Risk Assessment - Frequently Asked Questions
Do divers need to produce a formal Risk Assessment for every activity to comply with HSE?
No. Recreational divers are not required to comply with HSE regulations. However a basic 'duty of care' is always required. For BSAC members producing a thorough dive plan, logging the dive with a dive management slate, diving according to BSAC Safe Diving Practices - this is a Risk Assessment.
So what's the advantage in doing a Risk Assessment?
Some facilities (swimming pools and inland dive sites) require a more formal document as a condition of hiring.
The process of preparing a RA may highlight a hazard previously not considered.
A RA projects a very professional image and is reassuring to members.
What qualifications are necessary to produce a Risk Assessment?
None - just commonsense, good diving and diver safety skills and reference to the BSAC RA Guidelines. The BSAC have also produced a PowerPoint presentation with Instructor Notes for Branches to present to members.
We have members diving a variety of different sites. Do we have to do a RA for each one?
No. Once you have a 'generic' RA produced, the Dive Manager can add any other relevant considerations, as appropriate to the site - in conjunction with the usual marshalling duties.
Any suggestions for further items for inclusion in this section are welcome and should be addressed to: technical@bsac.com
Page last modified: 23rd Jan 2007 - 21:20:17