Participant Safety

Participant Safety

Ensuring safe participation requires a systematic approach from the moment someone enquires about your activity through to the end of their experience.

Gathering and Providing Safety Information

Before participants arrive:

• Provide clear information about what the activity involves, what level of fitness or experience is expected, and what risks are inherent
• This constitutes your risk disclosure — participants must have enough information to make an informed decision about participating
• Collect relevant medical and health information before the activity

Pre-Booking Procedures

At the booking stage:

• Screen for any contraindications to participation (medical conditions, age, fitness)
• Provide written information about inherent risks
• Obtain consent, particularly for minors
• Collect emergency contact details

Pre-Activity Briefings

Before every session:

• Brief all participants on the activity, equipment, hazards, and what to do in an emergency
• Confirm that participants have disclosed any relevant health conditions
• Check that equipment fits correctly and is being used properly
• Allow time for questions

Screening Participants

Active screening during the activity:

• Watch for signs of fatigue, fear, or distress
• Adjust the activity or route based on participant capability
• Have clear go/no-go criteria for each stage of the activity

Supervision Systems

Effective supervision requires:

• Appropriate staff-to-participant ratios (refer to your ASG or technical advisor)
• Clear roles for each staff member during the activity
• Communication systems between staff (radios, signals)
• A designated decision-maker on the ground

Record-Keeping

You must keep records of:

• Participant consent forms and health declarations
• Staff qualifications and first aid currency
• Equipment checks
• Any incidents or near misses
• Notifiable events (kept for at least 5 years)