GENERAL RISK ASSESSMENT Why we do it How

GENERAL RISK ASSESSMENT Why we do it How to do it Ian Dandy Preston and District Astronomical Society

WHAT IS IT AND WHY DO IT? • • • Careful examination of anything which may cause harm We all do it all the time without realising it Allows us to organise/engage in ‘higher risk’ activities Ensures these are adequately controlled Ensures we fulfil our ‘duty of care’ Reduces risk of injury, loss, damage, Protects societies/organisers/volunteers from litigation May be required for event approval Insurance requirement Would help to defend against insurance claims Who should complete a risk assessment?

HOW TO DO IT – the ‘ 5 steps’ to risk assessment • Identify hazards – who might be harmed and how? • Estimate risks – how likely is it to happen? How serious will it be? • Evaluate risks – do we need to do something about it? Can we go ahead with event? • Record findings – How and what to record? • Review assessment – when and why?

WHAT IS A ‘HAZARD’? Anything with the POTENTIAL to cause HARM What kind of hazards at an astronomy event? • • • Slips and trips Pedestrian and vehicle collisions Handling/setting up equipment Using equipment – especially if daytime observing of sun etc. Weather conditions Other activities at venue – e. g. cyclists, dog walkers, sporting activities Electrical equipment Hot liquids/food preparation/consumption Exposure to Covid-19 …Any others?

WHO MAY BE HARMED? GROUP CATEGORIES • Organisers/volunteers • Society members/visitors • Other users of venue/general public INDIVIDUAL CATEGORIES • Young persons • Elderly persons • People with specific needs

COMPLETING THE ASSESSMENT LOOK AT EXISTING CONTROLS • Are there any? • Are they adequate? • Can more be done? PREPARE AN ACTION PLAN • Low risk - no further action needed • Medium risk - Ensure documented controls are in place and activity is closely supervised • High risk - Further specific actions required before activity permitted to commence. RECORDING THE ASSESSMENT – NO SET FORMAT, BUT FOLLOWING SHOULD BE RECORDED • Details of the event and venue • Date and time of assessment • Location, activities, equipment involved • Hazards – who may be harmed and how • Details of existing control measures • Estimated risk • Additional risk controls required (if any) • Details of person carrying out the assessment REVIEW ASSESSMENT • Have additional controls been implemented • What if circumstances change? • Weather conditions? • …any other reasons?