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Keswick
Rambles, An
independent, ad hoc group dedicated to providing daily on demand walks from
the Moot Hall Tourist Information Centre. Hazard
identification. All
walks take place on the mountains and fells surrounding Keswick. The hazards
include the inherent dangers involved whilst walking in mountain areas:-rough
terrain, navigation problems, the weather, and the abilities of those taking
part. Communication by mobile phone is impossible in certain areas. Who
and how may they be harmed. All
those taking part, both the clients and leaders, may suffer injuries from
falling on the rough ground. Walks
take place in territory that is remote and possibly without mobile
communication, people with existing medical complaints are therefore at
particular risk. Weather
related injury is also possible, sun burn, heat stroke or more likely
hypothermia. Clients with particular medical problems may be at greater risk
depending upon their condition. Risk
assessment and precautions. The
inherent risk of walking in the Lake District cannot be removed, it is one of
the reasons people do it. It can however be controlled to some extent. Keswick Rambles as a group must have more than average knowledge of the geographical areas in which they operate, they must have extensive experience of active walking in the area in all weathers and conditions. They must be aware of and operate using the disciplines given by the Mountain Leader Training courses offered by Mountain Leader Training UK. At least one member of the group will have passed the MLT Assessment.Full
route plans,
with allowance for ‘escape’ routes, should be examined and approved by the
group of leaders as a whole. A
first aid kit and qualified person must be available for all walks, as an
extra precaution all participants are asked to bring their personal first aid
kit. On
the day it is the responsibility of the Group member present to assess the
capabilities, equipment and health of prospective participants. It
has been decided that it is unsafe to go on the mountains with just one
person. It is up to the Keswick Rambles representative on the day to decide if
a maximum number is advisable, serious consideration will be given for over 12
people. A
briefing on safety, the route and expected weather conditions must be given
along with the warning that if conditions are, in the opinion of Keswick
Rambles, unsuitable or become unsuitable the walk will either be abandoned or
the route modified. Any route modification must be advised to another member
of the group, or other responsible person. This
document must be available to those taking part in any activity of Keswick
Rambles who should be advised that any person wilfully ignoring the procedures
listed will be do so entirely at their own risk. During
the walk the party must stay together in, at a minimum, visual contact, i.e.
in clear weather it is not necessary to be in as close contact as in cloud or
mist. Constant checking of the number of people present is also imperative. Hazards,
such as abnormally slippery, steep or otherwise damaging conditions should be
pointed out throughout the walk. Advise
must be given if necessary on the health problems relating, of drinking water
from mountain streams, Lymes disease in bracken and long grass, the dangers of
grasping bracken and heather for support. Equipment
in accordance with MLTE guidance will be carried on all walks. This
document has been prepared as guidance of all taking part in the activities of
Keswick Rambles and is subject to ongoing revision at group meetings. |