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Description of Location
These activities take place beside a small pond on site or a larger pond in an old quarry (now a nature reserve). Due to the heavy demand made on these ponds, it is not possible to state definitely which one will be used. Best to risk assess for both. Both are relatively small with safe, stable areas from which to dip.
Pond on Centre site
The pond on site is enclosed by a fence with safe stable areas from which to dip.
Pond on Old Quarry (now a nature reserve)
The pond on the old quarry is not enclosed by a fence but has safe, stable areas from which to dip.To reach the off site study area entails crossing a haul road still used by vehicles going to and from the adjacent working quarry. Vehicles may be expected to be travelling through the area at some time during the activities. Parts of the journey involves passing over rough ground. The site is of mixed topography, with some hilly areas and depressions, previously quarried areas and areas of open water and it is mainly covered by mixed woodland and scrub.
Likely Hazards
• Heavy plant equipment involved in the extraction of sand from the adjacent working quarry moving around the old quarry via various haul roads.
• Lorries moving around the old quarry site to collect and transport sand.
• Sides of the pond may become slippery either in periods of drought due to falling water levels and exposed banks, or in periods of wet weather.
• Travelling over rough ground.
• Use and transportation of long handled pond nets and trays.
• Children wandering out of sight of supervising staff.
Existing Precautions
• Children are informed of the dangers the may face on the journey through the area.
• They are involved in decisions on how they may best complete the journey in the safest way possible.
• Close proximity to heavy plant equipment and vehicles is avoided.
• When crossing the haul roads children are encouraged to treat the road like a main highway; crossing is only permitted when the road is clear after looking and listening.
• Children who behave in an unacceptable and unsafe manner will be excluded from the activity for the safety of others. They will not be allowed to leave the area until the activity has been completed by all the children and they can be properly supervised.
• The minimum required in a first aid kit will be carried at all times, including a mobile phone.
• At the pond children will be shown safe areas to dip from. Those areas that are slippery and unsafe will be out of bounds.
• Children will be required to walk at all times around the site and when taking part in the activities.
• Children will be instructed on safest and best use of dipping equipment, and any misuse will be treated seriously.
• Children will be instructed to stay within defined boundaries and always within sight of staff.
Additional factors that could be taken into account to reduce risks or risk factors
• Children may have some experience of pond dipping through previous training or undertaking this task at a different time.
• Experience in general aspects of road safety.
• Increasing the ratio of staff participating.
• Number of visiting staff who hold First Aid Certification.
• Ensure the adults with the party know and understand the schools policy on helping adults before the visit.
• Ensuring the activity provider has a thorough understanding of all your requirements for the activity, the numbers, age, general health (including disabled / handicapped within able bodied groups) of the pupils, and where necessary staff involved, ability range of pupils and those likely to cause problems.
• Consideration for the groups’ general safety, by excluding those likely to create a serious problem from the activity, or by specific control methods to be used for such pupils; i.e. 1:1 ratios with staff / helpers.
• Please also consider when making your assessments, as the generic one does not include, the competence, experience and qualifications of all supervisory staff sent by the schools.
• Does anyone on the trip hold First Aid certification?
• How long has the teacher in charge of each class been qualified?
• Has that person previous experience of organising / participating in a school trip?
• But above all... do the pupils understand what you expect of them from the visit? Have they, and how have they been prepared for this experience?
Last update: July 2007
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