Pond & Water Feature Care Risk Assessment

Typical hazards & measures

• Participants’ abilities and competence — Verify training for water rescue, LOTO, chemicals and confined spaces before tasking. Pair novices with experienced leads. Set fitness to work and medical disclosure requirements. Limit lone activities; define escalation routes. Use method statements and supervision proportionate to task risk.
• Confined spaces in plant rooms and sumps — Assess pits and chambers; test atmosphere and ventilate. Implement permit-to-work, standby attendant and communications. Isolate inflows and electrics. Wear harness with retrieval; keep rescue plan and equipment ready. Do not enter without confined-space training and supervision.
• Slippery edges and unstable banks — Survey banks and hard edging; install temporary barriers, anti-slip mats and edge markers. Keep paths clear of hoses and silt. Use non-slip footwear, maintain three points of contact, and limit loads when near edges. Stop work during ice, algal scum, or after heavy rainfall until reassessed.
• Welfare, changing and hygiene facilities — Provide warm water, soap, and hand-drying; supply clean towels and spare gloves. Designate changing space for wet PPE; bag contaminated clothing separately. Provide drinking water, shade or heated shelter as seasons require. Ensure toilet access; brief on hygiene before breaks and at close.
• Weather and environmental exposure — Check forecast; reschedule during lightning, high winds or extreme heat/cold. Provide shade/sunscreen, warm layers, and hydration. Rotate tasks to limit heat or cold stress. Secure materials against gusts; stop spray work in wind. Use headlamps/markers in low light; end work at safe daylight limits.