Risk Assessment
There are 2 distinct hazard groups, those related to outdoor canoeing (rivers, rodeo and surf) and indoor canoeing (including polo and pool sessions). This is a live document and as such should be regularly reviewed and updated, where necessary.
Outdoor Canoeing
Hazards -
1. bus/car crash whilst travelling to or from activity location
2. kayak falling from roofrack or trailer whilst in transit
3. collision with rocks / trees / other kayak’s/water users, including pinning
4. manually lifting kayaks (back injury)
5. shoulder injuries/dislocation
6. hypothermia
7. drowning
8. changes in the water level (flood/flash flood)
9. person falling off roof of bus whilst loading/unloading kayaks
Persons who may be involved -
1. other road users, pedestrians and members of the canoe club
2. other road users and pedestrians
3. members of the canoe club and other kayakers/water users
4. members of the canoe club
5. members of the canoe club
6. members of the canoe club
7. members of the canoe club
8. all members of the club
9. members of the club
Evaluation and existing controls:
1. The number of people at risk is likely to be the 14 occupants of the club bus and any extra members, where extra cars are being used. Injuries could be range from minor to fatal.
Probability - same as for all road users
Precautions - Valid MOT and insurance for both the bus and relevant cars
Minibus drivers must have passed the University of Bristol minibus drivers test.
Adequate numbers of drivers for long trips
First aid kits and fire extinguishers to be carried in the bus
2. The following vehicles and pedestrians are at risk. Injuries could be very severe/fatal.
Probability - Low
Precautions- Use of proper straps to restrain kayaks
Where reasonable practicable no overloading of the trailer (25 kayaks) or minibus roofrack.
Driver checks
3. All kayakers are at risk and injuries can be severe.
Probability - Dependant on kayakers abilities/level and condition of water being paddled. Low for novices/intermediates/advanced on grades 1, 2, 3.
Precautions - All paddlers to wear EC approved helmet and buoyancy aid
3rd party insurance
An aim of a 3:1 ratio of novices to leaders
Limit of no harder than grade 3 water for novices/intermediates
First aid kits to be carried on the water
Throwlines and other rescue kit to be carried on the water by all leaders, where reasonable practicable.
4. All kayakers, but in particular people with smaller builds are at risk.
Probability - Low
Precautions - Adopt BCU safe handling practice
Assist smaller members with carrying the boats (2 person lift)
5. This becomes more of a risk as the grade of water paddled increases and when playboating. The injury is severe and can cause difficulties on hard rivers due to evacuation problems.
Probability - High, if correct techniques are not used
Precautions - Instruction in the correct paddling technique.
6. All kayakers are at risk, but in particular the novices who do not have the top of the range equipment. Injuries could be severe, even fatal if not treated quickly and effectively.
Probability - High, especially in winter, if correct equipment is not worn/carried.
Precautions - Correct equipment worn for the prevailing weather conditions. First aid courses for members.
7. All kayakers are at risk, injuries are fatal.
Probability - Extremely low, (there are approx. 5 cases a year nationally, BCU statistic
Precautions - All kayakers to wear an EC approved buoyancy aid
First aid courses for as many members as possible
Rescue equipment carried on the water.
All kayakers must have passed the swim and capsize tests in the pool before their first outdoor experience.
8. All kayakers are at risk, and consequences could be fatal.
Probability- Low (on the water the club normally paddles)
Precautions- The leader has prior experience of the water or access to a guide book/web for information related to the water.
The leader will watch the weather and be aware of changes; and where reasonably practicable will take the necessary decisions with regard of the sense of continuing with the activity.
9. Members of the club who load or unload the roofrack are at risk. Consequences range from minor to serious.
Probability- Low.
Precautions- The bus will be parked on flat and level ground where possible. Persons on the roof should wear good footwear, especially if the roofrack is wet and or icy.
Indoor Canoeing:
Hazards -
1. putting up goals in swimming pool
2. paddle fouls
3. ball injuries
4. kayak tackles/hand tackles
5. back injuries due to manually lifting kayak
6. injuries to the body from kayak or paddle
Hazards 1-4 are specific to pool training sessions and matches.
Persons who may be involved -
1. person who is climbing the ladder to attach rope on swimming pool balcony
2. all players on both teams
3. all players on both teams and any spectators
4. all players on both teams, but especially inexperienced/unskilled players
5. people teaching others how to roll and any member of the club emptying a boat
6. anyone in the pool, either doing a swim test or teaching.
Evaluation and existing controls:
1. A serious injury could result from the ladder toppling over or from somebody falling from the ladder.
Probability - Low
Precautions - ensure the base of ladder is secure and being held
2. Broken fingers and lacerations to face and body may be caused if someone is struck with a paddle.
Probability - Medium with inexperienced and novice canoeists
Precautions - Ensure that BCU approved helmets with face guards and EC approved buoyancy aids are worn at all times.
Competent referees control the game and training times
Basic instruction is provided to new players about safe practice.
3. Head injuries could occur if somebody is hit with the ball.
Probability - Low
Precautions - All kayakers to wear a helmet with a face guard
Spectators to keep clear of the area behind the goals
4. Injuries to the torso could occur
Probability - Low
Precautions - Instruction for new players in the correct tackling technique
Competent referees controlling the game
Ensure boats are padded to BCU requirements
All kayakers to wear EC approved buoyancy aids
5. Back injuries can occur, due to the repetitive strain in righting an up turned boat. Strains and muscle pulls can also occur when emptying fully laden boats.
Probability - Medium
Precautions- Same as for No.4 in Outdoor canoeing.
6. Injuries can be serious if the head or face is hit by the boat or paddle.
Probability - Medium
Precautions - A maximum of 10 boats in the pool at any one time.
No persons, other than those teaching in the shallow end, should be swimming in the pool.
If swimming is necessary- for swim tests, then a swimming lane should be set up along the side of the pool and all persons in the pool should be made aware of the risk.
Recommended further action to be implemented, on a yearly basis (or more regular, if deemed necessary):
It is our aim that this will be carried out, where reasonably possible, to improve the overall level of proficiency and safety within the canoe club.
1. At least 2 regular members of the club (those on the committee or those who lead on trips) to attend the “Student and Safety Good Practise Seminar” run in conjunction with the BCU. This is run at the beginning of the academic year, in early October. The club should pay or subsidise the cost of the course itself.
2. At least 2 regular members of the club (those on the committee or those who lead on trips) to attend the three day “Safety, River Running and Leadership” course run in conjunction with the BCU. This is usually held in the Easter holidays in Scotland. The club should pay or subsidise the cost of the course itself.
3. The captain of the club should be a fully comprehensive member of the BCU (for insurance purposes). The club should also pay for this, if necessary.
4. A first aid training course be set up and open to all members of the club once a year.
5. Equipment officer where reasonably practicable will make regular checks on the equipment and ensure it is of an acceptable standard.
Terms used within this assessment.
For the purposes of clarity within this risk assessment, the following classifications apply, although experience may not necessarily be accompanied by qualifications.
Experience-
1. Beginner: A newcomer to canoeing, who is unlikely to have paddled on moving water.
2. Novice: A person who is competent in entering, exiting and moving the boat around on flat water. They are also learning to use support strokes and rescue techniques whilst beginning white water paddling. (With reference to BCU standards, between 1 and 2 star.)
3. Intermediate: A person who has become proficient on grade 3 water, to the extent that capsize is unlikely, and if occurs will self-rescue on most occasions. This extends to the point at which someone becomes able to assist in rescuing people and equipment on white-water. (Around BCU 3 and 4 star)
4. Experienced: These are the people who lead and rescue on all our trips. They will have paddled for some considerable time, either progressing through the club, or joining as already experienced canoeists. These people undertake personal expeditions on grade 4 and above water. Newcomers to the club, who claim to be of this standard, will not lead a river until other experienced members are satisfied as to their competence.
Water Grades-
1. Grade 1: Flat water, either barley moving or non-moving.
2. Grade 2: Easily navigated, with a gentle current, small waves and no hidden hazards.
3. Grade 3: Larger waves, and some stoppers (collapsed waves). Some ability to follow a route is required although most hazards will be obvious and reasonably easily avoided.
4. Grade 4: More serious water with large waves and stoppers, route finding and following is necessary. Prior inspection from the bank may be required for safety reasons.
5. The top grade at this present time is 6. Grades 5 and 6 are not paddled in normal club activity.
BCU Examinations for personal proficiency-
1. One star: The candidate must be able to move the boat around on the flat water, and show signs of learning support strokes. Launching, entering and exiting the boat should also be demonstrated. Basic theoretical understanding of the sport and equipment is also required.
2. Two star: Greater proficiency at boat handling is required, together with competent use of support strokes, and basic rescue techniques.
3. Three star: All round good stroke technique, proficient at flat water rescue of various types, and beginnings of an Eskimo roll.
4. Four star: This is the first test to be taken on white water. It requires a good working knowledge of the sport, safety and equipment. It also requires specialist knowledge of the discipline under which the candidate entered (e.g. white-water, surf or polo). This is the requirement by the BCU for the ability to judge for oneself whether an activity is suitable and safe.
5. Five star: This is a serious undertaking, which is difficult to achieve. Most canoeists have lost interest in certificates by the time they are knowledgeable and skilful enough to pass this examination.