Transmission of COVID-19 through close contact / meeting other people |
Hashers, members of the public – risk of spreading COVID-19 |
Avoid busy car parks and popular walking/running areas. |
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Avoid particularly narrow routes where physical distancing is not possible. |
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Remind hashers beforehand about the guidelines. |
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Advise hashers at the start of the run to maintain physical distancing, and what to do at any pinch points or road crossings – this is everyone’s responsibility. |
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Carry a face covering in case of incidents. |
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Ensure you have a record of anyone who attended the run who didn’t book in. |
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Transmission of COVID-19 through touching gates, stiles, fences or equipment |
Hashers, members of the public – risk of spreading COVID-19 |
Avoid touching gates and path furniture, where possible. | |
Suggest hashers bring hand sanitiser. |
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Advise hashers not to share food, drink or equipment such as torches. |
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Bad weather (including extreme temperatures) |
Hashers – risk of illness and injury, risk of the group being stranded |
Check the weather forecast and postpone/cancel if necessary. Advise hashers to bring suitable clothing and items for the conditions. |
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Busy roads |
Hashers – risk of vehicle collisions |
Countryside trails should avoid routes along busy roads and/or check for suitable crossing places on the recce.
Town trails should avoid narrow pavements on busy roads, and use pedestrian crossings where possible. |
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Steep, slippery or muddy sections. |
Hashers – risk of trips/slips |
Check for muddy/slippery sections on the recce and adapt the route if necessary. Advise hashers to bring suitable footwear for the conditions. |
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Livestock |
Hashers – risk of injury |
Cross fields with livestock calmly and quietly. Be prepared to divert around livestock if necessary. |
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Risk of farmer’s loss if livestock are startled |
Follow the Outdoor Access Code. Leave gates and property as you find them. |
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Cliffs or sheer drops |
Hashers – risk of falls |
Check paths are suitable for a pack to use safely and make changes if necessary. |
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Take heed of any local warnings or signs, and advise hashers to keep away from the edge. |
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Vegetation |
Hashers - risk from poisonous or sharp plants |
Be aware of nettles, thorns, giant hogweed etc. encroaching on or near the planned trail. |
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Darkness |
Hashers – trips, slips & bumps into unseen objects |
Night time trails should be under street light or moonlight where possible.
Where a dark section is the only option give the hashers warning prior to the day of the run so they can bring torches. |
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