(a pdf version of this document is available here)
Stocksfield Parish Council Risk Assessment: Volunteer control of invasive plant species – removal of Himalayan Balsam
Subject | Risk(s) Identified | Risk Level | Management or Control of Risk | Review/Assess/Revise |
Animals and Insects | Bites or scratches | L | Wear appropriate clothing and gloves. Beware of dogs or livestock and avoid contact Seek medical help if bitten or stung |
|
Branches, nettles | Injury |
L |
Wear suitable gloves and long sleeve clothing |
|
Steep slope and ground in poor condition | Slips and Falls | L | Wear suitable footwear. Assess ground condition and avoid working on steep slopes or poor ground conditions. Choose safest route. In event of injury, seek medical attention and instruct others to avoid the area. |
|
Hedges, fences, walls and ditches | Slips and Falls | L | Do not climb walls, ditches and fences. Take care when climbing stiles, particularly in wet or icy conditions | |
Ponds, rivers, streams | Drowning | M | Do not work in ponds, rivers or streams unless absolutely necessary. If working close to or in a water feature, never work alone and always work at least in pairs. Use waders or wellington boots and walking poles if necessary. Work only when water levels are low |
|
Highway | Injury from passing vehicles | M | Do not work on the road. Wear high visibility clothing if working close to a road or on a highway. Be aware of passing traffic. Do not obstruct the road. |
Note: The Council’s Volunteer Policy precludes the use of power tools by any volunteer when working as a volunteer under the direction, guidance or request of the Parish Council. The Volunteer Policy and associated risk assessments do not apply when volunteers undertake work on behalf of other agencies (eg NCC, Tyne Rivers Trust or the EA). Risks are categorised as High (H), Medium (M) or Low (L). Where any risk level is identified as being HIGH, the task should not be undertaken. Where a risk level is assessed as MEDIUM, identified actions must be taken to control the risk or the task must not be undertaken
Risk assessment undertaken by Ruth Forster and Clerk date 23/07/18