Club Risk Assessment

Purpose

This risk assessment examines the dangers inherent in the activities carried out by Sutton Bingham & District Canoe Club. Through consideration of the means by which these dangers (risks) could be eliminated or reduced in severity or likelihood, a number of control measures have been suggested. Those using this risk assessment should note that the dynamic and varied nature of the sport of canoeing does not allow a completely comprehensive risk assessment to be made. Paddlers, particularly those leading groups, should carry out their own informal and dynamic risk assessments before and during any canoeing activity. This is particularly important on moving water, indeed it could be argued that the ability to carry out dynamic risk assessment is the basis of effective river leadership.

The Club will implement regular risk assessment for on-site and off-site Club activities. The Safety / Equipment Officer is responsible for overseeing the Club's safety practices, including the provision of annual risk assessment(s). The risk assessment(s) provided here addresses the following primary aspects of Club operations:

• Generic canoe and kayak activities,
• Operations at the Sutton Bingham reservoir site, and
• Special/abnormal activities.

Carrying Out a Risk Assessment

It is important that those updating this document know how to carry out a risk assessment. These guidelines may also be useful to those carrying out their own dynamic risk assessments when on the water. There are five steps to carrying out a risk assessment:

1. Identify the hazards – those things with potential to cause harm.
2. Identify the risks – who might be harmed and how?
3. Develop control measures to either eliminate the risk or reduce it to an acceptable level.
4. Evaluate the probability that the risk will occur.
5. Record your findings and review them.

Using This Document

The risk assessment is split into two discrete sections: placid water (which includes polo and swimming pool activity) and moving water (artificial courses and wild rivers). The probability of risks occurring (Prob.) is assessed as high (H), medium (M) or low (L). A high probability indicates that the risk occurs regularly on Club activities. Medium probabilities relate to events that have occurred on Club activities or which are likely to do so at some time, whilst low probability risks have never occurred (and are unlikely to do so). It is important that all paddlers are familiar with the risk assessment and it should, therefore, be published on the Club web site. It must be recognised that the document will need to be updated regularly. This will be the responsibility of the nominated Safety Officer. As a minimum the risk assessment should be reviewed:

• After the Annual General Meeting by the new Committee
• After any accident or 'near miss'
• When any member identifies a significant hazard not already mentioned in the document

It is important to keep the 'big picture' in mind and not get bogged down in detail. Risk assessments are best carried out by a group to use a wide pool of knowledge and ideas.