Movement around ropes course area (on the ground)

Slips, trips & falls

Staff & participants

3

2

6

Participants will be instructed to be aware of the ground underfoot, & to avoid walking on damp/wet areas & to be aware of trees, branches & brambles, & not to run.

Inclined Log

Falling from log below two metres.

Participants

3

3

9

All participants are instructed to land on their feet & not to fall backwards on to the ground. Helmets are worn at all times, belay will soften fall. Spotters are used when the instructor believes it to be appropriate. (see spotting techniques)

Clipping in karabiners  
& use of cow’s tails

If not correctly attached could fall from height.

Participants

3

5

15

All participants are instructed in correct use of karabiners & cow’s tails. Participants are assessed by instructors on induction course, before being allowed to go on main course.  Participants work at all times with a partner on the ground (see general rules on separate sheet)

All ropes course

Fear / psychological damage

Participants

3

?

?

See:-

challenge by choice

Freezing & support

Dealing with fear

Low ropes & Initiative exercises (on the ground or lower than one metre.

Slips, trips & falls

Participants

3

2

6

Instruction given for all activities, helmets worn at all times, Spotters will be used where necessary.  (see spotting techniques)

Personal protection equipment failure

Fall

Participants

2

5

10

See separate sheets:-

Dynamic rope

Helmets

Harnesses & belay devices

Belaying

Fall from height

Participant

1

5

5

All belaying is done by qualified staff.  Except on the Jacobs ladder where participants under direct staff control are instructed how to belay. Only Grigris are used as a belay devise.

Adverse Weather

Hypothermia, lightning, falling trees/braches.

Staff & participants

3

3

9

Instructors will make the decision to terminate the event if severe weather conditions develop. (See separate sheet – clothing & weather)

Exposure to algae, fungi’s insects and mites in open wooded area

Biological hazards zoonoses etc.

Staff and Activity participants

3

3

9

Instructions and information will be given regarding the biological risks and the importance of good hygiene practices.

Medical attention and advice will be provided if anyone is affected by contact with the listed causes.

Dead timber

Struck by falling tree debris

Staff and Activity participants

3

2

6

No activity will take place during strong winds, or near dead trees, no pulling or swinging on trees.  All dead trees & fallen branches will be removed from ropes course site.

The handling and transporting of apparatus

Manual handling

Staff and Activity participants

3

3

9

Instructions on kinetic lifting will be administered to the group, loads will be reduced by the nature of team work

Contact with wild animals

Being bitten or attacked by animals

Staff and Activity participants

2

2

4

Participants to be informed of possible contact with foxes / badgers etc

Medical attention and advice will be provided if anyone is bitten or scratched

Sharp objects glass / syringes

Cuts / gashes /needle prick

Hepatitis , HIV, Aids

Staff and Activity participants

    3

5

15

Do not pick up foreign objects.
Do not pick up broken bottles
Do not pick up syringes
Suitable footwear to be worn on the activity.
No sandals or open toed footwear.
Clear instruction at the briefing
Site regularly checked for rubbish.