Extract from HDC Risk Assessment – May 2021
Hazard : Risk:
COVID-19 contamination : The potential to contract the disease
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You are reminded of the importance of social distancing, and must make every effort to maintain distance between yourself and others outside of your household (public, staff and other volunteers). Where you cannot stay 2 metres apart you should stay more than 1 metre apart, and take additional steps to stay safe.
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you are asked to choose quiet areas to work in, and are recommended to stay away from areas which are likely to become overcrowded (entrances/exits, narrow paths, bridges and boardwalks)
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you are reminded of the importance of regular thorough hand washing, using soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds, or using a suitable hand gel when washing facilities are unavailable
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you must wear gloves at all times when completing practical work. We recommend that gloves are washed regularly (see below)
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you must use your own hand tools where possible, but when this is not possible, you are recommended to limit the amount of people using the tools at any one time
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you are advised to disinfect your hand tools regularly paying particular attention to handles and other points of contact
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if you are showing/experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, you must follow the NHS’s guidance on self-isolation and testing. You are NOT allowed to complete any work for HDC under any circumstances
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you are required to inform HDC if you test positive for COVID-19 during or up to 21 days after completing work for us
Hazard : Risk:
Clinically vulnerable volunteers and those aged 70 years and over : The potential to contract COVID-19
If you are in this category and decide to work
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you must take extra care to avoid ‘close’ contact with anyone else when travelling to and from the work site, and whilst conducting the task
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you must adhere to all existing control measures found within this risk assessment
Hazard : Risk:
Lack/loss of communication and lone working : Incidents resulting in injury
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you are recommended to inform someone (i.e. spouse, friend) of the times you intend to volunteer, and confirm when you have returned home safely
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you are recommended to carry a mobile phone with a fully charged battery when working for us
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you must inform HDC of any incidents resulting in injury or near misses whilst working for us
Hazard : Risk:
The use of hand tools : incidents resulting in injury
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you are responsible for your own tools and those lent to you. You should maintain them to a high standard and stop using them if they become broken
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you must report any damage to HDC tools as soon as possible to us, and stop using them immediately
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we assume you are now competent at safely using the tools in your possession but additional guidance will be given if/when needed
Hazard : Risk:
Conservation activities and practical management/ maintenance tasks (various) : Incidents resulting in injury
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you are only permitted to undertake tasks pre-agreed with HDC
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you are not permitted to undertake tasks where social distancing is not possible
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you will be advised of tool/task specific risk assessments relating to the task to be completed
Hazard : Risk:
Highways, car parks and motor/pedestrian traffic : Incidents resulting in injury
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you are not permitted to work alongside public highways or within car parks
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you should pay attention to the work area, and keep an eye out for pedal cyclists, walkers and runners
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you are reminded to take extra care whilst working on or close to a public footpath or bridleway
Hazard : Risk:
Livestock and farm animals : Incidents resulting in injury
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you are not permitted to work in fields or enclosures containing farm animals (e.g. horses, sheep, cattle)
Hazard : Risk:
Lakes, rivers and other water sources : Incidents resulting in injury and possible drowning
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you are not permitted to enter a lake, river or other water source under any circumstances
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you must stay a minimum of 3m away from a lake, river or other water source whilst working (unless pre-arranged with HDC)
If you are not comfortable with volunteering at this time then please don’t feel obliged to do so.
Your safety and wellbeing are our biggest priority