Exmoor National Park Authority - Get Involved

Activity being assessed:

Ashcombe Gardens Volunteering

Who is doing this assessment?

Jackie Kiberd

Date of assessment:

01/07/2021

Date of next review:

01/07/2022

Activity participants who may be harmed/at risk:

Staff & volunteers & general public

Risk of cuts, bruises, sprains, broken limbs from slips, trips and falls, rough field surfaces and cut vegetation

Volunteers need to be able bodied and in good health.

Wear appropriate footwear and take care when working on steep/ uneven ground.

Take extra care when walking on rough and steep ground. Site must be inspected and non-obvious trip hazards such as wire or holes hidden by grass removed/marked.

Site, tools and materials are to be kept tidy including in tool storage areas.

In case of an emergency Call 999 or 112. 

Exmoor House: 01398323665

Jackie Kiberd Tel. 07970099127

Patrick Watts Mabbott Tel: 07973727469

Mobile reception can be patchy. Land line available in Ashcombe Bothy

Site name: Ashcombe carpark, Simonsbath

Postcode TA24 7SH

Grid Ref: SS77339

What3Words: amicably.elbow.treatment

Risk of sunstroke/sunburn; heat exhaustion; dehydration from exposure to heat

Avoid exposing skin even when some cloud cover exists. Carry extra clothing as appropriate for the terrain and conditions. Carry plenty of water and food and keep hydrated. Use high factor sun block on exposed skin.

Avoid surveys in extreme cold or storm conditions.

Manual activities should not be carried out in very high temperatures; assess forecast and discuss with participants on the day.

Water available from The Ashcombe Bothy

Risk of Lymes Disease from tick bites

Staff & volunteers: Suitable dress should be worn.

Advise individuals to check themselves for signs of ticks at the end of the working day. Arms and legs should be covered when working in bracken and heather, particularly in summer.

Refer to the ENPA Tick Advice Leaflet. Or see http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Lyme-disease/Pages/Introduction.aspx

Risk of complications arising from existing medical problems

For all on site activity days - First aid qualified staff/volunteers on site and first aid box available in The Ashcombe Bothy

Risk of cuts and broken bones whilst using hand tools – cutting back vegetation

Tools should be inspected before use. Do not use any tools that are damaged or have loose handles. Gloves must not be worn when using swinging tools, unless other hazards (e.g. plant sap) are greater. Maintain safe work distance. Sturdy footwear with a firm grip should be worn. Tools must be maintained in good condition and kept sharp.

Water hazards - slips, trips and falls resulting in accidental immersion or contact with underwater object

Harmful effects will vary ((hypothermia, drowning or bruising/strains/breaks/death)

Vegetation Management on riverbanks

• Avoid entry into watercourse where reasonably practicable, particularly during conditions of high flow & turbidity.
• Use safest point of entry.
• Use sturdy walking pole for support whilst in water and to check the ground ahead of you.
• Work facing upstream when possible.
• Do not enter water if it is deeper than welly depth (25cm).
• Wear footwear with good grip
• Where riverbed is not visible, and/or underwater obstacles likely, do not enter the water.
• Always have work alongside a second person

Additional info: Watercourses will vary in terms of depth, flow, turbidity according to local geography. After high flows and winter floods, debris can move across the riverbed.  Contact with underwater object can lead to puncture wound to feet, entrapment.

Risk of injuries from use of hand tools

Staff and volunteers to be given safety training on correct use of hand tools.

Tools must be inspected before use.  Any damaged or faulty tools (i.e. loose handles) must not be used.  Gloves must not be worn when using swinging tools, unless other hazards are greater (e.g. plant sap), and in which case use close fitting high grip gloves.  Sturdy footwear with firm grip must be worn.  Tools must be maintained in good condition and kept sharp.

Site is publicly accessible - ensure all tools are kept tidy, avoid obstructing pathways and ensure tools not in use aren’t a trip hazard

Cuts or other injuries from pulling vegetation

If pulling bracken or other sharp plants wear strong protective gloves.

Risk of back injury and strains from manual handling

All staff/volunteers should be trained in safe lifting, carrying and moving techniques.  Heavy and or awkward items should be carried between two people.  Ensure carrying aids are provided if necessary, e.g. wheelbarrow or sack truck.

Risk of blisters or rashes from contact with plant sap.

Staff & volunteers should learn to identify any hazardous plants, e.g. hogweed, wild parsnip. Work should be planned to avoid contact with hazardous plants. Individuals should wear protective gloves, long sleeves and trousers when working close to hazardous plants. Wash exposed skin thoroughly after any skin contact, and before drinking, eating or smoking. Staff & volunteers to be issued with information about hazardous plants.

Risk of impact with other vehicles leading to bruises, breaks, crushes, jarring or fatality whilst working near traffic.

Site is adjacent to car park.

All to take care and stay alert of moving vehicles when walking through the car park

Risk of illness, leptospirosis and fatality from biohazards, i.e. Tetanus, Leptospirosis.

Staff and volunteers are advised to keep Tetanus vaccinations up-to-date. Broken skin should be covered before work and any cuts received should be promptly washed and covered. Hands and gloves should be washed thoroughly before leaving site. Hands must be washed before eating/drinking

COVID19 precautions

All staff and volunteers to follow current government guidance.

Anyone who suspects they may have Covid19 symptoms to stay at home and get a covid test as soon as possible

Hand sanitiser to be made available. Stress importance of frequent hand washing

All equipment to be wiped down with antibacterial wipes prior to and after use. Participants to be advised not to share equipment.

Lead volunteers to carry a face covering in case of incidents.

Ensure a daily record is kept of those working on site is maintained for NHS Test and Trace purposes

Supply of antibacterial wipes and spray and face masks kept in the Ashcombe Bothy