Health & Safety Procedures at Dan-yr-Ogof
Activity 1
Summarise the daily routine of checks which take place within the Showcaves.
Activity 2
James has explained in the video sequence that visits to the Showcaves are ‘self-guided’. Inside the caves, an audio commentary by the Morgan brothers who discovered the caves is provided. The alternative would be to employ guides to take groups of visitors around the caves.
Work in pairs to identify the ‘pros and cons’ of self-guided as opposed to guided tours. Consider the difference from the perspective of the visitor and of the Showcaves managers.
Activity 3
A copy of the Risk Assessment produced for the Showcaves is available for use by school and other groups that may be visiting the attraction.
Complete the Risk Assessment below by adding the missing words from the following list:
HIGH, rainfall, torches, daily, professional, MED, secure, safety railings, barriers, pictorial, warnings, mains, LOW.
Notes:
- When the three caves are opened a daily check is undertaken, ensuring the following are all working/in safe order; cave lighting, torches, safety railings, pathways, audio commentaries.
- Staff training packs are designed to back up and further inform all staff of the risks and their responsibilities in the workplace.
- ‘Rules’ for the use of the playgrounds are clearly displayed for all to see and read.
- Showcaves staff checks the following are all in working order - lighting in the caves, torches at the entrances, audio commentaries, pathways above and below ground are clear, the fencing/railings are secure and fit for purpose. This is recorded in a daily book.
- Please note - any groups using this risk assessment should take in to account any and all requirements that their group or individuals (within the group) may require and adjust accordingly.
Hazard |
Person at Risk |
Risk Evaluation |
Alterations/Procedures |
Showcaves |
All persons in vicinity |
Light failure – LOW |
Back up systems are in place - battery operated lights are inside the cave, a diesel powered generator, and water powered turbine, these are set up to come on when mains power fails. Weekly tests are carried out on this equipment. |
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Head injuries – MED |
The lighting inside the Showcaves is placed to highlight problem areas, and warnings are made where appropriate by the audio commentary playing in the Showcaves. |
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Paths/Steps - MED |
These areas are cleaned as necessary, pictorial signs are used to indicate the appropriate footwear needed, and the fact that we are in a ‘hilly’ location. |
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Flooding (during season) - LOW |
Water pumps are available to use if necessary. Staff are aware of indicators in the Showcaves, these are checked when necessary. Should the area experience high levels of rainfall, additional signs are posted explaining the need for the appropriate footwear etc. |
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Rock Flakes - MED/HIGH |
Barriers are in place stopping people, and signs also indicate the areas of danger,
which are inherent natural hazards, typical of a ‘wild’ cave.
Rock bolting has been undertaken where required – as advised by Geotechnical experts. |
Click the reveal button above to check your answers.
The Dan-yr-Ogof attraction is situated on a hillside. Many of the paths and walkways on the site are steep.
Activity 4
Having studied the images, think how you would complete the Alterations/Procedures section of the Risk Assessment.
Hazard |
Person at Risk |
Risk Evaluation |
Alterations/Procedures |
Walk ways (exterior - Paths, slopes, hills, etc). |
All persons in vicinity |
Slipping, falling – MED Increases when wet – MED/HIGH |
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Ice/Snow - HIGH (Father Christmas winter visits) |
Click the reveal button above to compare your answer with the actual Risk Assessment used by Dan-yr-Ogof.