Tree Friends - Record of risk assessment
Risk assessment on tree work by volunteers
Who is affected?
All registered Tree Friends.
Work location:
Public highway.
|
What could cause harm? |
Severity |
Likelihood |
Risk rating |
How can you reduce the risk? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Slips |
3 |
3 |
9 |
Wear suitable sturdy footwear with good grip. |
|
Trips and falls |
3 |
3 |
9 |
Work during daylight hours or in well-lit areas. Do not leave any items on the footway (pavement) that create a tripping hazard. |
|
Weather |
3 |
3 |
9 |
Wear suitable clothing to keep warm. It is better to wear more layers rather than fewer thick layers. Have regular breaks and drinks. |
|
Sunny weather (Effects of strong sunlight, heatstroke, sunburn, dehydration) |
3 |
3 |
9 |
Wear a protective sunhat and suitable sun lotion. Have regular breaks and drinks. |
|
Vehicular traffic when |
5 |
3 |
15 |
Never work alone. Wear upper body hi-vis clothing. Only work in hours of daylight. Only work on the pavement/footway and in roads with a maximum of 30mph speed limit. Face on-coming traffic. Stand back and watch for vehicle to go past if it is passing in close proximity. Carry a charged mobile phone in case of emergency. |
|
Lifting water (Manual handling injury) |
3 |
3 |
9 |
Practice good manual handling techniques, as referred to in the Tree Friends training video which all Tree Friends must observe before watering trees. Refer to Manual Handling Operations: A Brief Guide, that can be found at www.hse. |
|
Using secateurs and loppers (Injury from tools or cut branches) |
3 |
3 |
9 |
Secateurs and loppers should not be used by anyone under the age of 18. Only cut branches up to 10mm thick. Always work on the ground (i.e. do not stand on a chair or up a ladder). Do not remove anything above chest height. |
|
Sharp branches (cut to skin or injury to eye). |
3 |
3 |
9 |
Check that your tetanus vaccinations are up to date. Further details can be found at www.nhs.uk. Make sure a first aid kit is close at hand. Wear safety glasses to protect eyes. |
|
Allergic reaction to plant sap (Irritation to skin and/or eyes) |
3 |
3 |
9 |
First aid - Wash skin with water and for eye contact: irrigate with clean water for at least 10 minutes. If severe symptoms develop, obtain medical attention. |
|
Lone working on |
3 |
3 |
9 |
Never work alone. |
|
Physical exertion (Exhaustion, injury) |
3 |
3 |
9 |
Work within your own capabilities. Be mindful of your limitations. Take frequent rest breaks. Consult with a doctor if you are unsure of whether you are physically capable of the task you are undertaking. |
|
Children working |
3 |
3 |
9 |
Children under the age of 18 should only carry out tasks under the supervision of an adult. A parent/guardian should ensure that the child understands how to use any equipment that has been provided and that they are undertaking tasks within their physical capabilities. |
|
“Insect” bites and stings. |
3 |
3 |
9 |
Wear clothes that cover the skin as much as possible and apply insect repellent to exposed skin. Repellents that contain 50% DEET (diethyltoluamide) are most effective. If you notice a tic or have been stung and the sting is still in your skin, remove it as soon as possible, then wash the affected area with soap and water (refer to www.nhs.uk/condition/lyme-disease and www.nhs.uk/conditions/insect-bites-and-stings/symptoms). Most insect bites and stings are not serious and will get better within a few hours or days, however, seek medical help if:
Occasionally, a severe allergic reaction can occur. Dial 999 for an ambulance if you have wheezing or difficulty breathing, a swollen face, mouth, or throat, feeling sick or being sick, a fast heart rare, dizziness or feeling faint or difficulty swallowing. |