Risk Assessment
Update. Covid-19 risk assessment. In addition to normal risk assessment, following Government Guidelines, all guides will comply with the following measures as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Underlying principle: As a socially responsible business we recognise that the safety of everyone in the town is the priority thus apply the following measures to reduce risks.
What are the requirements? | Who might be harmed? | What we are doing to control the risks | Who by | Done |
| Group space & social distancing | All. Guide and any pedestrian | · Limit group side to 12 maximum plus one tour guide · Clients will be encouraged and helped to adopt social distancing between each other. 2 metres apart at focus locations (unless clients are from the same family or social bubble). · Guides will avoid shaking hands or making any physical contact with clients. | Everyone | |
| Booking
Supporting Track & Trace
Payment
| All clients | 1. All clients must pre-book via the Sherborne Walks website or by contacting info@sherbornewalks.co.uk. Tele: 07989 453966 (Paul) 2. To support Track And Trace, Sherborne Walks will invite clients to provide their name. If there is more than one person, only the name of the ‘lead member’ of the group and the number of people will be requested, a contact phone number for each visitor, or for the lead member of a group of people The data will indicate the date of visit and times of the tour. Clients will interact with only one guide. Data will be kept as an electronic file for 21 days after the event and them fully deleted from the system. Unless the client opts out of providing details, these will be shared with verified NHS Track & Trace officials if requested. 3. Although taking cash is an option, we would like to encourage payment by card machine or contactless/bank transfer. | Clients | |
| Route & crowded areas in the town centre. | All. | · All routes used are risk assessed. · Guides will select a route that avoid crowded areas and will make best efforts to negotiate them, or if appropriate, avoid them · Guides will arrange their group at focus points so normal pedestrian / traffic flows are not compromised by social distancing measures. · Remind parents they are responsible supervising their children at all times | ||
| Avoiding transmission of Covid-19 | Everyone | · All clients will be told that they are responsible for themselves and will be encouraged to wear a face mask and socially distance throughout the tour · Guides will not hand out any objects and will apply rigorous hygiene practices, including wearing disposable gloves to open the Abbey Green kissing gate and any doors; carry hand sanitizer and encourage others to do the same. · Guides will know which public toilets/hand-washing facilities/hand sanitizer points are available along the route · Guides will ensure they are fully aware of sites’ specific Covid-19 requirements and comply with them (Sherborne Abbey, St John’s Almshouse, Sherborne School, Cafes & Cross Keys restaurant) · If requested, guides will consider wearing a face mask. | ||
| Visiting groups | All | · Only pre-booked groups will be accepted for a guided tour. · Tours will be staggered throughout specified days · Guides will happily work with tour companies who use & provide remote audio devises to clients. · Where appropriate, guides will liaise with coach and vehicle companies drivers to ensure vehicles have been thoroughly sanitized. | ||
| Liability | All | · Clients will tick a box agreeing to Terms and Conditions before being allowed to book a tour, indicating they have read the guidelines and understand that they are responsible for themselves. The guide has no liability for their future health, only their safety and enjoyment whilst on the tour. · If individuals leave the group to enter another premises they are deemed to have left the tour and are no longer the guides responsibility. · Guides have checked their insurance liability in relation to Covid-19 and will inform clients. |
Sherborne Walks guides will ensure they are familiar with the most up-to-date public health guidelines and will adhere to these for the duration of the tour.
Date completed: January 2022 Signed: Paul Birbeck Julia Morris (Sherborne Walks guides)
Sources: Coronavirus (Covid-19) guidance and support for businesses and self-employed people during coronavirus. Updates on-going www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely (during coronavirus Covid-19/the visitor economy / https://www.gov.uk/guidance/maintaining-records-of-staff-customers-and-visitors-to-support-nhs-test-and-trace
Risk assessment
Company name: Sherborne Walks Assessment carried out by: Paul Birbeck
Date next review: Annual (March 2023) Date assessment carried out: January 2022
What are the requirements? | Who might be harmed? | What we are doing to control the risks | Who by | When |
| Uneven pavement and kerbs. May be slippery in wet weather | All walkers particularly those with balance difficulties / mobility issues. Anyone might trip, slide or stumble | Warn clients at start of walk and highlight any areas where hazard is found as we walk around.
Adapt route so drop kerbs used by people with limited mobility
Ensure public liability insurance is up to date through Institute of Tour Guides. | Guide | On-going dynamic assessment
Annual registration September |
| Motorized traffic on Cheap Street, Half Moon and Long Street areas | Client steps out into road without thinking | Warn clients where care is required. Keep vigilant and be aware of all group members position | Guide | Dynamic assessment |
| Route & crowded areas in the town centre. | Anyone | · Warn clients to keep close and ensure there is space for people to pass · Guide does not start talking until everyone is in appropriate position · Limit group size | Guide | Dynamic assessment |
| Extreme heat or cold weather conditions cause client discomfort | Anyone | · Warn clients in advance to dress appropriately and bring refreshments appropriate to weather forecast · Take regular refreshment breaks. Visit local pub/café. Guide aware of places to shelter · Advise any client whose clothing is inappropriate at beginning of walk · Abandon walk if necessary | Guide | Immediate |
| Access to toilets | Anyone | Guide knows where public toilets are located and points them out on route Guide describes location of facilities at start of walk | Guide | On going |
| Client may have a special need / requirement | Client becomes frustrated and doesn’t enjoy the experience | Client informs guide of any special requirement when booking. Guide takes condition into account on route | Client Guide | On going |
| Group size above 12 – max 20 can’t hear commentary | Clients at rear of the group. Walkers with hearing difficulties | Cindy Chant (Guide) uses a small microphone & headset. Select quieter location before talking and manage group so close to the guide | Guide | On going |
| Inclines,, particularly to The Terrace and up Cheap Street | All walkers, particularly those with heart problems e.g. Angina | · Warn walkers in advance to need for sturdy footwear · Be aware of walkers health needs · Allow everyone to take inclines at their own pace · Remind walkers to take and use medication if necessary · Rest at hill tops and wait for group | Guide
Client | Dynamic |
| Liability | All | · Clients understand that they are responsible for themselves. The guide has no liability for their future health, only their safety and enjoyment whilst on the tour. Terms & conditions on website · If individuals leave the group to enter another premises they are deemed to have left the tour and are no longer the guides responsibility. · Guides have public liability | Client
Guide | Website up to date
Annual renewal through IBTA |
Date completed: January 2022 Signed: Paul Birbeck Julia Morris Cindy Chant (Sherborne Walks guides)
Sources: Coronavirus (Covid-19) guidance and support for businesses and self-employed people during coronavirus. Updates on-going www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely (during coronavirus Covid-19/the visitor economy / https://www.gov.uk/guidance/maintaining-records-of-staff-customers-and-visitors-to-support-nhs-test-and-trace
Our Accreditations & Partners
Highly Rated on Trip Advisor
Sherborne is so full of history. Paul brought it all to life. Sherborne Walks is a must do in Sherborne. My son and I thoroughly loved it.
Eileen S
27 September 2023
