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