Obstacle Courses
Activity Supervisors must be competent . This means that they have completed an RAPTC run “ Obstacle Course Supervisors Course ”!
Cadets or Civilians “ must ” fill out a Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire ( PARQ ) certifying that they are in good health .
A thorough Risk Assessment ( RA ) must take place prior to the start of the activity . The Hazards and Control Measures should be recorded on standard Form 5010a .
Menaces Lurking on the Training Area
June through to September are the most likely months when unwary Soldiers , CFAVs and Cadets may pick up unpleasant injuries from unexpected “ enemies ”.
These could be contacts with toxic plants like Giant Hogweed or Ragwort . Their stems and leaves contain dangerous saps that can be released by handling , cutting or even just brushing against these plants .
Similarly , and during the same period when patrolling through long grass we can pick up deer ticks which can also cause serious health risks . Amongst them is Lyme disease . You need to be alert to the signs and symptoms – and be prepared to deal with them !
Giant Hogweed Ragwort Deer Tick
Heat Injuries
Key to preventing Heat Injury to CFAVs and Cadets is good awareness by commanders at all levels . Commanders should consider as “ high risk ”, any activities involving hard physical effort , the wearing of protective clothing , the carrying of heavy loads or raised local temperatures .
Commanders must decide if the risk of heat casualties can be justified by the objectives of training . Could the aims be achieved more safely by rescheduling the activity day , time of day – or modifying the activity
Be Safe & Train Safe