Hull Geological Society

Generic Risk Assessment

 

Type of meeting :- Geological Field trip - quarry visit for members and guests

 

This Risk Assessment should be read in conjunction with the Safety Policy. The leader should write a specific risk assessment if the field trip is more hazardous.

 

ALL PEOPLE TAKE PART AT THEIR OWN RISK - we do have liability insurance but NO accident insurance! Young people (under 18) must be accompanied by a responsible adult if they are permitted to enter the quarry. Members and guests accept lifts at their own risk.

 

We enter quarries only with the permission of the owner or operator. The leader must ask if there are any special safety considerations that we must follow. Hard hats, high visibility clothing and safety footwear may be mandatory. The leader must ask for permission for members to use hammers and collect specimens.

 

PPE required - hard hat, outdoor clothing, any other PPE that the owner/operator specifies.

 

The Leader should give a quick talk to the group about safety , particularly if non-members are present and remind people NOT to wander off or leave without informing the Leader

 

RISK ASSESSMENT:

 

HAZARD	RISK	Safety measures
Falling rocks and landslips	medium	All participants must wear hard hats. Leader must advise people not to climb the quarry face  or collect specimens from the quarry faces  if they are unstable.  Protective nonslip footwear is advised
Soft ground	medium	Safety wellies are recommended for visits to clay and gravel pits
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. Nonslip footwear is advised.
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	Eye protection is required if participant plan to use geological hammers. The Leader must tell not to hammer if anyone else is standing within a 3 metre radius.