Pond & Water Feature Care Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Inadequate safety briefings and supervision — Deliver a site-specific briefing covering water risks, rescue plan, chemicals, electrics, and exclusion zones. Verify understanding and record attendance. Assign a competent supervisor, set check-ins, and stop-work authority. Refresh briefings on changes or after incidents; debrief at close.
• Wildlife and biting insects — Scan for nesting birds, territorial swans, wasp nests and rodents; set exclusion distances. Use long-handled tools to increase separation. Apply repellents and wear long sleeves; schedule at cooler times. Brief bite protocols; call pest control if activity indicates infestation.
• 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.
• 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.
• Water access and immersion — Plan work to avoid entering water; use reach tools, stable platforms and edge protection. If wading is essential, use chest waders with belts, a buoyancy aid, and a buddy line. Define no-go zones, carry throwlines, and rehearse rescue. Suspend work in fast flows or poor visibility.