North West Durham Angling Association Risk Assessment information.
If anyone has comments please contact Bob Bainbridge – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or phone 07920756749
Objective and Scope.
This risk assessment information is given as guidance to all members of NWDAA involving the fishing of the waters of Waskerley, Smiddyshaw and Hisehope reservoirs with the intention of preventing potential H&S and Environmental accidents and incidents on and around our club waters. Grid refs NZ02204650 HISEHOPE, NZ04204620 SMIDDY, NZ02304430 WASKERLEY
These Risk Assessments are based upon the principles of Severity v. Likelihood and complement the Club Fishing Rules and Constitution with the risk rating set and agreed by the committee.
Responsibilities and RA review.
It is the responsibility of the Committee to update these Risk Assessments at least annually, normally at the Committee meeting prior to the AGM so that changes can be communicated at this AGM, or when there are accidents or incidents that need investigation and impact on the existing Risk Assessments either through addition or amendment. The actions will be addressed by the Committee based on priorities and the risk involved.
It is the responsibility of all members to ensure the guidance in these Risk Assessments is adhered to and also any anglers under their control eg Visitors, Juniors, are familiarised with the Risks and actions to take in the event of any accident or incident.
The Risk Assessments will be a topic for review at the AGM where any input from members will be welcomed and considered.
Risk assessment communication, change control and availability.
A controlled master set of current Risk assessments will be available at all 3 waters at the sign in post and also be available on the NWDAA website.
Information to Risk Assessment changes, ie from the original issue 1, will be at the front of Risk assessment listing – immediately below.
Changes to these RAs explained – ie from issue 1 to this version issue 4.
-
Expansion of the Objectives and Scope – last sentence
-
New warning sign available to highlight the main risks at RA numbers 1,2,6,7, 10.
-
Expansion of the Additional measures in RA number 10 due to RA information from NPG’s S Ladlow
-
Adder risk explained in more detail and added to the general signage document.
-
PPE guidance while fishing/casting – see item 20
-
COVID Reminder see item 21 [Updated 27.3.2022]
Risk assessment table –
|
NWDAA RA number |
Explanation of risk and/or environmental protection |
Current risk rating – High, Medium or Low |
Existing control measures in place: |
Additional measures required are? |
Risk rating after additional control measures in place |
Committee Approved ? |
|
Signage and warnings |
High |
None other than RA info |
In the interest if safety and environmental protection please observe and follow all signage, warnings and Risk assessments |
Medium |
Yes |
|
|
The danger of sinking into soft mud around the banks of the water. This can occur at any time but especially after heavy rain and at times of low water levels. |
High |
None other than RA info and additional signage at signing in locations. |
Warning signs to be on display at all 3 signing in stations in addition to the Risk assessment itself. This will also be of benefit to the general public. |
Medium |
Yes – and a document now available at the 3 signing in stations to highlight this risk. |
|
|
Contact, entanglement with lines during casting, particularly fly lines. |
Medium |
None other than RA info. |
Awareness of being in the vicinity of Anglers at all times but particularly during casting and retrieve. Ensure a safe distance at all times and consider wind direction and strength. Be aware of members of the public especially when casting from the dam walls. |
Low |
Yes |
|
|
Slips, trips and falls. Most of the areas around the NWDAA waters can be dangerous due to thick undergrowth, water, mud etc. |
Low |
None other than RA info. |
All anglers must be vigilant and consider the environmental conditions when walking around the banks of all 3 waters in order to avoid slips, trips and falls. By assessing the routes to take ie through, undergrowth, along pathways, on stoney areas etc we can hopefully avoid any accidents. Be aware of undercuts in banksides that could collapse under a person’s weight. Take extreme caution when crossing feeder streams particularly during flood. Never venture onto frozen water surfaces – particularly the reservoirs themselves. Be very careful when using any stiles as they are regularly very slippery due to moss, algae and dampness etc. |
Low |
Yes |
|
|
Fishing from dam walls, steep banks and stoney areas |
Medium |
None other than RA info |
Only fish from secure footing locations only areas. Avoid steep banks, irregular surfaces, wet surfaces including areas with moss, algae, vegetation etc. It is advised that when walking in these areas of risk the use of a walking staff is strongly advised. Be aware of members of the public especially when casting from the dam walls. Be aware of members of the public especially when casting from the dam walls. |
Low |
Yes |
|
|
Risk encountered during wading – sinking into mud, submerged slip, trip and fall hazards. |
High |
None other than RA info and additional signage at signing in locations. |
Wading in our waters can be very dangerous due to soft mud area, sand and stones/general trip hazards that are submerged. You must take every precaution during wading, to ensure that the entry and exit from the water is as safe as possible by taking very careful small steps and attempting to locate any hazards before taking each step. Warning signs to be on display conjunction with Risk 1. The use of a wading staff is recommended. |
Medium |
Yes – and a document now available at the 3 signing in stations to highlight this risk. |
|
|
Contact with Adders and bites |
Medium |
None other than RA info |
If adders are in the area please ensure that you do not get close enough to scare these reptiles. Keeping well clear of their position will ensure there is no chance of a reaction from your presence. Coming into contact with an adder is a very low probability and usually only bites in self defence. In the event of being bitten – Stay calm, loosen clothing around the bite and summon emergency help. Adder bites are generally not that serious and deaths very rare. ADDERS IDENTIFIED BY A DARK ZIG ZAG DOWN THEIR BACK BUT THE OVERALL COLOUR OF AN ADDER CAN VARY |
Low |
Yes |
|
|
Sunburn risk |
Low |
None other than RA info |
Although days on our waters requiring sun burn protection are usually few and far between, and the wind can often be a factor which masks the sunburn effect – it is always advisable to wear sun protection on appropriate days based on your own skin sensitivity. |
Low |
Yes |
|
|
Poachers |
High |
None other than RA info |
There is always the chance that you could come into contact with poachers of our fish stocks and also persons shooting our wild birds. Check the signing in book for possible anomalies in the number signed in against the numbers on the water and only approach any suspects with caution before questioning. If there are any risks with any type of suspected poachers! Walk away from the situation and report to the Bailiff and/or other committee members. |
Medium |
Yes |
|
|
Low electric cables above signing in hut at Waskerley |
High |
None other than RA info and additional signage at signing in locations. |
Extreme care must be taken to avoid fishing rods coming into contact with these overhead cables. So please keep well away from this hazard. Key points:
|
Medium |
Yes – and a document now available at the 3 signing in stations to highlight this risk. |
|
|
Bird and other wildlife protection – steps to take |
Medium |
None other than RA info |
At all times of the year we must consider the protection to our wildlife. Birds in particular are vulnerable during nesting – generally March – August – so avoid walking on areas that potentially could hide nesting birds. Similarly give the same consideration to other species. |
Low |
Yes |
|
|
General environmental protection |
Low |
None other than RA info |
In general all members and visitors must consider the Environment and avoid litter, pollution and damage at all times. This includes our own signing in areas |
Low |
Yes |
|
|
Lightning strikes |
Medium |
None other than RA info |
This is always a possibility so if there are any indications due to weather patterns that this may occur then ensure that you are in safe area. If you are caught out in the open [continued]during a in the open during a sudden lightning storm lay your rod down on the ground and seek whatever shelter you can find, if non available sit down. |
Low |
Yes |
|
|
Discarded lines and other fishing gear – hooks etc. |
Low |
None other than RA info |
It is every angler’s duty to retrieve and discard safely any ‘lost’ line or other fishing items, whether their own or from another ‘unknowing’ colleague. This must be done in a safe manner and not endangering oneself. This is also an environmental issue as these items can have an impact on wildlife through eg entanglement. |
Low |
Yes |
|
|
Insects and bites |
Low |
None other than RA info |
Some people are more susceptible to insect bites than others and midges can be a genuine nuisance around our waters due to the trees and general vegetation – so please protect yourselves with repellents where necessary. |
Low |
Yes |
|
|
Vehicle movements and parking on uneven paths/roads, and in the event of snow and ice |
Medium |
None other than RA info |
Some of our roads, pathways, parking areas are very uneven and at times of the year snowfall and ice can occur even during March – May. Soft ground and vehicles’ wheels sinking into mud/sand etc can be a problem. Drive and park carefully and avoid uneven surfaces, soft areas and potholes as this will be at your risk. If visiting our waters check the weather forecast for the possibility of frost and snow as driving may be affected particularly at Waskerley due to the steep incline. |
Low |
Yes |
|
|
Mobile phone coverage and inability to make contact |
Medium |
None other than RA info |
Always consider your mobile phone coverage in certain areas of our waters – again Waskerley is the main concern due to its location and surrounding high ground. |
Low |
Yes |
|
|
Smoking in the Waskerley Sign in hut |
Low |
None other than RA info |
This is prohibited by Law |
Low |
Yes |
|
|
No grid references available for our waters in the event they are required by emergency services |
Medium |
None other than RA info |
Display Grid references in RA in all 3 locations.NZ02204650 HISEHOPE |
Low |
Yes |
|
|
Risks while angling/casting and PPE guidance NEW ADDITION |
Medium |
None other than RA info |
There may be times, when during casting in particular, wind and possibly other environmental condition may put the angler at risk eg from hooks. It is the responsibility of the Angler / Guardian to assess this risk and consider the use of safety glasses or other protection. This is probably more appropriate for junior anglers. The Trustees advise that this guidance is followed to prevent accident/injury. |
LOW |
YES |
|
|
21. |
COVID RISK Various levels of feeling unwell including lack of taste, lack of smell, persistent cough, high temperature, fatigue and general weakness, difficulty with breathing and even death |
High |
Members should now be fully aware of the Covid risks and any advice needed please contact a member of the Trustees |
Although the Covid risk is still with us members are advised to remain cautious and avoid close contact with other as much as possible in addition to regular use of approved hand sanitiser. Please refer to Government guidelines and NWDAA will inform members of specific actions to take with regard to Covid as and when necessary |
MEDIUM |
Yes |
