Guidelines, Risk assessments
It is essential that members read this for insurance purposes.
Walkers take part in walks entirely at their own risk. The Club, officers and walks leaders of the Club cannot accept any responsibility for injuries or loss incurred by members or other persons whilst taking part in any of the Group`s activities.
Clothing
1. Waterproof jacket and overtrousers are essential – jeans are not suitable.
2. Warm hat and gloves are essential for even warm days, sun-hats and cream for sunnier days.
3. Food (emergency rations advisable as well) and drink is essential on day walks; extra drink in warm weather.
4. Wind-proof jackets are needed for most days on the fells.
5. Remember that layering is the best way to insulate against cold and one layer can always be discarded if too hot. Spare clothing in case of emergencies is advisable.
Footwear
Footwear with a good grip on the sole e.g. Vibram is the key to avoiding accidents. Walking boots provide support at the ankle, keep feet dry and are essential for both moorland and fell walking.
Equipment
1. Rucksack with waterproof inner.
2. Water bottle, capacity at least 1 litre.
3. Survival bag.
4. Personal first aid kit – do not rely on others for bite relief, sticking plasters, painkillers etc
5. Walking poles: check that they are the right height for you and take great care not to get them in others' way. Always carry point down.
6. Hi-Viz jacket/waistcoat
SAFETY
1. The walk leader will assess the weather conditions on the day and his/her word will be final as to whether the walk is cancelled, altered or adjusted in any way whatsoever.
2. The walk leader will appoint a “back marker” and it is vital that no walker gets behind that person. If it is necessary to fall back, you MUST let the back marker or other person know what you are doing.
3. All walkers must keep the leader in view, PARTICULARLY in mist.
4. If anyone leaves a walk for whatever reason, then the walk leader will no longer be responsible for that person and the club will not be held responsible for any mishap whatsoever once the walk has been left.
5. Walkers must be prepared to walk as a group and maintain contact with the leader or back marker at all times. Anyone in front of the leaders and out of contact will be considered to have left the club walk. The walk leader must be informed immediately of any difficulties or problems experienced by members of the walk. If you wish to leave the walk, the leader must be informed.
6. For your own safety and in case of emergency, it is good practice to carry contact details and where appropriate essential medical information in your rucksack. It is essential that you let the group leader know of any possible medical situations which could arise and what should be done if it does.
SAFETY OFFICER
The safety officer is Tom Fortune, please report any concerns to the walk leader primarily, or to Tom. Incident forms are available and will be completed if necessary.
MOBILE PHONES should NEVER be used whilst actually moving on a walk and, in any case, use should be kept to an absolute minimum for the enjoyment of all walkers.
Risk Assessment, leaders' notes
It is essential that members read this for insurance purposes.
Risk assessment of the Carlisle & District Rambling & Fellwalking Club
1. Hazards
We identify the following hazards for our members when out walking:
(a) Falling over and breaking or spraining wrists, ankles, etc
(b) Slipping on muddy paths and hurting themselves on ground impact.
(c) Getting behind on a walk and not knowing where the group is.
(d) Crossing roads and walking on roads.
2. Who might be harmed?
Any member out walking
3. Control Measures
(a) All walks leaders receive a guide to safety when out walking.
(b) All new members receive a guide to safety when out with the club.
(c) Walks leaders are instructed to carry charged mobile phones and must be able to give a grid reference to emergency services in the event of a serious accident.
(d) All members must carry a simple first-aid kit to deal with minor incidents.
4. Additional Control measures
No unnecessary risks are taken in poor weather conditions. All group leaders are asked to make “on the spot” assessments and, if necessary, they are to cancel, change or alter the advertised walk. All group leaders are given the authority to prevent anyone from walking with them if the member is unsuitably dressed or shod.
5. The risk assessment is given to all committee members, leaders and is published on our website
CARLISLE & DISTRICT RAMBLING CLUB – GUIDELINES FOR WALKS LEADERS
It is essential to have route knowledge and preferably to have reconnoitred the walk.
All leaders are instructed to carry a fully-charged mobile phone. Mobile phone numbers should be exchanged with other leaders, where necessary and with a walker who leaves the group for any reason.The walk leaders must appoint a back-marker who can be changed during the walk.
Everyone must be kept reasonably together, especially in mist and re-grouping should take place if there are any stragglers.The overall pace should take in all levels of walkers.
The walk leader must assess weather conditions – and change/cancel/alter a walk as necessary.
Make sure everyone is suitably clothed and shod. and prevent a walker from going out if unsuitably attired or not fit enough to complete the walk. The walk leader should give a resume of the length and terrain which will be covered before starting. All walk leaders must be able to give a grid reference in the event of an accident. An Ordnance Survey, Harvey`s or other map (preferable 1:25000) and compass must be carried, even if using a GPS device. Leaders should be aware of all hazards including road walking, the generally safe way to road walk is to face on-coming traffic but blind corners etc should be taken into account.
SAFETY OFFICER
The club safety officer is Tom Fortune, please report any accident, injury or incident of any kind concerning safety or welfare of others to the walk leader or to Tom. Please note that there are incident forms available which will be completed when necessary.
Carlisle & District Rambling & Fellwalking Club
Club Rules & Safety Guidelines