Risk Assessment Guide to Safety - Members
It is essential that members read this for insurance purposes.
Walkers take part in walks entirely at their own risk. The Club, officers and walks leaders of the Club cannot accept any responsibility for injuries or loss incurred by members or other persons whilst taking part in any of the Club’s activities.
Clothing
Walking trousers – denim is not suitable.
Waterproof jacket and overtrousers are essential.
Warm hat and gloves are essential for even warm days, sun hat and cream for sunnier days.
Food (emergency rations advisable as well) and drink are essential on all walks: extra drink in warm weather.
Wind-proof jackets are needed for most days on the fells.
Remember that layering is the best way to insulate against cold and one layer can always be discarded if too hot. Spare clothing in case of emergencies is advisable.
Footwear
Walking boots provide support at the ankle, keep feet dry and are essential for both moorland and fell walking. They must have a good grip on the sole.
Equipment
Rucksack with waterproof inner.
Water bottle.
Survival bag, whistle and torch.
Personal first aid kit – do not rely on others for bite relief, sticking plasters, painkillers etc.
Walking poles - if used, check that they are the right height for you and take great care not to get them in others’ way. Always carry points down.
If going above the snowline, either micro-spikes or an ice axe and crampons must be used. Micro-spikes are acceptable on flat or very gentle gradient paths which may have some ice or compacted snow. They are unsuitable on steep terrain, particularly when a slip could have dangerous consequences, or in any snow conditions which are not compacted because the short spikes are insufficient to bite into the snow. In these conditions a walking ice axe and crampons of at least grade C1 are essential. The walking boots grade must be compatible with the crampons. A more detailed explanation of the differences and choice between micro-spikes and ice axe/crampons is available on the British Mountaineering Council website at the following link:
Walking boots, crampons and micro spikes - The British Mountaineering Council
SAFETY
The walk leader will assess the weather conditions on the day and his/her word will be final as to whether the walk is cancelled, altered or adjusted in any way whatsoever.
For groups of over ten people, the walk leader will appoint a “back marker” and it is vital that no walker gets behind that person. If it is necessary to fallback, you MUST let the back marker or other person know what you are doing.
All walkers must keep the leader in view, PARTICULARLY in mist.
If anyone leaves a walk for whatever reason, then the walk leader will no longer be responsible for that person and the Club will not be held responsible for any mishap whatsoever once the walk has been left.
Walkers must be prepared to walk as a group and maintain contact with the leader or back marker at all times. Anyone in front of the leaders and out of contact will be considered to have left the Club walk. The walk leader must be informed immediately of any difficulties or problems experienced by members of the walk. If you wish to leave the walk, the leader must be informed.
Solo walkers must carry one of the Club’s Identification Cards, available from the Transport Secretary.
For your own safety and in case of emergency, it is good practice to carry contact details and where appropriate essential medical information in your rucksack. It is essential that you let the group leader know of any possible medical situation which could arise and what should be done if it does.