Learn About Our Risk Assessment Policy
Risk Assessment Policy
At the South East Kent Astronomical Society, we take the safety of our community seriously.
Committed to Safety
Our risk assessment policy is regularly reviewed and updated to ensure it meets the highest standards of safety.
The Importance of Risk Assessment
Ensuring the safety and well-being of our society requires a thorough understanding and approach to risk assessment.
Identifying Potential Risks and Acting upon Them
With proper risk assessment, we can identify and evaluate potential risks that may arise in various situations and environments.
Preventing Harm and Accidents
By understanding the potential risks, we can take proactive measures to prevent harm and accidents from occurring.
Ensuring Safety and Compliance
Risk assessment plays an important role in maintaining safety and compliance standards in our society.
Hazard
1. Tripping
Who.s at Risk
All
Precautions
1. Astronomy takes place in the dark and public observing involves telescopes on a level surface. Precautions must be taken against trip hazard, especially for children. This may involve some form of lighting or other means. Observing activity must be monitored by supervising observers.
2. If an observatory is used, then steps are
usually present and must be monitored. In addition numbers must be checked to avoid tripping and falling.
3. Grass may be slippery, children must be supervised.
Risk Level
Medium
Hazard
2. Telescopes
Who.s at Risk
All
Precautions
1. Protruding parts of telescopes must be made Low risk aware, to spectators and if possible covered.
2. Electronic parts must be made safe.
Risk Level
Low
Hazard
3. Lasers
Who.s at Risk
All
Precautions
1. Spectators must be aware of eye hazard if laser pointers are to be used.
2. Users must exercise particular care, including consideration for aircraft.
3. Lasers should be less than 5mW
Risk Level
Medium
Hazard
4. Solar Observing
Who.s at Risk
All
Precautions
1. Looking at the sun will cause blindness. This Must be stressed at all times.
2. Telescopes must have safety filters without Pinholes, and must be checked at each session. This includes finderscopes.
Risk Level
Medium
Hazard
5. Heavy objects
Who.s at Risk
Observer
Precautions
1. Telescopes and mounts are heavy. Due precautions must be taken to minimise risk when setting up.
Risk Level
Low
Hazard
6. Car parking
Who.s at Risk
All
Precautions
1. Car parking should be well away from public activity to prevent moving vehicles interacting with spectators.
Risk Level
Medium
Hazard
7. Child Protection
Who.s at Risk
All
Precautions
1. Members of SEKAS do not have regular contact with Young people and so CRB registration is not required and has not been taken.
2. Please see Child protection Policy for full details, but in principle:
No SEKAS member will have physical contact with Young People or be alone with them.
3. Parents are responsible for the conduct of their Children.
Risk Level
Low