Ealing Beaver Project Camera Trapping

Health & Safety Declaration Agreement

As our camera trapping takes place by the side of waterways and lagoons, there are several risks that we want to make you aware of prior to undertaking any surveys.

Before you can be signed off to become a camera trap surveyor, you must sign the Health & Safety Declaration at the bottom of the page to demonstrate you have read and understood the risks associated with these surveys.

Hazards
Identified		 Risk Factor Measures Required To Control The Risk Mitigated Risk
Water – Falling in lagoon/canal/river High
  1. Where possible, all camera checkers must stay a safe distance (at least 3 metres) away from the edge.
  2. If the water is flowing particularly fast/high and the camera SD card needs retrieving from close to the water, do not attempt to survey the camera. Instead, wait for conditions to subside.
  3. In the event of falling in, checkers should remain calm and reach the bank as quickly as possible.
  4. Individuals must be in pairs/groups at all times during surveys.
  5. If, after falling in, you feel unwell, tell your GP you have been exposed to river water, in case of Weil’s disease infection.
  6. All camera checkers should carry a charged mobile phone with signal and a saved Citizen Zoo staff member’s number in case of (non-medical) emergency.
 High
Water – High river level, flow, or debris in water High
  1. Review water level/flow prior to checking the camera(s). Do not conduct the survey if the water is deemed too high/fast.
  2. If debris are obstructing the camera, do not attempt to remove them. Instead, notify a staff member at Citizen Zoo.
 Medium
Water – General injury/emergency  Medium
  1. All camera checkers should carry a charged mobile phone with signal and a saved Citizen Zoo staff member’s number in case of (non-medical) emergency.
  2. Appropriate footwear to be worn (i.e. closed toes, effective grip, water repellent if possible).
 Medium
Uneven Ground – Slips/trips/falls Medium
  1. Appropriate footwear (i.e. closed toes, effective grip, water repellent) to be worn.
  2. All camera checkers should carry a charged mobile phone with signal and a saved Citizen Zoo staff member’s number in case of (non-medical) emergency.
  3. Walk at a comfortable pace, don’t rush.
 Medium
Weather – Dehydration Low
  1. Ample drinking water should be taken on any surveys, especially during hot weather.
  2. Sunscreen/hats should be worn whenever necessary.
  3. No alcohol to be consumed at any time before or during surveys.
 Low
Weather – Hypothermia Low
  1. Appropriate clothing to be worn or taken with you.
  2. All camera checkers should carry a charged mobile phone with signal and a saved Citizen Zoo staff member’s number in case of (non-medical) emergency.
  3. In the event of a surveyor displaying persistent symptoms of hypothermia, postpone the survey and proceed with the following: move somewhere warm, replace wet clothes and wrap in blankets. Provide a warm drink. If no improvements are seen or the situation worsens call 999.
 Low
Interaction with Wildlife Low
  1. Keep a safe distance from wildlife on site, including beavers and other mammals such as foxes.
  2. Do not attempt to interact or touch wildlife on site.
  3. When working in areas with overgrown vegetation longer leg and arm coverings are recommended to avoid scratches and skin irritation. Eye protection is also recommended for work around dense shrub and low branches.
  4. Wash hands thoroughly after all surveys. We recommend that surveyors supply their own antibacterial handwash. The nearest handwashing stations are to be highlighted to volunteers ahead of the activity delivery.
 Low
Interaction with the public Medium
  1. Be courteous, vigilant and mindful during interaction with all other users of the site.
  2. If at any time you feel unsafe due to the behaviour of other site users, then calmly remove yourself from the situation and take appropriate action to contact the programme supervisors. If necessary contact the police or emergency services once you are in a safe place.
  3. If you encounter anybody needing immediate medical attention on site please dial 999 and notify the ambulance service. If trained, attempt First Aid only after you are sure that it is safe to do so.
  4. Be aware of cyclists and other users of footpaths within and around the site.
  5. All surveys must be undertaken in pairs.
  6. Any surveyors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult when conducting all surveys.
 Medium
General Various
  1. All surveys must be undertaken in pairs.
  2. Any surveyors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult when conducting all surveys.
  3. All surveys must be undertaken during daylight hours only.
  4. We advise that survey pairs supply their own basic first aid equipment (plasters, sterile gloves, antibacterial wipes), if possible. We will eventually install a first aid kit on site once we have established a secure storage location.
  5. If one or both member(s) of the pair has symptoms of a respiratory illness such as flu or covid, the visit should be postponed until a later date.
  6. At least one of the pair of camera checkers must carry a charged mobile phone with signal and a saved Citizen Zoo staff member’s number in case of (non-medical) emergency. If this is not possible, we recommend postponing the activity until a later date.

Various

Health & Safety Declaration and Airtable Agreement