Wicksteed Park Model Boat Club Risk Assessment.
Brief Description of area
The lake is situated within the boundary of Wicksteed Park on the A6 in Kettering. The park is used by families and children and dog walkers 24 hours 7 days a week and is therefore accessible at any time.
Risk Assessment
1. Driving into park/parking
Club members are permitted to drive into the park and park vehicles in the area marked for model boating. Speed limits are marked and must be adhered to. As the park is open to the public, members must be vigilant at all times when driving and parking in the park area to ensure that no accidents occur. Extra care should be taken when reversing as children play in this area.
Risk – low
2. Concrete walkway/edging around the lake and decking
Care must be taken by members when walking around the lake or on the decking as debris such as leaves and wild bird droppings can cause the surfaces to be slippery. Particular care should be taken when launching boats.
Risk – low
2a. All Areas.
In the interests of safety of members and the general public and in the absence of a secure members only area, all trolly/ carts that are used to transport model boats or working party equipment should either have the handles detached or made to stay in an upright position when used at the lake side and not lay on the ground.
Risk - Low.
3 The lake
The lake is owned by Wicksteed Park and is open to all members of the public. It is formed of concrete and the depth varies from 50cm to 75cm. Boats can therefore be retrieved by someone wearing thigh waders or similar. Likelihood of drowning is low as you can stand in the lake, but it should be noted that the WPMBC cannot ask any member to enter the lake, if they do so, then it is their own decision. Also, members should not enter the lake with bare feet or old shoes. If someone does fall in, all members should assist in ensuring that person is safe.
Risk – low
4. Batteries
Most members recharge batteries at home. However, if batteries are being charged ‘on site’ this is to be done in a remote area well away from members/public. Charging process to be monitored at all times by the member. Great care with Lipo or similar batteries.
Risk – low
5. Steam power
Steam powered boats to be powered up in full accordance with the accepted safety procedures and to have appropriate certificates where required.
Risk - low
6. Boats
Boats will vary in length. Scale boats predominately electric power, some steam. Owners of steam to ensure that the flammable fuels are stored correctly and that non-members cannot tamper with canisters containing fuel or any other equipment. Owners of boats to ensure that the boats are powered up safely, particularly if members of the public are near and they should be asked to move back. Safety is paramount. Boats and equipment are not to be left in positions where they could become a trip hazard.
Members to be particularly mindful of this as with lack of care this could be the cause of an accident.
Risk – low
7. Boats on the water
Members to ensure they are running on the correct crystals/channel and not crossing with another user prior to launch. Check channel board before switching on. Current users of the 2.4 GHz FASST should not be affected by other users. All 27-40 MHz transmitters with extendable aerials to have a golf ball or similar on the end to prevent injury to others.
Risk – low
8. General
The lake is the property of Wicksteed Park and is not owned by WPMBC. It is open at all times to members of the public but should an accident occur, any person present should call for emergency services. Most people have mobile phones to enable this to be done. Take care of your own health and safety and that of people who may be affected by what you do or do not do.
To call for emergency services telephone the Wicksteed Park reception on 01536 512475 .
This procedure ensures that the Park management is aware of an incident from the outset, they can assess the required response to the incident and prepare to escort the emergency services to the scene of the incident with the minimum of delay.
Revision April 2013 V.1.1
Revision April 2014 V.1.1 No alterations or additions at this time.
Revised April 2015 v1.2 Addition of section 2a.
