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Working near rivers, streams or other water bodies can be hazardous. When conducting a cRHS, health and safety must always be taken into account. Every effort should be taken to minimise risk whilst surveying, and the following guidelines should be followed:
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General
- Ensure you have completed a risk assessment before each new suryey
- Work in pairs; where this is not possible ensure someone knows your location, work schedule and contact details in case of an emergency
Personal
- Avoid contact with water and soil; broken skin should be covered with a waterproof dressing
- If you are lone working make sure someone knows where you are and your expected time of return
Equipment
- Appropriate clothing and footwear (wellington boots or waders)
- Ranging-pole
- Life jacket if entering river
Site
- Do not enter the river if it is in flood and/or the river bed is not visible
- Do not enter private land without prior consent from the landowner
- Be aware of the weather at all times; if conditions change, reassess the risk level
- Avoid steep or overhanging banks
- Do not enter culverts
- Be aware of your surroundings and other activities occurring around you, e.g. grazing cattle
- Be aware of unseen hazards, e.g. broken glass, sharp metal, waste or pollution
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