Owl’s Forest School Handbook

Created by Kathryn Valdal Fourie

Last updated: 18 April 2013

Contents Objectives ............................................................................................................................................... 3

Special Thanks ......................................................................................................................................... 3

Health and Safety Policies ....................................................................................................................... 3

A Safeguarding Policy for Working with Children ............................................................................... 4

Essential Equipment ............................................................................................................................ 4

Toileting Procedures and Facilities ..................................................................................................... 5

Safe Tool Use and Protective Equipment ........................................................................................... 5

Tool Storage and Maintenance ....................................................................................................... 5

Tool Use .......................................................................................................................................... 5

Protective Equipment ..................................................................................................................... 6

Risk Assessments .................................................................................................................................... 6

Location of Forest School Sessions ..................................................................................................... 6

Transport/Access to Site ..................................................................................................................... 7

Nearest Telephone / Mobile Signal .................................................................................................... 7

Nearest Medical Facilities ................................................................................................................... 7

Emergency Telephone Numbers ......................................................................................................... 8

Hazards................................................................................................................................................ 8

Generic Site ..................................................................................................................................... 8

Daily Occurrences ........................................................................................................................... 9

Emergency Procedures ........................................................................................................................... 9

Medical Emergency Procedure ........................................................................................................... 9

Lost Child Procedure ......................................................................................................................... 10

Code of Conduct ................................................................................................................................... 10

Site Management Plan .......................................................................................................................... 11

Booking and Cancellation Policy ........................................................................................................... 12

Booking Policy ................................................................................................................................... 12

Cancellation Policy ............................................................................................................................ 12

Quality Assurance ................................................................................................................................. 13

Objectives

Owl‘s Forest School gives children between the ages of eight and eleven the opportunity to get out into the woods to explore, learn and have fun. The sessions aim to build confidence and inspire a life-long love of nature.

Special Thanks Owl‘s Forest School is particularly grateful to the Horsell Common Preservation Society and its estate manager, Paul Rimmer, for their support and for allowing us to use Horsell Common for forest school sessions. The Horsell Common Preservation Society manages the common with great care out of respect for the wildlife living there and the general environment so that we and the generations to come can enjoy the outdoors. Special thanks goes out to Susan Edwards from the Surrey Wildlife Trust for her guidance and support. Owl‘s Forest School would also like to express its sincere gratitude to the forest school and scout volunteers for giving of their time and skills, and to parents and children for their support.

Health and Safety Policies

Our vision is to carry out all our activities in such a way as to keep each other, the children attending Forest School sessions, those who work with us and the public safe from harm.

Communication With Parents, Helpers and Other Interested Parties Everyone who helps or works at Owl‘s Forest School receives a copy of this handbook and agrees to adhere to it. This means that everyone is working toward the same goals. Helpers and staff also have the opportunities to ask questions about the handbook before sessions. The handbook is also made available for parents. Before sessions, parents are sent:

A letter telling them about access to the site, what children should wear and bring to the session.

A registration form as well as a medical and consent form which they need to complete before the session. These forms request emergency contact information and important medical information about each child.

Other leaflets, including a tick aware information sheet. Helpers, staff and parents also have the opportunity to provide feedback via email or phone.

A Safeguarding Policy for Working with Children Kathryn Valdal Fourie leads all forest school sessions. She is currently completing Forest School Leader training course with the Surrey Wildlife Trust and is always accompanied by at least one other adult. The recommended ratio is one adult to eight children. Therefore, for a group of eight children, there would be two adults. For a group of 16 children there would a minimum of three adults. All members of staff/helpers will have been fully CRB checked. A CRB check is not necessary for parents or observers from the Horsell Common Preservation Society if they only attend one or two sessions. If they wish to attend sessions regularly, a CRB check will be required. In addition, to CRB checks, regular adult helpers/staff must as a minimum have experience working with children. Kathryn holds a current ITC Certificate in Outdoor First Aid (Certificate number: S/OFA 12/24841). At least one adult on site will have a Certificate in Outdoor First Aid. Kathryn and her adult helpers are covered by a public liability insurance policy taken out with Birnbeck Insurance Services.

Essential Equipment

In addition to first aid and outdoor equipment supplied by Owl‘s Forest School, all children and adults need to wear appropriate clothing to protect them from cuts and scrapes, extremes of heat or cold, and insect bites. In moderate to cold weather, clothing should include:

Full length trousers

Waterproof trousers (or a spare pair of trousers)

Long-sleeved top

Long-sleeved fleece

Waterproof coat, with a hood.

Warm boots (Wellies are fine in Spring but not warm enough in winter)

Warm Socks, and a spare pair

Gloves, warm hat and scarf.

In warmer weather:

Long trousers

Waterproof trousers (or spare trousers)

Boots / trainers suitable for walking

Short sleeved shirt

Sun hat

Light jersey and jacket in case the weather cools off

Sunscreen Forest School staff will take drinking water to the site, sunscreen (in hot weather) and insect repellent. However, children need to bring a full water bottle to each session and are responsible for bringing their own sunscreen. Parents are encouraged to apply insect repellent to children before sessions.

Toileting Procedures and Facilities

Children should use the toilet at home before arriving at the session. If children need the toilet during the session, they will be accompanied by an adult to the nearby portable toilet. After using the toilet and washing and drying their hands, children will use the antibacterial hand gel to ensure hygiene.

Safe Tool Use and Protective Equipment

Tool Storage and Maintenance

When not in use, tools are stored in locked storage containers in a locked garage Before use, Forest School staff check the tools for damage and working order. Forest School staff count tools out and back in at the beginning and end of each session after use. Staff clean tools after each session before storing them until the next session. At the end of each term, the Forest Leader will ensure that each tool is thoroughly cleaned and oiled. Wear and tear will be monitored weekly.

Tool Use

Tool use must always be closely supervised by an adult. Adults should model correct and safe tool use, storage and transportation at all times. Children and adults using tools must ensure that others are aware that they are working with a tool. Tools should only be used well away from others in the group, in a ‗blood bubble.‘ Only walking is permitted when transporting a tool. When walking, blades must be in a sheath and bow saw blades must be covered. All sharp tools must be facing downwards when carried. All activities and tool use have been risk assessed and are age appropriate. See Appendix 2 and 3 for activity and tool risk assessments. Tools are only used for a specific purpose: Potato Peelers — for peeling or sharpening sticks (whittling)

Children use this tool when seated on a log with elbows placed upon knees and using the tool in a downward motion between the legs. Children may transition to using a knife for whittling if an adult considers that they are competent using a peeler and ready to do so. Safe, very temporary, storage is to store the blade end of the peeler in the soil. Bow Saws — for cross cutting wood up to 12cm diameter for making medallions. Children may be taught how to use a bow saw with 1:1 supervision. Adults should place their hand (gloved) between the child‘s hand and that of the saw blade. The safest method of use is to brace the wood through the bow saw itself. The saw blade must be covered when not in use. . Palm Drills — for making holes in wood. Palm drills must be used on a firm flat surface. Safe, very temporary, storage is to store the blade pushed downwards into the soil. Fire Steels — for making sparks to start a fire. Fire steels are used on a non-flammable surface with adult supervision. Children always strike fire steel away from them. Adults ensure that children‘s hair is tied back and there are no dangling items of clothing such as scarves.

Protective Equipment

All group members should wear suitable boots/ shoes and outdoor clothing. Gloves are provided for children (and adults) to wear on the non-working hand when using peelers, knives, palm drills or bow saws.

Risk Assessments We have responsibility to keep young people safe, but also to enable them to learn to manage risks for themselves. It‘s important to make children aware of risks and take measures to keep everyone safe. At the same time, we believe that young people need to develop risk assessment and management skill for their safety and well-being. Owl‘s Forest School encourages children to learn about successfully managing risks in a safe context.

Location of Forest School Sessions

Owl‘s Forest School sessions are held at Littlewick Common, which is a fenced portion of Horsell Common. The grid reference for the site is: 98415 59873 The nearest access is via a gated dirt road accessible via Carthouse Lane, Woking, GU21 4ZA The access point is opposite Cliftons Turf Machinery, 1 Littlewicks, Carthouse Lane, Woking, GU21 4ZA. The site comprises both wet and dry heathland and secondary woodland.

Transport/Access to Site If GU21 4ZA doesn‘t come up on the satellite navigation system or Internet maps, please enter GU21 4YP. Although it is easiest to access the site and drop children off by car, limited space to park at the access point is a challenge. We encourage parents to:

Stop and drop children at 9:30

Share drop off and collection with other parents, or

Cycle to the site.

The Forest Leader will meet and greet the children at the drop off point at Carthouse

Lane. Once all children have arrived, the Forest Leader and the children will walk

along the path together to the Forest School site.

If parents are late, please walk your child to the Forest School site. Please follow the

signs.

Nearest Telephone / Mobile Signal

Mobile signal is good.

The Forest School Leader‘s mobile is registered to send 999 texts in case of

emergencies.

Adult helpers/staff should all carry a mobile phone and exchange numbers before the session.

Nearest Medical Facilities

The nearest accident and emergency hospitals are:

St Peter‘s Hospital (7.4 miles / 17 minutes away) Guildford Road Chertsey KT16 0PZ Tel 01932 872000 Frimley Park Hospital (8.6 miles / 20 minutes away) Portsmouth Road Frimley GU16 7UJ Tel 01276 604604 The nearest walk-in centre is:

Woking NHS Walk-in Centre (1.3 miles / 6 minutes away)

Woking Community Hospital Heathside Road Woking Surrey GU22 7HS Tel 01483 776080 Opening Hours Monday to Friday 7.00 am - 10.00 pm Saturday and Sunday 9.00 am -10.00 pm

Emergency Telephone Numbers

Emergency services: 999 Site ranger, Paul Rimmer: 07860 712503 Surrey Wildlife Cattle Grazing Team: 07817769672

Hazards

Owl‘s Forest School conducts risk assessments around:

The generic site: This includes risks on, around and near the site.

Daily occurrences: This includes weather, wild factors and any changes that occur on the day and during the session.

Generic activity/experiences: This includes planned activities, games, and the use of tools, equipment and materials.

The following section summarizes the main risks around the generic site and daily occurrences. To view complete risk assessments for the site, activity and tools please see appendix 1, 2 and 3.

Generic Site

Risks at/near access point:

Road / traffic at access point

Congestion / parking issues at access point Risks on fenced site:

Uneven ground

Poisonous plants

Open water and stream nearby

Underground services (burst water mains due to old pipes and corrosion with soil)

Biological hazards from standing water

Biological hazards from horse and dog feces, and insects, notably ticks. Risks outside fenced area with small risk of affecting fenced area:

Possibility of nearby dog walkers

Nearby timber yard with sharp tools and horses

Cattle grazing outside of fenced area in the summer

Daily Occurrences

Variable risks:

Underground services (burst water mains due to old pipes and corrosion with soil)

Dog walkers and the general public

Cattle

Poor weather: o Rain o Snow o Ice o Severe heat o Severe cold

Emergency Procedures

Medical Emergency Procedure In the event of injury, the first aider will assess the child and provide treatment or take action as appropriate. If the injury is minor, the first aider will:

Comfort and reassure the child

Log the accident in the accident log book

Complete the accident report form

Informed parent of the incident on collection

In the injury is more serious, the first aider will:

Administer first aid as appropriate

Take the child to the nearest Accident and Emergency Unit or call emergency services

Call parents as soon as possible In the event of either a minor or more serious injury, the Forest School helper will ensure that the rest of the group is safe. If needed, he/she will help direct emergency services to the site or call parents.

Lost Child Procedure Adults tell and remind children each session that they must stay within the fenced boundary. Children are taught to respond to ―1,2, 3. They are expected to shout, ―1, 2, 3. Here I am.‖ If a child can‘t be accounted for or is suspected lost or missing person, the Forest Leader will ensure that the other children are in the care of the assistant and immediately search/call for the missing child. The Forest Leader will engage another adult in the search provided staff ratios permit this. After five minutes of searching without success, the Forest Leader will contact emergency services for help. The Forest Leader will contact the parents and continue searching for the child, while she waits for emergency services to arrive.

Code of Conduct

Owl‘s Forest School focuses on rewarding and praising good behaviour, which is

more effective than negative punishment. We are at Forest School sessions to have

fun, after all.

Although we prefer to focus on what we can do, Owl‘s Forest School expects all

children to follow these rules:

1. Come appropriately dressed for the weather.

2. Be kind, considerate and respectful of others.

3. Stay within the boundaries.

4. Look after the plants, animals and people.

5. Listen to and follow fire safety, fire circle and other safety rules communicated

during sessions

6. Only use tools if you are with an adult and they have said that it‘s all right to

do so.

7. Leave equipment and the site as you found it.

If a child‘s behaviour is disruptive and puts the safety of the group at risk, the Forest School staff/helpers will give the child a verbal warning. If the child‘s behaviour puts the child, other children or staff/helpers at risk, staff will remove the child from participating in a particular activity and engage the child in a different activity. For example, if a child tries to poke other kids with a marshmallow stick and continues to do so despite repeated warnings, staff/helpers will remove the marshmallow stick from the child and engage him/her in another activity. If several warnings are ineffective in correcting behaviour, Owl‘s Forest School will chat to the parents about the child‘s behaviour to find a solution.

Site Management Plan

Horsell Common Preservation Society provides information about heathland

management and management of other areas of Horsell Common on its website at:

http://www.horsellcommon.org.uk

Owl‘s Forest School will have a cumulative impact on the site every Saturday.

During year 1, Owl‘s Forest School will consider and monitor the impact of the factors in Table 1. Table 1 also indicates how Owl‘s Forest School plans to manage the impact.

Table 1 Impact of Sessions and Management Plan

Factors

having an

impact

(activities,

access,

resources, etc)

Level of

impact

(high,

medium,

low)

How will this

affect the

woodland?

(compaction,

denudation,

pollution, corruption)

How will you manage

this?

Fire

medium Denudation of

deadwood (depend on

frequency)

Compaction around

the fire area

Limit the frequency.

Bring in firewood from offsite.

Either move the fire area to

limit compaction or dedicate a

sacrificial area for seating.

Use of trees

medium

Denudation

Limit use of trees for

resources

Owl‘s Forest School will continue to observe and assess the extent to which Forest School activities impact the site. This will enable us to evaluate the management plan. The methods that Owl‘s Forest School will use to assess its impact on the site will be through the comparison of photographs taken every three months. As this site is used by another Forest School during the week, it will be important to take that school‘s impact on the site into account. During year 2 and 3, it may be necessary to work more closely with that Forest School and the Horsell Common Preservation Society to take steps to reduce the impact of sessions on the site. For example, using a different site for some sessions during year 2 may help to reduce the impact on this site.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Booking Policy

All parents must complete the registration and medical & consent forms before their child attends a session.

Cancellation Policy

Sessions won‘t be cancelled in rain (unless there are also strong winds). Owl‘s Forest School will run in all seasons, except when weather conditions are hazardous. The Forest School Leader will check the weather forecasts the day before the session and on the morning of the session. Parents will be notified of cancellations via text message.

Source wood elsewhere

before sessions

Activities

medium

Compaction of area

Death of plants in

places

Spread activities out over the area

Litter or

materials left

behind

medium

pollution

Forest School staff, helpers

and children check site for left

items at the end of each

session and leave site as it

was found

Parents will not be charged for cancelled sessions. The sessions will be re-scheduled.

Quality Assurance Owl‘s Forest School is committed to offering children a fun, engaging and safe experience in the outdoors. To help us to maintain quality standards and to achieve ongoing improvement, we welcome feedback and comments from parents.

Please contact Kathryn at 07777651874 or kvaldalfourie@hotmail.com

Appendix 1

FOREST SCHOOL SITE RISK ASSESSMENT

Risk Assessment for: Owl‘s Forest School Site Accessible Via Carthouse Lane, Woking

Risk Assessment Conducted By: Kathryn Valdal Fourie

Date of Initial Assessment: March 2013

Date of Next Review: September 2013

Hazards Who is at Risk?

Hazard Severity (Scale 1- 5 with 5 very high)

Likelihood (Scale of 1-5 with 5 likely)

Risk Factors

Control Measures Review

Road / traffic at access point

Children, parents and Forest School leaders, helpers and staff

4 2 8 Ask parents to stop and drop children at 9:30 Encourage parents to share drop off and collection with

other parents, or to cycle to the site. Gather dropped off children on the other side of the

gate to reduce risk of accidents from moving cars in the parking area

Ask Cliftons Turf Machinery if Forest School staff can park there to reduce congestion (if stop and drop measures are not adequate)

Uneven ground

All 2 3 6 Tell parents in initial letter to ensure children are wearing appropriate shoes (boots).

Tell adults told (via the handbook) to wear appropriate clothing.

Remind children to watch out for uneven ground and to watch where they are going.

Hazards Who is at Risk?

Hazard Severity

Likelihood

Risk Factors

Control Measures Review

Poisonous plants Mushrooms and fungi

All 4 1 4 Tell children that some plants are poisonous and that they must not eat any plants.

Strict hand washing and sanitization routine before eating/drinking.

Tell children to show an adult interesting/colourful fungi and mushrooms but not to touch them.

Nettles and thistles Brambles

1 3 3 Ensure first aider always on site. Make children aware of risk and tell them to avoid

playing in areas where these plants are abundant. Ask parents (via initial letter) to ensure children wear

appropriate shoes, long trousers and long-sleeved shirts.

Dead branches Stumps and roots

All 2 3 6 Regularly inspected and felled where necessary by Horsell Common Preservation Society.

Point out hazards to children when talking about uneven ground.

Open water and stream nearby Underground services (burst water mains due to old pipes & corrosion with soil)

All 3 2 6 Tell children to only play on the edge of the water (provided it does not appear stagnant).

Do not permit children to go outside the fenced area (where the stream is located).

Biological hazards from standing water

All 3 2 6 Tell children not to drink the water or swim in the water.

Hazards Who is at Risk?

Hazard Severity

Likelihood

Risk Factors

Control Measures Review

Biological hazards from horse and dog feces

All 3 2 6 Tell children not to touch he feces if they encounter it.

Tick bites All 3 3 6 Inform parents in initial letter to use insect repellent on children and to dress children in long trousers and long-sleeved shirts.

Provide parents with tick awareness fact-sheet with initial letter.

Tell adults to come appropriately dressed, to wear insect repellant and be tick aware.

Bee/wasp stings Snake

All 4 1 4 Ensures first aider is always onsite Avoid contact. Follow first aid and emergency procedure if Adder bite

suspected.

Possibility of nearby dog walkers

All 4 1 4 Adults to be vigilant of dog walkers entering the site. Ensure that children are in groups when exploring. Tell children never to approach dogs or dog walkers.

Clothing / Safety / Emergency Equipment Requirements a) Clothing and other equipment to be worn/carried by each participant : As per handbook. Spare clothes, trainers and Wellingtons in vehicle parked near site. b) Safety or other equipment to be carried by the group : Mobile Phones; First Aid Kit; Fire Safety Kit; Other: blanket, water, spare clothing, wet wipes, antibacterial gel, tissues.

Safety Instructions a) Safety instructions (as per handbook) to be given to children in advance : b) Safety instructions (as per handbook) to be given to staff/helpers in advance : c) Verbal safety instructions (as per handbook) to be given to group before start of session

Emergency Arrangements a) In case of incapacitating accident : Provide first aid, call emergency services/ambulance and inform parents / next of kin. All other children to be contained in sheltered area (story & songs). Other parents may be contacted o collect children early, if adult needed to accompany child in ambulance or to the hospital, or if it is an adult who is hurt and the ratio drops. Write up accident report form and assess risk assessment b) In case of less serious accident : Provide first aid, inform parent and write up incident on accident report form. c) In bad weather : Contain children in sheltered area. Inform parents to collect children early.

Overall Hazard Rating: Low

Comments: See health and safety policy document and risk assessment in handbook

APPENDIX 2

FOREST SCHOOL ACTIVITY RISK ASSESSMENTS

Location: Littlewicks Common, Horsell Common Name: K Valdal Fourie Date: March 2013 Review: Sept 2013

Description of site:

Owl‘s Forest School sessions are held at Littlewick Common, which is a fenced portion of Horsell Common. The site is owned and

managed by Horsell Common Preservation Society. The grid reference for the site is: 98415 59873. The nearest access is via a gated dirt

road accessible via Carthouse Lane, Woking, GU21 4ZA. The access point is opposite Cliftons Turf Machinery, 1 Carthouse Lane, Woking,

GU21 4ZA. The site comprises both wet and dry heathland and secondary woodland.

Collecting Natural Materials and Making Green Grown Activity Hazard Harm People at risk Probability Severity Rating Measures Who is

responsible?

Lifting

Materials

Muscle

strain

All 1 1 2 Shown to bend knees

and not back for all lifting

activities. Group

encouraged to ask for

help. All adults to use

correct lifting techniques

to model.

Forest Leader

Other adults

Fungi and

toxic plants

Poisoning All 2 4 8 Avoid areas. Reminded

not to eat anything.

Hand wash after.

Forest Leader

Hazard Harm People at risk Probability Severity Rating Measures

Who is

responsible?

Insects and

plants

Stings/

anaphylactic

shock

All 2 4 8 Adults aware of allergies

and use of epi pens.

Avoid areas. Explain

dangers.

Forest Leader

Carrying

sticks

Scratches All 3 1 3 Adults to be alert. Group

shown to be careful.

Forest Leader

Plastic Mirror Canopy Activity

Hazard Harm People at risk Probability Severity Rating Measures

Who is

responsible?

Walking into

objects

Head injury All taking part 2 4 8 Briefing to explain how

to lead a person safely,

how to communicate

effectively and dangers

to watch out for. Check

for hazards before

activity.

Forest Leader

All adults

Uneven

ground

Trip or slip All taking part 2 3 6 Briefing to explain how

to lead a person safely,

how to communicate

effectively and dangers

to watch out for. Check

for hazards before

activity.

Forest Leader

All adults

Falling mirror Head ache/

discomfort

All taking part 1 1 1 Only plastic mirrors

used.

All adults

Fire Steel Activity

Hazard Harm People

at risk

Probability Severity Rating Measures

Who is

responsible?

Fire/

sparks

Hair or clothing

catching fire

from dangling

in the

sparks/fire

All 2 2 4 Children and adults told to strike fire

steel away from them.

Adult to tell children to ensure their hair

is tied back and they aren‘t wearing any

dangly scarves or necklaces.

Adult to check each child‘s hair and

clothing before activity starts.

First aid, fire blanket and water nearby.

First Aider on site.

Forest Leader

Other adults

Fire/

sparks

Spreading from

cotton wool to

leaves or other

flammable

items

All 2 2 4 Ensure children do this activity on

earth/soil or on log seats.

Adult to check working areas and ensure

they are adequately far apart.

First aid, fire blanket and water nearby.

First Aider on site.

All adults

Hazard Harm People

at risk

Probability Severity Rating Measures

Who is

responsible?

Fire/

sparks

People‘s

clothing setting

alight when

stepping over

flame

All 2 2 4 Maintain distance between children

doing the activity. Tell children to

maintain fire circle rule with these small

circles—walk around; never over.

First aid, fire blanket and water nearby.

First Aider on site.

Adults

Fire/

sparks

Burns All 2 2 4 Adults tell children to be careful of flame

at the start of the activity and not to

touch it.

First aid, fire blanket and water nearby.

First Aider on site.

Forest

Leader.

Weather Wind causes

fire to spread

All 2 2 4 Forest Leader checks weather conditions

before and during session. If it is windy,

the Forest Leader will not run this

activity.

In the unlikely event of fire spreading,

Forest Leader will call emergency

services and evacuate children from the

area.

Forest Leader

Fire and Cooking Activities Hazard Harm People

at risk

Probability Severity Rating Measures.

Who is

responsible?

Starting

the fire

Burn All 2 2 4 Leader to supervise fire lighting. Group

to be shown the correct way to light fires

with reinforcement each session.

Forest Leader

Slipping/tr

ipping

while fire

alight

Burn All 1 4 4 Fire pit constructed by leader. Safe

distance between fire area and children.

Group taught how to stand and move

around not through area. No Hazards

near area.

Forest Leader

Feeding

fire with

tinder

Burn

Inhalation of

carcinogenic

smoke

All 2 2 4 Children shown how to do this safely and made aware of the risks. Adults tell children to only put a little dry wood / kindling on fire at a time. Avoid use of bracken if possible. Only two children feeding fire at one time.

Forest Leader

Fire

Spreading

Burn/fire in

forest

All 1 4 4 Fire pit placement and soil type

considered during construction. No

burning sticks to be removed from fire

Water bucket kept by fire at all times.

Fire to be fully extinguished before

leaving site.

Forest Leader

Hazard Harm People at risk Probability Severity Rating Measures.

Who is

responsible?

Hot equipment

and water

Burn or

scald

All 2 4 8 Implements provided to

remove hot items from

fire. Leader to

demonstrate safe

practice. Maximum of

four at one time.

Forest Leader

Toxic fume and

explosions

Scald/burn All 1 4 4 No un-natural items to

be placed in the fire.

Group informed of

environmental impact

of burning plastics etc

Forest Leader

Dirt or bacteria

in eaten /

cooked food

Illness All 1 2 2 Marshmallows,

popcorn, hot chocolate

powder stored in

sealed containers.

Hand washing done

before eating.

Antibacterial gel

provided for children

before eating/drinking.

Adults

Hazard Harm People at risk Probability Severity Rating Measures.

Who is

responsible?

Allergens in

food

Allergic

reaction

Anaphylactic

shock

Children with

allergies

1 4 4 No nuts or fish policy.

Parents must complete

medical information

form before sessions.

If child allergic, Forest

Leader will either

ensure that food is not

used during the

session or provide the

child with a safe

alternative.

Forest Leader

Whittling With Peelers / Knives Activity

Hazard Harm People at

risk

Probability Severity Rating Measures

Who is

responsible?

Blade (of

peeler or

knife)

Blade

slipping –

injury

(cut/slice)

All 3 3 9 Tool talk at beginning of every use.

Correct glove use (on non-working

hand). Safe working distances.

Good Clear communication. Close

supervision by adults. Children only

transition from peeler to knife when

an adult considers the child fully

competent with peeler.

Forest School

Leader

Blade in

motion

Injury – stab;

trip stab; leg

femoral

artery injury

All 3 4 12 Keep all children arms lengths apart

and kneeling – never moving with

knife out of sheath. Maintain

kneeling or sitting with elbows on

knees. Limit group size to 10.

Forest School

Leader

Tool in use Wood chip in

eye

All 3 4 12 Maintain distance. Children told to

cut away from themselves.

Forest School

Leader

Hazard Harm People at

risk

Probability Severity Rating Measures

Who is

responsible?

Tool in use Wrist/hand

strain

All 1 1 1 Proper technique education. Limit

group size to 10. Whittling of end of

stick for a specific purpose only (eg.

make marshmallow sticks).

Forest School

Leader

Unsafe

storage

Injury All 1 4 4 Peelers kept in locked box. Knives

kept sheathed when not in use and

kept in locked box to and from site.

Group briefed on storage during

session.

Forest School

Leader

Equipment

failing

Injury All 1 4 4 Leader to ensure equipment is

maintained.

Forest School

Leader

Stick Injury –

poking an

eye or other

body part

All 3 3 9 Children told to keep distance and

to put sticks in a pile when whittled.

No messing about with sticks

allowed.

Forest School

Leader

Pencil Making Activity

Hazard Harm People at

risk

Probability Severity Rating Measures

Who is

responsible?

Blade (of

peeler or

knife)

Blade

slipping –

injury

(cut/slice)

All 4 3 12 Tool talk at beginning of every use.

Correct glove use (on non-working

hand). Safe working distances.

Good Clear communication. Close

supervision by adults. Children only

transition from peeler to knife when

an adult considers the child fully

competent with peeler.

Adults cut pieces of wood up in this

task to minimise risk to children.

Children only whittle sticks (and use

palm drills to remove soft material

from wood). No knife use for

decorating pencils for this age

group.

Forest School

Leader

Blade in

motion

Injury – stab;

trip stab; leg

femoral

artery injury

All 3 4 12 Keep all children arms lengths apart

and kneeling – never moving with

knife out of sheath. Maintain

kneeling or sitting with elbows on

knees. Limit group size to 10.

Forest School

Leader

Hazard Harm People at

risk

Probability Severity Rating Measures

Who is

responsible?

Tool in use Wood chip in

eye

All 3 4 12 Maintain distance. Children told to

cut away from themselves.

Forest School

Leader

Tool in use Wrist/hand

strain

All 1 1 1 Proper technique education. Limit

group size to 10. Whittling of end of

stick for a specific purpose only (eg.

make marshmallow sticks).

Forest School

Leader

Unsafe

storage

Injury All 1 4 4 Peelers kept in locked box. Knives

kept sheathed when not in use and

kept in locked box to and from site.

Group briefed on storage during

session.

Forest School

Leader

Equipment

failing

Injury All 1 4 4 Leader to ensure equipment is

maintained.

Forest School

Leader

Stick Injury –

poking an

eye or other

body part

All 3 4 12 Children told to keep distance and

to put sticks in a pile when whittled.

No messing about with sticks

allowed.

Forest School

Leader

Hazard Harm People at

risk

Probability Severity Rating Measures

Who is

responsible?

Hot tin (with

charcoal)

Burn All 3 2 6 First aid kit, fire blanket and water

close at hand.

Children do not handle hot charcoal

tin on fire. Adult will do this.

Adult must use heat resistant gloves

when handling items on the fire.

When tin taken off fire, the adult

handling the tin will tell them that the

tin is hot and they must not touch it.

All adults

Use of palm

drill

Injury – stab,

scrape or cut

All 2 2 4 Safe tool talk before use of palm

drill. Children to wear glove on non-

working hand. Safe working

distance between children. Maintain

kneeling or sitting position while

using tool.

Children told to push tool away from

them.

Safe storage of tool with temporary

storage in soil.

Tools counted out and back into

locked box.

Bow Saw Activity

Hazard Harm People at

risk

Probability Severity Rating Measures

Who is

responsible?

Unsafe use Blade

slipping -

injury

All 2 4 8 Tool talk at beginning of every use.

Correct glove use. Safe working

distances. Good Clear

communication. Close supervision

by adults. (1:1)

Forest School

Leader

Unsafe

storage

Injury All 1 4 4 Tool kept sheathed when not in use

and kept in storage box to and from

site. Group briefed on storage

during session.

Forest School

Leader

Equipment

failing

Injury All 1 4 4 Leader to ensure equipment is

maintained.

Forest School

Leader

APPENDIX 3 FOREST SCHOOL TOOL AND EQUIPMENT RISK ASSESSMENT

Risk Assessment for: Tools Used at Owl‘s Forest School Site Accessible Via Carthouse Lane, Woking

Risk Assessment Conducted By: Kathryn Valdal Fourie

Date of Initial Assessment: March 2013

Date of Next Review: September 2013

Potato Peeler

Hazards Harm Who is

at Risk?

Hazard

Severity

Likelihood

Risk

Factor

Control Measures Review

Improper

use of

potato

peeler

Wounds

– cuts;

scrapes

Person

using

potato

peeler

and

those

near by

1 1 2 Inform person using potato peeler of tool talk (see handbook and activity risk assessment).

When in use, motion of peeler must be away from the body.

Correct sitting or kneeling position, with enough space away from others.

Use in designated area for tools. No glove needed on hand using tool, glove on

other hand. First aiders and first aid kit close by. Tools counted in and out each session. Maintain distance between children using

peelers. Keep in cover when not in use and store in

locked box. Remind others in vicinity to stay clear of tools.

Knife

Hazards Harm Who is

at Risk?

Hazard

Severity

Likelihood

Risk

Factor

Control Measures Review

Improper

use of

knife

Wounds

– cuts;

scrapes;

stab

Person

using

knife

and

those

near by

3 2 6 Inform person using knife of tool talk (see hand book and activity risk assessment).

Mostly children will use peelers for whittling only and only use a knife if an adult has deemed them fully competent with a peeler.

Look up, down and all around before starting to use.

Establish ‗blood bubble‘ (space between user and others) and ensure others know to keep clear.

Use in designated area for tools. Always put protective guard on blade when not

in use. Always wear glove on non working hand. Use when kneeling or seated with legs to the

side with blade moving away from the user. Walk carrying covered blade facing downwards. Count out and back into locked box after use. First aiders and first aid kit close by. Keep in cover when not in use and store in

locked box. Remind others in vicinity to stay clear of tools.

Palm Drill

Hazards Harm Who is

at Risk?

Hazard

Severity

Likelihood Risk

Factor

Control Measures Review

Improper

handling of

palm drill

Injury

during

storage

Person

storing or

retrieving

tool

3 2 6 Store palm drill on in locked box.

Cutting or

stabbing

injury

during

transport

ation to,

from and

around

site.

All 2 2 4 Carry these items in a closed box.

Hazards Harm Who is

at Risk?

Hazard

Severity

Likelihood Risk Factor

Control Measures Review

Sharp

point of

palm drill

Injury

during

use

All 2 2 4 Ensure drill bit is securely fitted. Always work onto a secure work stump with sharp

point of tool facing away from user. Keep loose hair and clothing tied back. Glove worn on non-working hand. Inform person using palm drill of tool talk (see hand

book and activity risk assessment). Look up, down and all around before starting to use. Establish ‗blood bubble‘ (space between user and

others) and ensure others know to keep clear. Use in designated area for tools. Always wear glove on non working hand. Use when kneeling or seated with legs to the side

with blade moving away from the user. Pack in box to transport. Temporarily store palm drill

point in soil if needed. Count out and back into locked box after use. First aiders and first aid kit close by.

Injury to

passers

by

All 2 2 4 Maintain distance between people using tools. Ensure everyone knows tools are in use in tool area. No waving, throwing tools or running with or near

tools is allowed. Palm drill can be stored temporarily in the soil to

avoid injury to those passing by. Store tools in locked box after activity.

Injury

from

broken or

damaged

tool

All 2 2 4 Adult to check tool before each session. Full tool check and maintenance done each term. Damaged tool repaired or discarded.

Bow Saw

Hazards Harm Who is

at Risk?

Hazard

Severity

Likelihood

Risk

Factor

Control Measures Review

Improper

use of bow

saw

Wounds

– cuts;

scrapes

Person

using

bow saw

and

those

near by

3 2 6 Inform person using bow saw of tool talk (see hand book and activity risk assessment).

Adults will use bow saw to cut branch and medallions. Children will only be allowed to use bow saw to cut medallions with 1:1 adult supervision.

Look up, down and all around before starting to use.

Ensure others know to keep clear. Always put protective guard on blade when not

in use. Keep legs to one side of blade motion to protect

from injury. Make a small knick in wood first. Then with a partner, saying to me to you to get a

rhythm of forwards and backward motion, then allowing the other to pull.

Can be used individually with someone supporting the log so it stays firm.

Cuts the wood on the push and pull. Keep the bow saw straight. Always wear glove on non working hand. Maintain distance between children/adults using

tool Use in designated area for tools.

Walk with bow saw away from the body and facing downwards. Ensure blade is covered with protective cover when carried facing downwards.

Count out and back after use. First aiders and first aid kit close by. Keep in cover when not in use and store away

from children. Remind others in vicinity to stay clear of tools.

Secateurs

Hazards Harm Who is

at Risk?

Hazard

Severity

(Scale 1-

5 with 5

very

high)

Likelihood

(Scale of 1-

5 with 5

likely)

Risk

Factor

Control Measures Review

Unsafe use Cut or

stab

Adult 3 3 9 Only adults allowed to use this tool for preparation of sessions.

Always hold by handles. Ensure that others do not place hands near to

cutting edges while holding branches for cutting. Only attempt to cut wood up to 1 centimetre diameter (dependent on cutting power of tool and of user)

Unsafe

storage

Cut or

stab

Adult 2 3 6 Tool stored offsite on in locked box at all times. Blades always securely closed when stored.

Damaged

tool

Injury Adult 2 1 2 Keep tools regularly maintained and sharpened, any damage to be reported to group leader and

Fire Steels

Hazards Harm Who is

at Risk?

Hazard

Severity

Likelihood

Risk

Factor

Control Measures Review

Spark Spark

injury

sustained

during

transport

Person

using

fire steel

and

those

near by

2 1 2 Fire steels to be kept in bag or box until required for use

Spark or

burn

injury

during

use

Person

using

fire steel

and

those

near by

2 1 2 Place tinder on non flammable surface, or securely on top of fire stack if lighting fire directly.

Striking action should be away from the body and upwind of tinder to prevent burns from lighted tinder.

Only use tinders as approved by group leader

Cut or

other

injury

from

damaged

tool

All 2 1 2 Group leader to assess working condition on a regular basis. Any damaged tool to be discarded

Hazards Harm Who is

at Risk?

Hazard

Severity

Likelihood

Risk Factor

Control Measures Review

Burns

sustained

to

clothing

or

hair

during

use

All 2 3 6 Long hair to be tied back before using tool. Loose clothing eg. overlong sleeves to be folded back.

Camp Fire

Hazards Harm Who is

at Risk?

Hazard

Severity

Likelihood Risk

Factor

Control Measures Review

Fire Burns

from

flames or

hot

embers

All 4 4 16 All participants to be made aware of the fire circle safety requirements (please read fire circle safety requirements below)

Injury

from

inhalation

of

smoke

All 2 4 8 Ensure all participants are aware they can move away from smoky areas.

Damage

to

woodland

and

injuries

caused

by Forest

Fire

All and

public

2 2 4 Assessment made before session as to suitability of

ground for lighting fire. Fire to be kept to reasonable size for its purpose. Fire should be within view of responsible adult at all times. Fire to be completely extinguished with plenty of water at end of session.

Fire Circle Safety

Seating logs should be placed in a circle at least 1.5 metres from the fire itself. They should be stable, and can be secured with stakes if necessary.

Once the fire is lit, no one should enter the circle without good reason. The group should practice safe moving around the circle by, for example, playing seat swapping games. Everyone should be aware that they can move away if drifting smoke is a problem. Procedures requiring entry to the circle will include; maintaining the fire, putting the kettle on and off, cooking procedures and keeping

warm. A Forest School leader must always have overall charge of these procedures, although participation by the group will vary according to

their age and experience, and be under the discretion of the Forest school Leader. Fireproof gloves should be used for moving the kettle, hot pans when cooking and charcoal tins. A fire blanket should be present for smothering the fire in case of emergency A bucket containing clean water should be available for cooling of accidental small burns.