Event/Group Details

Group Name Date of Assessment Ongoing Assessment

Rowing September 2015

A trained first aider will always be present at every training session/ Match

A first aid kit will be taken to every training session/ match by the club or team captain

When an incident arises it is reported to the activities staff by telephone on 0151 231 4900 and submitting an accident form

Date of Review

August 2017

Hazard What are the risks and potential Injuries?

Who is at risk? What are the controls and actions?

Seve

rity

Like

lihoo

d

Risk

Ra

ting

Who is responsible for the control?

Over-strenuous activity

Exhaustion/ dehydration

Members Observation by other members present.

First aider in Sports Centre.

Members told to drink regularly.

Train in groups or have cox/coach present to supervise during any

3 2 8 Members Committee members member with first aid qualification Cox/coach/responsible committee members member

activity.

Code of practice In hot weather appropriate sun protection should be worn. A coach will always be present during water outings to supervise. All members are encouraged to drink regularly during training to avoid dehydration. This is completed by the

club, men and women captains, as well as the Cox during water outings. It is ensured it happens by the Coach/Committee members. Other members at a training session must observe the state of others.

Ergs: Chain breaking Seat breaking

Eye injury, sprains/bruises

Members Regular checks of equipment. Maintenance schedule to be followed including regular oiling. Checks are made before every session

3 1 3 Coach/Committee members/members using equipmentEquipment Officer

Code of practice New members must not use ergs before they have been shown how to correctly by senior members. Checks on the ergs are made by the Coach/Committee members before every session. There is a regular

maintenance schedule which must be followed by the Equipment Officer. Any damage to equipment must be referred to the equipment officer or the head coach at the earliest

opportunity. That equipment will not be used until it has been inspected to ensure it is safe.

Lack of skill/inadequate fitness of participant

Exhaustion/ Dehydration. Possible technical injuries: strain/sprains

Members Warm up and stretching before every session. Self and group awareness of each other’s state. Previous assessment of

2 2 4 Coach, Committee Members

ability to ensure they are able Inquiry of physical condition and previous problems before any activity is undertaken. Coach present to supervise during any water activity

Code of practice To avoid injuries, all members before outings or indoor training must warm up. A warm up is done by the coach or the Coach/Committee members. The coach is responsible for trying to improve technique so that injuries are not caused by poor technique.

A coach will always be present during water outings to supervise. All members will be given a fitness test at the start of the year before they can join the club. This is completed by

the club, men and women captains with the Coach/Committee members ensuring it occurs.

Capsizing Head injuries, drowning

Members in the boat

Safety launch is on the water at all times with first aid kits, spare life jackets, lifesaving equipment and first aiders. All boats must stay in sight of the launch.

Swim test and capsize drill must be passed before any member is allowed on the water; a log will be kept.

Following capsize, the Boat Club Emergency Procedures

5 1 5 Coach/Committee members, Launch driver(s),Equipment Officer (checked by Coach/Committee members)

will be followed.

Regular boat maintenance schedule is done by the Equipment Officer and checked by the Coach/Committee members.

Members visually check the boats after each outing; they are shown what to look for when they join.

Code of practice No member of the club is allowed to row if they have not completed an ARA compliant safety drill composing of a 50m clothed swim test in a pool; this is enforced by the Coach/Committee members. No-one can use small boats unless they have completed a swim test or have an ARA certificate to prove they have completed it with a former boat club; this is enforced by the Coach/Committee members.

The emergency drills will be practiced twice per term and recorded Ensure that all new members, including any new coxes, have completed the swim test and the capsize test before

they go on the water. This must also be enforced for any new members or coxes that have joined at any point through the academic year before they complete their first outing.

All coxswains must wear a life jacket/buoyancy aid

Safety boat capsizing, Mechanical injury

Drowning, Cuts/bruises, Severed limb/finger

Launch drivers, members

All launch drivers must be trained by an RYA Level 2 qualified powerboat driver before operating the launch. The wearing of a life jacket by all members at all times while on or near the water is enforced.

5 1 5 Coach/Committee members, Equipment Officer (checked by Coach/Committee members), Launch driver with first aid qualification

Regular maintenance schedule of equipment. Launch driver visually checks the launch before and after every outing; they are shown what to look for.

First aid kits are taken in each launch for every outing and a First Aider is always present in each launch. If a launch fails or capsizes; the boats it was in charge of must stop immediately and the emergency procedure will be followed.

Code of practice Coaches are required to hold a qualification and the boat club will help finance them through this. All coxswains and launch drivers must wear a life jacket/buoyancy aid.

Beginners on the water

Capsizing leading to hypothermia, cuts, concussion, drowning.

Members Beginner rowers will always have an experienced cox in the boat.

A full explanation of the correct technique for getting in and out the boat will be given before they get on the water for the first time.

All beginner scullers will have the safety launch with them at all times; there is a maximum of one beginner skull to a safety launch.

5 2 10 Coach, cox and Launch driver(s)

The Safety launch driver will be extra vigilant when there are beginners on the water.

Code of practice New coxes and new rowers are not to be trained at the same time. New rowers are to be trained in a boat with experienced rowers, as well as an experienced cox. The launch drivers are responsible for ensuring that all boats on the water are in sight of a launch at all times. Ensure all new members (especially new coxswains) know the basic features of a full stroke and all the basic calls

needed to complete an outing, including boating, landing, starting and stopping, before they go out on the water.

Shoes/straps: lack of escape if capsized, improper positioning

Drowning, Technical-action-related injury (e.g. trapped nerve)

Members Safety launch is on the water at all times. All boats must stay in sight of the launch.

Regular maintenance schedule of equipment.

First aid kits are taken in the launch for every outing and a First Aider is always present in each launch.

All boats are visually checked by members before every outing and damaged shoes/heel restraints are replaced. Members are shown what to look for when they join.

Shoes correctly positioned.

5 1 5 Launch driver(s), coxes Equipment (checked by Coach/Committee members)

Code of practice Any damage to equipment must be referred to the equipment officer or the head coach at the earliest opportunity. That equipment will not be used until it has been inspected to ensure it is safe.

The launch drivers are responsible for ensuring that all boats on the water are in sight of a launch at all times. All equipment should be visually inspected, and logged, by an experienced person each term. All tools used by members to adjust footplates must be given consent by the equipment officer and can only be

used after training. These tools must be used safely and responsibly and this will be checked and ensured by the Coach/Committee members

Clothing; insufficient protection, caught in equipment

Cold, illnesses, injuries etc.

Members Members are given education in maintenance of, and purchase of correct kit at the start of the year before any activity is undertaken.

No-one is allowed on the water without the correct kit. When getting the boat on and off the water, participants must be wearing suitable footwear.

2 2 4 Equipment Officer/Coach/Committee members.

Code of practice All new members must be informed of what to wear and what to bring with them, including their own pair of wellington boots, before their first outing on the water.

All rowers must wear appropriate fitness training clothes, with sufficient layers, especially in cold weather. The Coach/Committee members and/or Coach will not allow anyone on the water who is not wearing suitable clothing.

All coxswains must wear warm clothes and a waterproof jacket and a life jacket on the top. This will be checked by the Coach/Committee members before they go on the water.

Members are educated at the start of the year in the purchase and maintenance of kit. The Coach/Committee members and/or Coach will not allow anyone on the water who is without suitable kit.

Water Users: Collision

Capsizing without capsize training

Members, other water users, Launch drivers

At the start of the year, all participants are informed of the rules of the river Coxes are trained before being

4 2 8 Coach/Committee members, Club captain and experienced cox

procedure (see Capsizing for related injuries)

allowed to cox.

No-one is allowed on the water without completing the capsize training.

Code of practice Boats will not turn under the aqueduct or just upstream from it to avoid colliding with the aqueduct.

Coxes Lack of training causing collision, abnormal procedure

Members, other water users, Launch drivers

Coxes are trained before being allowed to cox.

The cox will keep a safety launch in sight at all times.

3 1 3 Club captain, Cox, Launch drivers

Code of practice New coxes are to be trained on days where there are likely to be few other river users on the river (probably weekday mornings).

All new coxes are to be verbally tested to ensure that they know all the appropriate information, including spinning points, before they are in control of a boat for the first time.

Lack of safety cover

If an accident occurs it delays rescue and increases the risk of drowning

Members The Safety Launch will be on the water for all outings. Each launch will be responsible for a maximum of two rowing boats or three skulls.

All boats must stay in sight of the launch at all times. If the boat is going out of sight of the launch they will stop and get the launches attention.

5 1 5 Launch drivers/Coach/Committee members

Coaching may take place from the safety launch; however it is first and foremost a safety launch and safety takes priority.

There may only be the driver one passenger on board the safety launch at any time.

Code of practice The Coach/Committee members will ensure that the Safety launch is on the water at all times with the first aid kit, spare life jackets, lifesaving equipment and a first aider on board. Each launch will be responsible for a maximum of two rowing boats or three skulls. All boats must stay in sight of the launch at all times. If the boat is going out of sight of the launch they will stop and get the launches attention. Coaching may take place from the safety launch; however it is first and foremost a safety launch and safety takes priority. There may only be the driver and one passenger on board the safety launch at any time.

Launch: mechanical failure, loss of control

Members left on river; launch drives into someone; breaks, concussion,

Members, Launch drivers, other users drowning

All launch drivers must be trained by an RYA Level 2 qualified powerboat driver before operating the launch. There is a kill switch on the engine in case of losing control.

The wearing of a life jacket by all members at all times while on or near the water is enforced.

Regular maintenance schedule of equipment is completed.

5 1 5 Launch drivers, Coach/Committee members, equipment Officer

Oars are always present on the launch in case of engine failure. If a launch fails or capsizes; the boats it was in charge of must stop immediately and the emergency procedure will be followed.

Code of practice The safety boat can only be driven by persons who have a nationally recognized qualification. An example of this is the RYA Powerboat Course Level 2. The boat club will endeavour to financially support those individuals that wish to undertake this. A First Aider, first aid kit, and oars in case of engine failure, must be present and life jackets must be worn at all times. There is a regular maintenance schedule for the launch which is completed by the Equipment Officer and checked by the Coach/Committee members.

Poor technique Strains and sprains

Members There will be a warm up and stretching session before every outing and indoor session.

Qualified coach teaches the correct technique to all members. First aid kits kept in the boat house and carried in the launch and a first aider is always present.

2 2 4 Coach Coach/Committee members, First aid qualified launch drivers

Code of practice To avoid injuries, all members before outings or indoor training must warm up. A warm up is done by the coach or the Coach/Committee members. The coach is responsible for trying to improve technique so that injuries are not caused by poor technique.

A coach will always be present during water outings to supervise. All members will be given a fitness test at the start of the year before they can join the club.

The Coach/Committee members will ensure that the Safety launch is on the water at all times with the first aid kit, spare life jackets, lifesaving equipment and a first aider on board. Each launch will be responsible for a maximum of two rowing boats or three skulls. All boats must stay in sight of the launch at all times. If the boat is going out of sight of the launch they will stop and get the launches attention. Coaching may take place from the safety launch; however it is first and foremost a safety launch and safety takes priority. There may only be the driver and one passenger on board the safety launch at any time.

Drowning Death or serious injury

All members Safety launch on the water at all times. All boats must stay in sight of the launch.

First aid kits, life jackets and life-saving equipment is carried in the launch and a first aider is always present in each launch

5 1 5 Launch driver, coxes Coach/Committee members, launch drivers

Code of Practice The Coach/Committee members will ensure that the Safety launch is on the water at all times with the first aid kit, spare life jackets, lifesaving equipment and a first aider on board. Each launch will be responsible for a maximum of two rowing boats or three skulls. All boats must stay in sight of the launch at all times. If the boat is going out of sight of the launch they will stop and get the launches attention. Coaching may take place from the safety launch; however it is first and foremost a safety launch and safety takes priority. There may only be the driver and one passenger on board the safety launch at any time.

Access/transport Minibus accidents, breaks, concussion, death

All passengers / drivers

Only drivers registered with LiverpoolSU may drive the minibuses and they must follow the guidelines in the captains’ handbook

5 1 5 Club captain

Code of practice Minibus drivers must have taken the University minibus assessment. This must also be done in the case of the boat club for trailer towing.

When using minibuses drivers must comply with all LiverpoolSU and University policies and procedures.

Remote location If an accident were to occur then the possibility of increased injury/harm would arise

All drivers / passengers

Display relevant contact numbers on display board.

Ensure launch drivers always has access to phone/ transport/ and boat house keys.

First aider is always present on each launch.

All boats must stay in sight of the launch.

5 1 5 Club captain Launch drivers Coach/Committee members/Launch drivers Launch drivers/coxes

Code of practice The nearest phone in the case of emergencies is at the boathouse and the Captain ensures there are relevant contact numbers on the display board. The Coach/Committee members will make members aware of this at the start of the year.

The Coach/Committee members will ensure that the Safety launch is on the water at all times with the first aid kit, spare life jackets, lifesaving equipment and a first aider on board. Each launch will be responsible for a maximum of two rowing boats or three skulls. All boats must stay in sight of the launch at all times. If the boat is going out of sight of the launch they will stop and get the launches attention. Coaching may take place from the safety launch; however it is first and foremost a safety launch and safety takes priority. There may only be the driver and one passenger on board the safety launch at any time.

Boathouse Location

The boathouse is in an isolated location; people could be attacked

All members at site

No-one will access the boathouse on their own.

Key holders will always have someone with them and a mobile in case of

4 1 4 Club captain/Coach/Committee members Key holders

leading to cuts, breaks or they could injure themselves and not be able to get help

emergency.

Code of practice All members wanting to enter the boathouse will enter with permission from a coach or committee member.Cold weather Extreme heat

Colds Exhaustion leading to dehydration

Members All members must wear the correct clothing or the outing is cancelled.

Members told to drink regularly.

In hot weather appropriate sun protection should be worn.

2 1 2 Coach/Committee members/coach

Code of practice In hot weather appropriate sun protection should be worn. All members are encouraged to drink regularly during training to avoid dehydration. This is completed by the

club, men and women captains, as well as the Cox during water outings. It is ensured it happens by the Coach/Committee members. Other members at a training session must observe the state of others.

Poor lighting Drowning Members, launch drivers, other river users

Boat lights on the bow and stern will be used in poor visibility. Outing in poor visibility will be cancelled.

4 2 8 Coach/Committee members

Code of practice The Coach/Committee members will ensure Bow and Stern lights are used in poor light conditions and/or the outing is cancelled.

The Coach/Committee member’s word is final when deciding about training in adverse weather conditions. They will, however, consult with coxes, coaches and captains if they feel it is necessary.

Night time outings

Drowning Members, launch drivers, other river users

Rowing in the dark will replace other procedures. Training in the dark will only take place in winter months when necessary because of dark evenings. No training will take place in the dark in adverse/severe weather conditions Boat lights on the bow and stern will be used in all dark / poor visibility events. The safety launch driver will have a spotlight to use. This will need to be a hands free torch, usually a high powered head torch. Rowers to wear light coloured rowing tops (no lose fitting clothing that will catch fingers while rowing, i.e. high-vis vests not appropriate). Rowers will wear reflective arm bands The safety launch and boats to stay together at all times on the water. If one boat capsizes the other boat will sit easy.

Turns will be made at least 300m short

5 2 10 Coach/Committee members and coach, Safety Launch Driver

of the dock. Only coxes with more than one years’ experience will be included in a crew Only steersman with more than one years’ experience will be included in a crew. The crew will comprise of a rowers with more than one year’s rowing experience and a maximum of one rower with less than one years’ experience.

Code of practice The Coach/Committee members will ensure bow and stern lights are on and launch driver has a spotlight. Coach/Committee members will ensure that all rowers are briefed on instructions for rowing in the dark once a

term.

Debris leading to capsize

Drowning Members The cox must know the course before setting out. The Coach/Committee members will ensure the conditions are safe and the cox is competent.

No-one is allowed on the water without the correct kit.

4 1 4 Coach/Committee members

Code of practice New coxes are to be trained on days where there are likely to be few other users on the water (probably weekday mornings).

All new coxes are to be verbally tested to ensure that they know all the appropriate information, including spinning points, before they are in control of a boat for the first time.

Rough Water Capsizing Members Water checks done before outings 5 1 5 Coach/Committee

without capsize training procedure (see capsizing for related injuries)

take place.

No-one is allowed on the water without capsize training and passing the swim test.

All members are made aware of capsize drill.

The outing is cancelled if the water is too rough, high or fast; also in poor visibility or high winds.

members

Code of practice Water height and speed must be taken before outings and recorded to form a better understanding of the river. The Coach/Committee members will ensure this happens. The equipment used for this must only be used by those who have been taught how to use it by the Coach/Committee members and must be stored correctly. If there is rough water the outing is cancelled.

No member of the club is allowed to row if they have not completed an ARA compliant safety drill composing of a 50m clothed swim test in a pool; this is enforced by the Coach/Committee members. No-one can use small boats unless they have completed a swim test with LUBC or have an ARA certificate to prove they have completed it with a former boat club; this is enforced by the Coach/Committee members.

Ensure that all new members, including any new coxes, have completed the swim test and the capsize test before they go on the water. This must also be enforced for any new members or coxes that have joined at any point through the academic year before they complete their first outing.

Animal, insect, reptile bites

Infection Members Ensure First Aid kit is always present. Only sprays are used.

First Aider always present

4 2 8 Coach/Committee members

Code of practice Ensure that all first aid kits can be opened and used when needed and remove all drugs.

Obtain a spare first aid kid and throw line so that, even one is lost, there will always be one in each launch. The Captain will ensure a first aid qualified person is present at every training session. The boathouse must contain a comprehensive fully equipped first Aid kit, thermal blankets, survival bags and an

emergency lifeline. The Coach/Committee members will regularly check the first Aid kit and replenish it if necessary.

All members to be aware of leptospirosis Contaminated Water

Dysentery, Weil’s disease

Members All members must wash their hands and body after an outing. Signs explaining the dangers of Weil’s disease are displayed in the boat house.

An explanation of hazards is given to members before any activity takes place. Members are told to see a doctor if any problems arise.

4 2 3 Coach/Committee members

Code of practice Within the Boat Clubhouse signs are displayed regarding the threat of Weil’s Disease and Dysentery. Members are told to wash hands and body after outings and are warned of the dangers by the Coach/Committee members before they go on the water for the first time. They are told at the same time to see a doctor if any problems arise.

Ensure that the Weil’s Disease signs are specifically pointed out to all new members when doing the boathouse induction. Highlight the main points and explain why it is important.

Floods Damage to equipment

Members Check and ensure all equipment is in proper working order after floods

1 1 1 Coach/Committee members/Equipment Officer

Code of practice There is a regular boat maintenance schedule completed by the Equipment Officer and checked by the

Coach/Committee members. All boats will be checked before every outing and damaged shoes must be replaced. If there is a flood then the Coach/Committee members will check that all equipment is proper working order

before it is used again.

Slips/trips Sprains and strains

Members Members wear appropriate footwear.

Boat house will be kept dry and tidy.

Grit slipway in icy conditions.

Clear lighting is provided in the boathouse and on the slipway.

3 3 9 Coach/Committee members Equipment Officer

Code of practice The Coach/Committee members will ensure that everyone wears suitable footwear for training. This is to avoid injuries from slipping.

The Coach/Committee members and the committee members will ensure that there is suitable lighting within the boat house and that stairs, walkways, and the slipway are clear to prevent people from tripping over objects. The slipway will be gritted in icy conditions.

Falls: stairs Head injury, strains and sprains

Members Correct footwear is enforced.

Stairs are kept clear at all times.

3 1 3 Coach/Committee members Equipment Officer

Code of practice The Coach/Committee members will ensure that everyone wears suitable footwear for training. This is to avoid injuries from slipping.

The Coach/Committee members and the committee members will ensure that there is suitable lighting within the boat house and that stairs, walkways, and the slipway are clear to prevent people from tripping over objects. The slipway will be gritted in icy conditions.

General Sprains and strains

Members A clear path will always be available on the slipway and in the boathouse.

2 1 2 Equipment Officer Coach/Committee

Grit is used when icy.

members

Code of practice The Coach/Committee members will ensure that there is suitable lighting within the boat house and that stairs, walkways, and the slipway are clear to prevent people from tripping over objects. The slipway will be gritted in icy conditions.

Tools Cuts/grazes, some serious injury

Members Use of tools to be authorised only by the equipment officer.

Training from equipment officer is given before anyone uses tools.

3 2 6 Equipment Officer

Code of practice All tools used by members to adjust footplates must be given consent by the equipment officer and can only be used after training. These tools must be used safely and responsibly and this will be checked and ensured by the Coach/Committee members

White Spirits Burns and poisoning

Members Proper containment and correct storage of all spirits. Taught that this is only used by the equipment officer.

Warning signs are clearly displayed on all containers.

4 1 4 Equipment Officer Coach/Committee members/Equipment Officer

Code of practice Obtain the appropriate COSHH sheets for all chemicals; follow the guidance and make sure that the proper labels are present on relevant storage cabinets and containers.

Boats Strains, sprains, head injuries

Members Coxes are trained on how to direct lifters and supervise lifting.

All crews are trained in lifting procedures and correct handling techniques, correct

3 3 9 Coach/Committee members/Equipment Officer

lifting is enforced.

Those with back problems don’t lift.

All boots will be marked so that when getting out of the water everyone is given the correct size boots.

Boat house open day used to demonstrate correct techniques; a log will be kept.

Code of practice Ensure that boats are lifted properly (bending the knees, not the back) at all times and remind those who do it incorrectly what they should be doing.

Ensure that all new members have a full induction to the boat house on their first visit, including completing tasks that they are going to need to learn in the future e.g. lifting boats onto and off racks.

All new members must be informed of what to wear and what to bring with them, including their own pair of wellington boots, before their first outing on the water.

Oars Head Injuries Members Members will be told to handle oars carefully and look out for others.

There will be supervision at all times from the Committee members

3 2 6 Coach/Committee members/Equipment Officer

Code of practice Ensure all new members are capable of putting the oar in the gate correctly and that they are aware of how to get into and out of the boat safely and correctly before their first water outing. Furthermore, ensure that all new members are aware of how to use an oar and launch the boat correctly, as per the coxes’ instructions, before they get in for the first time.

Launch Strains and sprains

Launch drivers/Members

Coxes are trained on how to direct lifters and supervise lifting.

3 2 6 Coach/Committee members/Equipment

All crews are trained in the correct lifting and handling techniques.

Those with back injuries etc. do not lift.

Officer

Code of practice Ensure that boats are lifted properly (bending the knees, not the back) at all times and remind those who do it incorrectly what they should be doing.

Rating Risk Guide

Risk = Severity x Likelihood

Sign off

The following signatories understand their responsibilities that fall under this risk assessment and accept that it covers all significant risks associated with this activity.

Position Print name Sign DateClub Captain

Date communicated to Members Method of communication