Activities Assessment Fire lighting, stoves and open fires Associated Initial Reducing Measures to be taken, and by whom PPE COSHH Clothing and/or or catching fire Medium Group Safety briefing and monitoring of clothes and hair Instructor to brief group at beginning of activity, advise to tie hair back if possible and to wear appropriate clothing if possible. Monitor and intervene as necessary throughout. Tripping, falling or being knocked or pushed into the fire Medium Group Remove trip hazards and select safe site. Group briefed on fire safety and fire etiquette. Instructor to assess the necessity of a fire and ensure a suitable site if appropriate. Fire gloves Breathing in toxic fumes Group Briefing, material selection and positioning group members away from fumes Instructor to supervise and/or advise groups as necessary. Ensure materials that generate toxic fumes are avoided where possible and that the group is positioned away from any toxic fumes. Tinder box containing highly flammable materials catching fire or causing inhalation injuries (occupational asthma) Medium Group, Leader Tinder box to be used under the direct supervision of Instructor, packed and unpacked properly. Instructor to know the specific risks for each item in box and the appropriate preventative and emergency action. YES multiple Copyright 2017 Really Wild Education Ltd Page 1 of 19
Activities Assessment Fire lighting, stoves and open fires Associated Initial Reducing Measures to be taken, and by whom PPE COSHH Burns, cuts, eye injury (e.g. from flint chippings) caused directly by fire ignition activities. Medium Group Appropriate packaging of materials in Fire Box. Group briefed on fire safety and fire etiquette. Instructor to know the specific risks for each item in box, to teach and supervise safe and best practice and have an appropriate emergency action. Wild fire from open fires or stoves Medium Group Briefing and choose appropriate site and ensure fire extinguishing resources are available and proper practices followed. Instructor to brief group on camp fire/cooking device procedures paying attention to overhead, underground and surrounding risks. Instructor to ensure that sufficient water and fire extinguishing equipment is onsite and that fires are fully extinguished. Gas, petrol, diesel, meths Fire by Friction activity causing impalement on drill, impact injuries, burns, back and limb injury or smoke inhalation. Medium Group Assessment of group suitability and level. Instructor to instruct group on technique and supervise activity to intervene where necessary. Where group is creating fire by friction equipment see Woodland Craft Assessment Copyright 2017 Really Wild Education Ltd Page 2 of 19
Activities Assessment Fire lighting, stoves and open fires Associated Initial Reducing Measures to be taken, and by whom PPE COSHH Stoves (spilled fuel, hot metal, explosion) accident resulting in burns or impact injury or wild fire. Medium Group Safety briefing prior to use of stoves. Specified storage area for stoves and fuel. Instructor to instruct group on proper use, supervise activity and intervene where necessary. Instructor to ensure that sufficient water, fire extinguishing methods and burns kits are available. Gas, petrol, diesel, meths Collapse of wood storage causing crush injury; or location of storage causing trip hazard. Group Location of wood storage suitable for all visitors to site. Instructor to check stability of stack and monitor Environmental Impact where necessary. Copyright 2017 Really Wild Education Ltd Page 3 of 19
Activities Assessment Backcountry Cooking Associated Initial Reducing Measures to be taken, and by whom PPE COSHH Contaminated/ unclean water leading to health hazard causing sickness or disease Medium Group Use fresh water from known source where possible. Group to filter and boil water from natural sources. Instructor to inform landowner of any issues that may result in water contamination. Using an open fire or stove leading to burns or wild fire Medium Group Site suitability considered against fire risk assessment. Instructor to brief group on camp cooking procedures. Instructor to ensure that sufficient water and fire extinguishing equipment is onsite. Fire gloves Gas, petrol, diesel, meths Food at incorrect temperature leading to health hazard causing sickness or disease. Medium Group Food to be cooked well. Instructor to maintain Food Hygiene standards and educate group in suitable procedures and practices. Provide suitable storage for cold items. Food causing allergic reaction. High Group Medical declaration informs choice of foods. Instructor and Group Leader to be aware of allergies in the group and have a suitable emergency plan. Food causing poisoning. High Group Staff Training. If in doubt leave it out! Instructor responsible for checking the identification of wild food and knowing about common conditions that may be aggravated by particular foods. Medium Burns/Scalds from pouring boiling water Medium Group Kettle/pans on a stable tripod in suitable Adult to pour all drinks take kettle off tripod, place cup on the ground, keep hands away while pouring. Copyright 2017 Really Wild Education Ltd Page 4 of 19
Activities Assessment Backcountry Cooking Associated Initial Reducing Measures to be taken, and by whom PPE COSHH Waste attracting vermin and causing associated health hazards. Medium Group Secure storage of foods. Dedicated waste area away from food preparation area. Instructor to brief group on food hygiene issues and address any unsafe camp cooking procedures. Group members responsible for keeping food and waste in the allocated place. If the group is also involved in the collection of wild foods the following additional risks have been identified. Foraging for food Associated Initial Reducing Measures to be taken, and by whom PPE COSHH Poisoning from wild edibles Group Advising group not to eat wild things without specific instructor supervision. Instructor to provide safety briefing and strict instructions appropriate to the group. Review any site-specific risk assessment prior to any activity. Teach children "if in doubt leave it out". Use of tools resulting in cuts, abrasions, puncture wounds or other injuries. High Group Tools safety briefing prior to activity commencing. Assessment of task suitability for group. Instructor to instruct group in safe use of tools and supervise ongoing activities. Instructor to establish emergency procedure and maintain First Aid Kit and qualification. Leather gloves, sturdy boots, specialist equipment where appropriate Medium Copyright 2017 Really Wild Education Ltd Page 5 of 19
Activities Assessment Foraging for food Associated Initial Reducing Measures to be taken, and by whom PPE COSHH Health hazard from contaminated hands. High Group Advice on toxic vegetation, water borne disease and animal related infections. Instructor and Group Leader to supervise good hygiene practice before eating and carry hand sanitizing solution or wipes. Handwipes General contact with vegetation resulting in minor injuries, scratches or allergic reactions. Medium Group Site management to minimise risk. Instructor to assess site prior to group visit and identify significant hazards to the group during initial briefing. Instructor and Group Leader to be aware of allergies in the group and have a suitable emergency plan. Contact with insects resulting in bites and stings Medium Group Long trousers and tops advised where insects are identified as a problem. Instructor and Group Leader to consider the use of insect repellant and be aware of any allergies in the group. Long trousers and tops where appropriate Insect repellant Copyright 2017 Really Wild Education Ltd Page 6 of 19
Activities Assessment Woodland Craft Associated Initial Reducing Measures to be taken, and by whom PPE COSHH Harvesting of materials falling or springing back resulting in injury. Medium Group Safe felling procedure. Instructor to ensure appropriate work distances are maintained and fully brief group prior to task starting. Hard hat, high visibility workwear, sturdy boots where appropriate Lifting and carrying materials resulting in limb or back injury. Medium Group Group assessed prior to activity commencing. Carrying and lifting advice given prior to group moving items. Instructor to use ongoing risk assessment throughout event to identify and address issues. Hard hat, high visibility workwear, sturdy boots where appropriate Use of tools resulting in cuts, abrasions, puncture wounds or other injuries. High Group Tools safety briefing prior to activity commencing. Assessment of task suitability for group. Instructor to instruct group in safe use of tools and supervise ongoing activities. Instructor to establish emergency procedure and maintain First Aid. Leather gloves, sturdy boots, specialist equipment where appropriate. Medium Health hazard from contaminated hands. Group Advice on toxic vegetation, water borne disease and animal related infections. Instructor and Group Leader to supervise good hygiene practice before eating and carry hand sanitizing solution or wipes. Handwipes Copyright 2017 Really Wild Education Ltd Page 7 of 19
Activities Assessment Woodland Craft Associated Initial Reducing Measures to be taken, and by whom PPE COSHH General contact with vegetation resulting in minor injuries, scratches or allergic reactions. Medium Group Site management to minimise risk. Instructor to assess site prior to group visit and identify significant hazards to the group during initial briefing. Instructor and Group Leader to be aware of allergies in the group and have a suitable emergency plan. Falling wood or masonry resulting in significant injury. Group Site management to minimise risk, including annual tree checks by trained person. Instructor to assess site prior to group visit, create a no-go zone where appropriate, and identify the hazard to the group during initial briefing. Contact with insects resulting in bites and stings Medium Group Long trousers and tops advised where insects are identified as a problem. Instructor and Group Leader to consider the use of insect repellant and be aware of any allergies in the group. Long trousers and tops where appropriate Insect repellant Contact with animals/ livestock resulting in injury Group Group members prepared with a code of behaviour when near animals. Instructor to remind group what to do in the event of contact with animals. Instructor to liaise with handler of straying animals. Copyright 2017 Really Wild Education Ltd Page 8 of 19
Activities Assessment Building and Using Debris Shelters Associated Initial Reducing Measures to be taken, and by whom PPE COSHH Debris shelter collapse resulting in crush injuries or asphyxiation High Group Public Educate group in safe building techniques. Instructor to test structures prior to group playing or sleeping in the shelters. Use strong secure wood in healthy trees to secure any cross beams, or if used, ensure cross beam lashings are securely tied using sufficiently strong rope or cordage. When laying branches to create a roof or walls avoid using heavy logs where possible and ensure they rest at least 50cm over any cross beam or supporting structure; consider bringing in lighter weight materials from another site, or use lighter man-made shelter options e.g. string and tarps. Advise users of the shelter not to push and shove against the structure. Dismantle shelters after use to prevent members of the public using and being harmed by the shelter collapsing. Lifting and moving heavy materials resulting in straining muscles or back injury. Medium Group Avoid lifting heavy items or share the load, use good posture and techniques. Careful collection of materials by the group: be organised to avoid double moving and tangling. Be aware that younger participants may misjudge the size and weight of materials ask them to work in pairs or teams if necessary. Copyright 2017 Really Wild Education Ltd Page 9 of 19
Activities Assessment Building and Using Debris Shelters Associated Initial Reducing Measures to be taken, and by whom PPE COSHH Snow shelter collapse or suffocation Medium Group Public Properly brief, teach, supervise and inspect. Instructor to properly advise of the risk, teach, supervise and inspect safe construction and where necessary stop the use of any shelter. To ensure it is clearly marked to avoid vehicles colliding with any shelter. To ensure shelters are taken down or rendered unusable after use. Injury from use of tools Medium Group Advise on safe use Instructor to advise, teach and supervise safe use as necessary. Impact with moving materials causing bruises and contusions. Medium Group Advise participants to be aware of others when moving, carrying and placing logs and branches. Participants must not throw materials. Spikes, sharp branches and foreign objects causing stabs, cuts and/or eye injury Medium Group Avoid using manmade materials such as wire, iron and wood from around camp as it may contain nails and screws. Allow plenty of time to build shelters during daylight hours. Trim branches to avoid any obstacles inside and around the entrance. Put away all tools before dusk. First Aid Kit General contact with vegetation resulting in minor injuries, scratches or allergic reactions. Medium Group Site management to minimise risk. Avoid camping/shelters near toxic plants/trees, animal tracks and trails. Instructor to assess site prior to group visit and identify significant hazards to the group during initial briefing. Instructor and Group Leader to be aware of allergies in the group and have a suitable emergency plan. Copyright 2017 Really Wild Education Ltd Page 10 of 19
Activities Assessment Falling objects resulting in significant injury. Group Site management to minimise risk, including annual tree checks by trained person. Instructor to assess site prior to group visit, create a no-go zone where appropriate, and identify the hazard to the group during initial briefing. Instructor to observe surrounding trees & look for signs of rotting, canker (open breaking of the bark) or strained growth or root system movement. Select a location avoiding the line of possible falling or collapse. Consider the knock on or domino effect of other trees too. In high winds, check the stability of tall standing trees. If necessary, do not camp in the woods. If already camping, move or abandon camp as necessary. Communicate an agreed signal and evacuation route and process to an area of safety should the weather change to represent an unacceptable risk. Do not camp underneath large branches of beech trees, these can fall even in calm summer conditions with no warning. Teaching participants their name "widow makers" helps reinforce this lesson. Beech trees are identified by "elephant skin" grey looking bark, "elephant ear shapes on the trunk either side of a Y growth branch section", by green rubbery leaves with a smooth wavy edge and by its distinctive segmented beech nuts (check the ground for the nut or the empty "fairy hat shaped" shells. Contact with insects resulting in bites and stings Medium Group Long trousers and tops advised where insects are identified as a problem. Instructor and Group Leader to consider the use of insect repellant and be aware of any allergies in the group. Long trousers and tops where appropriate Insect repellant Copyright 2017 Really Wild Education Ltd Page 11 of 19
Activities Assessment Building and Using Debris Shelters Associated Initial Reducing Measures to be taken, and by whom PPE COSHH Avoid known tick areas in high season. Instructor to consider the use of smoke to drive out insects prior to group members sleeping in shelter. Do not use shelters that have been up for months as they may contain fungal irritants to the respiratory system or be infested with parasites Inappropriate camp site selection leading to drowning or exposure Medium Group Suitable site identified for general camping. Group educated in the selection of appropriate sites. Instructor to perform site risk assessment and check selected camp areas prior to groups sleeping overnight. Instructor to inform group of evacuation scenarios. Contact with animals/ livestock resulting in injury Group Group members prepared with a code of behaviour when near animals. Instructor to remind group what to do in the event of contact with animals. Avoid locating shelters on animal trails, near their dens or next to the water's edge (risk from e.g. badger, stags, wild boar) Guy lines, tarpaulin ropes, roots and rabbit holes causing trips, falls or entanglement. Medium Group Group advised to take care when moving through camping area. Instructor to manage camping area to reduce the risk of injury. Group members responsible for altering their camp where hazard is identified. Select a level area and clear trip hazards from the working area. Copyright 2017 Really Wild Education Ltd Page 12 of 19
Activities Assessment Building and Using Debris Shelters Associated Initial Reducing Measures to be taken, and by whom PPE COSHH Hammock rope/knot failure resulting in neck/back injury. High Hammock sleepers Group advised about the dangers of sleeping in a hammock. Instructor to be satisfied that hammock sleepers can secure their own hammock and can enter and exit safely. Medium Shelter insufficiently weather proof leading to exposure. Medium Group Fall-back location identified. Instructor to check that group members are comfortable with their shelter arrangements. Using fire or stoves in tent resulting in burns or fire. High Group Group made aware that they cook near their tent at their own risk. Instructor to brief group on camp cooking procedures. For most groups all cooking will be done in a central area away from sleeping places. Gas, petrol, diesel, meths Injury after use Medium Group Public Ensure shelters are always safely taken down as needed Instructor to advise on safe deconstruction methods and to ensure no shelter is left up, unless deemed safe to do so, in order to ensure no injuries to future passersby. Leave no trace policy. Copyright 2017 Really Wild Education Ltd Page 13 of 19
Activities Assessment Camping/Manmade Shelters Associated Initial Reducing Measures to be taken, and by whom PPE COSHH Guy lines, tarpaulin ropes, roots and rabbit holes causing trips, falls or entanglement. Medium Group Group advised to take care when moving through camping area. Instructor to manage camping area to reduce the risk of injury. Group members responsible for altering their camp where hazard is identified. Select a level area and clear trip hazards from the working area. Inappropriate camp site selection leading to drowning or exposure Medium Group Suitable site identified for general camping. Group educated in the selection of appropriate sites. Instructor to perform site risk assessment and check selected camp areas prior to groups sleeping overnight. Instructor to inform group of evacuation scenarios. Contact between members of the group resulting in abuse or inappropriate behavior. Medium Group Boys and Girls to sleep in separate tents which are pitched in set areas. Most sites used have separate washroom facilities. Where this is unavailable a rota should be drawn to allow each group to wash in private. An instructor or group leader from each gender should be present for mixed groups, except where an emergency presents a temporary imbalance. Hammock rope/knot failure resulting in neck/back injury. High Hammock sleepers Group advised about the dangers of sleeping in a hammock. Instructor to be satisfied that hammock sleepers can secure their own hammock and can enter and exit safely. Medium Copyright 2017 Really Wild Education Ltd Page 14 of 19
Activities Assessment Camping/Manmade Shelters Associated Initial Reducing Measures to be taken, and by whom PPE COSHH Shelter insufficiently weather proof leading to exposure. Medium Group Fall-back location identified. Instructor to check that group members are comfortable with their shelter arrangements. Using fire or stoves in tent resulting in burns or fire. High Group Group made aware that they cook near their tent at their own risk. Instructor to brief group on camp cooking procedures. For most groups all cooking will be done in a central area away from sleeping places. Tents and shelters meet ISO and British Standards. Gas, petrol, diesel, meths Contact with members of the public resulting in abduction or abuse. Group Group members prepared with a code of behaviour when near strangers. Instructor to remind group what to do in the event of contact with strangers, arrange appropriate supervision of boundaries and to make contact with intruders during daytime. Group members to advise Instructor or Group Leader of presence of strangers. It is suggested that the Group Leader arranges an overnight supervision rota to monitor the safety of camp and warn of intruders. Copyright 2017 Really Wild Education Ltd Page 15 of 19
Activities Assessment Outdoor Play Associated Initial Reducing Measures to be taken, and by whom PPE COSHH Tripping or falling over items on the ground or from pushing or people colliding High Group Safety rules for moving about Instructor to assess whether the site is suitable for the intended game and to advise and supervise required behaviours and to be prepared t stop or change the game as necessary. Medium Health hazard from contaminated hands. Group Advice on toxic vegetation, water borne disease and animal related infections. Instructor and Group Leader to supervise good hygiene practice before eating and carry hand sanitizing solution or wipes. Hand wipes Tree climbing resulting in falls. High Group Safety rules for climbing. Instructor to identify appropriate climbing trees and ensure adult supervision for this activity. Medium Trips and slips during blindfold - based activities resulting in injury Medium Group Safety rules and supervision. Instructor to ensure all instructions are understood, to supervise activities and have clear "stop" commands agreed t the outset. Group members separated Group Group management strategy. Instructor and Group Leader to establish well marked boundary of area and monitor location of group members through regular head counts. Copyright 2017 Really Wild Education Ltd Page 16 of 19
Activities Assessment Outdoor Play Associated Initial Reducing Measures to be taken, and by whom PPE COSHH Contact with members of the public resulting in abduction or abuse. Group Group members prepared with a code of behaviour when near strangers Instructor to remind group what to do in the event of contact with strangers, arrange appropriate supervision of boundaries and to make contact with intruders. Group members to advise Instructor of presence of strangers. Primitive weapons Associated Initial Reducing Measures to be taken, and by whom PPE COSHH Arrow, dart, stick, spear, bolas, atlatl striking person causing injury High Public Group Clearly mark out a suitable range with overshoot. Supervision of activity by Instructor and use of an easy and recognisable stop command to quickly end activity if danger is spotted. Contact between participants causing injury Medium Group Instruction to include appropriate spacing requirements Instructor to manage number of active participants to ensure adequate spacing. Walking equipment while collecting causing leg injury Medium Group Safe collection method demonstrated. Instructor to consider using designated collectors who follow collection techniques fully. Copyright 2017 Really Wild Education Ltd Page 17 of 19
Activities Assessment land Expedition Walk Associated Initial Reducing Measures to be taken, and by whom PPE COSHH Uneven ground resulting in slips, trips or falls. Medium Group Suitable footwear to be worn throughout the walk. Front marker to warn group of significant hazards along walk and call Instructor to assess situation if unsure. Boots may be appropriate Instructor to walk the route prior to group walk where possible. Adverse weather effects (sunburn, hot/cold injuries) High Group Appropriate dress to be worn throughout the walk. Group members carry individual suncream and water. Instructor to carry first aid kit and be first aid trained to a suitable level. Exit strategy identified by Instructor. Instructor assesses weather conditions and carries spare clothing as appropriate. Suncream First aid items Group becomes lost/ split up. Group Group management strategy Instructor to place front and back marker. Group education to walk at pace of slowest member, and all members know emergency plan. Poor fitting/ unsuitable footwear resulting in blisters. Medium Group Advice on footwear suitable for walk. Instructor to have a footwear check after 10/15 minutes. Address any issues as soon as possible and carry first aid kit with blister plasters. Boots may be appropriate Blister plasters Health hazard from contaminated hands. High Group Advice on toxic vegetation, water borne disease and animal related infections. Instructor and Group Leader to supervise good hygiene practice before eating and carry hand sanitizing solution or wipes. Handwipes Copyright 2017 Really Wild Education Ltd Page 18 of 19
Activities Assessment land Expedition Walk Associated Initial Reducing Measures to be taken, and by whom PPE COSHH Crossing transport links and water. of injury. High Group Public Group management at crossing points. Instructor makes group aware of crossing points at start of route and supervises crossing. Individuals responsible for stopping when finding a hazard. Insufficient food or water resulting in dehydration or fatigue. Group Kit List issued prior to walk. Instructor to check provisions prior to departure, carry minimal spares and have an exit strategy. Allergy foods Fitness levels insufficient to complete the walk/ health issue resurfaces during walk. Medium Group Instructor to assess group and tailor walk to ability of the group. Instructor to have an exit strategy. Any of above issues arising under remote supervision circumstances. High Group Instructor to train group to appropriate level. Instructor to use the most appropriate remote supervision techniques for group and route. Group to have appropriate means of summoning support at all times. See above See above Medium Copyright 2017 Really Wild Education Ltd Page 19 of 19