Risk assessment for Investigation A Bird visual discrimination: preparations and carrying out the study

Risk assessment for Investigation A Bird visual discrimination: preparations and carrying out the study
It is your responsibility to carry out this risk assessment for the preparations for and carrying out Investigation A prior to you carrying out the study. You should ensure it covers all aspects of your work. You should use the ALARA principle to ensure that the risk of any harm arising from hazards that you identify are reduced As Low As Reasonably Achievable. Ensure that you follow any precautions that you identify and also follow the guidelines below.
You should ensure that you consider the following:
-Hygiene is important when handling items that have come into contact with birds. Clean all bird tables and items that have come into contact with birds outside the house, using separate washing utensils. Always wash your hands after handling materials that have been in contact with birds.
– Site of your experimental site: is access safe (trips, slippery surfaces)?
– Any changes you make to the feeding site or to access conditions should be re-assessed, e.g. icy or snowy conditions.
Risk assessment for Investigation A Bird visual discrimination: preparations and carrying out the study
Name:
PI:

Date of assessment:

Activity/task What are the HAZARDS to health and safety? What RISKS do they pose and to whom? Initial risk level
(low, medium, high) What control measures are in place to reduce risk? Risk level achieved
(low, medium, high) Further action required?
(yes/no)

Please use the guidelines when carrying out any field-based study.
1 Ensure that someone knows where you are and carry a phone in case of emergencies.
2 Take care, watch where you are walking and are vigilant, especially when walking rough or slippery terrain.
3 Keep to footpaths wherever possible.
4 Do not write, sketch take pictures and walk simultaneously; it’s remarkably easy to trip up! Watch where you are putting your feet – try to avoid damaging plants and animals.
5 Do not collect specimens without permission and preferably look at but don’t touch biological materials.
6 Take litter back with you or find a bin to put it in. If you smoke make sure you put the stub out and take it away with you.
7 Take as many notes as possible (which avoids having to go back!), make sketches of features to look up later on and take photos rather than specimens for later identification of species.
8 Respect other users of the area you are working in.