School of Integrative Biology
Risk Assessment Sheet
BIOL3015: Rainforest Ecology Field Studies
ECOL6820: Advanced Rainforest Ecology
INTRODUCTION
You will receive an emailed cover sheet with a barcode.
Please read the following risks associated with these field trips carefully and sign and date the cover sheet that has been emailed to you.
Then submit it through the School of Integrative Biology assignment submission box (8-229) so your submission can be recorded.
SECTION 1 – Description: School of Integrative Biology Field Work
Activity Title: Rainforest Ecology Field Studies
Location: Lamington National Park – Queensland
Description of Field Trip and Area:
The purpose of this field trip is to familiarize students with the habitats and some of the plants and animals of the subtropical rainforests of Australia.
The work is conducted from a base at Binna Burra, Lamington National Park, Queensland. Access is via bitumen road to the campgrounds at Binna
Burra, where the field trip is based.
Students accommodate themselves in tents in the campgrounds or in a bunkhouse at the Guest House.
The area surrounding the campground is partly cleared, but all surrounding areas are forested. A series of walking tracks have been constructed
through this forest and maps of these are available. The daytime temperatures for this time of year are cold early morning and after dusk, but can be
quite hot during the day. The temperature at night drops rapidly after dusk.
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RISK ASSESSMENT - General risk assessment for campsite, bush walking and field sites.
Hazard type
Probability of
occurrence
Likely consequence
Risk
Control actions required
Motor vehicle accidents
(normal road conditions)
Improbable
Catastrophic
Medium
Cuts and abrasions to feet
from plants, branches, stones
and wire at camp and field
sites
Falls and sprains, strains and
breaks to feet, ankles and
knees from uneven ground at
camp and field sites
Falls, trips and sprains and
breaks in the dark at camp site
Bites and stings from snakes
and insects
Occasional
Major
Medium
Make sure motor vehicles are road-worthy and that all drivers
are appropriately licensed to operate a motor vehicle. All drivers
are to obey Qld. Road Transport Regulations. Ensure driver
fatigue is minimal and all passengers are wearing seat belts.
Ensure field equipment within vehicle is secured and unlikely to
injure passengers in the event of an accident.
Appropriate footwear (i.e., fully covered shoes with strong soles)
must be worn at all times. First Aid kit and First Aider available.
Persons are to have had a tetanus shot within the last five years.
Occasional
Major
Medium
Appropriate footwear to be worn at all times (i.e., sturdy boots or
sneakers). Sandals and thongs are inadequate and are not to
be worn. First Aid Kit and First Aider available.
Occasional
Major
Medium
Improbable
Catastrophic
Medium
Exposure to inclement
weather (sun, cold, etc.)
Frequent
Minor
Medium
Dehydration
Frequent
Minor
Medium
Torches to be brought for camping. No running. First Aid Kit and
First Aider available.
Appropriate footwear to be worn at all times. All persons must
be made award of possible dangerous animals (especially
snakes). Students are to work in pairs and stay in sight of each
other at all times. Each student is to carry a compression
bandage with them whilst bush walking and at field sites.
Persons are to check shoes, clothes and other equipment for
animals (especially scorpions)before picking them up and putting
them on. Students are not to handle snakes or spiders. A First
Aid Kit and First Aider will be available.
All persons are to be made aware of climatic conditions and are
to bring appropriate clothing and camping equipment; i.e., warm
weather/thermal clothing and sleeping gear for night, hats,
sunglasses and protective clothing for day, wet weather gear
etc. Sunscreen is to be provided for all persons, although
people are also advised to bring their own.
Ensure all persons have an adequate supply of water. Persons
to carry water bottles with them whilst bush walking and at field
sites.
Continued on next page
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RISK ASSESSMENT, CONTINUED
Hazard type
Probability of
occurrence
Likely consequence
Risk
Control actions required
Persons lost/missing whilst at
field site or bush walking
Improbable
Critical
Medium
All persons must be made aware of the dangers and
consequences of being lost in the bush. The rules for leaving
the camp for bush walking and/or working at field sites must be
made clear to all personnel. A list of all persons going out from
the camp is to be taken before any persons leave the site. All
names must be accounted for and checked off the list before any
group returns to camp, and also in the evening when the class
assembles. Students are to remain in pairs and remain in sight
of each other at all times.
NO STUDENT IS EVER TO LEAVE CAMP ON THEIR OWN OR
WITHOUT INFORMING A MEMBER OF STAFF. NO STAFF
MEMBER (includes all tutors and helpers) IS TO LEAVE CAMP
WITHOUT INFORMING ANOTHER MEMBER OF STAFF.
Persons are to wear appropriate protective equipment whilst
bush walking and to carry a map, water bottle and compression
bandage with them.
Electrical hazard from
equipment and electrical cords
Improbable
Catastrophic
Medium
All electrical equipment, multi-plug boards and extension
cords are to be checked and in good repair. No plug
sockets are to be overloaded. No double adaptors are to
be used. Persons are to be adequately instructed in the
correct use of equipment.
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