Pond & Water Feature Care Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Faulty equipment and tool defects — Pre-use inspect pumps, RCDs, hoses, ladders and PPE; tag out defects immediately. Keep spares and repair kits on site. Follow manufacturer service intervals; maintain logs. Store kit dry and protected from UV/oil. Replace damaged liners, nets and cords; do not improvise with unsuitable tools.
• 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.
• Public safeguarding around water — Set barriers, signage and banksman while water margins are open. Prevent public and child access to work zones; never leave open pits or unguarded edges. Cover hoses and tools when unattended. Liaise with site to control pets. Consider out-of-hours work where public interface is high.
• Pressure washers and pond vacuums — Select appropriate pressure/flow; fit trigger locks and splash guards. Position operators on stable footing, never on slippery coping. Use RCD protection and route hoses to avoid trip routes. Wear face/eye protection, waterproofs and hearing protection; stop when control is reduced.
• Manual handling of stones and liners — Plan lifts; break loads down; use suction lifters, slings, or trolleys for large slabs and pumps. Set down on padded supports to avoid pinch points. Keep the lift close, avoid twisting, and team-lift bulky items. Clear route of trip hazards; pace work with micro-breaks to prevent fatigue.