MEMBER'S AREA
Health & Safety AND HAZARDS

Safety

A primary concern of the Club is the safety of members while tramping.   The Club rules and responsibilities provide guidelines and the following sections give information and suggestions to assist members to tramp safely.

 

Training

The Club will endeavour to run or organise various training courses during the year in such things as snow skills, river crossing, navigation, leadership, first aid etc.   Members are urged to attend these courses as appropriate.   At the discretion of the committee, some of these courses may be subsidised.   Such courses will be advertised in the newsletter and by the official club email list.

No technical training shall be advertised or run without prior coordination with the Club captain or deputy Club captain.

 

Member Information Card

The Club’s Member Information card, containing the following details, must always be carried.

  • Your name and address.
  • Your doctor’s name and phone number.
  • The phone number of your next-of-kin or other contact.
  • Any medical condition, and/or medication you are taking and its location.

This card should be kept in a plastic bag in an outer pocket of your pack or in your first aid kit together with a notebook and pencil.

Medical Emergency Form

It is recommended that a club member with any significant health conditions completes this form in case they find themselves in hospital, after being on a day or overnight tramp.

  • Completion of this form by club members is OPTIONAL and information on it is CONFIDENTIAL.
  • This form is in addition to the Member Information Card kept by members in their packs.
  • The information on this form is for emergency use only and will be used if a member has a medical event or accident while participating on a club tramp.
  • The information will only be accessed by the Tramp Leader or their delegate and given to the relevant medical and/or emergency services personnel.
  • The Medical Emergency Form should be kept in a sealed, plastic envelope in the day pack or backpack.

 

HAZARD CHART

Risk

Hazard

Control

Person unfit.


Tired, slow, other
members getting
cold.

Ascertain fitness prior to
tramp. Manage speed to
prevent exhaustion.
Have adequate rest stops.
Lighten their loads.

Inadequate
gear.

Could cause trip to
be altered or
cancelled.
Becoming cold,
potential for
hypothermia.
Dehyration.

Ensure person has minimum
gear list, especially new
members.

Adverse weather
hot or cold,
gales.

Person gets cold
and wet,
hypothermia,
gear gets wet,
snow blindness,
heat exhaustion,
sunburn.

Ensure person has minimum
gear list.
Gear packed in waterproof
bags.
Prepare for adverse weather
with appropriate clothing.
Use spare set of clothing.
Use weather forecast to aid
decisions prior to and during
the activity. Carry adequate
water and sun screen. Use
sun screen and hat.
Be aware of hypothermia
symptoms and signs of
fatigue and dehydration.

Water – lakes,
ponds, stream or
river crossings.
Flash floods.

Person gets cold
and wet
Gear gets wet
Broken bones,
lacerations.
Person swept away,
drowning.

Assess safety of crossing.
Cross as a group.
Look for secure footing on
steep banks.
Get into dry clothing.
Check weather conditions
prior to trip

Natural hazards -
uneven or
slippery ground.

Tripping, falls,
injuries, including
sprains, fractures,
grazes, cuts.

Look at the ground and
choose steps carefully.
Ensure boots are fit for
purpose and have sufficient
tread.

Falling objects,
tree roots

Fractures, bruising,
cuts concussion,
eye injury.

Be aware of the physical
environment. Avoid areas
in high winds or after heavy
rain.
Ascertain injury and give
appropriate care and first
aid.

Tracks and
structures

Falls resulting in
sprains, broken
bones, cuts etc.
Advise landowner of
hazards.

Point out any holes, or
obstacles/hazards to group.
Heed signs – eg bridge
loadings.

Fire lighting and
cooking.

Burns, asphyxiation

Ensure safety and give first
aid. Gas not to be used in
confined space without
ventilation and turned off
after use. Fuel kept away
from heat sources.

Animal traps,
bait stations.

Crushing, bruising,
poisoning

Do not touch traps or bait
stations.

Stings, allergies.

Person in pain,
unwell,
Hay fever,
anaphylactic shock

Administer first aid.
Set off locator beacon if
severe reaction.
Be prepared to do CPR.

Group losing
member.

Person gets lost.

Leader to keep group
together and count heads
regularly. Ensure there is a
tail end Charlie.
Group to follow leader's
instructions and not wander
off on own route.

Avalanche.

Members getting
buried under snow

Avoid any areas where there
is an avalanche risk.
Pre-tramp, check warnings
on DOC and weather
websites.