Risk Assessments
In accordance with the requirements of the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority we have prepared extremely detailed risk assessments for all our activities and activity venues. These go beyond what is necessarily required in terms of their content. However, it is our policy to prepare as comprehensive an assessment as possible. As a result these run to many pages. Therefore we have not loaded them all to view on this site. If you wish to see specific assessments then we can forward these to you on request or give them to you when you visit. Below are examples of a generic risk assessment relating to camping, a generic matrix relating to canoeing and a site specific matrix relating to climbing at Morlais Quarries. Each of our assessments are accompanied by a corresponding matrix.
Generic Risk Assessment – Camping
Tents
- Tent material is combustible (New Coleman tents have fire retardant material): No smoking in or near tents
- No naked flames near tents
- Cooking area designated at least 20m away from tents
- Open fires designated areas at least 30m away from tents
- Unless specifically ask for by group leaders tents allocated to single sexes
- Female & Male “tents” allocated separate camping areas, normally separated by staff tents
Toilet arrangements
Male/Female areas allocated at discrete distance but no more than 100m from camp site. Area must be 250m away from any water source. Groups must be advised to bring their own “toiletry” kit which should include “wet wipes”, toilet tissue & if necessary latex gloves to ensure cleanliness. An area for personal washing should be allocated to ensure hands can be washed.
Cooking areas An upstream area is allocated for collecting clean water for cooking & drinking A down stream area is allocated for dish washing This ensures that only clean water is collected A cooking area is allocated Group briefed on correct use of stoves used eg trangias, hexi stoves or gas Group supervised if stoves need to be re-fueled Instructors to keep extra fuel and issue as required Brief group on dangers of boiling water & hot food. Brief on handling of stoves, correct use of handles etc See specific “Aide Memoire” on using stoves
Purifying Water
Either: Ensure either “puritabs” or chemical water purifiers are used according to instructions
Or
: Filter water
Or
: Water Jacks filled with “clean” from tap source
Movement at night
Access to toilets must be clear of overhanging branches, tree routes & other hazards Movement for any other reason except emergencies is not allowed once instructors have advised groups to stay in tents. Any organised activities, walks, camping , decamping at night torches must be used or issued – as a minimum one per two people.
Generic Risk Assessment Matrix – Canoeing
General :5 high of injury or death, high likelihood of occurrence 1 minor injury, unlikely to occur.
| Risk | Seriousness | Liklihood | Prevention |
| Impact by object. | 5 | 1 | Helmets to be worn and fitted correctly.Site inspection Briefing especially paddles |
| Impact with object, including falls. | 5 | 1 | Equipment fitted & used correctly Awareness of other paddlers |
| Drowning | 5 | 2 | Bouancy aids ALWAYS worn Non-swimmers identified All group briefed on Capsize procedures before commencing activity.Suitable level for group. Unless greoup members are two star no moving water to be entered. |
| Strangulation | 5 | 2 | Quick release buckles on helmets "Clean Lines" on all throw bags,tos & handles Rope systems releasable Knife at hand |
| Hypothermia | 5 | 1 | Correct clothing. Change of clothing ALWAYS available. Hot drink taken even in summer.Instructor to have spare gloves & Kishu |
| Medical History | Medical questionnairee seen Medication taken/carried in waterproof pouch Instructor aware of individual needs | ||
| All | Rings not to be worn Instructors first aid qualified Waterproof Firstaid Kit available Monitor group at all times |
Site Specific Risk Assessment Matrix – Climbing
Morlais Quarries, Vaynor, Morlais Grid Ref SO 247122 Nearest Phone: Pontsarn public House Access unrestricted. Control by Groundwork Trust, Merthyr. Fee may be payable if parking at The Pontsarn.
| Risk | Seriousness | Liklihood | Prevention |
| Break-ins | 3 | 1 | Strong possibility. Empty vehicles |
| Other users | 4 | 2 | Care with groups sharing anchors & moving above climbs. Helmets strictly worn |
| Man made anchors | 5 | 1 | Check before use. Back up if possible with natural belays |
| Descent/Ascent route | 5 | 1 | These are out of site of climbs so must be accompanied by adult for younger groups & in 2's minimum for all other groups |
| Safe kitting up area | 4 | 1 | Identify area where Helmets can be removed & make off limits areas of cliffs above & below |
| Windy Wall (22.2.02) | 5 | 2 | Rocks at Left (NW) end are extremely loose & likely to fall at some point. Do not use area beneath these for kitting up, lunch, bouldering etc.. |
