OBUHSN 24 Appendix 1 potential hazards

  • Feasibility of project

    AccessTravel arrangements
    Permission to work on the site
    Provision for the disabled
    Availability of assistance
    Accommodation
    Insurance
    FitnessPre-expedition training
    TrainingNavigation
    First-aid
    Languages
    Interpersonal skills
    Hygiene/health education
    Specific skills – e.g. diving, chain saws, use of ropes
    HealthHealth questionnaire
    Medical/dental check-up
    Vaccination (especially Tetanus)
    First-aid kit(s)
    Sterile packs
    StaffingStaff to student ratios
    Deputising arrangements
    Competence of all leaders

    Risks inherent in the site

    Physical hazardsExtreme weather
    Mountains and cliffs
    Glaciers, crevasses, ice falls etc
    Caves, mines and quarries
    Forests (including fire hazards)
    Freshwater
    Sea and seashore (tides, currents etc)
    Marshes and quicksand
    Roadside
    Biological hazardsVenomous, lively or aggressive animals
    Plants
    Pathogenic micro-organisms (Tetanus, Leptospirosis etc)
    Chemical hazardsAgrochemicals and pesticides
    Dusts (COSHH assessments OBUHSN-19)
    Chemicals on site (COSHH assessments OBUHSN-19)
    Man-made hazardsMachinery and vehicles
    Power lines and pipe lines
    Electrical equipment
    Insecure buildings
    Slurry and silage pits
    Attack on the person and property
    Military activity
    Hazards to the environmentPollution
    Disturbance of eco-systems
    Waste minimisation

    Risks inherent in work

    TrainingNavigation e.g. map and compass work
    Survival/rescue
    First-aid
    Specialist training, e.g.
    Chainsaw
    Conduct on boats
    Defensive/advanced driving
    Diving
    Electric fishing
    Firearms
    Ladders and scaffolding
    Tree climbing
    Using machinery/vehicles
    Chemical hazardsCOSHH assessments for the work on site, OBUHSN-19
    Biological hazardsCOSHH assessments for the work on site, OBUHSN-19
    Animals
    Plants
    Personal safetyRisk of attack
    Routine communications
    Communications in emergency

    Organisation of the fieldwork

    Pre-planningTravel documents
    Next of kin & GP notes
    Medical problems noted
    Appropriate authorities informed (Police, Mountain Rescue, Coast Guard etc)
    CateringProvision of food
    Hygiene
    Portable water
    Food preparation and storage
    Fuel for cooking
    The groupLeader (experience, qualifications competence)
    Chain of command (deputies etc)
    Staff to student ratios
    Personal inter-group relationships
    Size of working groups (maximum, minimum)
    Responsibilities for aspects of work
    Accommodation
    The individualLone working avoided
    Adequate clothing
    PPE provided
    Individual trained & fit
    EquipmentFit for the purpose
    Used properly
    Well maintained
    Repairable on site
    Need to duplicate

    Conduct of fieldwork

    Local conditionsWeather forecast
    Local knowledge/rules
    Farming practices
    Itinerary and return times
    Appropriate permission sought
    TransportAppropriately licensed driver(s)
    Correctly maintained
    Correctly loaded
    Appropriate spares
    Seat belts
    Fuel
    Maps and navigational aids
    The groupPresent and correct (roll calls)
    Correctly equipped (PPE etc)
    Not over-loaded
    First-aid kit(s) and emergency equipment
    Survival aids
    Group size and supervision
    Working practicesLone working avoided
    Communication systems
    "Buddy" system or lookouts
    Provision of shelter
    Safety lines, nets, harnesses, boats etc
    Safe working systems
    Permit to work (confined spaces etc)
    Workers trained and fit
    Limitations of time spent working
    EmergenciesCommunication
    Protection of remaining party
    Evacuation
    Recovery of casualties
    Chain of command

    (Whilst every effort is made to include all appropriate headings, this list may not be comprehensive. Checks should be made to ascertain if there are any further amendments or additions)