Spanish Highs logo

Mountain Safety Risk Assessments

Spanish Highs Assessment of Risk for your Actvity Holidays

Risk Assessment Form

Activity Assessed:

□ Hill Walking

□ Scrambling

□ Trekking

□ Summer conditions

□ Winter conditions

Client Assessments

Date of Assessment:

Name of Guide(s):

Name of Client(s):

Reviewed by:

Review Date:

Hazards Identified

Press to open up sections

    Hazards Identified

    Adverse Weather Conditions, including:

    • wind
    • electrical storms
    • blizzards
    • severe icing

    Existing Controls

    1. Sufficient guides
    2. Bad weather clothing carried
    3. Check weather forecast AEMET & Ski Station
    4. Briefing
    5. Group shelter/emergency equipment carried by guide
    6. Alternate route choice

    Hazards Identified

    Terrain: Slips & trips leading to serious injury or death

    Existing Controls

    1. Training in walking skills and briefing on crossing terrain as required
    2. Correct route selection
    3. Correct footwear worn
    4. Crampons & ice axe requirement & training
    5. Helmet review
    6. First aider with group with first aid kit

    Hazards Identified

    How will we avoid getting lost?

    Existing Controls

    1. Planned routes held by office
    2. Maps, compass & GPS
    3. Briefing
    4. Adequate map reading training
    5. Communications – mobile phone, spare batteries or charger

    Hazards Identified

    How can we evacuate if necessary?

    Existing Controls

    1. How remote and accessible is the terrain?
    2. Ability to call 112
    3. Distance from trailhead

    Hazards Identified

    What can we do to alleviate fatigue?

    Existing Controls

    1. Sufficient guide to client ratios
    2. Physical assessments prior to departure
    3. Rest breaks
    4. Guide vigilance

    Hazards Identified

    What will be do to alleviate thirst and hunger?

    Existing Controls

    1. Sufficient food & water carried.

    Hazards Identified

    • Effects of heat & cold
    • Hypo' & hypothermia.
    • Altitude sickness

    Existing Controls

    1. Training & briefing
    2. Correct equipment & clothing to be worn & carried
    3. Recognition of symptoms of illness
    4. Guide to carry emergency equipment

    Hazards Identified

    Are there likely to be problems in descent?

    Existing Controls

    1. Confidence rope carried

    Hazards Identified

    Could there be a risk of sunburn?

    Existing Controls

    1. Sun screen to be used

    Hazards Identified

    Blister prevention

    Existing Controls

    1. Boots fitted correctly
    2. Quality socks worn
    3. Feet prepared properly prior to activity
    4. Correct first aid administered

    Hazards Identified

    Benightment - Is there a risk of having to stay out overnight?

    Existing Controls

    1. Route plan & time appreciation
    2. Competent navigation skills
    3. Suitable shelter / emergency equipment carried
    4. Communications carried

    Hazards Identified

    Does the activity cross crags, cliffs or steep ground not commensurate with the activity?

    Existing Controls

    1. Avoid dangerous areas

    Hazards Identified

    Is there an Avalanche Risk?

    Existing Controls

    1. Current risk assessment using Sierra Nevada National Park reports
    2. Recent history & local reporting
    3. Avoidance

    Hazards Identified

    Risk of spring snow bridges collapsing?

    Existing Controls

    1. Current risk assessment
    2. Avoidance

    Hazards Identified

    Effect of Pine Processionary Caterpillars?

    Existing Controls

    1. Active at this time of year?
    2. Forested areas en route
    3. Avoidance