HGS beach safety

Hull Geological Society

Generic Risk Assessment

Type of meeting :- Public walk - beach geology

This Risk Assessment should be read in conjunction with the Safety Policy.

ALL PEOPLE TAKE PART AT THEIR OWN RISK - we do have liability insurance but NO accident insurance! Young people must be accompanied by a responsible adult. . Members and guests accept lifts at their own risk.

This is a public walk not a geological field trip. It is assumed that most people attending will not have PPE or geological equipment. The Leader should give a quick talk to the group about safety and remind people NOT to wander off or leave without informing the Leader

RISK ASSESSMENT:

HAZARD	RISK	Safety measures
Falling rocks and landslips	medium	Leader should plan route to avoid being close to the cliffs. Â Leader must tell people not to stand under the cliff or collect specimens from the cliffs unless they are wearing hard hats. Leader must tell people not to hammer the cliffs.
Getting stuck in mudslides	Medium	Leader should plan a route to avoid mudslides and soft ground. Leader must warn people not to attempt to walk across mudslides.
Incoming tide	medium	Leader should plan route and time of the event to reduce risk of being trapped by incoming tide. It is best to run the event on a falling tide.
Uneven and slippery surfaces	Medium	Leader should plan route to try to avoid clambering over large boulders or walking on soft ground. Leader must warn people at the start of the event to take care when walking.
Risk of burns when using acid to test specimens for carbonate content.	low	Use only dilute acid. Store the acid securely, preferably in a double container (e.g. a dropper bottle kept in a sealable plastic box or bag). Wash off any excess acid after testing or id water not available dry with a paper towel and dispose of the towel with extra care.
Risk of cuts from hammering	low	The Leader must tell people to wear eye protection if they use a geological hammer and not to hammer if anyone else is standing within a 3 metre radius.