Fleetwood Kite Club V.1 Mar 06

Kitesports Risk Assessment

Introduction

In this formal risk assessment

Likelihood

Severity

Notes on Zones

Notes on Insurance

Activity: Single Line Kites

Activity: Two Line Kites (Trick, Precision / Stunt & Foil)

Activity: 2 & 4 Line Traction Kites

Activity: Kite Buggy / Landboard

Activity: Kitesurf

Terms of reference

PDF Version

Introduction

Risk is an every day part of all our lives in this document we endeavour to explain what hazards are presented by kitesports, who is at risk from those hazards, what is the likelihood of those hazards causing an accident, what the severity of an injury could be and how these combine to give a risk.

This risk assessment uses a quantative system to give the risk a score. It should be remembered that the aim of a risk assessment is not to remove the risk completely but wherever practicable to take reasonable steps to reduce the risk of an accident occurring.

We illustrate the possible controls that could be employed to reduce those risks. This document is intended for any organisation to use and should be adjusted and modified to a particular setting. The adoption of some controls may be appropriate and others may not be reasonable or practical.

What is appropriate for one open space may not be appropriate for another. Account must therefore be taken of the setting and the other users in the open space. How we can reduce the risks to public & participants where kiting takes place on public open spaces.

It is important to state that in any aspect of modern living risk cannot be completely removed but we believe that the following is a reasonable and practicable application of controls to reduce the risks.

It is also important to note that participants in many aspects of kitesports accept the risk to their person and it is precisely because of this element of risk that many take up some aspects of kitesports.

In this formal risk assessment we:-

Decide the nature of the hazard,

Decide who is at risk,

Estimate the likelihood of an accident happening,

Estimate how serious such an accident would be,

Judge the acceptability of using the substance or technique,

Accept the risk or apply control measures

The risk assessment makes no allowance for the unknown elements such as people wilfully intending harm to others and the HSE guidance also accepts this interpretation.

In this document the Likelihood of a hazard causing an accident is multiplied by the severity of injury should an accident occur.

Likelihood:

5: Very Likely - If nothing is done, an accident will almost certainly occur

4: Likely - will happen if external factors take effect

3: Quite Possible - An accident my happen if pushed by other factors

2: Possible - may happen if external factors take effect, but unlikely

1: Not Likely - No real likelihood of an accident occurring

Severity:

5: Very High - Multiple death or widespread injury

4: High - Series injury or death to an individual

3: Moderate - Causing Injury that could keep individual away from normal activities

2: Slight - minor injury

1: Nil - No risk of injury

The combination of these two scales determines the level of risk: The higher the total, the Higher the risk:

15 - 25 - High

7 - 14 - Medium

1 - 6 - Low

	05	04	03	02	01
05	25	20	15	10	05
04	20	16	12	08	04
03	15	12	09	06	03
02	10	08	06	04	02
01	05	04	03	02	01

Likelihood x Severity = Risk Factor

Notes on Zones;

Zones can be an extremely effective way of controlling kitesports but should not be mis-interpreted. They do not prevent accidents & incidents but they do allow land owners to position the activity away from other beach / open space users. Zones may also be seasonal as in winter very few people are using beaches and kitesports (as a year round sport) may be allowed to have bigger areas at times of low usage. Problems that occur in zones are that the kite pilot’s perceive, (wrongly) that the public have no right to enter the zone and this can lead to confrontation. Additionally by creating a zone kiter pilots are forced together in an area which creates collision risks between kite pilots. Zones may also lead to kite pilot’s changing their mind-set and instead of using their judgment on a given day rely on the zone, in certain wind strengths and conditions this may add to the risk. Zones should be created where;

Beaches are heavily used by the public and other user groups

The creation of a zone will increase usage which can be positive for a beach & area

Segregation from one aspect of kitesports is desirable e.g. static kites and buggies

There is a risk to the kite pilot due to obstacles such as buildings

In all cases zones must be of sufficient size to create a safer environment rather than increasing the risk.

Kite surfers have additional problems with zoning as this can cause problems when a surfer cannot stay up-wind, we believe that kite surfers should observe kite exclusion zones around public areas as this will lead to safer activity for all.

Notes on Insurance;

3rd party liability insurance does not reduce risk! Risk is reduced by effective training, information and the creation of safe areas to enjoy the sport. Not all Skiers’ on a piste are insured. The insistence on insurance by authorities may result in the following issues;

• It is impractical to police and leads to over bureaucracy
• It becomes a barrier to people starting the sport
• There are differing insurances, who can decide what is acceptable?
• Many kite activities are extremely low risk and cheap, insisting on insurance may lead to many people deciding that it is too much money and will not wish to continue the sport / activity.

Activity: Single Line Kites

Environment: Public Open Spaces

Hazard	Who is at Risk	Likelihood	Severity	Risk Score	Possible Controls (controls that could be negotiated with kite organisations or councils).	Risk once controls are adopted
Kite Lines (people walking into or lines being released under load into the path of another person).	Public	3	4	12-Med	Place high visibility markers on lines. Do not leave kites unattended. Use of signage in prominent place. Designated area for the flying of single line kites on busy or popular sites	Low
Kites hitting person (could be caused by erratic wind or incorrect kite set-up)	Public	2	3	6-Low	Designated area for the flying of single line kites on busy or popular sites	Low
Storms (Lightning strike, high winds)	Kite Pilot	1	5	5-Low	Advice to kite pilots through information available from various sources. Guidance publications or possibly signage including advice to not fly in storms or high winds	Low
Slips Trips & Falls	Kite Pilot	3	2	6-Low	Areas designated for kite pilots should be appropriate for the use. Rough ground should be avoided where trips and falls are more common.	Low
Equipment Failure (lines breaking under load or carbon breaking)	Public/other kite pilots	2	4	8-Med	Advice to kite pilot’s to include checking equipment and ensuring correct lines for the kite / conditions.	Low

Activity: Two Line Kites (Trick, Precision / Stunt & Foil).

Environment: Public Open Spaces

Hazard	Who is at Risk	Likelihood	Severity	Risk Score	Possible Controls (controls that could be negotiated with kite organisations or councils).	Risk once controls are adopted
Kite Lines (snagging on people walking into the area between kite & pilot, or lines being released under load into the path of another person).	Public	3	3	9-Med	Designated area for “static flying” or for this type of kite, and signage to that effect.Advice & information to kite pilot’s to be available and distributed. To include info on placing the kite in zenith (straight up above pilot) when a person enters the area between pilot and kite.	Low
Kites hitting person (could be caused by erratic wind or incorrect kite set-up)	Public Kite Pilot's	2	3	6-Low	See above	Low
Storms (Lightning strike, high winds)	Kite Pilot	1	5	5-Low	Advice to kite pilots through information available from various sources. Guidance publications or possibly signage including advice to not fly in storms or high winds	Low
Slips Trips & Falls	Kite Pilot	3	2	6-Low	Areas designated for kite pilots should be appropriate for the use. Rough ground should be avoided where trips and falls are more common.	Low
Equipment Failure (lines breaking under load or carbon breaking)	Public/other kite pilots	2	4	8-Med	Advice to kite pilot’s to include checking equipment and ensuring correct lines for the kite / conditions.	Low

Activity: 2 & 4 Line Traction Kites

Environment: Public Open Spaces

Hazard	Who is at Risk	Likelihood	Severity	Risk Score	Possible Controls (controls that could be negotiated with kite organisations or councils).	Risk once controls are adopted
Static Hazards at the site such as overhead power lines, roads, fences, trees & buildings	Public Kite Pilots	3	4	12-Med	Kite Pilot’s to make a site assessment prior to any activity starting, Advice & guidance provided through code of conduct / signage Kite Pilot’s to keep at least 3 line lengths (kite flying lines) between the pilot and any down wind obstacle / person where possible. Advice & Guidance issued in code of conduct to use appropriate safety leash where possible. Signage to this effect	Low
Uplift caused by obstacles	Public Kite Pilot's	2	4	8-Med	Advice & Guidance through code of conduct / signage that kite pilot’s need to be aware of the risk of excessive uplift caused by buildings and cliffs. Kite zones away from such obstacles.	Low
Gusty conditions caused by wind shadow / erratic wind conditions	Public Kite Pilot's	4	3	12-Med	Advice & Guidance through code of conduct that inform and educate pilot’s as to the difficulties of flying in this type of wind Zones set up for land based kiting away from buildings / cliff’s / mountains where this is minimised.	Low
Pedestrians / dogs / vehicles etc…	Public Kite Pilot's	4	3	12-Med	Advice & Guidance through code of conduct to include what to do when a person / animal / vehicle strays between the pilot and the kite. The kite should be parked on the corner of the wind window away from the obstacle, landed or parked in zenith depending on the pilot's skill, proximity of the obstacle and the wind conditions. If zones are set up must be a significant distance from dog walker’s routes due to the attacks of dogs on kites / kite pilots.	Low
Lines / ground stakes / kites on the ground	Public/other kite pilots	2	4	8-Med	If the kite is to be left for any length of time then it should be weighted down sufficiently and the flying lines packed away or brought back to the kite. If ground stakes are used they should be only used for short periods and should not be left on the beach as they can become a hazard to the public and other pilot's. Advice & Guidance through code of conduct to include information about lines as a trip hazard and warn that the kite can re-launch unless care is taken to weight the kite sufficiently. Guidance to include, lines should be disconnected so that should the kite be blown risk of injury presented by the lines and control systems are removed. If zones are set up must be a significant distance away from roads / rail tracks / tram lines & pylons	Low

Activity: Kite Buggy / Landboard

Environment: Public Open Spaces

Hazard	Who is at Risk	Likelihood	Severity	Risk Score	Possible Controls (controls that could be negotiated with kite organisations or councils).	Risk once controls are adopted
Static Hazards at the site such as overhead power lines, roads, fences, trees & buildings	Public Kite Pilots	3	4	12-Med	Kite Pilot’s to make a site assessment prior to any activity starting, Advice & guidance provided through code of conduct / signage Kite Pilot’s to keep at least 3 line lengths (kite flying lines) between the pilot and any down wind obstacle / person where possible. Advice & Guidance issued in code of conduct to use appropriate safety leash where possible. Signage to this effect	Low
Uplift caused by obstacles	Public Kite Pilot's	2	4	8-Med	Advice & Guidance through code of conduct / signage that kite pilot’s need to be aware of the risk of excessive uplift caused by buildings and cliffs. Kite zones away from such obstacles.	Low
Gusty conditions caused by wind shadow / erratic wind conditions	Public Kite Pilot's	4	3	12-Med	Advice & Guidance through code of conduct to include what to do when a person / animal / vehicle strays between the pilot and the kite. The kite should be parked on the corner of the wind window away from the obstacle, landed or parked in zenith depending on the pilot's skill, proximity of the obstacle and the wind conditions. If zones are set up must be a significant distance from dog walker’s routes due to the attacks of dogs on kites / kite pilots.	Low
Pedestrians / dogs / vehicles etc…	Public Kite Pilot's	4	3	12-Med	Advice & Guidance through code of conduct to include what to do when a person / animal / vehicle strays between the pilot and the kite. The kite should be parked on the corner of the wind window away from the obstacle, landed or parked in zenith depending on the pilot's skill, proximity of the obstacle and the wind conditions. If zones are set up must be a significant distance from dog walker’s routes due to the attacks of dogs on kites / kite pilots.	Low
Lines / ground stakes / kites on the ground	Public/other kite pilots	2	4	8-Med	If the kite is to be left for any length of time then it should be weighted down sufficiently and the flying lines packed away or brought back to the kite. If ground stakes are used they should be only used for short periods and should not be left on the beach as they can become a hazard to the public and other pilot's. Advice & Guidance through code of conduct to include information about lines as a trip hazard and warn that the kite can re-launch unless care is taken to weight the kite sufficiently. Guidance to include, lines should be disconnected so that should the kite be blown risk of injury presented by the lines and control systems are removed. If zones are set up must be a significant distance away from roads / rail tracks / tram lines & pylons	Low
Collision	Public/other kite pilots	3	4	12-Med	Advice to kite pilot’s / public of the hazard on signage and code of practice. Ensure personal competence wherever possible / practical through training / advice (from Shop at Fleetwood). Ensure personal space and take evasive action to avoid collision (code of practice)	Low

Activity: Kitesurf

Environment: Public Open Spaces / Sea (on open water)

Hazard	Who is at Risk	Likelihood	Severity	Risk Score	Possible Controls (controls that could be negotiated with kite organisations or councils).	Risk once controls are adopted
Static Hazards at the site such as overhead power lines, roads, fences, trees & buildings	Public Kite Pilots	3	4	12-Med	Guidance & Advice to kite pilot’s to include making a site assessment prior to any activity starting. If Zones are created must be away from hazards. There must be at least 3 line lengths (kite flying lines) between the pilot and any down wind obstacle.	Low
Launch & Landing	Public Kite Pilot's	4	4	16-High	Guidance & Advice to include information to launch land kites over water wherever possible, clients to be informed of the risks of launch / landing on the beach. Only kite pilot's / experienced assistants to assist launch & land	Medium
Uplift caused by obstacles	Kite Pilot's	3	4	12-Med	Advice & Guidance through code of conduct / signage that kite pilot’s need to be aware of the risk of excessive uplift caused by buildings and cliffs. Kite zones away from such obstacles.	Low
Gusty conditions caused by wind shadow	Kite Pilot’s, Public whilst on land	3	4	12-Med	Advice & Guidance through code of conduct that inform and educate pilot’s as to the difficulties of flying in this type of wind Zones set up for land based kiting away from buildings / cliff’s / mountains where this is minimised.	Low
Person blown off shore	Kite Pilot’s	3	3	9-Med	Advice & Guidance through code of conducts that inform and educate pilot’s of the dangers of off shore conditions. Kitesurf in off shore conditions can take place where safety cover is in operation (i.e. Boat / Jet Ski)	Low
Lines / kites on the ground	Public/other kite pilots	4	4	16-High	If the kite is to be left for any length of time then it should be weighted down sufficiently and the flying lines packed away or brought back to the kite. If ground stakes are used they should be only used for short periods and should not be left on the beach as they can become a hazard to the public and other pilot's. Advice & Guidance through code of conduct to include information about lines as a trip hazard and warn that the kite can re-launch unless care is taken to weight the kite sufficiently. Guidance to include, lines should be disconnected so that should the kite be blown risk of injury presented by the lines and control systems are removed. If zones are set up must be a significant distance away from roads / rail tracks / tram lines & pylons.	Medium
Hypothermia	Kite Pilot’s	2	2	4-low	Advice & Guidance to include information on hypothermia.	Low
Drowning / collision	Kite Pilot’s	2	5	10-Med	Advice & Guidance to include information on the use of buoyancy aids & helmets	Low
Entanglement (kite lines / leash)	Kite Pilot’s	2	4	8-Med	Advice & Guidance to include information about safety knives Also to include information	Low
Failure of equipment (safety release etc…)	Kite Pilot’s	2	4	8-Med	Advice & guidance to include information regarding basic maintenance prior to activity.	Low

Terms of reference

Kiting like many other sports & hobby’s has its own terms of reference. Below is a list of common terms in use by the kiting fraternity and used in this document. Each term has a brief explanation of its meaning and this in not intended to be a comprehensive list.

Board

Can mean a Landboard also known as an ATB or Mountainboards or a kitesurf board.

Buggy

Normally three wheeled although 2, 4 & more wheeled variations are available. Buggies on sand tend to travel at a maximum of 50mph due to friction; average buggy pilots tend to stick around the 30mph mark. Racing buggies are heavier and have wider rear axles and can travel in excess of these speeds. Freestyle fliers tend to not travel beyond 30mph and their buggies are lighter and smaller.

Board Leash

Used to retain the board (kitesurfing / Landboard). In application on the water used only by beginners, generally accepted that best practice is to stop using the leash as quickly as possible due to the risk of the board hitting the pilot or becoming entangled. If a leash is used so should a helmet. On Landboards they are more dangerous for the pilot as they can become easily entangled in wheels or cause injury to the pilot’s ankles.

Foil

Soft kite designed with pockets that trap air, also known as ram air.

Kite Killers

4 line safety systems used to prevent the kite from leaving the pilot in the event of a mishap. Also called safety leash and if used correctly cease the pull of the kite once handles / bar is released.

Kite Leash

Used on De-Power able kites see kite killers, kite leash prevents the loss of the kite and also dumps the power from the kite. On some systems this may not be immediate and the kite may still have to be released if the pilot deems it necessary.

Kite Pilot

The person in control of a kite also known as kiters

Line

The line used to control or fly the kite. Single line kites use lines with a high melting point and depending on the kite may be rated from 25kgs to 600kgs, thus if crossed with lines on a power kite will quickly cut through them. 2 line kites intended for trick flying have very light lines as the kites are designed for very little pull. 2 line stunt, power and 4 line traction kites have stronger lines which may have breaking strains from 150kgs to 280kgs or more.

Luffing

Term used to describe the kite folding when a gust of wind catches a wing tip or where the wind drops and the kite falls from the sky or drops a little.

Power Kite

2 or 4 line kite capable of producing significant pull as it travels through the power zone. Can be used to pull a person standing or on some wheeled / planning craft e.g. in a buggy or on a surf board.

Power Zone

Also referred to as the Power Window the area from left to right (or vice versa where the kite produces its fastest flight and most pull.

Precision Kite

Used in display usually as part of a team but also 1 person controlling 3 kites to give the effect of a kite ballet, carbon framed

Single line

Kite Types of kite used by children, one line, may have a carbon / fibreglass frame or may be a ram air type (soft foil kite). Specialist single line kites can be enormous and generate significant lift on the line.

Static Flying

where a pilot is standing, sitting or lying down, may include jumping with the kite or being pulled by the kite but with no additional equipment.

Stunt Kite

Carbon framed kite used to fly through the wind window. Cannot perform complex moves due to the standard 1 point bridle.

Trick Kite

Used to perform aerial manoeuvres not possible with other kites. Through a complex bridle system the kite can be rotated in all directions, trick competitions are held throughout the world and it can take a lifetime to accumulate the highest skills.

Two Line Kite

Two line kites can be split into 2 main categories, carbon framed kites and foil kites. 2 lines allows the kite to be steered though the wind window. See Trick / Stunt / Precision and Powerkites

Zenith

The areas directly above the pilot where a kite can hover with no or little pull