National Marine Aquarium

Operations Risk Assessment

Before signing this form, consider if all identified risks are reduced as far as is reasonably practicable, and if any further hazards or risks should be controlled.

Risk Assessment / Name / Job Title / Signature / Date
Undertaken by
/ Loveday Trinick / Schools Officer / / 02.01.2018
Approved by
/ Drew Colenso / Head of Facilities / D.Colenso / 02.01.2018
Authorised by
/ Nicola Murray / Head of Discovery & Learning
Conditions for Authorisation
/ Any umbrella control that the Authorising Manager wishes to add.

“Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.

“You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today.”
Abraham Lincoln

Reason for Risk Assessment & Details of Activity / Issue
Site / Building:
National Marine Aquarium, Rope Walk, Coxside, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 0LF
Various external sites, including schools and outdoors.
Area / Room:
National Marine Aquarium: school storage areas, walkways and stairwells (FoH and BoH), Back lane, electric car bay and electric car.
This risk assessment also involves external areas:Roads, walkways and school property (both internal and external) and other various offsite areas
Activity / Issue Under Assessment:
This risk assessment covers activities which are called schools and public outreach. This involves all activities covered within the Workshops RA and the Shows RA. In addition it will cover transportation and delivery of these workshops and shows in an external environment.
See: Workshop RA, STEM show RA, please note that COSHH for dry ice, liquid nitrogen and hydrogen gas for workshops are not necessary for this risk assessment as chemicals of that nature would not be used in outreach. COSHH for Borax is relevant.
Risk assessments for individual school should be sourced if necessary before the outreach event. Point of use risk assessments may be required for certain external environments.
Activity / Issue Start Date: / Activity / Issue End Date:
On-going?

May 2017

National Marine Aquarium

Operations Risk Assessment

Hazards and Risks

Hazards and Risks should be considered before any controls have been implemented i.e. in considering a piece of machinery, it is important to consider the hazards and risks present without, for example, any existing guarding or emergency stops. This ensures the true risk is identified and ALL required controls are included within the controls section of the risk assessment and are identified as essential to maintain the identified Residual Risk.

Significant Hazards

Look for hazards, which you could reasonably expect to result in significant harm under the conditions in the workplace. Use the following examples as a guide but carefully consider whether other hazards are present:

May 2017

National Marine Aquarium

Operations Risk Assessment

  • Insufficient training & experience
  • Electrical supply & appliances
  • Dusts, Gasses & Fumes
  • Workstation arrangement
  • Light levels (dim or dazzling)
  • Manual & mechanical handling
  • Overhead & buried services
  • Sharp edges & objects

  • Machinery
  • Radiation
  • Slips, trips & falls
  • Noise & vibration
  • Fire & explosion
  • Working at height
  • Poor ergonomics
  • Lone Working

  • Confined spaces
  • Hazardous substances
  • Adverse weather
  • Assaults & violence
  • Extremes of temperature
  • Vehicles & transportation
  • Construction, demolition & excavations

May 2017

National Marine Aquarium

Operations Risk Assessment

Who is at Risk

There is no need to list individuals by name, just identify groups of people doing similar work or who may be affected (paying particular attention to those more vulnerable), and enter their code:

May 2017

National Marine Aquarium

Operations Risk Assessment

  • O =Operators
  • PSW=People Sharing Workplace
  • OB =Others in Building
  • LW =Lone Workers
  • SG =School Groups
  • CMC=Cleaners, Maintenance Staff, Contractors
  • PV =Public / Visitors
  • VG =Vulnerable Groups (i.e. expectant mothers,

inexperienced, young, elderly, disabled)

May 2017

National Marine Aquarium

Operations Risk Assessment

Likelihood of Harm Occurring

Assess how likely it is that harm will occur as a result of the hazard. Consider factors such as time of day, light levels, weather conditions, how busy the area is and how familiar people are with the area.

Degree of Potential Harm

Assess the degree of harm that is likely to occur. Consider immediate and long-term risks: some may not become apparent for several years (e.g. back problems or toxic accumulation).

Risk Rating: Initial

The identified likelihood and degree of harm provides the Risk Rating. This is relatively subjective:

  • A High likelihood and a High degree would relate to a High initial risk
  • A Low likelihood and a Low degree would relate to a Low initial risk
  • A Low likelihood and a High degree would relate to a Medium initial risk
  • A High likelihood and a Low degree would relate to a Medium initial risk

Controls & Residual Risks

Controls

May 2017

National Marine Aquarium

Operations Risk Assessment

Do the precautions already taken?

  • Meet the standards set by a legal requirement?
  • Comply with a recognised industry standard?
  • Represent good practice?
  • Reduce risk as far as reasonably practicable?

Have you provided?

  • Adequate information, instruction or training?
  • Adequate systems or procedures?
  • Appropriate tools, equipment and PPE?

May 2017

National Marine Aquarium

Operations Risk Assessment

If so, then the risks are adequately controlled, but you need to indicate the precautions you have in place. Where the risk is not adequately controlled, indicate what more you need to do.

For each hazard identified under Section 1, list the controls (existing or to be implemented), or note where the information may be found (i.e. Procedures, Working Instructions, COSHH forms etc.)

Residual risk

Even after all precautions have been taken, some risk usually remains. What you have to decide for each hazard is whether the remaining risk is high, medium or low.

It is the assessor’s responsibility to ensure all significant hazards have been identified and suitable and sufficient controls detailed to ensure the Residual Risk is ALARP: As Low As Reasonably Practicable

If the Residual Risk cannot be reduced to a LOW rating through the application of appropriate controls, then the Assessor, Approver and Authoriser must question if the activity or issue is permitted to continue or if further investigation and consideration is required. This could require completely altering the way a task, process or activity is conducted and even if it should be conducted at all.

It is the Line Managers responsibility to ensure all controls are appropriately implemented.

It is the responsibility of all staff to abide by all H&S controls and requirements.

May 2017

National Marine Aquarium

Operations Risk Assessment

Hazard: Competency and training / Who is
at Risk
(O, PSW, OB, LW, CMC, PV, VG) / Likelihood
of Harm Occurring
(High, Med, Low) / Degree of Potential Harm
(High, Med, Low) / Risk
Rating
(High, Med, Low)
Significant Hazards: / Initial
  • Injury caused by:
-Young and inexperienced workers
-Lack of experience in the workplace, knowledge of systems, processes and procedures.
  • Workers unfamiliar with tools, equipment and machinery (e.g. company vehicle)
  • Lack of ability to maintain group control
/ O, PSW, OB, LW, CMC, PV, VG, SG / High / High / High
Controls and Residual Risk: / Likelihood / Degree / Residual
  • All workers to receive the H&S induction, to read and understand this risk assessment and to undertake any training deemed necessary
  • All workers to be fully instructed regarding:
  • The nature and scope of their responsibilities
  • The specific hazards associated with certain areas or equipment
  • The specific hazards associated with their own or others activities
  • Specific issues which require contractor support
  • All workers to be sufficiently trained to carry out their expected duties and maintain safety during emergencies.
  • All workers to be deemed competent to undertake required activities, to understand their competency levels and barriers and all competencies to be recorded departmentally
  • Work experience workers, inexperienced workers, tour participants and visitors to BoH areas must be suitably assessed, instructed, supervised and controlled to ensure their safety in unfamiliar environments
  • Refer to relevant activity overview and COSHH if applicable
  • Contractors must be vetted and approved prior to being engaged. They must provide suitable and sufficient H&S documents, be signed into the building and be issued a ‘Permit to Work’ by Facilities prior to commencing ANY work activities
/ Low / Low / Low
Hazard: Individual circumstances and capabilities / Who is
at Risk
(O, PSW, OB, LW, CMC, PV, VG) / Likelihood
of Harm Occurring
(High, Med, Low) / Degree of Potential Harm
(High, Med, Low) / Risk
Rating
(High, Med, Low)
Significant Hazards: / Initial
  • Young and inexperienced workers.
  • Expectant or new mothers
  • Elderly, disabled or with pre-existing health conditions
  • Sight or hearing conditions with inadequate provision causing issues with driving the company vehicle
/ O, PSW, OB, LW, CMC, PV, VG / Med / Med / Med
Controls and Residual Risk: / Likelihood / Degree / Residual
  • Ensure individual circumstances are considered for every worker and visitor to site. This is to include risk assessments, where required, to cover all individual circumstances including short-term changes due to ill-health, injury or pregnancy etc.
  • Individuals driving the car should be aware of this risk assessment and any that require visual or auditory assistance to drive should use them at all times in the company vehicle
/ Low / Med / Low
Hazard: Welfare arrangements / Who is
at Risk
(O, PSW, OB, LW, CMC, PV, VG) / Likelihood
of Harm Occurring
(High, Med, Low) / Degree of Potential Harm
(High, Med, Low) / Risk
Rating
(High, Med, Low)
Significant Hazards: / Initial
  • Cleanliness of areas – risk of germs and bacterial contamination
  • Risk of not maintaining adequate hydration and blood sugar levels
  • Picking up marine and beach debris while conducting a beach clean
  • Oil pollution/contamination
  • Contact with skin causing burns and dermatitis. Toxins from different oil components can also be ingested and inhaled.
  • Unsupervised groups, such as Ocean Squad, where a member of the Discovery and Learning team is the responsible adult.
/ O, PSW, OB, LW, CMC, PV & VG / Med / Med / Med
Controls and Residual Risk: / Likelihood / Degree / Residual
  • Ensure that schools areas or workshop areas are kept clean at all times
  • Ensure company vehicle is kept in a clean, tidy and safe state at all times. Safety issues should be reported immediately to a competent individual and should not be driven until inspected
  • Support the Housekeeping team by maintaining clear work and communal areas and walkaways at all times ensuring waste is disposed in the correct receptacles within the Aquarium
  • Do not store food in work areas i.e. in company vehicle
  • Remove all rubbish to the appropriate bins
  • Clean up all spillages immediately
  • Report any cleaning or hygiene issues to Housekeeping or Facilities
  • Use the welfare facilities responsibly
  • Ensure adequate rest breaks are provided
  • Ensure access to welfare facilities (such as toilets)
  • Ensure that school children have rested, hydrated and eaten if workshop activities take place at the end of the day
  • Ensure that teachers know the format for the day so they can ensure the welfare of the children is taken care of
  • Prior inspection of demonstration area if offsite to ensure adequate space and hygiene facilities.
  • Coordination and cooperation with partners to ensure site suitability with Outreach and Events
  • Safety talk prior to event to staff and students warning them of hazards when conducting beach cleans
  • All participants asked to wear gloves provided at all times. Volunteers instructed not to pick up any hazardous materials (including animal waste and needles) under any circumstances and are instead asked to notify National Marine Aquarium staff.
  • Sharps bins and hazmat handling kit should be made available.
  • National Marine Aquarium staff advised that they should not handle the Hazmat.
  • Inspection of site prior to rockpooling
  • Avoid surveying area of beach with oil spills and inform any working groups of safe work areas. Move any members of the public away from oil spill areas. Close event if major oil spill
  • Discovery and Learning team members to ensure the safety and whereabouts of all unsupervised groups, such as Ocean Squad.
/ Low / Med / Low
Hazard: Slips, trips and falls / Who is
at Risk
(O, PSW, OB, LW, CMC, PV, VG) / Likelihood
of Harm Occurring
(High, Med, Low) / Degree of Potential Harm
(High, Med, Low) / Risk
Rating
(High, Med, Low)
Significant Hazards: / Initial
  • Trailing leads
  • Liquids dust and debris
  • Obstructions i.e. chairs and tables
  • Change in level i.e. stairs and ramps
  • Slips, trips and falls on rocks and seaweed
/ O, PSW, LW, CMC, PV & VG, SG / Med / High / High
Controls and Residual Risk: / Likelihood / Degree / Residual
  • Ensure all outreach materials are stored safely when not in use and when in use ensure that they won’t cause harm
  • Ensure that when manoeuvring before and after outreach sessions, care is taken
  • First aid kit should be taken where none will be present at outreach location
  • Coordination and cooperation with partners to ensure site suitability with Outreach and Events
  • When rockpooling, safety brief should be given prior to any activity. This should include information about slippery rocks, slippery seaweed, deep water and the tide
  • Avoid climbing up to high rocks and avoid seaweed covered areas.
/ Low / High / Med
Hazard: Manual handling / Who is
at Risk
(O, PSW, OB, LW, CMC, PV, VG) / Likelihood
of Harm Occurring
(High, Med, Low) / Degree of Potential Harm
(High, Med, Low) / Risk
Rating
(High, Med, Low)
Significant Hazards: / Initial
  • Lifting heavy items incorrectly or without support
  • Fatigue or loss of concentration causing injury
  • Crushing or impact injuries from uncontrolled load i.e. trolleys on ramps
  • Sudden unexpected events causing cuts, bruises, fractures etc.
  • Gradual and cumulative wear and tear from repetitive strain
  • Manual handling carried out with a person with muscular or skeletal disorders
/ O, PSW, LW & OB / Med / Med / Med
Controls and Residual Risk: / Likelihood / Degree / Residual
  • All workers to have undertaken sufficient Manual Handling (including group handling) training to ensure expected tasks can be performed without undue risk to themselves or others
  • All workers must be fully aware of risks presented by manual handling
  • All workers to view Manual Handling training video
  • Workers to be issued with appropriate PPE i.e. gloves and shoes
  • Group handling and / or manual handling equipment to be used where required (be aware this will create new risks that need to be controlled)
  • Specific high-risk operations must be individually risk assessed
/ Low / Med / Low
Hazard: Workstation arrangement / Who is
at Risk
(O, PSW, OB, LW, CMC, PV, VG) / Likelihood
of Harm Occurring
(High, Med, Low) / Degree of Potential Harm
(High, Med, Low) / Risk
Rating
(High, Med, Low)
Significant Hazards: / Initial
  • Muscular skeletal disorders
  • Nerve damage i.e. carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Eyestrain and migraines
/ O / Med / High / Med
Controls and Residual Risk: / Likelihood / Degree / Residual
  • Internal car environment should be set to suit the current driver of the company vehicle. Feet should comfortably reach the peddles with no strain, mirrors should be viewable with no strain and steering wheels should be a comfortable distance from the driver.
  • Any issues with comfort and welfare in the company vehicle should be reported to a line manager
  • Facilities conduct hardware/mechanical assessments where deemed necessary by the outcome of self-assessment
  • Ensure suitable and sufficient equipment provided for expected use
  • Ensure appropriate rest breaks taken suitable for operator work patterns
  • Ensure appropriate protection from glare whilst driving
/ Low / High / Low/Med
Hazard: Electrical supply and appliances / Who is
at Risk
(O, PSW, OB, LW, CMC, PV, VG) / Likelihood
of Harm Occurring
(High, Med, Low) / Degree of Potential Harm
(High, Med, Low) / Risk
Rating
(High, Med, Low)
Significant Hazards: / Initial
  • Contact with live components: Electrocution or burn
  • Ignition of fire or explosion
/ O, PSW, LW, CMC, PV & VG, SW, SG / Med / High / High
Controls and Residual Risk: / Likelihood / Degree / Residual
  • Electric car should only be plugged in and charged by a trained individual
  • Ensure all PAT tests are current for our own equipment
  • Conduct visual checks of each appliance before use
  • Report defects to competent personnel immediately, ensuring equipment is put of use
  • Electrical items, including the electric car should only be used according to manufacturer’s instruction (ensure staff aware of correct use)
  • Equipment only to be used by competent personnel
  • Workers must not interfere with electrical distribution equipment
  • Only competent, trained and authorised workers to conduct ‘work’ on electrical distribution systems or electrical appliances (including electric car)
  • Coordination and cooperation with partners to ensure site suitability with Outreach and Events
/ Low / High / Med
Hazard: Equipment and tools / Who is
at Risk
(O, PSW, OB, LW, CMC, PV, VG) / Likelihood
of Harm Occurring
(High, Med, Low) / Degree of Potential Harm
(High, Med, Low) / Risk
Rating
(High, Med, Low)
Significant Hazards: / Initial
  • Injury caused by misuse of equipment or tools
  • Injury obtained as the gazebo or flags are put up.
  • Strong winds or extreme weather conditions catching the gazebo or flags and blowing them over
/ O, PSW, LW, CMC, SG & VG / High / High / High
Controls and Residual Risk: / Likelihood / Degree / Residual
  • Equipment and tools to be used only by members of staff who have had adequate training, and in appropriate circumstances a student who has adequate direction and is fully supervised
  • Ensure appropriate training and instruction available to all tool users
  • When in any workshop or using any tool ensure:
  • Long hair is tied-back
  • Tools are in good condition
  • Equipment is used strictly in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions
  • Appropriate personal protective equipment is worn by operator & any assistant i.e.
  • Gloves
  • Eye protection
  • Lab coats/overalls
  • Keep all areas clear of debris and clutter. Maintain a clean and clear environment (good housekeeping)
  • Ensure equipment maintained per manufacturer’s instructions by competent personnel on a regular basis and fully serviced annually. Ensure maintenance records are kept.
  • Operator to visually inspect equipment (casings, blades, etc.) before each use
  • Unsuitable equipment must not be used outdoors in inclement weather conditions
  • Equipment must not be modified in any way
  • Ensure the appropriate fire extinguishers are readily available
  • No eating or drinking in the area
  • All staff are trained in the safe erection and use of the gazebo and flags up
  • Staff are to be trained on the potential effects of weather on the gazebo and how to mitigate this. The weather forecast is to be checked before the gazebo or flags are considered for use.
  • The gazebo is to be erected with a minimum of two members of staff, it cannot be erected or dismantled alone
  • The gazebo must never be left unattended, including during set up/pack down, and outside of the event hours
  • In the event of sudden worsening weather the gazebo or flags must be dismantled immediately, and additional help should be enlisted if safe and possible
  • Gazebo feet and flag base weights must always be used
Refer to gazebo training protocol / Low / High / Med