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Risk Assessment For Trail Users

Hazard
Consequence
Risk
Action
Uneven or steep track surface Possible slip or fall

Medium

Dismount and lead horse, Cyclists walk.
Boggy ground Horses may become stuck

Medium

Horses and walkers skirt around boggy areas
Swollen streams at fords Walkers and riders have trouble crossing

Low

Discontinue use of route
Other trail users Horses, cyclists and walkers startled and caused to run off track

Medium

Slow down for other trail users. Dismounted horses to be tethered, corralled or on a leading rein. Dogs to be kept on a lead at all times.
Weather Weather conditions can change rapidly leading to exposure – or sunburn

Low

Wear suitable clothing. Carry spare food and clothing, first aid and survival bag. Check weather conditions before setting out. Visit the Brecon Beacons Met Office website.
Forest operations – harvesting, ground preparation, planting, road repairs, quarrying etc Contact with machinery, falling trees etc

High

Do not enter a live forest operations site. Obey all warning signs and barriers. Follow all diversions.Visit www.openaccess.gov.uk
Events – car rallies, motor cycle, horse, carriage driving, cycle Contact with event participants

High

Advance warning notices posted at forest entrances several weeks before event. Do not enter a live stage event. Obey all warning signs and barriers. Follow all diversions. Phone 0300 068 0300 for more information. Visit www.openaccess.gov.uk
Military debris Unexploded flares or blanks may cause serious injury if handled

Medium

Do not touch or pick up any objects
Troops training Activities close to trails may surprise civilian or military personnel

Low

Awareness that the forest is an area used for military training and may be subject to unusually intense activity
Traffic and carriage drivers on roads Sudden approach may upset trail users

Medium

Awareness that this is a working forest, make way for oncoming vehicles and carriage drivers
Patchy mobile phone coverage Could add to problems in an emergency

Medium

Be aware of areas of weak signal strength (low ground) and areas with better reception (high ground) Good coverage on all networks can be found at the Babel shelter (Grid ref: SN841368)
Darkness Disorientation

Low

Plan your start to avoid nightfall. Carry a map and torch. Locate a numbered waymarker to identify your location

High risk hazard: could easily result in someone being harmed
Medium risk hazard: could possibly result in someone being harmed
Low risk hazard: could rarely result in someone being harmed

Source: FC Wales
Issued 1 Feb 2005

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