Health and Safety Precautions on School/Group Nature Reserve/Park Visits

Before the visit:

• Do a Risk Assessment (see overleaf for examples of Generic Risk Assessments
and Local Review);
• Explain hazards and Code of Conduct to the participants and staff/helpers;
• Be aware of any medical conditions of the party members and how to deal with
them;
• Ensure signed consent forms from parents have been returned.

To prevent infections:
• No eating or hands in mouths after activities have taken place that involved
touching soil, plants etc, unless hands have been washed;
• Cuts to be covered with plasters;
• When pond-dipping, provide waterproof gloves for those with unhealed cuts;
• Best to wear gloves if doing practical conservation work such as tree planting;
• No hands near eyes.

To protect against weather conditions:

• Wear sensible shoes;
• Wear warm, waterproof clothing or sun hats and sun-cream as appropriate;
• Be prepared to postpone, shorten or adapt the visit if hazardous weather or ground
conditions necessitate this.

To prevent injury:
• Take care on muddy and/or slippery surfaces;
• Beware of steep slopes and do not get too near to the edge;
• Take care around water, and preferably have a throw-line or pole with you;
• Walk sensibly along roads;
• Have adequate supervision (Adult: Child Ratios: 1:3 for under 5s; 1:5 for 5-7s and
1:8 for 8-16 year olds).

When using tools:

• Must have ‘tools talk’ to explain to children how to use and carry tools (e.g. carry at
point of balance, do not lift above shoulder level etc.);
• Must also show the safe way to put tools on the ground (e.g. lie spades blade
down so that if anyone treads on them they will not shoot up in the air and hit
them!);
• Advisable to have higher supervision levels;
• Ensure children are spaced out enough so that they will not hit anyone whilst using
the tools or other equipment such as sweep nets.

Poisonous plants etc.

• Children must not eat anything they find whilst at the site, including e.g.
blackberries;
• Hands must be washed after visits or before food is eaten;
• If a plant or fungus is known to be poisonous or prickly/stinging etc., advise not to
touch it.

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Personal security:
• Stay together in groups with at least one adult;
• Groups should stay within shouting distance of each-other (a whistle may be
useful);
• Be wary of strangers;
• Do not approach or touch any dogs in case they are not as friendly as they look!

In case of accidents/emergencies:
• Take First Aid Kit and ensure there are First Aiders present;
• Have a mobile phone;
• Know exact location of group to explain to emergency services if necessary (post
codes are good for Sat Nav);
• Have school/centre phone number (and children’s emergency contact numbers)
with you.

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Generic Risk Assessment (Copy of an example for guidance only) LOCAL REVIEW

ACTIVITY ASSESSED School Visit

ACTIVITY LOCATION Sinfin Moor Park, Sinfin Moor Lane, Derby, DE24 9HW
ASSESSMENT DATE Feb 2013

ASSESSED BY Jean Lung, Friends of Sinfin Moor Park Local Nature Reserve
APPROVED BY Rosalind Allen, Enviro-Learn

personal protective equipment 1. Stout shoes and appropriate clothing advised.

needed 2. Anti-bacterial wipes/squirt
3. Throw-line/pole;
4. Protective gloves (if required for activity)
5. First Aid Kit
provided by 1. Participants
2. Friends/Enviro-Learn
3. Friends/Enviro-Learn
4. Friends/Enviro-Learn
5. Friends/Enviro-Learn
level of First Aid provision needed 1 First Aider
First Aiders Rosalind Allen,
nearest telephone Mobile Phone
nearest 24 hour hospital and/or Derby Royal Hospital, Uttoxeter Road, Derby
doctor (A&E): 01332 783134

HAZARD WHO’S PRECAUTIONS RISK

potential for AT to reduce the risk level LEVEL
harm RISK?
YSVP L/M
Activity Planning Enviro-Learn working with the Friends of Group.
YSV L
Incorrect use of Enviro-Learn to give instructions on how to use equipment prior to activity.
equipment
YSV M
Glass/Litter Pay particular attention to avoid touching e.g. broken glass. Visual check
before activity commences –( if syringes are found, phone council’s 24 hour
Street Cleaning number on 0333 200 6981 <hot key number:2>.)
Catering YSV a Kitchen surfaces and tables to be cleaned before and after use M
b Care taken when using hot water
c Group and volunteers to use handwashing facilities before taking
refreshments
Safety in YSV a Group and volunteers to be aware of emergency exits and procedures L
building b Fire extinguisher available

p = public s = staff v = volunteers i = ilm staff y = young people r = probation service

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Generic Risk Assessment (Copy of an example for guidance only) SNR
This risk assessment relates only to the generic features of a common activity; it does not cover that specific to a location or
group. A local amendment or review must be completed, making additions as necessary to take account of local circumstances
and hazards. Likely hazards have been put in bold; Appropriate precautions are underlined.

ACTIVITY ASSESSED School visits to Nature Reserves

ACTIVITY LOCATION Sinfin Moor Park Local Nature Reserve

ASSESSMENT DATE November 2012
NEXT ASSESSMENT DUE BEFORE November 2015
ASSESSED BY Rosalind Allen Enviro-Learn
Name of School/Centre
Signed and accepted by the Risk
Assessor/Group Leader:

HAZARD WHO’S PRECAUTIONS RISK

Potential for harm AT to reduce the risk level LEVEL
RISK?
1. Strangers/ YSV a Ensure safety talk has taken place at beginning of event and this should include M
unfamiliar code of conduct.
area b Have sufficient staff to monitor and manage the children 1:3 for children under 5 years,
1:5 for 5-7 year olds and 1:8 for 8-16 year olds
c Ensure staff clearly identifiable.
d Limit numbers if venue or activities dictate this.
e Communicate carefully when working with children.
f Set clear boundaries beyond which pupils must not go.
2. Unsupervised YSV a The school/group are responsible for the heath and welfare of all children brought M
minors out on a visit. Throughout the visit Enviro-Learn (and partners) will seek to ensure
appropriate health and safety conditions exist on the site.
b School/centre to have contact names and numbers in case of emergency.
c School/centre to have sign out/in/permission from parents/guardians.
d Regular head counts to be made.
e Adequate staffing according to ages of minors (1:3, 1:5, 1:8 as above).
f School/centre to ensure appropriate medication available, accessible and labelled
3. Personal ysv a Carry a mobile phone.-School/Centre and Enviro-Learn L-M
safety b Inform colleagues of approximate timescales, location and contact number.
c Do not work alone.
d Ensure staff know emergency procedures.
4. Slips, trips ysv a Advise participants to move around the site safely, be aware of hazards and avoid M
and falls areas if necessary.
b Suitable clothing and footwear should be worn.
c A fully stocked first aid kit should be taken by the school/centre and
Enviro-Learn/partner.
d If working near deep (1m+) water, bring a throwline.
e Warn participants of any steep slopes and position an adult at any hazardous points
(e.g. drops) to remind pupils to take care.
5. Adverse ysv a Ensure participants are advised of appropriate clothing eg. wellies and coats or L-M
weather sunhats and suncream.
b Review the likely effects of the adverse weather (check weather forecasts as
appropriate) and be prepared to cancel the event if weather dictates this.
c Bring water for pupils if exceptionally hot/long visit.
6. Special needs y a Ensure staff understand the needs and limitations of the group concerned L
groups b Ensure sufficient additional carers are involved with the walk
7. Biohazards ysv a Advise participants not to eat anything found on site and to avoid sucking thumbs, M
fingers etc. Also to wash hands thoroughly on return to school or before picnicking.
(carry wet wipes/anti-bacterial wash for emergencies).
b Beware of dog mess on all reserves - avoid where possible.
c Mention Weils disease when working near water.
8. Hazardous ysv a Area visually inspected for e.g. broken glass. M-L
litter b Pupils warned not to touch any hazardous litter.
9. Animals ysv a Ensure group are made aware of where animals may be encountered, e.g. M-L
bridleways, wild swans at ponds, dogs with walkers, etc and to avoid contact with
them unless given other instruction.
10. Water (pond, ysv a A throwline should be taken where the route goes near to deep (1m+) water. M
stream or b Ensure pupils stay away from the waters edge.
canal on site)

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HAZARD WHO’S PRECAUTIONS RISK
Potential for harm AT to reduce the risk level LEVEL
RISK?
11. Traffic ysv a Coach (if being used) to drop off and pick up on nearside to avoid crossing the road. M
b Children to walk carefully along the pavements under supervision.
c Ensure good supervision when crossing roads and where possible use pedestrian
crossings.
d Be aware of vehicles using areas e.g. lanes and car parks, where pedestrians are
not segregated.
12. Accidents psvy a Inform appropriate local services. M
requiring b Ensure vehicle entry/exit route.
emergency c Contingency plan.
services

p = public s = staff v = volunteers i = ilm staff y = young people r = probation service

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Generic Risk Assessment (Copy of an example for guidance only) C
This risk assessment relates only to the generic features of a common activity; it does not cover that specific to a location or
group. A local amendment or review must be completed, making additions as necessary to take account of local circumstances
and hazards.

ACTIVITY ASSESSED Crafts

ACTIVITY LOCATION Sinfin Moor Park Local Nature Reserve

ASSESSMENT DATE November 2012
NEXT ASSESSMENT DUE BEFORE November 2015
ASSESSED BY Rosalind Allen Enviro-Learn
Name of School/Centre
Signed and accepted by the Risk
Assessor/Group Leader:

CRAFT ACTIVITIES
HAZARD WHO’S PRECAUTIONS RISK
Potential for harm AT to reduce the risk level LEVEL
RISK?
1. Contact with ypvs a Disposal must minimise pollution or other damage. L
plants and b Do not allow children to collect or work with poisonous plants.
natural c Do not eat while working with natural materials.
materials d Ensure adequate supervision of children and other groups while collecting
leaves, foliage and other natural materials.
e Ensure any collection of natural materials does not cause environmental
damage.
f Identify any poisonous plants on the site.
g Wash hands before eating, drinking or smoking.
2. Cutting tools ypvs a Minimise number of tools out and in the work area. M
b Supervise children throughout.
c Tools must be maintained in good condition and kept sharp.
d Tools not in use by someone at the time are to be stored safely away.
e Use knife on stable surface and replace guard promptly after use.
3. Glue, paints ypvs a Use lead free, water-based paint. L
and sprays b Use solvent free glue, following any safety guidelines on the container.
4. Coppice crafts ypvs a Warn people about poking eyes with willow. M
b Advise people on safe usage of secateurs.
c Maintain good level of supervision.

p = public s = staff v = volunteers i = ilm staff y = young people r = probation service

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Generic Risk Assessment (Copy of an example for guidance only) PD
This risk assessment relates only to the generic features of a common activity; it does not cover that specific to a location or
group. A local amendment or review must be completed, making additions as necessary to take account of local circumstances
and hazards. Likely hazards have been put in bold; Appropriate precautions are underlined.

ACTIVITY ASSESSED Pond dipping– (Education)

ACTIVITY LOCATION Sinfin Moor Park Local Nature Reserve

ASSESSMENT DATE November 2012
NEXT ASSESSMENT DUE BEFORE November 2015
ASSESSED BY (staff name) Rosalind Allen

Name of School/Centre
Signed and accepted by the Risk
Assessor/Group Leader:

HAZARD WHO’S PRECAUTIONS RISK

potential for AT to reduce the risk level LEVEL
harm RISK?
1. Slips, trips a Deliver safety instructions prior to and during visit
and falls b Do not rush, move carefully.
c Store unused equipment at safe distance from water's edge
d Tread carefully on gravel banks. M
e Use safe access points to water, avoiding steep banks (use a dipping platform
where present)
f Do not use long handled dip nets when handles are wet and slippery
g Ensure a firm, stable stance
h Dip at a safe working distance appropriate to equipment and task.
i Carry a mobile phone for emergency use.
2. Biohazards a Raise awareness of Weil’s disease. Parents and pupils to be warned of its flu-
and harmful like signs and symptoms and instructed to inform GP of the contact with water
substances should symptoms develop. L
b Cover cuts/grazes on hands/lower arms with waterproof plasters/gloves.
c Do not drink or wash hands in stream or pond water, use clean water and
antibacterial wash/soap solution.
d Wash hands before eating, drinking or smoking.
e Do not work on any site where sewage is present.
f If hazardous substances are found, a full COSHH assessment must be carried
out e.g Blue-green algae.
g If in doubt have water tested before working in it.
3. Deep water a Do not sweep net more than one arm's length away from the bank. Do not lean
out over water body.
b Ensure non-swimmers have been identified. M
c Ensure always someone on the banks to act in the event of an emergency
d Have throw ropes, poles and/or life belts readily to hand to avoid others having
to enter the water.
e Plan rescue systems in advance.

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4. Use of g Pupils to be instructed in the correct safe technique for using the equipment for pond L
equipment dipping.
5. Unsupervised a Contact names and numbers in case of emergency.
minors b Sign out/in/permission from parents/guardians.
c Adequate staffing according to ages of minors (children 1:3 for under 5s, 1:5 for 5-7 L
year olds and 1:8 for 8-16 year olds).
d Restrict numbers attending. Pupils not at the waters edge will be supervised at a
safe location away from the waters edge.
e Ensure appropriate medication available, accessible and labelled –
SCHOOL/CENTRE.
f A qualified first aider will be in the group.
6. Special Needs c Ensure staff understand the needs and limitations of the group concerned
d Ensure sufficient additional carers are involved with the walk L
7. Adverse a Review the likely effects of the adverse weather on the activity e.g. increased
weather slippery surfaces
b Wear appropriate clothing e.g. waterproof, boots. L
c Be prepared to cancel event.

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