Lothians Conservation Volunteers
It is a legal requirement that Task Leaders do a risk assessment before the task and update it in the light of circumstances on the day. Your risk assessment does not need to be long or complicated and it doesn't have to be documented (though you may find it easier if you write something down).
In order to carry out risk assessment leaders should:
Risk assessment is largely a matter of being familiar with the site and task in question. LCV has a set of standard risk assessments. These are not intended to be followed blindly and to the letter under all circumstances. Rather, they are intended to act as a guide for a leader conducting their own risk assessment and to suggest hazards and control measures which may not have come to mind.
These standard risk assessments can be found by following these links:
Guidance Notes Site Safety Vehicle Operations Residential Tasks Bonfires Bridges and Boardwalks Dunes and Beachwork Fencing Footpaths Ponds, Streams and Rivers Tree Felling Garage fire safety Toolshed fire safety Tree Planting and Weeding Winching Additional guidance on using these generic assessments can be found in the LCV risk assessment guidance notes.
Remember to publicise the hazards and risks in the Safety Talk at the start of each task. Also remember to update your risk assessment in the light of any unexpected conditions or changes on site. It is vital that the Task Leader makes their own assessment of the hazards on the day and that any developments are communicated to the volunteers.