SISOPLN004
Identify hazards, assess and control risks for outdoor recreation activities


Application

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to identify hazards, assess associated risks, take measures to eliminate or control those risks and document all processes. It covers the processes necessary to manage the significant risks associated with delivering outdoor recreation activities. It can apply to whole of program planning or planning for standalone activity sessions and is relevant to any type of activity.

This unit applies to any type of organisation that delivers outdoor recreation activities including commercial, not-for-profit and government organisations.

It applies to individuals who plan or deliver programs or activity sessions including program and logistics managers and coordinators, and leaders (guides or instructors). They may complete risk assessments independently, in consultation with others or through a team effort.

No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCECRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Identify hazards for outdoor recreation activities.

1.1. Use hazard identification and risk assessment templates, independently or with other personnel to complete assessments.

1.2. Use a range of methods to identify current and foreseeable hazards with potential to harm health and safety of anyone involved in or present during activities.

1.3. Identify built or environmental obstacles and hazards in areas where activities are delivered.

1.4. Gather and interpret weather and environmental information to ascertain impacts on activity conditions.

1.5. Identify features of and potential hazards for equipment to be used.

1.6. Record identified hazards according to organisational procedures and legal requirements.

2. Assess risks associated with hazards.

2.1. Consult with other personnel, as required, for input into risk assessments.

2.2. Collect sufficient evidence of the type and level of risk posed by identified hazards.

2.3. Use commonly accepted methods to complete risk analysis and risk assessments.

2.4. Document outcomes of risk assessments and proposed actions to eliminate or control risks.

2.5. Maintain records of risk assessments according to organisational procedures and legal requirements.

3. Assess risks associated with participants.

3.1. Identify participant characteristics and level of recreational skill to assess and determine acceptable degree of difficulty and risk for activities.

3.2. Identify reasons for general and particular client groups participating in outdoor recreation activities and different perceptions of competence and associated risk.

3.3. Assess how perceptions and behaviour might change while participating in specific activities.

3.4. Identify risk management strategies for potential participant responses and behaviour.

3.5. Maintain records of assessments according to organisational procedures and legal requirements.

4. Plan activities to eliminate or control risks.

4.1. Evaluate and determine ways to eliminate hazards from activity.

4.2. Evaluate and determine ways that risks can be effectively controlled for activity.

4.3. Determine measures to eliminate or control risks, within scope of responsibility or refer for authorisation.

4.4. Incorporate risk control methods into documented plans and procedures for recreational activities.

Foundation Skills

Foundation skills essential to performance in this unit, but not explicit in the performance criteria are listed here, along with a brief context statement.

SKILLS

DESCRIPTION

Reading skills to:

interpret complex and sometimes unfamiliar documents which can include:

organisational work health and safety procedures and templates

materials describing work health and safety regulatory requirements for hazard identification and risk assessment.

Numeracy skills to:

score the level of risk and calculate overall risk level for hazards.

Self-management skills to:

critically analyse hazards and logically evaluate associated risks to apply effective and tailored control measures.


Sectors

Outdoor Recreation


Competency Field

Outdoor Recreation Planning