Risk Assessment

Risk Assessment – Student Activities 2008/2009 Athletic Union Club

Mountain Bike

Number of Persons Involved

Nature of Activity

Riding Bicycle Off Road

Frequency of Activity

Assessed By

Simon McDonald (President)

Date

Reviewed By

Hazard Ref.

5.3, 5.9

5.7, 5.11

2-20 at one time Max 4 times/week November 7th 2008

Date

Potential Effect

Late Return

Late return leading to possible: exposure, particularly hypothermia and exhaustion

Existing Controls in Place

Long rides in remote locations should have been ridden in their entirety by the ride leader before being undertaken by a group. If this is not a viable option they should be mapped before the ride commences. Any short cuts back to transport or accommodation should be noted. At least one rider in a group should be a competent navigator, (able to read and use OS style maps or GPS). Each rider should have suitable clothing, including extra layers for rides in remote locations. Checking of long range / intermediate forecasts and tailoring of trips to these. Cancellation of rides due to extreme weather i.e. heavy fog / lightning storms etc.

Score Low/Medium/High Risk

Further Controls Required?

Low

-

Low

-

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OFFICE USE Who By

OFFICE USE Target date

5.8

Risk to separated person

5.9

Late Return, Fall of Darkness

6.1, 6.12, 6.13

6.7

6.16

Danger to less experienced riders

Medical conditions

Possible injury due to group riding

Regular regrouping of riders and head counts. Executive or experienced riders at the front and rear of each group on technically challenging terrain. Riders should carry sufficient lighting for safe return to transport or accommodation. This should include both off and on road lighting as appropriate. A brief overview of any proposed route should be available before each ride, with particular attention paid to required fitness levels and bike handling skills. Frequent stops should be made to provide information on upcoming sections and for head counts to be made.

Low

-

Low

-

Low

-

Low

-

Low

-

It may be appropriate for members to inspect particularly technically challenging sections* of terrain before attempting to ride them. If any person still feels unable to successfully ride a section they should walk it or find an alternative route. An executive member or ride leader should be aware of any medical condition that may become a cause for concern during or as a result of riding, so that appropriate measures to minimize risk can be undertaken. Adequate space should be left between riders on technical sections of riding, although this may not be possible in the event of ‘4X’ or other close quarter riding disciplines.

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7.2

7.11

7.12

Possible traffic incidents involving insufficiently secured bicycles

Personal injury due to falls from a bicycle

Risk of injury due to bicycle failure

Bicycles and additional equipment should be stored securely and safely inside vehicles. Bikes carried on exterior racks etc. are be properly secured to vehicles. Vehicles are not to be overloaded. A minimum of a helmet, (Department for Transport, Bicycle Helmets, http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roadsafety/re search/rsrr/theme1/bicyclehelmetsrevi ewofeffect4726?page=6, last checked 1/5/2007) is required for all rides. Gloves are highly recommended. Additional safety equipment may be used at rider’s discretion, depending on type of riding undertaken. Bikes should be properly maintained and suitable for their chosen application. Advice on such matters, including reputable sources for repairs, parts and maintenance should be offered by experienced members.

Low

-

Medium

Low

-

* Technical Riding: Technically this applies to riding over terrain which is by its nature difficult to ride a bicycle over and as such carries an increased risk of injury. Be it because of obstacles in path, slippery surfaces, elevated riding platforms, drops, jumps, extreme gradients etc.

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