DROITWICH SPA ANGLING CLUB 

 

RISK ASSESSMENT, RISK AVOIDANCE, RISK REDUCTION AND PROTECTION AGAINST HAZARDS FOR VOLUNTEER WORKERS, OTHER CANAL AND RIVER USERS AND THE PUBLIC DURING WORK ON ACCESS TO FISHING, CAR PARKS AND PEGS

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On joining a Working Party:

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A. Read this document and sign the attendance sheet to confirm that you will follow the Risk Reduction measures typed in italics paying special attention to the high risk items.

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B. Work under the direction of the DSAC Committee Member responsible for Risk Reduction compliance.

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C. Be aware that failure to comply with Risk Reduction could invalidate the Club’s insurance including cover for volunteer workers.

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D. Make a visual inspection of the area to be worked on, identify hazards and implement Risk Reduction measures.

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E. Always work in pairs.

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F. Carry a whistle and mobile phone to call for assistance if needed.

 

Whilst working:

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1. Report all ACCIDENTS and “near misses” to the DSAC Secretary (John Walker on 07584 019224) or to any Committee Member, for recording in the DSAC Accident Book.

Committee to review accident reports regularly and make any necessary revisions or additions to Risk Assessment.

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2. Moving on muddy/steep/slippery BANKS: LOW RISK: Minor injury. Falling into edge of water.

Go up and down facing slope or on bottom facing the water. Use a rope or stick for support. Point sharp tools away from body.

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3. Using a BRUSH CUTTER: HIGH RISK: Major injury potentially very much more serious than when using a strimmer.

See 13 and do not use a brush cutter with metal blades unless wearing additional protective clothing as recommended by the Manufacturer, have been trained and are certified/qualified.

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4. CUTTING OUT. Using rakes, sharp hand tools, strimmer's, spades, shovels, shears and long handled cutting tools: LOW RISK: Cuts, slipping, tripping, bruising, and falling into water.

Wear protective gloves and sturdy boots and shoes.

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5. Picking LITTER LOW RISK of minor cuts and injury rising to HIGH RISK of very serious infection when dealing with discarded NEEDLES.

Wear protective stab proof gloves and carry sharp rubbish in hard bucket or bin or sharps disposal box. Advise Club Secretary of any needles found for reporting to Police.

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6. Operating MACHINERY (mobile and stationary). HIGH RISK: Serious and/or fatal injury.

Do not operate machinery unless trained and certified/qualified. Follow all Manufacturer’s instructions.

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7. Maintaining PEGS. LOW RISK: Minor injuries.

See 4.

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8. Repairing PLATFORMS: HIGH RISK: Minor, major and/or fatal injuries.

See 2, 4, 6, 9, 11 and 16.

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9. Using POWERED TOOLS (other than strimmers). HIGH RISK: Serious injury.

Do not operate powered tools unless trained and certified/qualified. Follow all Manufacturer’s instructions.

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10. PROTECTING anglers, cyclists, dog walkers and the public passing by. LOW RISK: Minor and/or serious injury and/or fatality.

Display warning posters and/or cones. (“HAZARD – RISK OF ACCIDENT – PLEASE KEEP CLEAR OF WORK IN PROGRESS”) Volunteer work observer to issue verbal warnings.

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11. Using SHARP TOOLS. LOW RISK: Minor and serious injury.

Wear protective gloves and sturdy boots or shoes. Carry sharp hand tools between pegs in a strong bag. Carry long handled sharp tools parallel to the ground with blades covered. Ensure safe distancing from others whilst working.

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12. Using STRIMMERS. LOW RISK: Minor injuries.

Wear sturdy boots or shoes, eye protection and ear defenders. Work a safe distance from others. Follow all Manufacturer’s instructions. Store fuel in a secure place away from heat.

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13. TREE SURGERY. HIGH RISK: Minor, major and/or fatal injuries. Falling into water.

Attempt nothing other than light trimming with hand or long handled tools. Do not climb trees. Do not stand under branches being worked on. Do not work over water. Do not use CHAIN SAWS unless trained, certified/qualified and following Manufacturer’s instructions.

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14. Clearing VEGETATION. LOW RISK: Minor or deep cuts.

Always wear protective gloves. Use a rake whenever possible.

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15. Working on UNEVEN GROUND. LOW RISK: Minor injury.

Make a visual inspection and identify trip hazards before starting work.

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16. Working near to WATER. HIGH RISK: Falling in, injury or drowning.

Always work in pairs and have a rope available. Wear a flotation aid when working near to deep water.

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17. Avoiding WEIL’S DISEASE. HIGH RISK: Serious illness.

Wear gloves. Clean hands frequently, and before eating or drinking, with antibacterial hand gel.

 

Version 2 – Adopted by DSAC Committee on Monday 29th April