NEW VERSION

GIPPING ANGLING PRESERVATION SOCIETY (G.A.P.S.)

HEALTH & SAFETY RISK ASSESSMENT AND METHOD/POLICY STATEMENT 2026/27

Organisation: Gipping Angling Preservation Society (G.A.P.S.)
Document: General Health & Safety Risk Assessment and Method/Policy Statement
Assessment Period: 2026/27
Assessment Date: August 2026
Next Formal Review: August 2027, or earlier following a significant incident, change in activity, change of venue or identification of a new significant hazard
Approved by: G.A.P.S. Committee
Responsible Officer: ______________________________
Version: 2026/27 – Version 1.0

1. POLICY STATEMENT

Gipping Angling Preservation Society (G.A.P.S.) is committed to taking all reasonably practicable steps to protect the health, safety and welfare of its officials, members, volunteers, visitors, contractors and members of the public who may be affected by activities undertaken or organised by the Society.

G.A.P.S. recognises that angling, fishery management, maintenance and work-party activities take place in outdoor environments where hazards including deep water, uneven ground, adverse weather, machinery, trees and vegetation may be present.

The purpose of this policy and risk assessment is not to remove every risk associated with angling or outdoor activities. Its purpose is to identify significant foreseeable hazards and ensure sensible and proportionate precautions are taken.

Everyone participating in G.A.P.S. activities has a responsibility to take reasonable care of themselves and others and to cooperate with reasonable health and safety instructions.

Where G.A.P.S. works with landowners, contractors, statutory bodies or other organisations, the Society will cooperate with them to ensure relevant risks are appropriately managed.

2. SCOPE

This document applies, where relevant, to:

G.A.P.S. fisheries, lakes, rivers, banks and associated land;
members fishing G.A.P.S. waters;
committee members and club officials;
bailiffs;
volunteers;
work parties;
matches and organised events;
junior events and coaching activities;
contractors where their activities may affect G.A.P.S. members or visitors;
fishery management activities;
fish movement and netting;
maintenance of banks, swims, paths, fences and gates;
use of tools and machinery;
boat use authorised by G.A.P.S.; and
visitors and members of the public who may reasonably be affected by G.A.P.S. activities.

This is a general risk assessment.

Higher-risk, unusual or substantial activities may require a separate task-specific risk assessment and, where appropriate, a method statement before work begins.

3. RESPONSIBILITIES

G.A.P.S. Committee

The Committee has overall responsibility for ensuring that reasonable arrangements are maintained for health and safety within activities controlled by G.A.P.S.

The Committee should:

review this document at least annually;
ensure significant hazards are identified;
arrange appropriate control measures;
ensure suitable insurance is maintained;
appoint competent persons where necessary;
ensure accidents, incidents and significant near misses are appropriately recorded and reviewed;
ensure defects and significant hazards are addressed within a reasonable period; and
ensure relevant information is communicated to members and volunteers.

Person in Charge / Responsible Official

The person supervising an organised activity or work party must:

consider the hazards before work begins;
brief those involved where appropriate;
ensure individuals are suitable for the tasks allocated to them;
ensure suitable tools, equipment and PPE are available where required;
stop or modify work if conditions become unsafe; and
report significant incidents, defects or concerns to the Committee.

Members and Volunteers

Members and volunteers are expected to:

take reasonable care of themselves and others;
comply with G.A.P.S. rules and reasonable safety instructions;
use equipment correctly;
use PPE where required;
not undertake tasks for which they are not competent;
report significant hazards, damaged equipment and unsafe conditions;
report accidents and significant near misses; and
not deliberately interfere with safety equipment.

4. RISK-RATING SYSTEM

G.A.P.S. uses the following straightforward rating system.

Rating	Meaning	Required Response
LOW	Risk is adequately controlled and serious harm is unlikely when controls are followed.	Maintain existing controls and monitor.
MEDIUM	Harm is reasonably foreseeable and additional care or controls are required.	Controls must be implemented and activity monitored.
HIGH	Significant risk of serious injury, fatality or substantial harm.	Activity must not proceed until risk has been reduced to an acceptable level.

The ratings below assume that the stated control measures are followed.

5. GENERAL FISHERY RISK ASSESSMENT

Hazard / Activity	Persons at Risk	Potential Harm	Control Measures	Residual Risk
Deep water / falling into water	Members, officials, volunteers, visitors	Drowning, hypothermia, serious injury	Members should remain aware of water depth and bank conditions. Appropriate lifesaving equipment should be provided at locations identified by G.A.P.S. as requiring it. Children must be appropriately supervised. Unsafe banks/swims should be closed until made safe.	MEDIUM
Steep, unstable or eroded banks	All persons	Falls, fractures, drowning	Regular observation/inspection. Unsafe areas closed or clearly identified where practicable. Repairs prioritised according to risk. Members must not enter closed areas.	MEDIUM
Slips, trips and falls	All persons	Cuts, sprains, fractures, falls into water	Maintain paths and access routes where reasonably practicable. Members should wear appropriate footwear and move according to conditions. Particular care required during darkness, frost, rain and muddy conditions.	LOW/MEDIUM
Fishing platforms/swims	Anglers, visitors	Falls, collapse, drowning	Platforms inspected periodically and following reports of damage. Defective platforms closed until repaired or replaced. Surfaces kept reasonably free of significant trip hazards.	LOW/MEDIUM
Night fishing / darkness	Anglers	Falls, drowning, delayed emergency response	Adequate lighting/torch recommended. Anglers should familiarise themselves with the venue and emergency access while daylight permits. Keep access around swim reasonably clear.	MEDIUM
Lone fishing	Anglers	Delayed assistance following illness, fall or accident	Anglers are encouraged to tell someone where they are fishing and expected return time, particularly when fishing alone or overnight. Carry a charged mobile phone where practical.	MEDIUM
Severe weather	All persons	Lightning strike, falling branches, hypothermia, heat illness	Individuals should check conditions and take appropriate clothing, shelter, water and sun protection. Activities may be suspended or cancelled when conditions present unacceptable risk.	MEDIUM
Lightning	Anglers, officials	Serious injury/death	Fishing should cease where a thunderstorm presents a significant risk. Avoid exposed positions and handling long conductive objects such as fishing poles during thunderstorms.	MEDIUM
High winds / falling branches	All persons	Head injury, crushing, death	Avoid fishing or working beneath visibly dangerous trees. Areas may be closed during/after severe weather. Significant tree defects should be reported.	MEDIUM
Hot weather / sun exposure	All persons	Dehydration, heat exhaustion, sunburn	Suitable clothing, drinking water, shade and sunscreen recommended. Work parties should include reasonable breaks.	LOW
Cold weather / ice	All persons	Hypothermia, slips, falls into water	Appropriate clothing/footwear. Extra care near frozen banks and platforms. Do not walk onto frozen lakes or rivers.	MEDIUM
Hooks, rigs and fishing tackle	Anglers, spectators	Cuts, puncture injuries, eye injuries	Anglers responsible for safe casting and handling of hooks. Check casting area before casting. Children appropriately supervised.	LOW
Manual handling of fishing equipment	Members	Strains, back injuries	Avoid excessive loads. Use suitable barrows/trolleys where available. Use assistance for heavy or awkward items.	LOW
Wildlife, insects and vegetation	All persons	Bites, stings, scratches, allergic reaction	Suitable clothing/footwear. Avoid disturbing wildlife. Seek medical assistance for serious reactions. Report dangerous nests or wildlife hazards where appropriate.	LOW

6. WATERBORNE DISEASE – LEPTOSPIROSIS / WEIL’S DISEASE

Anyone coming into contact with lake, river or flood water may potentially be exposed to harmful microorganisms.

Controls

Cover cuts and abrasions with waterproof dressings before activities involving water.
Wear suitable waterproof gloves when appropriate.
Wash hands before eating, drinking or smoking.
Avoid unnecessarily putting hands in the mouth or touching the eyes following contact with untreated water.
Wash and disinfect cuts or grazes received while working around water.
Wash exposed skin after significant contact with potentially contaminated water.
Anyone becoming unwell following significant exposure to water should seek appropriate medical advice and explain the nature of the exposure.

Residual Risk: LOW/MEDIUM

7. WORK PARTIES AND MAINTENANCE

Work parties must be appropriately planned and supervised.

A responsible person should consider:

nature of the task;
competence of participants;
weather;
ground and water conditions;
machinery/tools required;
PPE;
public/member access;
emergency arrangements; and
whether a separate task-specific risk assessment is necessary.

No volunteer should be pressured into undertaking work they do not feel competent or physically capable of performing.

8. TREE AND VEGETATION WORK

General pruning and vegetation clearance

Hazards: Cuts, eye injuries, falling material, manual handling, slips and trips.

Controls:

Suitable tools must be used.
Tools should be maintained in serviceable condition.
Appropriate gloves, footwear and eye protection should be used according to the task.
Members/public should be kept clear of active work areas.
Large branches must not be removed by persons without suitable competence.
Work close to water requires additional consideration.

Residual Risk: MEDIUM

Chainsaws

Chainsaws present a significantly higher risk.

Chainsaw work must only be undertaken by persons with appropriate competence, training and equipment for the work being undertaken.

Suitable chainsaw PPE must be used.

A task-specific risk assessment should be undertaken for significant chainsaw work.

No person should undertake chainsaw work alone on behalf of G.A.P.S.

Residual Risk after controls: MEDIUM

9. GRASS CUTTING, STRIMMERS, MOWERS AND TRACTORS

Hazards: Cuts, entanglement, flying objects, noise, vibration, overturning, collision and injury to third parties.

Controls

Operators must be competent to use the equipment.
Equipment must be maintained in serviceable condition.
Guards and safety devices must not be removed or defeated.
Appropriate PPE must be worn.
Check work area for stones, wire and other debris before cutting where practicable.
Keep members and the public away from the immediate operating area.
Machinery must be stopped before clearing significant blockages or carrying out adjustments where required by the manufacturer’s instructions.
Ride-on machinery/tractors must only be used by authorised competent persons.
Extra care is required near banks, slopes and water.

Residual Risk: MEDIUM

10. POWER TOOLS AND HAND TOOLS

Tools must be appropriate for the intended task.

Damaged or defective tools must not be used.

Persons using powered equipment must have sufficient instruction, knowledge or experience to use it safely.

Required PPE must be identified according to the equipment and task.

Electrical tools used outdoors must be appropriate for the environment and suitably protected.

Residual Risk: LOW/MEDIUM

11. WORKING NEAR THE WATER’S EDGE

This includes:

swim repairs;
bank repairs;
vegetation management;
netting;
inlet/outlet maintenance; and
fishery management.

Controls

Assess water depth, bank stability and weather before starting.
Avoid working alone where there is a significant risk of entering deep water.
Suitable personal flotation devices must be used where the risk assessment identifies a significant drowning risk.
Appropriate footwear must be worn.
Keep unnecessary persons away from the work area.
Have a means of raising the alarm.

Residual Risk: MEDIUM

12. WADING / ENTERING WATER

Entering water for fishery-management purposes can present a significant drowning risk.

Controls

Avoid entering water unless reasonably necessary.
Assess depth, current, temperature, bed conditions and access/exit.
No person should enter deep or fast-flowing water without appropriate planning, competence and equipment.
Suitable personal flotation equipment must be used where required.
A minimum of two persons should be present for G.A.P.S.-authorised wading where there is a foreseeable significant risk.
Waders should be suitable and in serviceable condition.
Do not enter water during flooding or dangerous flows.

Residual Risk: MEDIUM

13. BOAT USE

Boat use must be authorised by G.A.P.S. where undertaken as part of Society activities.

Controls

Boats must be suitable for their intended purpose and maintained appropriately.
Suitable personal flotation devices must be worn.
Persons operating boats must be competent.
Weather and water conditions must be considered before launching.
Boats must not be overloaded.
At least two persons should normally be involved in G.A.P.S. work from a boat.
Suitable means of communication should be available.
Boat operations should cease where conditions become unsafe.

Residual Risk: MEDIUM

14. FISH NETTING, STOCK MOVEMENT AND FISHERY MANAGEMENT

Hazards

drowning;
slips/falls;
manual handling;
ropes and nets;
fish-handling injuries;
vehicles/equipment; and
exposure to water.

Controls

Activity supervised by competent persons.
Appropriate PPE and flotation equipment where required.
Sufficient people to safely handle nets and equipment.
Heavy items lifted mechanically or by sufficient persons where practicable.
Members/public kept clear of operations where necessary.
Fish handled using appropriate fish-welfare practices.
Relevant statutory permissions/requirements must be followed.

Residual Risk: MEDIUM

15. FUEL, PETROL, DIESEL AND OTHER FLAMMABLE SUBSTANCES

Controls

Store fuel in appropriate approved containers.
Keep away from ignition sources.
Do not smoke while refuelling.
Refuel equipment in an appropriate location.
Avoid spills and contamination of watercourses.
Suitable funnel/pouring equipment should be used where appropriate.
Spillages must be managed appropriately.
Fuel should not be left unnecessarily accessible to children or members of the public.

Residual Risk: MEDIUM

16. FIRES / BURNING

No fire or burning operation should take place unless authorised by G.A.P.S. and permitted by applicable rules and restrictions.

Controls

Consider whether burning is necessary.
Select a suitable safe location.
Keep clear of trees, structures and other combustible material.
Suitable fire-control equipment/water must be available.
Fire must remain supervised.
No junior member should be responsible for managing a fire.
Fire must be completely extinguished before leaving.
Burning must not take place where weather conditions make it unsafe.

Residual Risk: MEDIUM

17. TRENCHES, EXCAVATIONS, PIPEWORK AND CABLE WORK

Excavation work requires specific planning.

Controls

Identify buried services before digging where relevant.
Secure or barrier significant excavations.
Keep members/public away.
Do not leave dangerous open excavations unprotected.
Appropriate tools/PPE must be used.
Significant/deep excavations require a separate risk assessment and competent advice.
Electrical work must be undertaken by competent persons.

Residual Risk: MEDIUM

18. FENCING, GATES, INLETS AND OUTLETS

Hazards

Cuts, crushing, manual handling, falls, water hazards and injury from tools.

Controls

Use suitable tools and PPE.
Isolate work area where necessary.
Use assistance for heavy gates/posts/materials.
Work adjacent to deep water should normally involve at least two persons where there is a significant drowning risk.
Significant defects affecting public/member safety should be made safe pending repair.

Residual Risk: LOW/MEDIUM

19. PATHS, TRACKS AND VEHICLE ACCESS

Hazards

Vehicle collision, pedestrians, uneven ground, potholes and moving machinery.

Controls

Observe G.A.P.S. speed limits.
Drive according to conditions.
Keep designated access routes reasonably clear.
Work areas should be marked or isolated where necessary.
Reversing vehicles/machinery should be managed carefully.
Members must park only in permitted areas and must not obstruct emergency access.

Residual Risk: LOW/MEDIUM

20. LITTER COLLECTION

Hazards

Broken glass, hooks, sharp objects, contaminated waste and manual handling.

Controls

Wear suitable gloves.
Use litter pickers where appropriate.
Do not place hands blindly into bags or vegetation.
Sharp or suspicious items should be dealt with appropriately rather than handled unnecessarily.
Wash hands following litter collection.
Children undertaking organised litter picking must be appropriately supervised.

Residual Risk: LOW

21. BAILIFF AND OFFICIAL DUTIES

Bailiffs and officials may encounter confrontation when checking memberships or enforcing Society rules.

Controls

Carry appropriate G.A.P.S. identification.
Remain polite and professional.
Avoid unnecessary confrontation.
Never place yourself in physical danger.
If threatened or intimidated, withdraw to a safe location.
Contact the police where appropriate.
Serious incidents must be reported to the Committee.
A charged mobile phone should be carried where practicable.
Officials should inform another person of their whereabouts where appropriate.
Working in pairs should be considered where there is an identified increased risk.

No fishery rule is more important than personal safety.

Residual Risk: MEDIUM

22. LONE WORKING

Certain G.A.P.S. activities must not be undertaken alone where the assessment identifies an unacceptable risk.

Examples may include:

chainsaw operations;
significant tree work;
work from boats;
higher-risk wading;
significant bank work immediately adjacent to deep water; and
other activities where a serious incident could leave the person unable to summon assistance.

For lower-risk lone activities:

carry a charged mobile phone where practicable;
tell someone your location/expected finish time where appropriate; and
maintain a suitable check-in arrangement where the activity warrants it.

23. ELECTRICAL WORK

Only persons competent to undertake the relevant electrical work should do so.

Members and volunteers must not attempt electrical repairs beyond their competence.

Electrical installations and equipment must be appropriate for their environment.

Damaged electrical equipment should be isolated from use until appropriately repaired or replaced.

Residual Risk: LOW when competent contractors/persons are used.

24. CONTRACTORS

Contractors undertaking significant work on G.A.P.S. venues should be appropriately competent and insured.

Where appropriate, G.A.P.S. should:

agree the scope of work;
identify hazards that may affect the contractor;
obtain relevant risk assessments/method statements;
ensure members/public are appropriately separated from work; and
coordinate with the landowner where required.

25. JUNIORS, CHILDREN AND ADULTS AT RISK

G.A.P.S. recognises that additional consideration may be required when activities involve children, young people or adults at risk.

Health and safety arrangements must operate alongside the Society’s current safeguarding policies and procedures.

Organised junior coaching or events should:

be appropriately planned;
have suitable supervision;
use appropriately competent/qualified persons where required;
have emergency arrangements;
take account of the participant’s age, experience and ability; and
comply with current G.A.P.S. and relevant Angling Trust safeguarding requirements.

Safeguarding concerns should be reported through the Society’s safeguarding procedure and to the appropriate external authority where required.

26. FIRST AID

First-aid arrangements should be proportionate to the activity.

For organised work parties, matches and events, the person responsible should consider:

availability of a suitable first-aid kit;
access for emergency services;
mobile phone coverage/communication;
location/address or What3Words/other location information where appropriate; and
whether a trained first aider is required given the nature of the activity.

In an emergency involving serious injury or immediate danger, call 999.

27. ACCIDENT, INCIDENT AND NEAR-MISS REPORTING

Significant accidents, incidents and near misses connected with G.A.P.S. activities should be reported to an appropriate G.A.P.S. official.

Information recorded should include, where appropriate:

date and time;
venue/location;
persons involved;
description of incident;
injury/damage;
immediate action taken;
witnesses; and
further corrective action required.

Serious incidents should be promptly brought to the attention of the Committee.

Where an incident may be legally reportable, G.A.P.S. should determine whether any reporting obligation applies.

Records containing personal information must be stored appropriately.

28. EMERGENCY PROCEDURE

In a serious emergency:

1. Protect yourself and others from further immediate danger.

2. Call 999 where emergency assistance is required.

Give:

nature of emergency;
fishery/venue;
nearest road/access point;
postcode or accurate location where known; and
any relevant access instructions.

3. Do not put yourself at unnecessary risk attempting a rescue.

4. Send someone to meet emergency services where possible.

5. Notify an appropriate G.A.P.S. official as soon as reasonably practicable.

6. Preserve relevant information following a serious incident and complete an incident report.

29. DEFECT AND HAZARD REPORTING

Members are encouraged to report significant hazards such as:

damaged platforms;
dangerous trees;
collapsed or unstable banks;
damaged gates/fencing;
dangerous paths;
pollution;
dead or distressed fish;
damaged lifesaving equipment;
vandalism;
dangerous structures; or
other significant risks.

Where an immediate serious danger exists, members should keep clear and notify a G.A.P.S. official as soon as practicable.

30. POLLUTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL INCIDENTS

Suspected serious pollution, significant fish distress or other environmental incidents should be reported promptly to the appropriate G.A.P.S. official and, where necessary, the relevant statutory authority.

Members should not unnecessarily enter or handle visibly contaminated water.

31. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

PPE may include, depending upon the activity:

suitable safety footwear;
gloves;
eye/face protection;
hearing protection;
high-visibility clothing;
helmets;
chainsaw protective clothing; and
personal flotation devices.

PPE must be suitable for the task and used correctly.

PPE does not replace the need to eliminate or reduce a hazard where reasonably practicable.

32. TRAINING AND COMPETENCE

No person should undertake specialist or higher-risk work on behalf of G.A.P.S. unless they have appropriate knowledge, training, experience or supervision.

Particular consideration should be given to competence for:

chainsaw operations;
powered machinery;
tractors/ride-on machinery;
electrical work;
boat operations;
fishery netting;
work at height;
significant tree work; and
other specialist activities.

33. WORK AT HEIGHT

Work at height should be avoided where reasonably practicable.

Where it cannot be avoided:

assess the task beforehand;
use suitable access equipment;
ensure equipment is stable and appropriate;
do not improvise using unsuitable objects;
consider weather and ground conditions; and
significant or specialist work should be undertaken by competent persons/contractors.

Residual Risk: MEDIUM

34. DYNAMIC RISK ASSESSMENT

Outdoor conditions can change quickly.

Officials supervising G.A.P.S. activities have authority to:

stop work;
postpone work;
change the method of working;
close an area; or
request additional equipment/assistance

where conditions differ significantly from those anticipated or become unsafe.

No person should continue an activity merely because it has already started.

35. TASK-SPECIFIC RISK ASSESSMENTS

This document provides a general assessment and does not replace the need for a separate assessment for significant activities.

A task-specific assessment should be considered for:

substantial tree felling;
major construction;
significant excavation;
major bank reconstruction;
substantial electrical work;
major fish netting/stock movement;
unusual boat operations;
work involving contractors;
large public events;
activities involving unusual hazardous substances; and
any activity presenting hazards not adequately addressed by this document.

36. REVIEW OF THIS POLICY

This Risk Assessment and Method/Policy Statement will be formally reviewed:

at least annually;
following a serious accident or significant near miss;
following a significant change to a G.A.P.S. venue;
when new machinery or working methods are introduced;
when significant new hazards are identified;
following significant changes in relevant guidance; or
when the Committee considers a review necessary.

Changes should be recorded and approved by the G.A.P.S. Committee.

37. DOCUMENT APPROVAL

By approving this document, the G.A.P.S. Committee confirms that the assessment has been considered and that reasonable measures will be taken to implement the controls identified.

Role	Name	Signature	Date
Chairman	__________________________	__________________________	__________
Vice-Chairman	__________________________	__________________________	__________
Secretary	__________________________	__________________________	__________
Health & Safety / Responsible Officer	__________________________	__________________________	__________
Committee Representative	__________________________	__________________________	__________

38. DOCUMENT REVIEW RECORD

Version	Review Date	Reviewed By	Changes / Reason for Review	Approved By
1.0 – 2026/27	August 2026	__________________	Full replacement of previous G.A.P.S. general risk assessment and method/policy statement	__________________

39. QUICK WORK-PARTY CHECK

Before starting an organised work party, the responsible official should confirm:

☐ Weather and water conditions are suitable.
☐ The task and significant hazards have been explained.
☐ Participants are capable of their allocated tasks.
☐ Suitable tools and equipment are available.
☐ Equipment appears serviceable.
☐ Required PPE is available and being used.
☐ Public/member access is controlled where necessary.
☐ Water-edge/drowning risks have been considered.
☐ First-aid arrangements are appropriate.
☐ Emergency access and communication have been considered.
☐ Higher-risk activities are not being undertaken alone.
☐ A task-specific risk assessment has been completed where required.

If conditions change or the activity cannot be undertaken safely, STOP and reassess before continuing.

G.A.P.S. HEALTH & SAFETY PRINCIPLE

Everyone has a part to play in keeping G.A.P.S. waters safe.

Members, officials and volunteers should report significant hazards rather than assuming somebody else has already done so.

The objective is to allow angling, fishery management, volunteering and club activities to take place safely and responsibly while recognising that G.A.P.S. waters are natural outdoor environments and cannot be made entirely free from risk.

I recommend having this approved by the G.A.P.S. committee and the club’s insurer before publishing it as the formal 2026/27 policy.