Pioneering & Knotwork Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Unqualified instruction and unclear signals — Ensure a trained leader oversees the activity, provides structured briefings, and demonstrates techniques. Use clear hand signals and verbal commands, establish communication rules, and supervise closely to ensure understanding and safe spacing.
• Improper use of tools and hardware — Inspect all tools before use, demonstrate correct handling, and supervise participants closely. Store tools safely when not in use, assign usage based on skill level, and require leaders to check competence before independent work.
• Unsanctioned or unsupervised access to structures — Rope off build sites, label “in progress” structures, and provide clear entry points. Assign leaders to supervise access at all times, and only allow use after formal inspection.
• Compressed or chewed ropes from small use — Assign specific ropes for each task, regularly inspect for wear, and replace damaged ropes. Teach rope care routines, coil and store neatly, and ensure ropes are dried properly after wet use to extend their lifespan.
• Excessive loads or overbuilt projects — Review plans with leaders before building, set limits on size, and monitor weight-bearing points during construction. Assign a safety lead to approve ambitious builds, and clearly display load limits on key structures.