisedarealsoarecipeforincidents.Itshould be acknowledged that the vastmajority will notresult in any incident causing injury but a few minutesthoughtbysomeonewithexperiencewilloftenmakethedifferenceinkeepingallactivitiessafe.Anassessment isnomorethanacarefulexaminationofwhatconditionsorpracticescouldcauseharmtopeople.Adequate assessments will enable you to determine ifsufficientprecautionshavebeentakenorifmorecanbedone to prevent harm. The aim of assessments is topreventinjuryorillness.

ACTIONPLANOnceallthehazardsandriskshavebeentakenaccountofit is essential that a clear and simple plan should bedevelopedwhichformsthebasisofprotectingeveryoneinvolved in the event/activity. This will need to takeaccountoffirstaidandresponsetoanyincidentshoulditbeneeded.Allsupervisorystaffmustbeapprisedofitandtheirroleandresponsibilityincaseofincidents.

HOWTOASSESSTHERISKSINACTIVITIESASSOCIATEDWITHSPORTTherearefivebasicsteps:

Lookforthehazards

Ignorethetriviaandconcentrateonsignificanthazardse.g.potentialforfalls fromheight,water courses, crowd control, barriers, separationoftraffic,potentialforpowerfailure,electricalhazards,equipmentfixedtopreventcollapse,alcoholuseincombinationwithabove,etc.

DecidewhomaybeharmedandhowParticipants, instructors, volunteers, visitors and guests, cleaners,contractors,membersofthepublic.

Evaluatetherisks

Consider how likely it is that each hazard could cause harm. Decidewhether,afterallprecautionshavebeentaken,significantrisksremainandwhethertheexistingprecautionsareadequate.Forexamplelevelofsupervision,adequatebriefing,etc.

RiskAssessmentisthekeytoensuringhazards,personsatriskandcontrolmeasuresareidentifiedandimplemented.


RecordfindingsTheRiskAssessmentmustbesuitableandsufficient.Inadditionasimplerecord ofmost important and key findingswill demonstrate efforts topreventaccidentsandsupportthereviewtheassessments.

Reviewassessmentandreviseitifnecessary

Wherethereisachangeofcircumstances,forexamplechangeofvenueofdeterioratingweatherconditionsorinthelightofexperience

Note1:SeeoverleafforanexampleriskassessmentNote2:Reviewproceduresmustbeinplacetoensuretheriskassessmentdoesnotbecomeout-of-date.

CONSIDERATIONSFORASSESSMENTOFRISK–EXAMPLEAWARDSPRESENTATION

Hazard Whomightbeharmed?Istheriskadequately

controlled

Whatfurtheractionisnecessarytocontrolthe

risk?• Lookforhazardsthatyoucouldreasonablyexpecttoresultinsignificantharm.Usethefollowingexamplesasaguide.

• Capacityofvenue,permittednumbers

• Environmenthazardsincludingwatercourses,topography,fallsfromheight,etc.

• Vehicleaccessandcarparksafety,lighting

• Slipping/tripping/fallinghazards(e.g.poorlymaintainedfloorsorstairs,poorlighting)

• Fireprecautions,includingmeansofescape

• Venuesetup;useofcontractors

• Potentialforactivityatheight(e.g.mezzanineflooruse,showactivities/effects)

• Electricitycapacity,protection,anduse

• Useoffireworks/smoke/lasers/lightingandothereffects

• Manualhandling

• Seatingarrangements,stands,terracedseating,gangways,etc.

• Alcohol;availability,openingtimes,servicemethods

There is no need to listindividuals by name – justthinkaboutgroupsofpeopleundertaking similar roles orwhomightbeaffectede.g.

• Organisers,coaches,instructors,stewardsandvolunteers

• Participants

• Attendeesespeciallyyoungpersonsandthosewithspecialneeds

• Venuestaff/maintenancepersonnel

• Contractors

Payparticularattentionto:

• Staffwithspecialneeds

• Peoplewithchallengingbehaviour

• Visitors/Guests/Celebrities

• Inexperiencedoryoungvolunteersandstaff

Have you already takenprecautions against the risksfrom the hazards you listed?For example, have youconsidered:

• Keyhazardsassociatedwithvenuetopreventaccidents

• Adequateexperiencedsupervision

• Clearbriefing,information,instruction

• Emergencyplanproperlycommunicated

• Adequatesystemsorprocedures

Dotheprecautions:

• Meetthestandardsetbyalegalrequirement?

• Complywitharecognisedindustrystandard?

• Representgoodpractice?

• Reducerisksasfarasisreasonablypracticable?

If so then the risks areadequatelycontrolledbutyoumay need to indicate theprecautionsyouhaveinplace.Youmayrefertoprocedures,manuals, organisation rulesetc.

What more could youreasonably do for those riskswhich you found were notadequatelycontrolled?

Youwill need togivepriorityto those risks which affectlargenumbersofpeopleand/or could result in seriousharm. Apply the principlesbelow when taking furtheraction, if possible in thefollowingorder:

• Removetheriskcompletely

• Tryalessriskyoptione.g.changevenue

• Preventaccesstothehazard(e.g.bybarriers)

• Organiseactivitiestoreduceexposuretothehazard

• Restrictalcohol,clarifyof‘outofbounds’areas


• Possibilityofunauthorisedaccess

PerkinsSladeIntelligentInsurance


AGUIDETORISKMANAGEMENTANDRISKASSESSMENTINPADDLESPORTTomanythementionofthetermriskassessmentconjuresupfeelingsofdreadandconcernthattheessenceofoursportisbeingtakenawaybysociety’sdesiretoremoveriskfromeverythingthatwedo.Redtape,anextrahurdletojumpjusttogetoutandpaddle,orapieceoffrighteninglegislation,whateveryourview,andaswithanyseeminglynewdevelopmentor change,wehave to keep things inperspective.

➤ Riskassessmentsarenowaneverydayoccurrencebothintheworkplaceandintheoutdoors.

➤ Their purpose is to identify potential hazards,calculate the risk and try toomit or reduce thatrisktoanacceptablelevel.

➤ Riskassessmentdoesn’thavetobecomplicated,timeconsumingandonerous.

➤ Risk assessments are second nature forexperiencedcoachesandinstructors.

➤ Anyperceivedculturalchangerequiring that riskassessmentstakeplaceisfalse–theonlychangeis the fact thatwearenow required toproducewrittenriskassessments.

Thereareanumberoflevelsofriskassessment:

GENERICRISKASSESSMENTGenericriskassessmentisimportantbecauseitformalisesour thinking and gives consistency to the way anorganisationworksoranevent/activitymighttakeplace.Thedisadvantageofagenericriskassessment,writtenforeveryone, is that it can become static and forgotten inpractice.Itmaybereadasprescribedbyasupervisorbutforgottenduringtheevent/activity.

Suchriskassessmentsareuseful,fortheinexperienced,inmanagingtheunexpectedorcanhelpensureconsistencywhenthesametriporeventisrunregularlyorbydifferentpeople.Theyofferbasiccoreprinciples,whichcanthenbeapplied and adapted. They can encourage a moreproactiveapproach topreparation, through trainingandequipmentthatmightbecarried.

SITE/ACTIVITYSPECIFICRISKASSESSMENTSpecific events/activities, should be risk assessed toensurethatthoseparticipatingintheactivitiescandososafely,and inorder that theorganisers/volunteersmeetthedutyofcaretheycarrytomakethisso.Undertakingthis task may therefore require the risk assessment ofparticularactivities, specific sites,or indeedparticular inriverfeaturesorstructures.

DYNAMICRISKMANAGEMENT(SAFEPERSONCONCEPT)Theongoingassessmentswemakethroughoutthedayorthroughout a session, are referred to as ‘the DynamicManagement of Risk’. This is an alternative/addition togeneric risk assessment. Dynamic risk assessment is acontinuous process of identifying hazards. The risk isassessedandactiontakentoeliminateorreducerisk. Inthiswaywearecontinuallymonitoringandreviewingtherapidlychangingcircumstanceswithinpaddlesport.

Events and activities often take place in POTENTIALLYhazardous environments and situations. This is becauseorganisers (and participants) are prepared to acceptreasonablelevelsofriskinordertoprovide(takepartin)adventurous and interesting experiences. Everyoneinvolvedmust,however,seektominimisetherisk.

From an outdoor activity point of view dynamic riskmanagement and assessment should always becomplementary to any established generic riskassessment. Arguably as paddlers (in the context ofpaddler, coach, leader, organiser, volunteer or official),our individual experience and developed understandingand awareness of the environment in which we paddle


providesuswiththejudgmentskillstomake'dynamic'on-the-move decisions relating to both our own and thesafetyofothers.

That said, however, and given that dynamic riskassessments are often not written down, a clearerunderstandingoftheconsciousandsubconsciousanalysisofriskthatgoesoninsuchcircumstancesisimportant.

Further details of dynamic risk assessment and its 'safeperson’conceptsareavailableonpage22.

WHICHTYPEOFRISKASSESSMENT?Again,withoutraisingconcern,itispossiblethatyoumay,dependingon thepurposebehindyour risk assessment,needtoconsideroneapproach,twooutofthethreeoracombinationofallthreetypes.

You may be simply undertaking a risk assessment foryourself.Equallyyoumayundertakeariskassessmentasa person in charge of others, club officer, employer oremployee.

Tohelpyouwewill look indetail ateachapproachandidentifywhentheymightbebestused.

Wherewehavegoneintodetailpleaseappreciatethatthisistohelpgainacompleteandthoroughunderstandingofrisk assessment. The key points to bear in mind, withexamples, are provided, as are actual risk assessmentmodelsforavarietyoftypicalsituations.

WHOSHOULDUNDERTAKEGENERICRISKASSESSMENTS?Thiswouldbeanappropriatepersonappointedbyvirtueof their overall experience to make risk assessmentjudgments. A practitioner can bring a background ofexperience,trainingandqualificationstotherole.Itcouldbe that external assistance is sought to undertake suchwork. Whatever route you choose it is important toremember, particularly from the point of view of thevolunteer, that risk assessments are based on coreprinciples established on reasonable knowledge andreasonableaction.

HOWSHOULDIRECORDGENERICRISKASSESSMENTS?Whiletherearenumerouswaysofrecordinggenericriskassessmentsitisimportantthatwrittenriskassessmentsareclearandconcise,andthattheyare'living'documents.Normalpracticefollowsthefivestepsmethodpromotedby theHealth andSafety Executive (HSE). If you requirefurtherinformationandguidelinestohelpyouunderstandgenericriskassessmentsandhowtowritethempleaseseethefollowingsectionoverleaf.

FORFURTHERINFORMATIONTheHealth and Safety Executive (HSE) have awealth ofresourcesregardingmanagementofhealthandsafetyandriskassessment.Please seewww.hse.gov.uk,or theHSEInfoLine–tel.:08453450055.


GUIDANCENOTESONGENERICANDSITE/ACTIVITYSPECIFICRISKASSESSMENTTheseguidancenotesareintendedasaresourceforthepersonwhoisresponsibleforfacilitatingtheproductionofawritten riskassessment. It shouldbe rememberedthat the HSE consider that the competent person inchargeismoreimportantthanawrittenriskassessmentbecauseitistheywhoareinthebestpositiontoassesstherisksatthattime,asitistheywhoareintheactualenvironment.Assuchtheyareabletoact‘dynamically’,to assess the risk and immediately implement a‘controlling’ action. Also, they have the ability toconstantlyreviewtheriskassessmentastheconditionsalter-whichclearlytheydoinpaddlesportactivity.Itisclearlyvitalthatthosedeemedtobecompetenttotakecharge of events/activities have appropriatequalifications,experienceandtraining.

It is importantthatthewrittenriskassessmentdoesnotbecome‘self-important’, indeed it isvital thateducation

of risk assessment is centred around making good riskassessments on the basis of the conditions presented,rather than being limited or constrained by a writtenformat.Therefore,awrittenriskassessmentisaguideto‘reasonable steps’ to be taken in identifying, assessing,controlling and monitoring risk from hazards; it notintendedtosupersededecision-makingbythepeopleontheground–onlytohelpinform.Thefollowingrationaleisbasedonthe‘HealthandSafetyExecutive(HSE)‘FiveStepstoRiskAssessment’document1997.Thisdocumentshouldberead inconjunctionwiththisrationale.

RISK is defined as the ‘chance’, great or small,thatsomeonewillbeharmedbyahazard.

HAZARD isdefinedasanythingthatcancauseharm.

GENERICPADDLESPORTHAZARDSANDRISKSWithin paddlesport / outdoor activity there are generic risks associatedwith the actual type of paddlesport beingundertakene.g.seakayaking,whitewaterkayaking,etc.Also, therearesitespecific risksassociatedwiththeactualactivitylocationbeingused.

Genericriskscanbeidentifiedasfollows:

Diagram1:genericrisksforthetypeofpaddlesportactivityundertaken

Risk assessment is concerned with the identification of significant hazards which exist, and the reasonableprecautions(CONTROLS)thataresubsequentlyputinplace,inanefforttominimiserisktoparticipants,clients,staffandthepublic.

Genericrisk

Drowning Hypothermia–hyperthermia Overtakenbydarkness

Activity Sea,lakes Surf WhitewaterRiver,sea,lake,canal,pooI

Genericrisk Gettinglost Collision Head/spinalinjury Entrapment


SITE/ACTIVITYSPECIFICRISKASSESSMENTSitespecific risksare reallyquiteunique toaspecific location–given theoverall rangeofother factorswhichmaypossiblyprevailonthatlocation.Thefollowinglistisonlyaguidetostimulatethoughtonthisarea.

Diagram2:sitespecificrisks–somefactorswhichmaypresentasignificantriskWHATCONSTITUTESAPADDLESPORTRISK?It is important to be realistic about risk assessment inpaddlesport activity; therefore it is sensible to identifyonly the significant hazard(s) which are present in theactualactivityandthechancesofthesebeingharmful(i.e.a risk.) Diagram 2 highlights some possible site specificrisks.Thislistisbynomeansexhaustive;itspurposeistostimulatethought.AsisthecasewithDiagram1,onlythesignificant risks have been identified, likewise whenundertakingasitespecific riskassessment; lookonly forhazards which you could reasonably expect to result insignificantharmundertheconditionsandcircumstancesofyourworkplace(i.e.activitysite.)

EXPECTATIONSOFACTIVITYIt should be expected by those taking part in anypaddlesport activity that such things as blisters, fatigue,bumpsandbruises,forexample,are‘normal’occurrencesand do not constitute a risk within the context of riskassessment. This point should be highlighted during thepre-activity briefing, so that clients are aware of this.Consequently, these factors would not form part of awrittenriskassessment.

TheexampleRiskAssessmentRecordshownonpage19,showswhatmightbeincludedintherelevantsection.

TAKINGACCOUNTOFTHEVARIABLESWhiletheHSE5StepstoRiskAssessmentmodelisaveryusefulmodelandprovidesagoodbasis forus toworkfromthenatureofoursport,andthevariouseventsandcircumstanceswemayhavetoriskassess,suggeststhatit would be useful to consider a few other factors. Inaddition to following the 5 steps guide as discussedearlieryouwillnotethat itmayalsobeappropriateto'proportionalise’therisk(s)byidentifyingorcategorisingparticular risk(s) in terms of Probability over Severity,andalsoallowsfora'controlvariance'.

Establishing the high,mediumor low risk potential of aparticular hazard can assist in establishing a reasonablelevelofcontrolforthatrisk.

Anexampleofthismightbewhereariskassessmentforasprint race was being prepared. As with any riskassessmentinvolvingon-wateractivitiesdrowningwouldhave to be reflected within the overall assessment. IfdrowningwasdeemedmediumtohighriskaBuoyancyAidislikelytobeachosencontrolmeasure.However,ifitwas

Sea/LakesLocalwinds,rip-currents,effectoftide,waterquality,launching/landingareas,difficultaccess: cliffs, dense vegetation. Local creatures: crocodiles, weaver fish. Obstacles:groynes,outflowpipes,dams,sandbanks,ships.Otherwaterusers:jetskis.

SurfLocal winds, rip-currents, effect of tide. Types of break: beach, bar, reef or other.Launching/landing areas. Otherwater 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, specificrapids. Other water users. Local creatures: hippopotamus. Launching/landing points,gorges,densevegetation.Waterquality:oldmineworkingsleakingintotheriver.

River,Sea,Lake,CanalWaterquality.Pollution: trashedcars,bacteria, litter,effluent,etc.Otherwaterusers.Launching/landing areas: restrictions in canalised sections. Water obstacles. Localweatherconditions.Tidesandcurrents.

PoolWaterquality.Conditionofpool.Exit/entrypoints,depthareaswithinpool.Emergencydoors in theeventof a fireor forparamedic access. Polo: consider thenatureof thephysicalcontactelementbetweenparticipants,particularlysofttissueinjuries.


a lower risk scenario (e.g. within the boundaries of aclosed regatta lake) alternative precautions, such asPowerboatcover,maybechoseninstead.

Anotherexamplethatcouldbecoveredinthiswaymightbe where certain recognised water levels or flow ratesaffect access to certain waterways. For example,controllingauthoritiesonanartificialwhitewatercoursemayhavesetlevelsandratestofitdifferent‘userprofiles',with different requirements in place in differentconditions.

DOINEEDTORISKASSESSALLEVENTS/ACTIVITIES?The levelofdetail and formalisationof riskassessmentsshouldbeproportionatetothelevelofrisk.Typicallysiteandmajoreventriskassessmentsareformallyrecorded.A

writtenriskassessmentisoftenundertakenandkeptforeachspecificsiteused,andmaycoverarangeofsimilaractivitiestakingplacethere.Whilethatisnottosaythattherewillnotbevariables to consideroneach separateoccasion, this should be precisely where the personresponsibleusesacombinationofapproachestomonitorand maintain safety, e.g. an established generic riskassessmentidentifyingthesignificanthazardswhichexistand allowing the pre-planning of reasonable controls,supported by an ongoing 'dynamic' appraisal of theactivity,people,environmentandweather.

This would include the risks generic to the type ofpaddlesportundertakeninrelationtothesitespecificrisksto be encountered. Thus adequate control measures Ifurther control action if necessary, can be identified toreducetherisktoacceptablelevels.

EXAMPLEOFRISKASSESSMENTRECORD

OPERATOR:

ADDRESS: TEL:

DATEOFASSESSMENT: ASSESSMENTREVIEWDATE:

SIGNED: DATE:

ACTIVITY:Flat water kayaking, intro session(May–Aug)

LOCATION/SITE:

HAZARD WHOMIGHTBEHARMED? ISTHERISKADEQUATELYCONTROLLED? WHATFURTHERACTIONIS

NECESSARYTOCONTROLTHERISK?

Drowning(genericrisk)

Staff

Clients

Buoyancyaidstobewornatalltimesonthewater.BAscomplywithCEAstandards.BAsandKayaksundergomonitoringtostandardslaidoutinBritishCanoeingguidelines.StaffareBritishCanoeingqualified.

Allclientsgivenpre-sessionbriefing–actionintheeventofacapsize.Coachchecksthatthebuoyancyaidsarecorrectlyfittedandfastened.

Hypothermia(genericrisk)

Staff

Clients

Allstaff/clientstowearwarmclothingasappropriate.Wetsuitlong-johnscanbeissuedatthediscretionoftheinstructorinchargeofthesession.Allstaff/clientsareissuedwithawaterproofkayakcag.AheadcoveringIalwaysused.

StaffJudgmentCallstobeupheld.Established‘cutoffs’forsessionsi.e.windonshoreforce2max(Beaufortscale).‘GreenBay’isa‘sheltered’site(inBritishCanoeingtermsofreference).

Note:Inthesectiontitled‘Whatfurtheractionisnecessarytocontroltherisk?’thekeytothemanagementofriskisthataqualifiedCoachchecksthatthebuoyancyaidsarecorrectlyfittedandfastened,forexample.Thisalsohighlightsthepointthatthecompetentpersoninchargeisessentialtoriskassessmentandtheimplementationofanycontrolmeasures.


PADDLESPORTOPERATIONALCONSIDERATIONS:WRITING,DEVELOPINGANDREVISINGTHERISKASSESSMENTEveryone who has responsibilities linked to the riskassessmentshouldhaveclearinductionintheformofatleastfamiliarisationtraining,whentheybecomeinvolvedinrunningrelatedactivitiesorevents.

All staff / key club officials, volunteers, coaches andleadersshouldhaveanestablishedavenuefor informingthe author of the risk assessment if other significanthazardsandrisksbecomeapparentthathaveimplicationsforriskassessment.

Aresponsibleproviderofpaddlesportwillhaveanethosofvaluingand listening tocommentsandsuggestions inorderthattheymayconstantlyimprovetheirservice.Thefeedback approach is considered vital in this process.Users of the risk assessmentmayprovide feedback in avariety of ways; this could includemeetings (which areheld on a regular basis), the Accident Book, Near MissBookorviaanAnnualReviewoftheRiskAssessment.Anannual review is recommendedeither at theendof theseason or a period of defined time. This creates a clearmechanismwherebytheriskassessmentcanbekeptup-to-dateandimprovedthroughpractice.

It is the responsibility of ALL involved to constantlymonitor safety (no matter what their position in theclub/organisation) and to report it to the chain ofmanagement. Equally, it is for the management torespond appropriately and responsibly. All parties areaccountableforsafetyand‘ignorance’isnotconsideredtobeadefenceinacourtoflaw.

ACCIDENTBOOKANDNEARMISSBOOKIt is recommended that separate ACCIDENT and NEARMISS BOOKS are kept as part of an inclusive system formonitoring incidentsandaccidents– rather thana joint‘doitallbook’.Thereasonforthisisthat:

1. Actual accidents and identified near misses orperceivednearmissescanbeloggedseparately.Thisallowsdataanalysistobeeasierandmorefocused.

2. Itenablesnearmissestobeconsideredontheirownmeritsfor‘significanthazard’potentialappearingoutofeverydayworkingpractice.

3. The accident book may well tend to highlight thosehazardsthathavealreadybeenidentified,e.g.‘slippingandfallingonthewoodenjetty,whenit’swet’.Theseshouldalreadybehazardsthathavebeenminimisedtoareasonablelevel,througheffectivemonitoringofincidentsandaccidents.If‘slippingonthejetty’keepshappening,thenthecontrolmethodsclearlyneedtobe amended through the review process, becausetheymaynotbeadequate.

4. IfanyonenoticesthatrecordsintheNearMissBookshow a new hazard, or increase in frequency of ahazard (e.g. that powerboats frequently come tooclose to open canoe sessions on Lake X), then thishazardcancomeontotheagendafordiscussionandassessment. It may well be the case that a new‘control’needsaddingtotheRiskAssessment.

Ina clubenvironment theclubcommitteeare likely toevolvethecontrolandmanagementoftheaccidentbookand near miss book to an appointed safety officer,however, a culture for reporting all incidents and nearmisses should be encouraged within the whole clubmembership.

Creating an environmentwhere the nearmiss bookprocedure can work is important. Experience showsthatnearmissbooksworkbestwheretheyarenoneformal,non-judgmentalandperhapsanonymous.


STANDARDOPERATINGPROCEDURESFORSPECIFICPADDLESPORTACTIVITY/SITEOPERATINGPLANSItwouldlogicallyfollowthatallriskassessmentsaretakeninto account when activity-specific standard operatingprocedures are written, so that these operatingprocedures reflect the best practice, not only of BritishCanoeingrecommendedoperatingguidelines,butalsoofany activity-generic and site-specific hazards, andconnected risks, and the procedures which control andminimisesuchrisks.

RIDDOR‘95–THEREPORTINGOFINJURIES,DISEASESANDDANGEROUSOCCURRENCESREGULATIONS1995ThereportingofcertainaccidentsandillHealthatWorkisa legal requirement, as defined by the HSE (RIDDOR).Noting that RIDDOR only requires you to report ‘workrelatedaccidents’.Furtheradviceandreportingproceduresaredetailedatwww.hse.gov.uk.

ASAFEETHOSBitsofpaper (ina riskassessmentandsafetyprocedurescontext)only recordhow it is intended that safety isorganised and risk is controlled. Safety and riskmanagement are only as good as the people on site and thejudgmentcallstheymake.Humanjudgmentandappropriateresponsesarecentraltosafety.


Dynamic Risk Assessment In Paddlesport: the ‘Safe Person’ ConceptIn paddlesport we work and play in an inherentlydangerousplace.Peoplego there for adventureand it’snot always possible or desirable to take all the dangersaway from theenvironment. The alternative is todirectoureffortsintomakingthepeoplesafe.

Thisapproachiscalledthe‘safeperson’concept.Itmustbeclearlyunderstoodthatall leaders/organisers/helpersetc. have the authority, as well as the duty, to takeimmediate action in the interest of safety. This is afundamentalpartofthesafepersonconcept.

Thesafetyofaparticipantisrelianttoalargedegreeonthe self-discipline, knowledge and skills of theindividual/s). A safe person has a number of importantqualitiessomeofwhichareshowintheillustrationbelow.

The safeperson concept therefore reliesonanumberofpersonal attributes, togetherwith the right support fromothers,allowingforflexibilityofresponseinordertoreactto unforeseen or changing circumstances. In the enddecisionswillbemadebasedonunderpinningknowledge,skillsandexperienceapplied in theprecisecircumstancesfacedatthetime.

We all have a responsibility for our own safety and thesafety of others. Those of us that are coaches orevent/activity organisers have a ‘professional’responsibility.

THEDYNAMICMANAGEMENTPROCESSDynamic management process is the continuousassessment and control of risks in a rapidly changingenvironment. Everyone should take on a degree ofresponsibility for their own, and their neighbours well-being.However,theoverallresponsibilityforthislieswiththe leaders,event/activityorganisersandhelpers.Thoseresponsibleforsafetymustensurethatsafepracticesarefollowedandthat,sofarasisreasonablypracticable,risksareeliminatedorreducedtotheminimum.

PRE-PLANNINGIs vital to ensure that the ‘safe person’ is in the bestpossiblepositiontotackleincidentsandtoassistwithandundertakedynamicassessments.Leadershipstyles,groupcontrol,positionofmaximumusefulness,etc.wouldformpart of this pre-planning requirement, as would venuechoice,participantnumbers, ability, equipment, etc. thelistisalmostendless.

Vigilantastoownsafety&others

Capableperformer

Correctpersonalequipment

Supervision

Information&trainingPersonaldevelopment&experience

Goodteammember

Disciplinedtoworkwithinframeworkofsystems&procedures Adaptabletochangingcircumstances

Qualitiesofa‘safeperson’


Itisalsoimportantatthestageofpre-planningtoconsidertheresourcesavailable.Havewegotthenecessaryrescueequipment,andarewetrainedandpracticed inrealisticscenarios(thevalueofformalrescuetrainingherecannotbeunderstated)?

The dynamic assessment is the final link in a riskassessment process, it takes placewithin circumstancesthatareunforeseeableand /orare changingconstantly(i.e.ourwhitewaterriver).Itisthisfinalassessmentwhichwerelyupontoallowustocarryonourpaddlingactivitiessafely,andtomakecarefullyconsidered judgments.Thedynamicapproachisacontinuousthoughtprocess.

As the activity/event progresses, youwill need to gatherinformation, evaluate situations and then apply yourjudgmenttodecidethemostappropriatecourseofaction.Hazardsmustbeidentifiedcontinuouslyandtherisktoallconcerned considered. Thebenefits of proceedingwith ataskmustbeweighedcarefullyagainsttherisks.

REASONABLYPRACTICABLE

Theconsequencesofawrongdecisionintheinitialstagesof an incident may be irreversible. Start making yourdecisions before the participants arrive; think about theweather,waterlevels,levelofpaddlers,gameplanandthekit needed.What information is available? Has someonealready done a generic risk assessment? Is there anyonefromwhomyoucouldobtainsomelocalknowledge?

Although there are always time constraints ondecision-makinginemergencies,thisshouldnotbeusedasareasonforacceptingtheunacceptable.

If after implementingall available controlmeasures, thepotentialcostofproceedingwithataskstilloutweighsthe

benefits, DO NOT PROCEED, but consider viablealternativesorintroduceadditionalcontrolssuchas:

➤ Useofadditionalpersonalprotectiveequipment➤ Useofspecialistknowledge➤ Bankorboatsupport

Paddlers, and in particular leaders/event organisers andvolunteers, need to manage safety by constantlymonitoringthesituationandreviewingtheeffectivenessofexistingcontrolmeasures.

HOWTOPLAYDOMINOESMuchworkhasbeendoneaboutwhatcausesaccidentsandithasbeenshownthatinjuriesinvariablyresultfromacomplicatedsequenceoffactors,thelastbeingtheinjuryitself.Thisisoftenreferredtoasthedominotheory.Itisoftenseriesoffactorsorminorincidentsleadinguptoan

injuryitselforindeedamajorincident.Thesefactorscanbe in any order. This means that an accident can bepreventedifyoutakeactionatanyoneofthestagesofthesequence.If you are alert and using the dynamic approach to riskassessment, the odds are stacked in your favour. If youmanageeachofthefactorsinitsownrightandinrelationto the other factors for the day, you should be able tobreakthedominoeffect.

DECISION-MAKINGStress can adversely affect the quality of the decision-making.Dowealwaysrecognisethesignsofdeteriorationintheprocess?

LEARNINGFROMTHEEVENT/ACTIVITYOnce we have dealt with the situation you should notbecome complacent, when does your responsibility foryour companions, participants, officially and morallyfinish? As the urgency of the situation diminishes youshouldstarttorecordtheinformationandperhapspassitontosomeoneelse.Ifareviewistotakeplaceorfeedbackgiven,itshouldbecompletedassoonaspossibleaftertheactivityandthesituationisover.Thiscouldbeformal(e.g.ameeting)orinformal(e.g.comparingexperiencesoveramugofteainthecafé).

Thinkbeforeyouactratherthanactbeforeyouthink

RISK BENEFITS

SECTION3

APPENDICES


APPENDICES1. 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


1.BRITISHCANOEINGHEALTHANDSAFETYPOLICYThispolicyappliesto:

1. British Canoeing events and activities which aredirectlyorganised,administered,orwithinthecontrolof BritishCanoeing, its Committees, Regions, Sportsand Recreation Committees, which directlynecessitatetheuseoftheirservicesorresources(NB.The inclusion of events and activities in the BritishCanoeing Calendar, or notified in British Canoeingpublications, does not necessarily constitute BritishCanoeingrecognition).

2. Courses run by members of the British CanoeingCoachesorLeaders.

3. Other events and activities run by affiliated clubs,whicharelistedintheclub’sNewsletterorDiary.

4. British Canoeing qualified coaches and leadersparticipatingineventsandactivities.

Thepolicydoesnot coverad-hocactivitiesorganisedbygroupsofmembers.

Canoeing* is an assumed risk sport, but all reasonablestepsshouldbetakentoreducethatrisk.Nooneshouldlosetheirlifeorbeseriouslyinjuredifthiscouldhavebeenavoidedthroughthe implementationofsimplewarningsor safeguards. Canoeing events and activities should bemade as safe as is reasonably practicable through theapplication of risk assessment. The level of detail andformalisationofriskassessmentsshouldbeproportionateto the level of risk. Typically site and major event riskassessments should be formally recorded,whilst ad hocassessments may be verbally agreed between relevantpersonnel,whomay include coaches, students and clubofficials,whereasdynamicriskassessmentswilloftenbeundertakenbyonepersonassituationsarise.

Theriskassessmentofactivitiesshouldbeconsidered‘goodpractice’, which is largely defined in British Canoeingguidance, coaching & leadership qualifications. Goodpracticeisnotmandatory,butdeviationsfromitshouldberisk assessed. Routine deviations from British Canoeingguidance, coaching or leadership qualifications should besupportedbywrittenriskassessments.Whereappropriatethe written risk assessments should also identify theconditions forcancellationof theevent/activitywhentheriskswouldbeconsideredunacceptable.

Thelevelofriskthatchildrenandvulnerableadultsmaybeexposed to should be significantly lower than that ofknowledgeable and experienced adults, who would becapable of making their own judgements. Participantsshouldbeawareoftherisknatureofcanoeingandshouldalsobemadeawareofthemostsignificanthazardsrelevantto the location or activity. Participation in competitiveeventsshouldbelimitedtothosewhodeclarethemselvescompetenttohandletheconditions,takingintoaccountthehazardsandsafetycoverprovided.

Risk assessment should identify the appropriate level ofrescue provision for the given venue, environment andindividual specifics (taking into account factors such asdistances, typesof canoeorkayak,useofbuoyancyaids,ability of participants, water temperature, weatherconditions and currents). It is recognised that rescueprovisionmaynotalwaysbepracticable,especiallyfortoursbygroupsofpaddlerstrainedandequippedfortheventure,orundertheleadershipofsuitablyqualifiedcurrentBritishCanoeingCoachesorLeaders.Suitablesafetyon riversorlonger events cover could range from having reliable,competentpaddlersstrategicallyplaced,tohavingtrainedbank-siderescueparties,orevendiversonhand.

Theuseofbuoyancyaidsandhelmetsareconsideredthenorm where ‘white water’ or the shooting of weirs isinvolved. Indeed, they are often compulsory for manydisciplineevents.

*Canoeingreferstoopencanoes,kayaks,standuppaddleboards and sit on tops, with single or double bladedpaddles


2.BRITISHCANOEINGINSURANCEBRIEFINGLiabilityinsurancecoverisabenefitofBritishCanoeingmembershipandnormallyappliesto;individualBritishCanoeingmembersresidentintheUK;affiliatedclubsandregisteredmembersofaffiliatedclubsresidentinthe UK. British Canoeing, Canoe Association ofNorthern Ireland and the Scottish Canoe AssociationinsurancecoverismanagedbyPerkinsSlade;whilstforCanoeWalesit’stheDoodsonBrokingGroup.Furtherdetails of the insurance cover provided, exclusions,requirementsfortheinsurancetobeconsideredvalid,andthetypesofactivitiescoveredareprovidedbytheinsurancecompanieswithcontactdetailsavailableontheHomeNationWebsites.PerkinsSladehasaspecificwebsitedesignatedforBritishCanoeing(inc.CANIandSCA)members. This answersmany of the frequentlyaskedquestions;www.ps-bcu-insurance.com.

The insurance provided typically covers legal liabilityfordamagesand legal costsarisingoutof thirdpartyloss, injury, or damage linked to canoeing or relatedactivity.Thisnormallyincludescoverforcoacheswhenprovidingtuition,whetherforafeeornot,althoughisunlikelytocoveracoachoperatingasabusiness.

It is important to remember that should you beinvolved in an incident thatmay give rise to a claimagainstyoutoNOTadmitliability.Potentially,indoingthisyouareallowinginsurerstheoptiontowalkawayandceasetheirinvolvementinanycase.

ADVICEONTHERESPONSIBILITYOFCLUBOFFICIALSItispresumedthatelectedofficialsofBritishCanoeingclubs,ormembersactingofficiallyon theirbehalf, areresponsiblepersonsactinginaresponsiblemanner.Itisalsoacceptedthatcanoeingisanactivitywhichinvolvescertaininherentrisks.

Itisknownthatgoodinitialtraining,agradualbuildingup of experience, thewearing and use of recognisedsafetygear,alliedtotheknowledgeofitsuseandofthecanoeing environment, have provided a good trackrecordofsafety.Itisnotexpected,inotherwords,thatactivityshouldberestrictedtovery‘safe’canoeing.Butit is expected that when others are let into moredangerous ventures, this will be done in accordancewith accepted precepts. There is clearly both a legalandamoralresponsibilitytodoso.

Irresponsibleorcarelessleadership,however,willnotinvalidatetheliabilityinsurance.Infact,itisonlywhennegligence is involved, that the policy is likely to beinvoked!TherearenogroundsforcompensationtobepaidifthoseauthorisingtheactivityarenotconsideredbyaCourttohavebeenguiltyofnegligence.

NOTE–Whileitisnotaninsurancerequirementthatclubjourneys,clubactivitiesoreventstobecoveredbyqualifiedcoaches,theholdingornotofaCoachingqualificationby theappointed,orpresumed leadersof a canoeing venture, is a factor which would betakenintoaccountbyacourtindeterminingwhetherornotnegligencewasinvolved.

In any situationClubOfficials shouldensure that allclubeventsandactivitiesareendorsedbythemandled by appropriately experienced / qualifiedindividuals, and such individuals are confirmed bythem as being appropriate to do so through clubrecordsandorcommitteeminutes.

Clubofficialsshouldalsomakeadistinctionbetweenclubtripsandeventsandpeeronlytrips/events.Suchdistinction should be made very clear to theirmembers and highlight the degree of individualresponsibility in attending either type ofactivity/event.


NOTE–Clubsandaffiliatemembersshouldnotethataffiliate members are only covered by the liabilityinsurance when taking part in recognised clubactivities.

CHECKINGTHESMALLPRINTAswithallinsurancepoliciesitisimportanttoensurethatyouarefamiliarwiththedetailofwhatiscovered,andwhatisnot.Weadviseallmemberstofamiliarizethemselveswiththesefinerdetailsandtocontacttheinsurancebrokerforspecificadviceinthecaseofanyuncertainty. This is particularly pertinent wherecoachesarereceivingafeeforcoaching,formemberswhoareforeignnationals,wherecoverisrequiredforpremises/club houses, and matters relating toemployersliability.

NOTIFICATIONOFACCIDENTSANDINJURIESOn26April1999,theCivilJusticesystemwasamendedtoreflectanumberofchangesnowknownastheWoolfReforms, thepurposebeing to resolvedisputesmorequickly but without necessarily having to resort tolitigation. ForPersonal Injury claims inparticular, theconsequences for Sport and Recreation areconsiderable.

Ifan individual (theclaimant)sustainsan injuryheorshehasupto3yearstoissueaclaim(formerlyawrit)against another individual or club (the defendant)consideredtohavebeennegligentincausingtheinjury.Thedefendanthasonly21daystoacknowledgereceiptoftheclaimandafurther90dayseithertoacceptordeny liability and, in the caseof adenial, toproducesupporting documentation and evidence. Failure toobserve these time scales could give Insurers anopportunitytolimitorevendenyindemnitywhich,ofcourse, could have serious ramifications for thedefendant.

Asaresultofthis,allthoseinvolvedinSportarenowrequiredtoreport(totheir InsuranceBrokers)everyincident,particularlythoseinvolvingapersonalinjury,whichcouldgiverisetoasubsequentclaim.Thiswillensure that detailed records are kept, so that in theeventof a claimadefencemaybemorequickly andaccuratelymounted. Aswell as being able to ensure

that the information is appropriately archived it willprovideadatabaseofinjuriesandincidentstosupportdevelopments in best practice, techniquedevelopment. Indeed itwillensurethatpractitioners,not insurancecompaniesdictatesafetypolicies.Noterecordsmustbekeptforatleast25years.

Individualsreportingincidentsinthiswayneedhavenofearorconcernaboutactionbeingtakenagainstthem.Thedetailsofincidentsreportedwillonlybeusedforthepurposestatedandwillbeheldconfidentially.Thepurpose of the form is to ensure that reportingrequirements aremet and that in the unlikely eventthat a claim is made against you insurers can actspeedily tocovertheclaim.Thenon-reportingof thistype of information could result in insurers limitingcoverordenyingindemnity.

Werecommendthatadesignatedpersonwithinyourclub/organisation is made responsible to record anyreportableaccident.

British Canoeing, Canoe Association of NorthernIrelandandScottishCanoeAssociationmembersreportvia the Claims Advice section of: www.ps-bcu-insurance.com.

CanoeWalesmembersreportvia:http://www.doodsonbg.com/Make-a-Claim

FINALWORDONINSURANCEThe law requires us to take reasonable care for thesafetyofothers.Themoralcodeclearlyalsoimpliesthisduty. Inpractical terms, ifa largeclaimoccurred, therenewal premium could be prohibitive. There isthereforeadutyonallofustoensurethatitremainsatmodestcosttoBritishCanoeingforthebenefitofthemember who may become a genuine victim ofcircumstance. It is important that the policy is notinvokedthroughirresponsibility.

BOATINSURANCEPlease contact your Home Nation Association forfurther information on insurance for accidentaldamage,loss,ortheftofcanoesandkayaks.Favorablepremiumsmayhavebeennegotiated.


3.CLUBSAFETYREVIEWThepurposeofthisdocumentistoassistyouandyourclubassessthemanagementofsafetywithinyourclubandclubactivities,andinparticularassistyouinproducingyourStandardOperatingProcedures.Atthisstageitisnotmeanttobecomprehensive,merelyaguidetowhichyoumaywishtoaddfurtheritemsandcommentsasameansofcompletingathoroughreviewaspartofanongoingsafetymanagementprocess.

Thisdocumentoutlinesanumberofresponsibilitiesandactionsforclubmembers,committeesandcoaches/leaders.

ISYOURCLUBASAFECLUB?PERSONALAllmembersshouldread,acknowledgeandfollowallappropriateclubsafetyguidelines.

CLUB(CLUBCOMMITTEE)➤ Activelypromoteacultureofsafepractice➤ Produceandcommunicatesafetyguidelinesforallyourmembersandcoachestofollow➤ ModifyStandardOperatingProceduresinthelightofincidents,riskassessmentsandcurrentgoodpractice➤ Beclearaboutwhenclubactivityisclubactivity

COACHCoachesshouldeducateandtrainpaddlersinunderstandingsafetymanagementpracticesandinunderstandingandfollowingtheclub’sStandardOperatingProcedures.

CLUBSAFETYADVISERItisadvisableforclubstoappoint,fromwithintheircommittee,asafetyadviserorofficerto:

➤ Adviseonmattersofsafetyfortheclubandallclubactivities➤ Adviseontheeffectivenessoftheclub’sStandardOperatingProcedures➤ UndertakeStandardOperatingProceduresannualreview

STANDARDOPERATINGPROCEDURESStandardOperatingProceduresmustbeformulatedandcommunicatedbytheclub,byallappropriatemeanspossibletoeducateandtrainitsmembers,includingInductionProgrammesforallnewmembers.AllnewmembersmustreceiveacopyoftheStandardOperatingProceduresandparticipateinanInductionProgramme.

ItistheprimaryfunctionoftheStandardOperatingProcedurestocareforthesafetyofclubmembers,otherwaterusersandthepublicatlarge.

Asamatterofgoodpracticeclubsareadvisedtocomplete,aheadofproducingtheirStandardOperatingProcedures,athoroughauditofclubactivityandcurrentpractice.Suchanexercisewillthenprovideanindicationofexistingareasofgoodpracticeaswellasareasneedingfurtherwork/developmentinordertoensurethesafetyofmembersinallclubactivities.

Furtherdocumentsareavailabletoassistyouinthisprocess–BritishCanoeingEventSafetyAudit(Appendix5),SafetyChecklistforClubActivity(Appendix4).


COMMUNICATIONOFSAFETYCRITICALINFORMATION:TheClubshouldmakesurethatitsmembershaveeasyaccesstosafetycriticalinformation.Wherepossiblethiswouldbeonprominentdisplay.Forexample:

➤ Aplanofthelocalwaterhighlightinghazards,anyzoning,navigationorcirculationrulesalongwithemergencyaccesspoints(namedandwherenecessarywithpostcodes).

➤ Guidancetomemberswhentakingpartinclubevents.

➤ Guidanceontheclub’sHealthandSafetypolicy.

➤ Guidanceontheclub’sChildProtectionandScreeningpolicy.

➤ Instructionstocoveranyvariationtonormalproceduresneededtomanagerisksresultingfromtidalcurrents,stream,windorotherclimaticconditions.

➤ VisualAidsonsafepractice,lifesavingandup-to-dateresuscitationtechniques.

➤ Instructionsforreportingincidents.

➤ TelephonenumbersforEmergencyServicesincludingtheexactlocationanddirectionstotheclub,andanyaccesspointsincludingpostcodeoridentifiersusedbytheEmergencyServices.

➤ Vitaltelephonenumbersrelatingtosafetye.g.clubofficials,FirstAiders,the localaccidentandemergencyhospital,navigationauthority,riverorharbourpolice,RLNI,etc.

➤ Cleardirectionstothenearestandalternativetelephonepoints.

➤ ThepositionofFirstAidBoxesandequipment.

Furthergoodpractice(inadditiontominimumstandardstobeadopted):

➤ Emergencyservices,localnavigationauthoritiesandotherwaterusersshouldbeprovidedwithacopyoftheStandardOperatingProceduresforanycommentorsuggestiontobemade.

➤ StandardOperatingProceduresshouldbemodifiedinthelightofincidentsorchangesingoodpractice.

TopicstobeaddressedbytheStandardOperatingProceduresshouldinclude:

➤ Rulesforclubmembersrelatingtotheirresponsibilitiesinrelationtosafepractice.

➤ Whenandwherecrewscantrain,warmupandcooldownonthewater.

➤ Thecriteriaforassessingtherisksassociatedwithanylocalonthewateractivity.

➤ Rulesrelatingtothetrainingofjuniormembers.

➤ EmergencyActionPlan–membersshouldbemadeawareoftheirrolesandactiontobetakenintheeventofanemergency.


4.SAFETYCHECKLISTFORCLUBACTIVITYThepurposeofthisappendixistoassistyouandyourclubassessthemanagementofsafetywithinyourclubandclubactivities,andinparticularassistyouinproducingyourStandardOperatingProcedures.Atthisstageitisnotmeanttobecomprehensive,merelyaguidetowhichyoumaywishtoaddfurtheritemsandcommentsasameansofcompletingathoroughreviewaspartofanongoingsafetymanagementprocess.

This document outlines a number of responsibilities and actions for clubmembers, club committee and coaches /leaders.

INTRODUCTIONANDINSTRUCTIONSThischecklist istherecommendedminimumstandardtoensuresafetyofrecreationalactivitiesofBritishCanoeingaffiliategroups.ItspurposeistoensurethatallappropriatestepshavebeentakentoensurethesafetyofparticipantsinBritishCanoeingcanoeing-sanctionedpaddlingactivities.

Howtousethischecklist:

1. Thischecklistisausefultoolforclubsafetyofficerstoassistthemcompleteagenericauditofallclubactivities,inordertoprovidetheclubcommitteewiththereassurancethatstandardsafetymeasuresforclubactivitiesaremet.

2. Thischecklist isalsoausefultoolfortrip/journeyleaderswhenorganisingeitheraseriesofclubtripsornewsingletripsorjourneys.Pleaserefertoitwhenplanningforasafeactivity,andcompleteasrequiredtoconfirmthatallreasonablestepshavebeentakentoensurethesafetyofallparticipants.

Guidancenotedinthischecklistarebasedonthefollowingdocuments:

➤ BritishCanoeingSafetyGuidelinesforClubsandVolunteers➤ BritishCanoeingTermsofReference➤ BritishCanoeingCourseStaffingRequirementsandRatio’s➤ BritishCanoeingCanoeandKayakHandbook➤ BritishCanoeingCoachingHandbook

Youmayfindithelpfultohavethesedocumentsonhand.


INFORMATIONABOUTTHEACTIVITY

Nameoforganisationhostingtheactivity:

Nameofactivity:

Descriptionofactivity:

Descriptionofparticipants(‘participants’includepaddlers,officials,guides,instructors,coaches,observers,etc.):

Activitydate(s)&times:

Activityvenue(s):

Otherrelevantinformationabouttheactivity

Pleasedocumentwhetherornotthefollowingsafetymeasureshavebeentakeninpreparationforyouractivitybycompletingthecheckliststhatfollow.


1.MEMBERPROTECTION

Havethefollowingstepsbeenactioned? Yes No Relevant

Yes/No

Action Date

completed

1.1. CriminalRecordChecking&Disclosure

Haveallcoaches/instructorsandguidesbeenscreenedfortheirrolesasperBritishCanoeing/HomeNationChildProtectionandVulnerableAdultspolicies?

HaveallpersonnelwhowillorarerequiredtohaveaDBS(England/Wales),AccessNI(NI)orPVG(Scotland)beenappropriatelychecked?Thisusuallyincludesthosewhowillhaveunsupervisedcontactwith,ortravelawaywith,teamsofpaddlersunder18yearsofage.

NB:Intheeventthatthepersonscreenedisfoundtohavecommittedanycriminaloffencesorwhosehistorysuggeststhathe/shemaybeaquestionablecandidatefortherolehasappropriateactionbeentaken?

RefertoBritishCanoeing/HomeNationfordetailsofappropriateaction.

1.2.ChildProtectionandVulnerableAdultsPolicy

Hasyourclub/groupdevelopedandimplementedpoliciesandprocedurestopreventharassmentofanykind,including:

• Sexualharassment

• Racialharassment

• Sexualityharassment

• Disabilityharassment

• Abuse

• VilificationDiscrimination–direct/indirectequity


2.PLANNING


Yes/No

Action Date

completed

2.1 RiskManagement:

HasaSafetyManagementPlanbeendeveloped,whichincludesthefollowing:

a. Chainofcommand

Whowillreporttowhomintheeventofanemergency?

b. Communicationsystemsandtechnology

• Communicationtechnology(mobiles,radios,satellitephones,etc.)thatcanbereliedupontoworkatthevenuehavebeenorganised.

• Hasemergencyresponseinformationbeendocumented,andisitreadilyavailableintheeventofanemergencythatrequiresexternalassistance?Informationshouldinclude:

-Communicationandcontactdetails

-Escaperouteandlocationinformation

-Participantslists

-Medicalforms

-Transportdetails

Continuedover…



Yes/No

Action Date

completed

c. Emergencyprocedures

Haveemergencyproceduresbeendevelopedanddocumented,foreachofthefollowingevents(asapplicable):

• Seriousinjuryorfatality

• Seriousthreatstopersonalsafetyfromhigh-riskenvironmentalconditions(e.g.flood,storm,fire,etc.)

• Lostparticipants

• Behaviouralmanagementproblems

Dotheemergencyproceduresinclude(asapplicable):

• Priorityoftasks;immediate,second,third

• Rolesandresponsibilities

• Exitroutes,emergencyandevacuationprocedures

• Contactdetailsforbasecamp,andprogramadministratorsasrequired

• Contactdetailsforpolice,rescueandmedicalservicesinthearea

• Communicationmodesandprotocols

• Locationmanagement

• Vehicularaccess

• Boataccess

• Helicopteraccess

• Identificationofnearestmedicalfacilities

• Identificationofnaturalhazardsandappropriateresponse(asrequired)

• Postincidentmanagement;contactofinsurer,legalprocedures,postincidenttrauma,counselling?

2.2.Floatplan

Hasafloatplanbeenestablished?

Doesthefloatplanincludefulldetailsof:

• Theroute

• Theparticipants

• Contingencyplans


3.PEOPLE


Yes/No

Action Date

completed

3.1Leaderresponsibilities

Doestheleaderhavethefollowingminimumresponsibilities(asapplicable):

• Researchlikelyhazards

• Confirmgroupexperience/capabilities

• AdheretotheBritishCanoeingSafetyGuidelines

• Ensureafullbriefingofparticipantsisclearlycarriedoutandunderstood

• Checkriverlevelsandweatherreports

• Ensurethatallgroupequipmentisstoredcorrectly

• Confirmheadcountbeforedepartureandthroughouttrip

• Bealertforphysicalandpsychologicalconditionofthegroup

• Controlpaceofthegroup(trips&expeditions)

• Restgroupifnecessary(tripsandexpeditions)

• Ensure,tothebestofhis/herability,thatparticipantsdonotgetintosituationsbeyondtheircapabilities

• Designateresponsibilitytootherleaders

• Confirmheadcountaftertrip(trips&expeditions)

• Notifyappropriatepersonsofsafecompletion(trips&expeditions)

• Checkallequipmentonreturn

Continuedover…



Yes/No

Action Date

completed

3.2.Competencyandqualificationsof

instructorsand/orguides

Areallinstructorsand/orguidesqualifiedfortherolesthattheywillperform?

• Therelevantqualification(seeBritishCanoeingTermsofReference).

• Proofthattheirqualificationandskillsarecurrent–thismeans:

a. CoachesmeetBritishCanoeingCoachUpdateRequirements

b. Coaches/guidescomplywithBestPracticeguidelinesandobservetherelevantclub/BritishCanoeingconstitution,bylaws,regulations

Experiencedvolunteerleaders

Experiencedvolunteerleadershavehadtheirexperienceformallyverifiedandconfirmedbyclub/group.

3.3.Firstaidqualifications

Doallinstructorsandguides:

• Haveacurrentrecognisedbodyapprovedfirstaidqualification?

• Haveadesignatedfirstaidkitasaminimum?

Continuedover…



Yes/No

Action Date

completed

3.4.Communicationandauthority

Hastheleaderensuredthatallparticipantsaregivenclearandconciseinstructionsonthefollowingmatters:

• Thestatusofthetripintheclub/groupcalendar,etc.

• Personalresponsibilities

• Arrangementsfortravelandmeeting

• Personalequipmentneeds

• Communicationarrangementsforoff/ontheriver

• Thecorrectandsafehandlingandnavigationofanycanoeorkayak

• ThecorrectfittingandwearingofappropriatePersonalFlotationDevices(PFDs)whicharetobewornatalltimes

• Thewhereaboutsofallgroupandsafetyequipment

• Inseaprograms,thegroupspacingandaveragespeed,aswellasthesignalstobeusedbythetripleaderandparticipants

• Thegroup’scapsizeprocedure

• Sun/and/orenvironmentalprotection

• Groupmedicalconcerns

• Theprogramfortheday

• Theroleofeachparticipant

• Theexpectationsofeachparticipant

3.5.Generalequipment

• Haveallthepossibleeventualitiesbeenconsideredwhenselectingequipmentfortheactivity?

• Havemeasuresbeenputintoplacetoensurethatallnecessaryequipment(includingemergencysupplies)isavailabletoallparticipants,asappropriatefortheevent/activity?

Continuedover…



Yes/No

Action Date

completed

3.6.Boatsandassociatedequipment

• Arethekayaksandcanoesusedsuitableforthenatureanddurationoftheactivity,theconditionsexpectedduringtheactivity,andtheskilllevelsofallparticipants?

Aremeasuresputintoplacetoensurethatallcraft:

• Provideastableplatformallowingstrokestobeperformedeffectively

• Possessthestrengthtowithstandallforeseeableforces

• Notsink,butremainhorizontalwhenswampedandbeuseableasbuoyancyforitscrew

• Becapableofbeingtowedbyropeandgraspedbyhand

• Allowforeasyexitintheeventofacapsize

• Nottobedesigned,madeofamaterialorfinishedinawaythatcouldcauseinjurytoimpedeexit

• Arefittedwithendloopsortoggles

• Arefittedwithafootrestthatwillnotallowfeettobecomeentrappedandthatwillnotbreakintheeventofforeseeablepaddlingforcesorimpacts

• Areofacolourthatisclearlyvisibletootherwaterusersorrescueauthorities

• Havepositivebuoyancyateachend

• Arerudders,skegsorretractablefinsusedonseakayaks?

Ifyesaretheyingoodworkingorder?

NB–paddlersshouldnotbereliantonthemfordirectionalcontrolofthecraft.

• Pumporself-bailer–isapumporself-bailercarriedsothatwatermayberemovedfromaseakayakcockpitasnecessary

Continuedover…



Yes/No

Action Date

completed

3.7.Ratiosandgroupsize

• Isthereanappropriateinstructor/guide:clientratioforthistrip?

TodeterminethecorrectratioforyourtriprefertoBritishCanoeingTermsofReferenceandRatiodocumentation.

• Areappropriatesafetymanagementproceduresinplacetocoverallsafetyscenarios?

3.8.Skillsofparticipants

• Hastheleadertakenallreasonablestepstoensurethatparticipantsarecompetenttoparticipateintheproposedactivity(ideallyanon-waterfamiliarization*orappropriateStarAwardStatus)?

*Purposeoftheon-waterfamiliarisationsessiontodemonstrateandpracticerelevantskillsandproceduresincludingbutnotlimitedto:

• Personalperformance

• Rescue

• Self-rescueandcapsizedrills


4.EQUIPMENT


Yes/No

Action Date

completed

4.1.Paddles

• Arepaddlesappropriatetothetypeofcraft,anddotheybuildtheskilllevelsoftheparticipants?

• Arethereappropriatesparepaddlesavailable,asappropriatefortheactivity(s)?

4.2.Personalflotationdevices(PFDs)

ArePFDsthatcomplywiththerequirementsbelowavailableforeachparticipant:

• ConstructioncomplieswithCEStandards

• Arethecorrectsizeandareadjustabletoensureaproperfit

• EachPFDhasawhistleattached(recommended)

• Whereapplicabletowingcowstailsarequickrelease

• ThePFDsmustnotcontainanypocketorothercomponentthatmayimpedepaddling,normalrescuepracticesorexitfromcraft.

• AllPFDsarebrightincolour(recommended)

4.3.Helmets

Arecanoeinghelmetsavailableandwornforallofthefollowingactivities:

• Paddlingwatergrade2andabove

• Surfing

• Paddlingamongrocksorinseacaves

• Duringrescuepractice

Continuedover…



Yes/No

Action Date

completed

4.4.Navigationequipment(whereappropriate)

• Willanappropriatechoiceofnavigationequipmentbeused?Thismayinclude:

-Mapsand/ormarinecharts

-Compasses

-GPSreceiver

• Isthenavigationequipmenttreatedand/orstoredinsuchawayastomakethemwaterresistant?

4.5.Communicationequipment

• Hastheleaderdeterminedwhatequipmentshouldbecarriedbytheparticipants?Equipmentchosenmustbeappropriatefortheactivityandareaofoperation.Itmayinclude:

-MarineWhistle

-Mobilephone

-Signalingmirror

-MarineVHFradio(operatorsshouldholdtheVHFcertificateforproficiency)

-Flares(red,smoke,parachute)

-Marine27MHzradio

-Torch

-Strobelight

-VHFradio

-Satellitephone

-Chemicallightstick(orelectronicequivalent)

-EPIRB

• Isallelectronicandotherequipmentthatcanbedamagedbywatercarriedinwaterresistantcontainers?

Continuedover…



Yes/No

Action Date

completed

4.6.Safetyandrescueequipment

• Isallsafetyandrescueequipmentcarriedinsuchawaythatitisquicklyandeasilyaccessible?

• Doleadershaveanappropriatetowingsystemeasilyaccessible,sothatitcanbedeployedquicklywhenneeded?

• Areotherparticipantscarryingtowlinesasappropriatefortheactivityandatthediscretionoftheleader?

• Arealltowingsystemsquick-release,andaretheysetupsothattheydonotrestrictthemaneuverabilityofthetowingboat?

• Doallleadersinanyactivityinvolvingmovingwatercarrythrowbags?

• Arethrowbagsavailable?

• Dosomeotherparticipantswhoaretrainedintheuseofthrowbagscarrythemaswell(atthediscretionoftheleader)?

• Isarescueknifeavailableforallwhitewateractivities?

• Aretheknivesquicklyandeasilyaccessible(butnotcarriedontheoutsideofaPFD)?

• Doestheleader(andotherparticipantsattheleader’sdiscretion)carryabasicrepairkitthatisappropriatefortheboatsthatarebeingused?

4.7.Maintenance,replacementandstorageofequipment

Isallequipmentusedincanoeingactivitiesused,maintainedandstoredaccordingtomanufacturer’sinstructionswhereapplicable?


5.RECORDINGANDREPORTINGINCIDENTS


Yes/No

Action Date

completed

5.1.Recordingandreportingincidents:

• Doyourclub/groupmaintaincentralisedrecordsofcanoeingincidentsandaccidentsthatresultedininjuryorhadthepotentialtoresultininjury?

• WhoisresponsibleforreportingincidentstoBritishCanoeing,andaretheyawareofthereportingrequirements?

6.OTHERREQUIREMENTS


Yes/No

Action Date

completed

6.1.Clothing

Dotripleadersandallparticipantsadheretoandpromotebestpracticeintheirchoiceofclothing,footwearandpersonalequipment?

6.2.Sunprotection

Dotripleadersandallparticipantsadheretoandpromotebestpracticesunprotectionbehaviour?

6.3.Foodanddrink

Areadequatefoodanddrinksuppliesasappropriateforthenatureanddurationoftheactivityforallparticipantscarriedoravailable?


5.BRITISHCANOEINGEVENTSAFETYAUDITThepurposeofthisdocumentistoassistyouandyourclubassessthemanagementofsafetywithinspecificclubevents/races,andinparticularassistyouinproducingyourStandardOperatingProcedures.Atthisstageitisnotmeanttobecomprehensive,merelyaguidetowhichyoumaywishtoaddfurtheritemsandcommentsasameansofcompletingathoroughreviewaspartofanongoingsafetymanagementprocess.

This document outlines a number of responsibilities and actions for club members, club committee, andcoaches/leaders.

Stage1

TheDecisiontoRun

ACTION Audit/comment

• Motivations

• Pressures

Whataretheclub’s/organiser’smotivationsforrunningtheevent

Doestheclubalreadyhaveaprocessinplaceformanagingtheevent/race?

Whatarethespecificpressuresontheclubinrunningtheevent?

Stage2

EarlyPlanning


• Applicationandauthoritytoruntheevent

• NGBIssues

• Personnel

Doestheevent/racerequireNGBauthorisation?

ArethereanyNGBissuestonote/buildintotheplanning?

Hastheclubappointedanoveralleventorganiserandestablishedaclearchainofcommandbetweencommittee,organiser,safetycoordinator,marshals,safetysupporters,etc.

HaveallrelevantmembersoftheeventdeliveryteambeenscreenedforcompetenceandCRB?

‘Rightpeoplerightjob’


Stage3

Pre-EventConsiderations


‘SpanofControl’

• Management

• Safety

• Facilities

• Race/eventneeds

• Comms

Isthereanappropriate‘SpanofControl’/managementinfrastructureinplacefortheevent/race?

HasaSafetyOfficerbeenappointedfortheevent?

IstheSafetyOfficeramemberoftheOrganisingCommittee?

IswatersafetyaregularitemateachmeetingoftheOrganisingCommittee?

Iswatersafetypartoftheeventreview?

HasaRiskAssessmentbeenundertakencoveringsituationsonbothlandandwater?

Isthenatureofthecourse/eventenvironmenttakenintoaccount,includingspectatorareas,carparking,start/finishareas,roomforpaddlerstotakeoverthemajorityofthecourse,androomtoaccommodateotherwaterusersorpaddlersnotracing?

IstheRiskAssessmentreviewedaftereachevent,takingaccountofpreviousincidents,changestoarrangements,changestothecourse,etc.ornewhazards?

DoyouhaveaChildProtectionandVulnerableAdultsScreeningPolicyandifsodoesitmeettheBritishCanoeingChildProtectionandVulnerableAdultsPolicyrequirements?

HasaCompetitionSafetyPlanbeenformulated,basedonyourRiskAssessment?

DoestheSafetyPlancoverthedecision-makingprocessforcancellationduetoinclementconditions,rulesapplyingtotheevent,communications,medicalandfirstaid,thestartandfinish,racemonitors/umpires,instructionstoofficialsandcompetitors,emergencyvehicleaccessandanAccidentandEmergencyActionPlan?

HastheCompetitionSafetyPlanbeenshowntothepolice,waterauthority,ambulanceservice,lifesavingandfirstaidorganisationstoconfirmthattheeventcantakeplaceundersafeconditionsforbothcompetitorsandthegeneralpublic?


Doyouensurethatofficials,safetyboatcrews,umpires,firstaidersandmedicalofficerarefullybriefedaboutyourAccidentandEmergencyActionPlan?

Doyougenerateaparticipantregister?

Doyourequireparticipantstocompleteaneventregistrationform?

Doyoutakebookingsforyoureventontheday?Ifso,howisthismanagedinrelationtovenueaccess,venueauthorisationandriskassessmentactivity?

Doyourequireparticipantstosignastatementofphysicalcompetenceandwhereappropriateamedicaldeclarationform?

DoyourequireparentalConsentformstobecompletedforparticipantsundertheageof18?

IsallsuchdatasensitivelyheldandsubjecttoDataProtectionbestpractice?


Stage4

DayoftheEvent


CALM–Communication/Avoidance/Lineofsight/Management

• Management

• Eventplan

• Thevenue/routesandrules

• Decisionsanddynamicriskassessment

• Communications

• ITneeds

• Theentrantsandothers

Havealltheeventteambeengivenclearguidanceandconciseinstructionsinrespectoftheevent/race?

WhatInstructionsarerequiredforofficialsandcompetitors?

Doyouprovidetrainingtoeventorganisers,racemarshalsandsafetyteams?

Doyouprovideofficialsandcompetitorswithinstructionswhichincludelocalracingrules,navigationrules,flowpatternandidentificationoflocalhazards,togetherwithaplanofthecourseillustratingthesefeatures?

Doyouadvisecompetitorsoftheactionstheyshouldtakeintheeventofanaccident,togetherwithemergencytelephonenumbersandthelocationofthenearesttelephone?

Doyouprovideofficialswithspecificinstructionsregardingtheirparticularduty?

Doyouinstructcourseofficialsandsafetylaunchcrewstobeinpositionpriortocrewsboating?

Safetyteams/umpires

Doyouprovidelifejackets/buoyancyaidsforallsafetyteammembers/launchumpireswhenonduty?

Doyoursafetyteams/umpirescarrybuoyancyaids/helmets,throwlines,riverknives,firstaidequipmentandthermalblankets?

Doyouinstructyoursafetyteams/umpiresthatintheeventofanaccidenttheirfirstdutyistothesafetyofthecompetitor?

Doyouprovidesafetyteammembers/launchumpireswithradiocommunicationandloudhailers?

Wherepracticaldoyouprovidebanksafetyteams/umpireswiththrowlinesandsafetyequipment?

Racemarshals

Doyouappointsufficientracemarshalssothatbetweenthemtheycanobservethefullevent/course?


Doyouplaceracemarshalsinpositionswheretherearetightbends,narrowpassagesthatpreventovertaking,orwherespecialcareneedstobetaken?

Doyouprovideracemarshalswithradiocommunicationandloudhailers?

Safetyboats

Doyouprovidesafetyboatssuitableforthetaskinsufficientnumberstoproviderapidresponse?

Arethecrewsofyoursafetyboatscompetentinboathandlingandrescuetechniques(preferablytrainedtoRYAPowerboatLevel2)?

Doyoursafetyboatscarrybuoyancyaids,linethrowingequipment,thermalblankets,firstaidequipment,bailer,knife,paddle,enginecut-outlanyarddevice,anchorandlineandsimplehandholdsfixedtotheside?

ArethecrewsinradiocontactwithEventControl?

Doyouprovidelifejackets/buoyancyaidsforallsafetyboatcrewsonduty?

FirstAid

Doyouprovidefirstaidcover?

DoyouappointaMedicalAdvisertoensurethatallmedicalaspects,recoveryandfirstaidareputinplace?

Doyouensurethatcompetitors,supportersandthegeneralpublicknowwheretoobtainfirstaid?

Doyouhaveamedicallyqualifieddoctoronsitetoprovidegeneralmedicalsupportandadvice?

Doyouhaveamethodofcommunicationtosummonfirstaidtoanaccident?

General

Doyouhaveasystemtocheckthatcompetitors’boatsareinasafeconditiontoracebeforeembarkationisallowed?

Whererequireddoyoudisplaywarningnoticesoftheeventtootherwaterusersandtheactionstheyshouldtake?

Wherepracticaldoyouclearlybuoytheevent/racecourseandtrafficlanesforother


passingriverusersasrequiredbythelocalnavigationorharbourauthority?


Stage5

PostEvent


• Recording/reportingofincidents

• NGBissues

• CleaningUp

• ReviewandLessonslearnt

• Results

• Thankyous

Whatarethereportingprocedures?

HaveyouclearlyidentifiedanyNGBissues?

Doyouhaveareview/clear-upplan?

Howdoyouensurethatlessonslearntarefedintofutureevents?


6.BRITISHCANOEINGCOMPETITIONSAFETYMANAGEMENTThepurposeofthisdocumentistoassistyouandyourclubassessthemanagementofsafetywithinyourclubandclubactivities,andinparticularassistyouinproducingStandardOperatingProcedures.Atthisstageitisnotmeanttobecomprehensive,merelyaguidetowhichyoumaywishtoaddfurtheritemsandcommentsasameansofcompletingathoroughreviewaspartofanongoingsafetymanagementprocess.

This document outlines a number of responsibilities and actions for clubmembers, club committee and coaches /leaders.

RESPONSIBILITIES

COMPETITORS

➤ Readandunderstandtheinstructionstocompetitors

➤ Reportanyincidentsatthecompetition

CLUB

➤ Distributeinstructionstocompetitors

➤ Providearepresentativetoattendanysafetybriefings

COACH

➤ Readandunderstandtheinstructionstocompetitors

➤ Discusstheseplanswiththeirpaddlersandchecktheirunderstanding

COMPETITIONSAFETYOFFICER

➤ FacilitatetheproductionandfulfilmentoftheCompetitionSafetyPlanforthecompetition

COMPETITIONORGANISERS

➤ EnsurethataneffectiveCompetitionSafetyPlanisproduced

➤ EnsurethattheCompetitionSafetyPlanisdistributedtoallcompetingclubsandotherrelevantparties,raceofficials,safetyboatandotherpersonnel

➤ ReadandunderstandtheCompetitionSafetyPlan

➤ Keepcompetitionorganisersinformedwithongoingsafetyaspectsofthecompetition

➤ Setanappropriatetimelineforraceentry

➤ EnsurethattheRaceApplicationincludesmedicaldeclarationdetailsfromallcompetitors


DISCIPLINECOMMITTEE

➤ AppointaDisciplineSafetyAdvisor

➤ ApproveCompetitionApplications

➤ ApprovethesubmittedCompetitionSafetyPlan

DISCIPLINEWATERSAFETYADVISER

➤ Review/adviseontheeffectivenessoftheCompetitionSafetyPlan

MINIMUMSTANDARDSTOBEADOPTEDCOMPETITIONSAFETYPLAN

TheprimarypurposeoftheCompetitionSafetyPlanistoensurethesafetyofcompetitors,officials,otherwaterusersandthepublicatlarge.

➤ TheCompetitionSafetyPlanmustbeformulated,publishedandcirculatedbythecompetitionorganisers

➤ ItisvitalthatthoseaffectedbytheCompetitionSafetyPlanknowwhatactionsaretobetaken,bywhomandwhen,andinwhatsequence,tomaintaineffectivecontrolandcoordination

➤ CompetitionSafetyPlansorrelevantcopiesmustbereceivedbybothcompetitorsandofficialsatleastthreedayspriortothecompetition

➤ CompetitionSafetyPlansmustbeinplaceevenforsmallprivatecompetitions

TOPICSTOBEADDRESSEDBYCOMPETITIONSAFETYPLAN(COMPLETEEVENTSAFETYAUDIT):

➤ Vehicleandtraileraccessroutes

➤ Circulationpatternstobefollowedatalltimesduringtheperiodofracingandduringpracticesessionson,orintheneighbourhoodof,thecourse

➤ Anyspecialpointsofdangeronornearthecourse

➤ Safetyboattype,numbersandlocations

➤ FirstAidpositions

➤ Safetyequipmentrequiredforthecompetition

➤ Summoninghelp

➤ Cancellingorsuspensionofthecompetition

➤ Medicalsupportarrangements


➤ Locationofemergencytelephonesandsuitablecommunicationssystems,(includingback-up)coveringonthewater,internallyandtooutsideagenciesandemergencyservices

➤ Marshalinginstructionsandcontrol

➤ Whenandwherepaddlers/teamscanpractice,warmupandcooldownonthewater

➤ Accessandtransportarrangements(thereneedstobeadistinctionbetweenthelevelsofresponseneededformajorandminorincidents)

➤ Boatstoragearrangements

➤ Launchingandlandingprovision

➤ EmergencyActionPlanwithdetailsofimmediateactionstobetaken

FURTHERGOODPRACTICE(INADDITIONTOMINIMUMSTANDARDSTOBEADOPTED)

➤ Printouts,orinformationandinstructionsbasedon,theCompetitionSafetyPlanshouldbeproducedtogiveseparate succinct information to the competitors and to the various officials to highlight individualresponsibilities

➤ Pre-competition meetings for team leaders, coaches, officials, etc. to reinforce the requirements of theCompetitionSafetyPlan

➤ EmergencyservicesandlocalnavigationauthoritiesshouldbeprovidedwithacopyoftheCompetitionSafetyPlaninsufficienttimeforanycommentorsuggestiontobemade

➤ CompetitionSafetyPlansshouldbesubjecttodynamicreviewandmodifiedinthelightofthecompetitionrevieworanychangesintheriskassessment

➤ Competitionorganisersshouldsetthecriteriatoenablethemtojudgewhenacompetitionshouldbecancelledorsuspended(e.g.strongwinds,poorvisibility,roughorfastflowingwater,etc.)


7.EXAMPLEPARTICIPANTSTATEMENT

TOUR: TOURDATE:

TOURLEADERS:

‘GoCanoeing’TourParticipantDeclaration

1. Ihavewatchedandunderstoodthesafetybriefgivenbythetourleader(s)forthetourIamtakingpartin.Ihaveaskedtheleader(s)toclarifyanypointsIamuncertainof.

2. IamawarethattheactivitiesIamtotakepartinareofastrenuousandadventurousnature.Iacknowledgesuchriskandthereforeaccepttheneedforresponsiblebehavior,includinglisteningtoandfollowingsafetyinstructions.

3. Ihavenomedicalconditionordisabilitywhichmayberelevanttomeparticipatinginthisactivity.4. Ihavebeenadvisedonthewaterqualityissues.5. IamnotundertheinfluenceofAlcoholorDrugs.6. IamabletoswimandIamconfidentinopenwaterwearingtheclothingIwillbewearingwhilstparticipatinginthe

activity.7. Iamawarethatthesessionmaybecancelledforoperational,weatherorenvironmentalrelatedsafetyissues.8. IagreetoabidebyBritishCanoeing’s‘GoCanoeing’CodeofPractice.

In signing below I declare that I agree with the above statements and am aware of the risks associated withparticipatinginthisactivity.ByfillinginmyemailaddressIagreetoreceivefutureoffersandupdatesfromBritishCanoeing.

Name Signature Emergencycontact Emailaddress

BritishCanoeing,NationalWaterSportsCentre,AdboltonLane,HolmePierrepont,NottinghamNG122LU.


8.COLDWATERCANKILL(BritishCanoeingColdWaterCanKillV1.0July2015)

Nomatterhowgoodaswimmeryouare,suddenunexpectedimmersionincoldwatercausesaninitialcoldshockthataffects yourmuscular co-ordination and impairs your ability to swim. Heat loss from immersion can quickly causehypothermia.Anyofthesefactorscanleadtodrowning.Everyonehasaresponsibilitytoassessandmanagetheriskofimmersionincoldwaterandtoknowwhattodoifitoccurs.

RESPONSIBILITIESPERSONALFollow thePaddlesafeminimumstandards and thoseset by the clubs and competitions. Always wearappropriate, layered clothing with outer windproofprotection.AlwayswearyourBuoyancyAid.

CLUBAssessandcontroltheriskofcoldwaterimmersiontoyour members. Educate and train members inemergency procedures in the event of cold waterimmersionandhypothermia.

COACHFollow thePaddlesafeminimumstandards and thoseset by clubs and competitions. Manage and educateyour students to ensure they are not at risk fromhypothermia. Manage the risk of cold waterimmersion.

CLUBWATERSAFETYADVISER/REGIONALWATERSAFETYADVISERMonitorthecomplianceofclubsandcompetitionswithPaddlesafeminimumstandards.

COMPETITIONORGANISERSEnsure your competition is managed with regard tocold water immersion and hypothermia risks tocompetitorsandofficials.

MINIMUMSTANDARDSTOBEADOPTEDManaging the risks before the outing if cold waterimmersionandhypothermiaareassessedaspotentialissues.Rememberthatthereislessrescuetimeincoldconditions.

RISKMANAGEMENT➤ Check local weather forecasts and conditions

(couldconditionsdeteriorateduringtheouting?).

Askotherswithlocalknowledgetoassistwithyourriskassessment.

➤ Checkallequipmenttobeusedisingoodconditionbeforegoingafloat.

➤ Knowandfollowthelocalnavigationrules.➤ Knowandunderstandthelocalhazardsinthearea.➤ Don’tgoout in thedarkaloneor incoldorpoor

conditions.➤ Planyour ‘safetystrategy’beforeyougoafloat–

willitwork?Checkitout.➤ Ifafeatureofyouractivity,checksafetyboatcover

issuitableforemergencies(ifcoverbreaksdown,aborttheouting).

➤ Plantheoutingsothattherescuetimewillbeasshortaspossible.

CLOTHINGShould be bright and visible, with several layers toreduce heat loss. Should be close-fitting, to avoidgetting caughtup in equipment.Waterproof fabric isadvisablefortheouterlayer.Hatsshouldbewornandnoteasily lost inacapsizesituation.Glovesorpogieswillkeephandswarm.

COMMUNICATIONSet up a means of communication which is simple,easy-to-useandreliable.Checkthatitworks.Arethereanycommunicationdeadspotsanddoyouhaveasystemtocovertheseareas?Let others know you are out / comply with clubreportingrequirements.Makesureyouhaveamethodofcontactingemergencyservices.

EQUIPMENTIfappropriateandawayfromcentreensureyouhaveappropriatespareclothing.Ifappropriateandawayfromcentrecarrysparefoodandwarmdrinks.Throwlinesmustbeavailable,inuseandfunctional.


9.WATER-BORNEINFECTIOUSDISEASES(BritishCanoeingWater-BorneInfectiousDiseasesV1.0)

BEWAREOFBUGS,BLOOMSANDBIO-HAZARDSRESPONSIBILITIESPERSONALFollowtheadviceandtraininggivenbyyourclubandcoachesonthepreventionofcontactwithpotentiallyharmfuldiseases.Adoptthesemeasuresaspartofyourroutinebefore,duringandafterpaddling.Beawareofthesymptomsofwater-bornediseasesandtoknowwhatactiontotake.

CLUBProvide information on diseases most likely to beencountered by clubmembers, either on their homewaterorwhentheyvisitothervenues.Displaypostersin appropriate places (Safety Notice Board, changingrooms,toiletsetc.)informingmembersofthedangers,avoidance, symptoms and treatment of water-bornediseases.

COACHMake yourself aware of the diseases likely to beencounteredonyourhomewateroratothervenuesthat club members / paddlers may visit. Includeknowledgeaboutthepreventionandthesymptomsofwater-borne diseases as part of your trainingprogrammes. Be aware of the potential dangers ofcontact with water-borne diseases, the immediatetreatment of someone suspected of coming intocontactwithapossiblecontaminant,andtheneedtoseek medical attention. Be aware of measures toreduce the possibility of contact with potentiallyharmful diseases and train your crews in the routineuseofsuchmeasures.

CLUBWATERSAFETYADVISERMake yourself aware of the diseases likely to beencounteredonyourhomewateroratothervenuesthatclubmembersmayvisit.Beabletorecognisethecausesofwater-bornediseases(e.g.algalblooms)andtheir symptoms. Be aware of the treatment forsomeone who may contract such diseases. Haveknowledge of the preventativemeasures that shouldbe used to avoid contamination and so reduce the

likelihood of infection. Advise the club in all of theabove.

MINIMUMSTANDARDSTOBEADOPTEDInformation about water-borne diseases, preventionandsymptomsshouldbeprovidedtoallmembers.Clubmembersshouldbeadvised:

➤ Neverdrinkwaterfromariverorlake.

➤ Ifcontaminatedwaterhasbeenswallowed,refertoyourdoctorwithfulldetailsoftheincident.

➤ Onlydrinkfromyourownwaterbottle.

➤ Alwaysshoweraftercontactwiththewater.

➤ Wash hands thoroughly and shower if necessarybeforeeatingordrinking.

➤ Covercutsandabrasions (includingblisters)withwaterproofdressings.

➤ Wear suitable footwear, particularly whenlaunching or landing, and particularly if it isnecessarytowadeintothewater,topreventdirectcontactwiththewaterandprotectthefeetfromcutsandabrasions.

➤ Avoid immersion in, or contact with, water,particularlyifthereisanalgalscumorbloom.

➤ Donotsplashriverorlakewaterontoyourfaceorbody inorder to cool down (takeabottleof tapwaterwithyouforthis).

➤ Hosedownallequipmentafteroutingstoremoveanypotentialcontamination.

➤ Wash, and thoroughly dry, any contaminatedclothingbeforere-use.

➤ Maintain your immunisation regime againstTetanus, also Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Polio,TyphoidandDysenterywhentrainingabroad.


FURTHERGOODPRACTICEInadditiontominimumstandardstobeadopted.

PERSONAL➤ Avoid jumping into, or swimming in, rivers and

lakes.

➤ Don’tsubmergehandsorlegsoverthesideoftheboat in order to cool down (take a bottle of tapwaterwithyouforthis).

➤ Dominimisecontactwithwaterbywearingclosefittingclothing.

CLUB➤ Supplyalcoholwashbottlesintheboathouse.

FURTHERINFORMATIONThewaterwepaddleuponisnotalwaysascleanaswewouldchooseandcertainly isnotpureenough tobeswallowedwithoutgivingmorethanapassingthoughtto the possible effects it will have upon our internalsystems.TheBritishCanoeingSafetyGuidelineshave,as their primary aim, the prevention of accidentsinvolvingphysicalinjury,damagetoequipmentand,atworst, drowning. However, there are other risks tohealth associated with water-based activities whicharise fromthemicrobiological,orchemical,qualityofthewateritselfandofitsimmediateenvirons.Theuseofinlandwaterscanneverberiskfreeanditisessentialthat,asusers,weareawareoftheriskspresent.

WATER-BORNEDISEASESMOSTLIKELYTOBEENCOUNTEREDWEIL'SDISEASE-LEPTOSPIROSISTheriskofcontractingLeptospirosisfromrecreationalwaterisverysmall,howevertheseriousnatureofthediseaseissuchthatwemustbeawareofthedangersandshouldtakesimpleprecautionstoreducetheriskof infection. Leptospirosis is an infection caughtthrough contact with infected animal urine (mainlyfromrodents,cattleorpigs).Thecausalorganismcanenterthebodyviacutsorabrasionsoftheskinor,thelining of the nose, mouth, throat or eyes. If flu-likesymptomsdevelopshortlyaftercontactwiththewater(1-3weeks)thenyourdoctorshouldbecontactedandadvisedofthecircumstancesofexposure.

BLUE-GREENALGAE-CYANOBACTERIA

Cyanobacteria are commonly found in fresh andbrackish water during mid to late summer. Algalblooms can form during extended periods of warm,settledweather.Thebloomsmaybeflocculentorhaveajellyorpaint-likeappearanceandarenormallyblue-greenincolourthoughred,brownorblackformscanoccur. Algal scums accumulate downwind on thesurfaceof lakesandslowmovingwater.Themajorityof blooms produce allergens and/or toxins and havecausedthedeathofanimals,includingsheepanddogs.Inhumanstheycancauseeyeirritation,dermatitisandjoint/muscle pain or,more seriously, gastro-enteritis,pneumonia, liver damage and certain neurologicalconditions.

GASTRO-INTESTINALILLNESSTheuseofinlandwaterwillneverberiskfreeanditisessential thatusersareawareoftherisks involved inusingaparticularstretchofwater.Assessingtherisksposedbywaterqualityisdifficultasconditionscanvarysubstantially inaveryshortspaceoftime.Ingeneral,the health risk will depend on the number andproximity of sewage effluent discharges in anyparticular body of water. There are currently nomicrobiological standards for recreationalwater and,atpresent,onlythepowersprovidedunderthePublicHealthAct1936-Section259,todealwith‘anypond,ditch,gutterorwatercoursewhichissofoulorinsucha state as to be prejudicial to health or a nuisance’,provide us with protection. Many organisms causinggastro-intestinal illnesses (e.g. Salmonella) can befound inwater contaminatedwith sewage and extraprecautions should be taken when rowing on flood-water and water known, or suspected, to containsewage.

HEPATITISAHepatitisiscausedbyaviruspresentinfaecesandis,therefore another condition that may be contractedfromwater contaminatedwith sewage. The onset ofHepatitis canbeabrupt and symptoms include fever,jaundiceandabdominaldiscomfort.

OTHEROther potential infections include Polio, Tetanus andTyphoid, though they are less likely to be found inBritishwaters.

➤ HSEGuidanceonLeptospirosis

Documents

BRITISH CANOEING SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR CLUBS …canoescotland.org/sites/default/files/resources/documents/Event... · British Canoeing require all clubs running club events (as described