This example risk assessment is for demonstration purposes only and must not be used in its current form for any survey activities. Please use this as a starting point, but remember that you must tailor it to the specific risks present during your survey session. OPAL accepts no responsibility for any errors or omissions in this document, or any consequences of its use. OPAL Bugs Count survey: example risk assessment Venue location: Natural History Museum Wildlife Garden Description of event: Bugs Count survey session with Scout group Risk assessment written by: Lucy Carter on 27th May 2011 Hazard Slippery or uneven surfaces causing slips, trips and falls Who may be harmed and how? Volunteers, staff, participants. Identify existing precautions Evaluate the risks Medium Physical damage (cuts, bruises etc) Action required Participants will be warned of uneven ground, slippery surfaces etc during a briefing at the start of the survey session. First aid kit and trained first aiders on site. Sharp objects e.g. broken glass or sharp litter in soil, grass or leaf litter Volunteers, staff, participants Physical damage (cuts, scratches) Safe fieldwork section in Field Notebook draws attention to this hazard. Medium All activities will be supervised by staff who will be alert to potential dangers. All leaders of survey sessions to brief participants on the likely risks and safe behaviour required during the activity. Safe survey area to be planned prior to survey session. Dirt, bacteria or other Volunteers, staff, Survey site will be checked prior to Medium Participants to cover any This example risk assessment is for demonstration purposes only and must not be used in its current form for any survey activities. Please use this as a starting point, but remember that you must tailor it to the specific risks present during your survey session. OPAL accepts no responsibility for any errors or omissions in this document, or any consequences of its use. substances e.g. dog faeces that may be encountered during the activities. participants Prickly/stinging plants or insects, e.g. stinging nettles, thistles, bees and wasps Volunteers, staff, participants Infection or other illness the activity to ensure the area is suitable. open cuts before starting the survey. Participants to wash their hands afterwards, and especially before eating. Physical damage (cuts, scratches, stings, swelling) or insect stings or bites. Safe fieldwork section in Field Notebook draws attention to this hazard. Medium All activities will be supervised by staff who will be alert to potential dangers. Sharp/spiny/dangerous plants/insects will be pointed out at the start of the activity. Any participants with insect sting allergies must be advised to carry appropriate medication. First aid kit and trained first aiders on site. Heavy logs, stones and plant pots which may be lifted during challenges 1 and 2 Natural hazards Volunteers, staff, participants Strains, back injuries, trapped fingers Volunteers, staff, participants Fall into stream/pond etc (scrapes, bruises, broken bones, death) Safe fieldwork section in Field Notebook draws attention to this hazard. Low All activities will be supervised by staff who will be alert to potential dangers. This activity will take place in a field which contains a stream, but the activity will be focussed away from the stream area. Briefing at start of session will demonstrate correct way to lift and lower objects. First aid kit and trained first aiders on site. Medium to High Brief staff and volunteers on need to take care throughout. Ensure activity leaders brief participants prior to start of any surveys. Avoid stream area. This example risk assessment is for demonstration purposes only and must not be used in its current form for any survey activities. Please use this as a starting point, but remember that you must tailor it to the specific risks present during your survey session. OPAL accepts no responsibility for any errors or omissions in this document, or any consequences of its use. Adverse weather Volunteers, staff, participants Physical injury through trips, slips and falling objects. Chills. Sunburn/sunstroke. Child safety – ‘stranger danger’ Participants under the age of 18 (and also vulnerable adults). Physical and mental harm (abduction, abuse etc) Bugs Count survey to be cancelled if weather conditions are unsuitable (heavy precipitation and/or strong winds, too cold). Medium Monitor weather on day and weather warnings in run-up to survey session. Ensure sunscreen, drinking water and shade are available to participants. All volunteers and staff to be CRB checked. No staff or volunteers to be left in a one-on-one situation with unaccompanied children. Low Brief all staff and volunteers on the need for vigilance. Ensure staff know what to do in event of an incident/suspicious behaviour. Explain to children what behaviour is expected of them, e.g. staying with the group, not wandering off alone etc.