
Risk Assessment Paddleboarding - 5th August 2020
Hazards |
Probable injury or Reason |
Person at risk |
Current control measures |
Action required |
Actioned by/date |
Probability x severity = impact |
Slips, trips and falls |
Cuts and bruises Chains, ropes, steps, slipways, stones, seaweed |
User Staff Public |
Briefing Help to handle board. Suitable footwear Students under staff supervision |
|
|
2x2=4
|
Injury associated with lifting, carrying, dropping and falling from board |
Improper technique Lack of instruction Back muscle injury Damage to feet Knee paddling in water depth <1m/3ft |
User Staff Public |
Brief lifting technique. Carry in pairs if necessary Staffed prepared for session. |
|
|
2x2=4
|
Members of the public |
Getting in the way whilst carrying the board. Consideration for other beach and water users |
User Staff Public |
Try and be wary of public Good group management. Sessions delivered away from busy areas |
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|
4x1=4 |
Change in/adverse weather conditions
|
Loss of confidence Inability to paddle and control board Blown onto rocks |
User Staff |
Dynamic assessment of weather conditions, cancel or postpone if risk considered unmanageable. Brief customers on activity area Appropriate clothing for conditions Safety boat on station.
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|
|
2x3=6 |
Collisions |
Boats Other water users and paddle boarders Rocks |
User Staff Public |
Briefing ref other water users. Group management. Teach 2m spacing from one another/other water users. Helmets on request or instructor’s discretion |
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|
2x2=4 |
Separation from instructor/ equipment |
Loss of confidence Bad weather |
User |
Ensure good group management Teaching ratio 6:1 maximum. Use of leashes when on water Stay in CBW operating area |
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|
2x1=2 |
Entanglement |
Leg leash/moorings/anchors/anglers/ swimmers |
User Staff |
Keep group from moorings/busy areas/boat channels/bathing areas |
|
|
1x4=4 |
Illness |
Any pre-existing illness or injury that could cause problems |
User
|
Pre-session forms Safety boat / instructor to be informed User / instructor to take medication during session e.g. inhaler |
|
|
1x5=5 |
Drowning |
Head injury Lack of confidence Poor swimming ability |
User Staff |
PFD for under 18 and at instructor’s discretion Wear leash on the water Check waiver forms At risk students employ smaller ratios and PFD Instructor’s close attention at all times If secondary drowning suspected access A+E |
|
|
2x5=10 |
Waves and boat wake |
Falling, impact with equipment, shallow water |
User Staff Other water users |
Safety boat / Instructor vigilance Shallow water paddling – go to knees No breaking waves and <2ft swell 360° awareness |
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|
4x2=8 |
Equipment failure |
Splinters, cuts, bruises, separation from equipment |
User Staff |
Daily equipment check. |
|
|
1x1=1 |
Climatic reaction |
Sunburn Heat stroke Hypothermia Hyperthermia Dehydration |
User Staff |
Briefing for skin protection, hydration, and /or reducing exposure time. |
|
|
2x3=6 |
Covid 19 |
Risk of infection |
User Staff Public |
Social distance compliance. Hand washing / sanitizing Hygiene clean of paddles after use. |
Review if changes to Welsh Government advice. |
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1 x 5 = 5
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