KAYAKING RISK ASSESSMENT SHEET
Site: Cooks River , Tempe Date completed: 10/12/2013 Assessed by: Ian Royds
Type of Activity: WW Guide Course & novices Duration of Activity: 8 hours on and off water
Known Hazards Assessment:
Risk level is dependent on the skill and experience of the members in the group, some very experienced. The following 5-point
rating is applied according to the weakest novice member in the group.
Consequence Consequence
Hazard Rating Scale
1 Minimal unlikely event or insignificant consequence
2 Minor minor trauma, dealt with at location of activity
3 Moderate potential for serious injury, may require evacuation
4 High potential major trauma, evacuation & hospitalisation likely
5 Extreme potentially lethal (drowning)
Assessed Level Risk
of Risk Rating
(L X C)
0-5 Trivial (e.g. blisters, sunburn: Unlikely to need procedures beyond normal expected safety)
6 - 10 Low (e.g. dehydration, minor trauma: Risk can be managed by routine procedures)
11 -15 Moderate (e.g. injury. Risk can be managed by specific monitoring or response procedures)
16 - 20 High (Requires detailed management planning, major injury risk)
21 - 25 Severe (Potentially lethal, must be managed with a detailed risk management policy)
HAZARD CONTROL MEASURES Type of LIKELIHOOD CONSE Assessed
Risk (L) QUENCE Level of
(C) Risk (L X C)
Lack of safety Must be able to self rescue 25m and tread Injury to
4
awareness water with a PFD self or 1 Rare 8
others
Give clear instruction on group responsibilities Low
2 Unlikely
Buddy support system of surveillance
Appropriateness of clothing & gear for the 3 Moderate
activity
Emergency procedures outlined 4 Likely
National standard signals demonstrated 5 Almost
Keep within defined areas certain
No diving allowed
Must wear PFD, hat & shoes at all times near
water
Falling in Clear simple instruction on how to enter and Injury 1 Rare
2 6
when entering exit boats. Capsize Low
& exiting Wet chill 2 Unlikely
kayak Explain no solid heel shoes in tight fitting
boats. 3 Moderate
No wearing of spraydeck until capsize drill
performed 4 Likely
Dangers of entering and exiting boat in fast
currents 5 Almost
certain
Capsize Entrapmen 1 Rare
t 5
Clear instructions on what to do in event of Cold chill 2 Unlikely
15
capsize Moderate
Cease activity after 2hrs to prevent extended 3 Moderate
coldness
Have a buddy to assist or to alert others 4 Likely
swimming technique explained 5 Almost
certain
Collision with Possible rib injury from bow of boat Collision 1 Rare
2
other paddlers injury
or objects Possible head injury from impact of paddle Capsize 2 Unlikely
4
No ramming rule
Low
3 Moderate
4 Likely
5 Almost
certain
Inappropriate A properly fitted PFD compulsory at all times Trauma 1 Rare
2 4
clothing Sunburn
(easy access Long-sleeved top recommended Hypotherm 2 Unlikely
Trivial
out of river) Hat for sun protection ia
Appropriate footwear compulsory Hyperther 3 Moderate
mia
Awareness of measures to prevent 4 Likely
hypothermia
Observe and alter activity if chill factor too 5 Almost
high certain
Natural Back up activity for bad weather Lightning 1 Rare
3 6
Extremes strike
lightening, Weather check BOM High flow 2 Unlikely
Low
flood, cold Ensure appropriate clothing for conditions strainers
Have sunscreen available Hypotherm 3 Moderate
ia
Alert students to dangers of poor water quality 4 Likely
after rain
5 Almost
certain
Travel to Seatbelts worn (car or bus) Injury from 1 Rare
5 5
venues by vehicle
vehicles Experienced (black licence) drivers can self accident 2 Unlikely
Low
(mostly drive and carry others.
applicable to Students/minors cannot travel with 3 Moderate
transporting inexperienced drivers
minors) 4 Likely
5 Almost
certain
Dehydration Instruct to drink regularly, carry drink in boat hypertherm 1 Rare
3 6
ia
Regular stops every 2 hours or more in hot 2 Unlikely
Low
weather
Remove cag to prevent overheating 3 Moderate
4 Likely
5 Almost
certain
Equipment Check boats for safety before activity Flotation or 1 Rare
2 4
handloop
Check for loose screws etc that could lead to failure 2 Unlikely
Low
a failure
Check PFD’s, helmets & footwear for secure 3 Moderate
fit
4 Likely
5 Almost
certain
Lack of Instruction must be in quiet area without Potential 1 Rare
3 9
response to distractions risk to self Low
instruction & others 2 Unlikely
Have frequent & regular briefings on & off the
water. 3 Moderate
Prompt participants to affirm their
understanding. 4 Likely
Use peer appraisal techniques
5 Almost
certain
Site hazards Identify site hazards and alert participants Lack of
5 10
during briefings awareness 2 Unlikely Low
could lead
Hazards can change as river levels or to danger
conditions change
Late return ‘Float Plan’ with details of activity left with a Exposure,
2 6
due to change responsible person when on a trip. tiredness 3 Moderate Low
of plans or
conditions Contingency plan in place
Medical risk Epipen carried (Yes / No) Allergies 1 Rare
3 9
Injury
First aid kit carried in boat when away from 2 Unlikely
Low
clubhouse
First aid kit kept at clubhouse 3 Moderate
Medical forms at clubhouse for each paddler
4 Likely
Evacuation procedure identified
5 Almost
certain
Expected river level: ………………….. River grading level: grade-1
Emergency Management Procedures:
Evacuation Points: ……………………………………………………………………………………………….
Calling for help (epirb/ sat. phone/ mobile phone no. ……………………/ VHF radio band ………….)
Nearby hospital: …………………………………………………………………………………
Nearby police: ……………………………………………………………………………………..
Key Incident Command Roles:
Leader: Rescuer: Rigger: Tail-end Charlie:
☐Epipen carried (tick)
General Risk Treatment (tick): Low to Moderate risks
☐ Avoid Reduce likelihood or consequences (see risk assessment controls)
☐ Transfer ☐ Finance Accept
PTO for Registration
Paddler Register (Course participants and ‘Come & Try’ novices)
Full Name Boat Club & Emergency Personal Medical
(type & colour) Member No contact contact no.
(Name & No)
1
10
11
12
Guide Course Participants only
Full Name Pre req Logbook Award Sought Rescue Snr First Aid
WW Skills Award
END