North West Durham Angling Association Risk Assessment information.

RISK AND MITIGATION DURING FISH STOCKING

Objective and Scope.

 

This risk assessment information is given as guidance to all persons involved with the fish stocking process at any of our 3 waters.

There are several common Risks during stocking that are similar to risks while fishing our waters. The main additional risk is the manual handling aspect of the operation: If we remember the abbreviation; TILE and consider these elements then most if not all risks should be covered.

  • T- Task

  • I – Individual

  • L – Load

  • E - Environment

 

Responsibilities and RA review.

 

It is the responsibility of the Committee to update and/or review 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.

 

Amendment item 7 [now 8]regarding COVID 6.4.2021 [Updated 22.3.2022]

Amendment [addition] item 2 regarding the cross contamination of waters from fish transportation tanks/NWDAA waters

**Amendment at RA number 1 , control measures, to explain the carrying of 2 handled plastic containers to reduce risk of injury and falling.

 

 

 

 

 

Risk assessment communication, change control and availability.

 

A controlled master set of current Risk assessments are available on request from the Trustees.

The General secretary is responsible for this RA, update and communication.

 

 

 

 

 

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 ?

[or WS]
 

Load to be carried by individuals? Causing potential injury to oneself with muscle injuries and i.e. as well as slips trips and falls.

Medium

**At the moment depending upon the water levels and ground conditions fish can be taken to the water’s edge for release by: 1. Nets or 2. “Plastic containers with two handles which must be carried by a minimum of 2 people at all times when not empty.”

The decision may not be left with us to decide on the method of release but our Stocking secretary will have imput if required.

The supplier may decide on the method and may/or may not need assistance from NWDAA members.

The rigid roped container for carrying by 2 persons will be the heaviest, and posture and lifting and lowering stance i.e. leg bending during lifting operations will be essential for safety during the process.

To a lesser extent this applies to the lifting and carrying of nets as well

Low

Yes

2.

Non native invasive species being transferred during stocking

Medium

The transfer of fish cannot be carried out by using a chute method un less from NWL fishery

The transfer of fish cannot be carried out by using a chute method if the fish do not come from a NWL fishery. If fish transportation water [other than NWL as explained] needs to be discharged before the vehicle departs then it must be carried out so that the water cannot run back into our waters. [As far as reasonably practicable] In all cases cross contamination of water from any transportation tanks into NWDAA waters should be minimised.

Low

Yes

3

The danger of sinking into soft mud around the banks of the waters during stocking. This could cause submersion and immobility and at worst asphyxiation

Medium

Documented in the General RA and supervised by Stocking secretary.

However the decision ‘where’ to stock at each reservoir will be a joint decision between the suppliers’ staff end NWDAA members – with the Stocking Secretary having the final decision.

Low

YES

4

Slips trips and falls due to poor ground conditions : dampness, frost, irregular ground due to stones, vegetation etc. Cuts, bruising, breaks etc are all possible.

Medium

Documented in the General RA and supervised by Stocking secretary

Again the final decision on where to stock will lie with the Stocking secretary.

Low

Yes

5

The individual person and their own limits’ of capabilities that could result in injury if exceeded.

Medium

It is expected that members will only offer to help with tasks within their capabilities.

The decision to allocate tasks will be carried out by the Stocking secretary with respect to individuals. Where needed he will converse with the members present and the Supplier where required.

Low

Yes

6

Other risks as documented in the General fishing RA.

  • Sunburn

  • Adders

  • Insects bites

Medium

Please refer to the General RA for further explanation

Please refer to the General RA for further explanation

Low

Yes

7

Environmental protection.

We must always be aware of protecting any Flora and Fauna

Low

Signage currently in place for Covid 19 which refers to Environmental protection

Please read and follow any available signage in conjunction with this RA and the General Fishing RA

Low

Yes

8

COVID: 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