Gwynant Ltd Risk Assessment (last revision February 11 th 2013)

Transcription

1 Gwynant Ltd Risk Assessment (last revision February 11 th 2013) Risk Assessment Template for Llyn Gwynant Campsite Llyn Gwynant Campsite is a public campsite with toilet and shower facilities, that is often used by members of the public and by groups as a base for adventure activities. The campsite is accessed via the A498 road heading north from Beddgelert and lies beside Llyn Gwynant, with the Afon river also forming one boundary. The site is close to Snowdon, with many adventure activities available within walking distance, for example water sports such as kayaking and windsurfing, mountain walking and rock climbing. The location of the site in the mountains and close to the water, mean that an element of risk for all campers is unavoidable. However the Llyn Gwynant Campsite management seek to reduce the risk by providing their own site specific risk assessment that can encourage members of the public and adventure activity providers to reduce these risks. We provide the template below only as a guide, and expect that each group will assess their own risks. Hazards: Control measures required Explanatory Notes on Hazard General Injury from vehicle movements on the campsite Wear reflective coats in dark Keep speeds to 5 mph on site No vehicle movements are allowed on the camping area after 11.00pm There is a danger of vehicle accidents on site. The dark poses special hazards, as does the use of alcohol on site. Hypothermia particularly that induced by sudden cold wet weather The mountain weather forecast is placed on reception and toilet notice boards by 8.00am each morning during the camping season so campers can check forecasts in advance of activities Campers should have appropriate clothing and other equipment, including weather-proof tents Tents should be suitably pitched away from low lying areas or high wind zones In mountain locations weather can change suddenly. Northerly winds are particularly hypothermic and dangerous. SSD Air Drive:Users:rachelgarden:Sites:Gwynant:pages:textfiles:Llyn Gwynant Risk Template.doc - 1 -

2 Carbon monoxide poisoning from use of gas in tents Infection from contact with wild animals Campers must be aware of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning from gas appliances in confined areas and should never use these in tents or caravans. Campers need to ensure that hands and cooking and eating utensils are clean, so toilet and dishwashing facilities are available. Campsite water is treated, monitored and clearly signed. Campers should drink only water labeled as suited for drinking and not to drink water directly from the lake or river. This occurs when oxygen in a confined space is used up during combustion and carbon monoxide (which is colourless, odourless and poisonous) is produced instead of the normal byproduct of carbon dioxide (which is not). Victims become lethargic and unresponsive in the onset of this poisoning. Rabbits, goats, stoats, badgers are all known to frequent the area, and Gwynedd Council advises that infection can result where campers are not careful with hygiene. Farm animals including sheep, cattle and dogs do occasionally range over the campsite and can also be sources of infection Burning from fire, especially from campfires or camp cooking Firepoints are bright red, signed, and sited around the campsite. They contain fire extinguishers. Additional extinguishers are kept at the reception building, both outside in a firebox and inside. 2 clear large signs indicate distances required between tents and groups Campfires must be safely placed and not too large never use 2 firepits and do not use during extremely windy conditions Make sure you have an escape route and do not have your camp obstructed (eg by parked vehicles and fences) Campfires are allowed on site providing they are only made from wood bought on site and are used on one of our steel fireboxes. This is a great attraction of the site, but all campers must be aware of the dangers inherent in having fires outdoors, near their tents and other camping accommodation and equipment. High wind increases the risk. SSD Air Drive:Users:rachelgarden:Sites:Gwynant:pages:textfiles:Llyn Gwynant Risk Template.doc - 2 -

3 Falling injuries in dark Bring personal lights for use at night There is minimal lighting on the campsite so rough ground is a hazard at night. Cuts, sprains or falls from trees, swings and crags There is a need to supervise children near water by sign at campsite entrance Large trees (particularly beside the river) are used for climbing and playing, and rope swings appear in spite of the campsite staff trying to limit these. Injuries from firepits All firepits are checked regularly for sharp edges and these are removed and ground down, but be aware of the need to be careful at night and also ensure young children do not handle these. Alcohol related injuries Wardens implement a noisebond policy and monitor unruly behaviour through the Group Registration procedures, however we need groups to co-operate and also advise wardens if they see inappropriate behavior on site Where campers do not respond to wardens and their behaviour continues to represent a danger, the police will be contacted Injuries from falling trees Wardens regularly check large trees for dangers of falling branches, but be careful where you camp Steel firepits are used for campfires and are occasionally damaged (e.g. by cars running into them) and become unsafe. They are also sometimes not very visible and can be walked into. Campers can bring alcohol or drugs and become intoxicated, leading to unsafe behaviour. It is evident that some people do grossly over-indulge in alcohol and/or drugs and their behaviour is a risk to themselves and to others. In the wind branches can blow down onto tents SSD Air Drive:Users:rachelgarden:Sites:Gwynant:pages:textfiles:Llyn Gwynant Risk Template.doc - 3 -

4 Risk specifically from water based activities Water based activities Hazards: Control measures Notes Drowning or injury in lake or river Signs at entrance to site advise that there is open water parental care needed for children Groups are must supervise carefully all swimming and water based activities must by appropriately trained staff The close proximity of the lake and the river make the danger of drowning very real. Cold water temperatures in the mountain fed river means that someone accidentally falling in can suffer cold shock and be unable to help themselves. The lake is generally several degrees warmer than the river. Injury from being caught in river turbulence Injury from jumping or climbing Elephant rock Groups and boat hire must avoid the upriver area near the bridge for all water based activities. A warning sign advises campers of dangers posed to bathers of the increased flow We continue to seek Council and Power company support for mitigation measures Water-based activities in the lake near Elephant Rock require particularly close supervision Groups briefing and instruction should include especial mention of the dangers of jumping from the height of Elephant Rock. Elephant Rock is situated on National Trust land and wardens do not have authority to prevent the public from access or from using it in any way. A hydro scheme upstream of the campsite releases water periodically and without warning into the river. This requires particular care and can result in wave effect up to 1 ft high coming down the river. Gwynant Ltd has sought to have Council and the power company recognize the dangers and take responsibility Elephant rock is a rocky outcrop on the shore of the lake, about one third of the way down the lake on the shore opposite the road. Young people especially find this an irresistible place to scramble and to jump from into the lake. SSD Air Drive:Users:rachelgarden:Sites:Gwynant:pages:textfiles:Llyn Gwynant Risk Template.doc - 4 -

5 Emergency Procedures First aid Bring your own first aid kits. A first aid kit is kept at Reception at the campsite. Emergency Services The campsite has no mobile phone coverage Mountain rescue, called via the police, are appropriate rather than ambulance if the injured person is not accessible by vehicle. The nearest landline is a public telephone outside the Reception building, or a phone inside it. A phone connection is also available at the barns and at the farm house. Campsite management can be contacted via phone on The public phone is available at all times as it is sited outside of the building. Where emergency helicopters are called, the no vehicle field at the back of the site may be the most suitable landing place, or else on the shore of the lake. Important numbers are as follows: Doctor: Llanberis Surgery (approx 10 miles from the campsite) Cae Heti, Llanberis, Gwynedd LL55 4SU Phone: Hospital (24 hour A&E service) Ysbyty Gwynedd (approx 25 miles, or 45 minutes by car) Penrhosgarnedd, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2PW Phone: SSD Air Drive:Users:rachelgarden:Sites:Gwynant:pages:textfiles:Llyn Gwynant Risk Template.doc - 5 -