Risk Analysis and Management System

Attraction: Waitomo Big Red 4-wheel Bikes

Injury due to falling off bike or rolling, client trapped under bike; separation from party; injury from burns; damage to clothing; damage to bikes; fatigue; psychological distress “Can’t do it”.

Client ability; inexperience; lack of bike skills; poor leadership/ communication; lack of risk disclosure; party too large; lack of pre trip briefing/planning; too much speed; peer pressure; poor listening skills; lack of understanding of activity; existing/undisclosed medical condition.

Lack of bike maintenance; poor clothing and footwear; inadequate head protection; poor Big Red Van maintenance.

Weather conditions especially heavy rain; mud on tracks; drains/ruts; uneven/steep terrain; views; farm animals; cold; traffic safety; road safety.

Normal Operations

Pre-trip planning; good leadership; good briefing; risk disclosure; leader able to recognise potential hazards; leader has high level of skill in activity and good knowledge of area and tracks; group to stay behind the guide bike; emergency /contingency plan.

Regular maintenance check - use forms; protective helmets; First Aid Certificate and kits; logged/checked group; vans have current warrant; cell phones.

Alternative tracks available; trained guides; guides' knowledge of farmland and tracks; weather check.

Emergency

Accident/Incident reporting system; risk disclosure and precautions; medical forms; guides to have first aid skills; First Aid kits in bike including call out/emergency plan; guides to have cell phone on them; ability to call out skilled people who live near by.

Guides hold First Aid Certificates; guides have basic ATV skills; the activity is managed by a NZ Qualification Authority registered person with unit standards 100098, 100099,100100,10010; all bikes maintained and serviced to industry standards.

Guides to carry First Aid kit and cell phone; ratio of 1:8; an extra guide is preferred if group exceeds this number (helps in managing the group); guide to have seen operations plan/paper work/relevant forms, checklists.

Ability to competently and safely drive 4X4 motorbike; good knowledge of tracks; high level of verbal communication skills; good communication; group control; basic ATV skills; ability to assess clients' abilities - reading, anticipating and managing situations; ability to say "no"; friendly nature/good people skills; First Aid knowledge; responsible behaviour.

email us at: education@waitomodiscovery.org                21/12/2007