Crychan Forest Association
Risk Assessment For Trail Users
|
Hazard
|
Consequence
|
Risk
|
Action
|
| Uneven or steep track surface | Possible slip or fall |
Medium |
Dismount and lead horse, Cyclists walk. |
| Boggy ground | Horses may become stuck |
Medium |
Horses and walkers skirt around boggy areas |
| Swollen streams at fords | Walkers and riders have trouble crossing |
Low |
Discontinue use of route |
| Other trail users | Horses, cyclists and walkers startled and caused to run off track |
Medium |
Slow down for other trail users. Dismounted horses to be tethered, corralled or on a leading rein. Dogs to be kept on a lead at all times. |
| Weather | Weather conditions can change rapidly leading to exposure – or sunburn |
Low |
Wear suitable clothing. Carry spare food and clothing, first aid and survival bag. Check weather conditions before setting out. Visit the Brecon Beacons Met Office website. |
| Forest operations – harvesting, ground preparation, planting, road repairs, quarrying etc | Contact with machinery, falling trees etc |
High |
Do not enter a live forest operations site. Obey all warning signs and barriers. Follow all diversions.Visit www.openaccess.gov.uk |
| Events – car rallies, motor cycle, horse, carriage driving, cycle | Contact with event participants |
High |
Advance warning notices posted at forest entrances several weeks before event. Do not enter a live stage event. Obey all warning signs and barriers. Follow all diversions. Phone 0300 068 0300 for more information. Visit www.openaccess.gov.uk |
| Military debris | Unexploded flares or blanks may cause serious injury if handled |
Medium |
Do not touch or pick up any objects |
| Troops training | Activities close to trails may surprise civilian or military personnel |
Low |
Awareness that the forest is an area used for military training and may be subject to unusually intense activity |
| Traffic and carriage drivers on roads | Sudden approach may upset trail users |
Medium |
Awareness that this is a working forest, make way for oncoming vehicles and carriage drivers |
| Patchy mobile phone coverage | Could add to problems in an emergency |
Medium |
Be aware of areas of weak signal strength (low ground) and areas with better reception (high ground) Good coverage on all networks can be found at the Babel shelter (Grid ref: SN841368) |
| Darkness | Disorientation |
Low |
Plan your start to avoid nightfall. Carry a map and torch. Locate a numbered waymarker to identify your location |
High risk hazard: could easily result in someone being harmed
Medium risk hazard: could possibly result in someone being harmed
Low risk hazard: could rarely result in someone being harmed
Source: FC Wales
Issued 1 Feb 2005