Risk Assessment

Assessment carried out  3rd June 2024. To be reviewed annually by the committee.

 

 

 

 

Nevis Canoe Club Risk assessment
Hazards. Who might be harmed and how?Level of Risk – likelihood and consequenceControl actions, by who and when?
Loading and unloading kayaks from vehicles.
Passing traffic may injure participants.High: risk of serious injury.Choose unloading area away from traffic. Unload on side away from traffic. Post a guard to warn of passing vehicles.
Heavy lifting can cause back strains.MediumWork in pairs. Use boxes or steps which are stable. Use correct lifting techniques.
Poor roof rack equipment and/or tying on.High: risk of serious road traffic incident or injury.Driver is responsible for using good equipment and technique.
Launching and landing
Slips on jetties and seaweed covered rocksHigh: risk of broken limb, hip, wrist, etc.Choose a sandy or fine shingle beach. Avoid steep loose rock banks or rip rap. Use paddle for support! Slide boats if possible or use trolleys.
Launching or landing in surfHigh: risk of capsize, possible head or limb injury.Use correct technique. Launch or Land one at a time.
On the water
CapsizeHigh risk, getting cold and wet or hypothermia. Boat gets waterlogged. Dislocated shoulder.Practice heel hook rescue. Carry spare clothes including hat gloves and overcag. Check bouancy. Carry a pump and a towline.
Getting blown offshoreMedium. Check weather forecast. Stck together as a group. Carry PLB, Radio and phone.
Getting swept away by tide or river currentLow. Check tide times and range. Stay together as a group.
CollisionsLow. Aim to pass astern of other boats. Take care especially in rescues.
Being hit by a paddleLow. Can cause cuts and bruises.Beware, especially in rescues, paddles have sharp edges. Take a first aid kit.
Breaking or loosing a paddleMedium:Take a spare paddle and towline
Loosing a hatch coverLow:Take a repair kit.
Medical emergencyLow:Take a first aid kit and a means of summoning help.
Water hazards
RocksLow to high: a capsize can result in injuryWear a helmet. Paddling among rocks requires its own risk assessment
Overhanging branchesHigh: capsize and entrappment especially in currentAvoid places where this is likely. Paddle midstream.
Remote locationMedium: Communication likely to be poor, response likely to be delayed.Take PLB, Radio and phone. Take bivvy bag, emergency food and clothing.
Worsening weatherHigh: sudden strong winds can tire, demoralise, separate groups, cause capsizes.Study forecast, have a plan B including safe landing zones, abandon or cancel. Use rafting and towing.
Large waves, swell Low: loosing visibility within groupKeep to group.
Breaking waves, surfHigh: Capsize near rocks or shelving beach. Split up of groups and capsizes in wind against tide conditions, or just strong wind.Preplan trips with route, wind and tide conditions in mind. Avoid unintended adventures into breaking waves. Have practiced rescue drills in place.
River or tidal currentsMedium: Capsizepractice manouvers in currents, ferry glide, entering and exit from eddies.
SunshineMedium: sunburn, dehydrationTake a hat, sunscreen, and water.
Night paddling