Reconnaissance

Wherever practical the activity organiser must precede all off site trips with an exploratory visit. This is to evaluate the venue for suitability and undertake a risk assessment (see next section.)

Where reconnaissance visits are not practicable, e.g. if they are located abroad, then any activity centre being used must be sent the Activity Provider Risk Assessment form from the intranet. The organiser should then assess if the venue is satisfactory based on the information given on this form.

Persons in control of outdoor activity centres must now hold a licence as a requirement of The Adventure Activities Licensing Regulations 1996. When considering the granting of a licence under these Regulations, one of the mandatory considerations is health and safety of young persons. Regulation 5 requires the licensing authority to satisfy itself that the applicant has made a suitable and sufficient risk assessment, has identified and adopted the necessary control measures, and has appointed competent persons to advise on safety matters. The duties are qualified by the familiar phrase "so far as is reasonable practicable".

Licenses are conditional upon the holder providing and maintaining:
· A sufficient number of competent and, (where appropriate) qualified instructors;
· Adequate arrangements for giving safety information;
· Equipment to ensure the activities are carried out safely
· Suitable first aid and emergency arrangements.

Licence information for outdoor activity centres regularly used can be found here.

reviewed rca 28/09/09
reviewed and updated eaw 26/10/11