Exeter Health & Safety

Risk Assessment

Exeter risk assessment was reviewed by Marc Wade (Captain) on 04 November 2025.

Off Water hazards

Hazard	Who is at risk?	Duration	Inherent risk	Residual risk	Control measures	Further action required	Notes
Boat and Manual Handling	Paddlers, Crew	Briefly	Probable chance of a Lost Time incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	If carrying a boat alone, paddlers are to ensure it is within the limits of their limitations and experience. Paddler must observe and practice safe handling of equipment, Paddler are to be remind of small operating space and to be patient. Paddlers are to help each other and share any load with larger craft.	All paddlers are advised that two people should lift boats at least. Failure to do so could lead to injury.
Tripping or Slipping on access steps or pontoons. (see also Drowning - Medical section)	Paddlers, Crew	Minority	Possible chance of a Lost Time incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Advised to wear suitable wet footwear with a non-slip sole, or training shoes, when using the access steps to the pontoons and whilst stepping on and off the pontoon bridges. Pontoon walking surface wood is specific non-slip construction. But care needs to be exercised to avoid algae or, bird deposits etc. particularly when wet.	Ongoing Housekeeping Maintenance to ensure the minimum build-up of growth or droppings by AquaPaddle Crew when the risk is increasing. Ongoing continual review that all conditions are being observed and adhered to by AquaPaddle Crew.

On Water hazards

Hazard	Who is at risk?	Duration	Inherent risk	Residual risk	Control measures	Further action required	Notes
Collision with other waterway users	Paddlers, Crew	Majority	Possible chance of a Major incident	Possible chance of a Minor incident	Paddlers instructed to be aware of other river users and how to take appropriate/avoiding action. Paddlers to pass on River right when going upstream or downstream. However, on bends a dynamic assessment of position is necessary.  The canal meanders and can be very busy with multiple providers and clubs. Paddlers must be wary and polite.	All members of the group are to be informed as to possible other river users and locations, what to do when boats approach
Low bridge	Paddlers, Crew	Constant	Possible chance of a Minor incident	Improbable chance of a Minor incident	Participants must comply with AquaPaddle/Club Policies and therefore with certain British Canoeing Policies. AquaPaddlers are to be informed of such risk. On AND off crew to supervise area. Paddlers who feel uncomfortable are to be advised to kneel or sit.	Ongoing continual review that all conditions are being observed and adhered to by Crew. Ensure each member/visitor has access to a current copy of the AquaPaddle Policies, via the website.
Very low swing bridge.	Paddlers, Crew	Constant	Possible chance of a Major incident	Improbable chance of a Minor incident	Participants must comply with AquaPaddle/Club Policies and therefore with certain British Canoeing Policies, The swing bridge is extremely low and will require all paddlers to lay down on craft. In extreme case with larger craft i.e. canoes, paddlers might have to portage to avoid getting stuck. On and off water crew to supervise area	Ongoing continual review that all conditions are being observed and adhered to by Crew. Ensure each member/visitor has access to a current copy of the AquaPaddle Policies, via the website.