Safeguarding
General Health & Safety Risk Assessment
Parking
On public roads or car parks, park sensibly/safely, always considering other road users.
Do not block accesses. Leave extra space for wide farm vehicles.
Animals
Dogs should be kept on a leash and under control at all times.
Be aware that there may be grazing animals on access fields or on site. Avoid herds of cows with young calves.
Weather
Wear appropriate clothing for weather conditions — warm/waterproof clothes in wet weather, sun cream and hats in hot weather.
Site security
Close all access gates as required.
When field-walking, ensure that all equipment is collected and returned to a central point.
Slipping and tripping
Wear appropriate footwear; be aware of uneven/wet ground surfaces.
Limits of access
Stay within the designated boundaries of the site, keeping with the group as far as possible.
Use designated routes; do not climb fences or walls.
Excavations
Be aware of possible deep excavations.
Taking photographs
Be aware of surrounding hazards whilst positioning to take photographs.
Hygiene
Wash hands or use hand gel before eating.
Cuts and abrasions
Be aware of sharp objects. Cover open cuts and grazes with a waterproof dressing as a precaution against contracting Leptospirosis (Weil's disease).
Washing of Finds or Other Work at Etal Rhodes (the TillVAS store)
Parking
Small area of rough ground by ruined buildings.
Otherwise park in front of barns at road and walk up track. Park sensibly/safely, always considering other road users.
Do not block accesses. Leave extra space for wide farm vehicles.
Site security
The site is on a working farm.
Dogs should be kept on a leash and under control at all times.
Be aware that there are grazing animals in fields next to the site and also in adjacent barns.
Stay within the designated boundaries of the site and use designated routes.
Close all gates/doors when accessing water supply within adjacent barn.
Slipping and tripping
Access to barn is across rough uneven ground.
Be aware of drop at side of concrete access ramp.
Wear appropriate footwear; be aware of uneven/wet ground surfaces.
Working area
Wear old clothing or overalls with strong shoes/boots or wellingtons.
Wear warm clothing in cold weather.
Wear protective gloves when working.
Wear eye protection when cleaning dry finds.
Be aware of uneven/wet surface in barn with poor lighting and trip hazards.
Ensure layout tables are stable and accessible.
Do not lift heavy loads on your own.
​
Guidance Note for members who attend outings that involve walking, coping with rough or uneven ground or climbing or descending slopes
If you have any doubts about your ability to go on an outing, the Society would respectfully ask you to err on the side of caution before booking so as not to spoil your own enjoyment and that of others in the group. The organiser of the outing is always happy to discuss any concerns that you may have before the outing and to offer advice. The Society reserves the right to refuse any person who is obviously unfit or unsuitably dressed for a particular outing.
If you find yourself struggling to keep up with the group whilst on an outing, please speak to the leader of the group who will be able to suggest somewhere suitable for you to wait. Your safety and wellbeing is of paramount importance but the interests of the group as a whole must be recognised.
​