WP004 Work Party - Cutting and Clearing Weed from the Lake

Nature of Hazard

Persons/ Property at Risk

Controls

RISK ASSESSMENT WP004

Wounds from Knife cuts

Members engaged in Clearance of Weed from Lake

The weed cutter has sharp knife blades and is a potential hazard to all members of the working group both when using the cutter and when sharpening the blades.

Members should wear protective, robust gloves and footwear when part of a group using the cutter. The blade covers must be replaced whenever the cutter is not being actively used.

Anyone who is not part of the working group should be excluded from approaching within 10m of where the cutter is being used.

25 May 26

Injuries from Falling

Members engaged in Clearance of Weed from Lake

Clearance of weed involves members hauling cutters &/or rakes through the weed using ropes either from the bank or from a boat. The weed is heavy, wet and slippery, also the banks are sloping and often muddy.

Members must wear robust footwear with good grips and ensure they have a secure footing before hauling on ropes.

When working from a boat then there should be at least 2 members onboard.

When working close to the lakeside workers should be in groups of 3 or more.

Drowning or Exposure

Members engaged in Clearance of Weed from Lake

Members working either on or close to the water should wear personal flotation devices per Club rules. Safety boat and teams on far bank should carry radios. Safety boat available to recover wet and cold casualty.