Risk Assessment Form

Location/Activity: Iceland
Teacher in charge:
Significant Hazard

Date:
Year Group:
Who might be harmed?

Risk factor:
High, Medium or
Low
Low / Medium

How is the risk

controlled?

-If parents need to contact a member of staff

or students need to contact home in the
event of an emergency

Parents / Staff /
students

-Getting onto the coach at school/college

Staff / Students

Low

-Sensible behaviour as
we leave

None

-Student forgetting passport

Staff / Students

Low

-named teacher to check

all passports before
school and parents leave

None

-Road Accident

Staff & Students

Medium

-Qualified coach driver

Responsibility of school to
check UK coach safety unless
provided by tour operator

-Student/Staff leaving passport on coach

once getting to Heathrow

Staff & Students

Low/Medium

-named teacher to check

all have passports before
we disembark

None

-Getting lost in airport and missing the flight

Staff & Students

Low

-Create a base where

students can congregate
and one member of staff
present at all times before
departure

All students have Tour leaders

mobile phone number on their
dog-tags (create these for all
students) to use if necessary
through out the duration of the
trip)

Signed: Teacher in charge:

Date:

Signed: EVC

Date:

Discover Iceland: Risk Assessment

Discover the World

All have trip Leaders

mobile number

List what further action might

be necessary to control the
risk
Parent tree created which all
parents have

Page 1 of 12

Risk Assessment Form

Location/Activity:
Teacher in charge:

Iceland

Significant Hazard

DateYear Group:

Who might be harmed?

-Flight missed by student

Staff & Students

Risk factor:
High, Medium or
Low
Low

-Plane accident

Staff & Students

Low/Medium

Respected airline used to

transport all
Icelandair/Iceland
Express

-Bags not arrived at Keflavik

Staff & Students

Low

All students to label bags

with DTW luggage tags
provided Others can
provide spares if this is
the case bags missing
to be reported at airport
and sent on

-Slipping when outside if snow/rain/sleet in

evidence

Staff & Students

Low

Care to be taken when

leaving airport

Signed: Teacher in charge:

Date:

Signed: EVC

Date:

Discover Iceland: Risk Assessment

Discover the World

How is the risk

controlled?
All keep check on
boarding times and Tour
leader to decide on
meeting time in departure
lounge even if flight
delayed

List what further action might

be necessary to control the
risk
Correct count by all members of
staff to be kept as often as is
deemed necessary

None

.
None

None

Page 2 of 12

Risk Assessment Form

Location/Activity:
Teacher in charge:

Iceland

Significant Hazard

Date:
Year Group:
Who might be harmed?

-If using a Superbus which has steps which

are significantly higher up than the normal
coach would have

Staff & Students

Risk factor:
High, Medium or
Low
Low

-Blue lagoon possible hazards:

a)Cutting legs on some sharp sections of
lava which protrude in a few areas of the
lagoon
b)Slipping on the decking around the lagoon
c)Slipping on the floor of the changing rooms

Staff & Students

Low/Medium

All are already aware of

the risks from
documentation and Tour
Leader will tell them
again on arrival at the
Blue Lagoon

No diving is allowed and no

running around the sides the
lagoon is constantly monitored
by life guards who wear high
visibility jackets.

-Restaurants in Reykjavik
Group walk to the Caf through Reykjavik in
the evening individuals getting lost

Staff & Students

Low

Group all stays together

at all times on the way
there and on the way
back

None

Signed: Teacher in charge:

Date:

Signed: EVC

Date:

Discover Iceland: Risk Assessment

Discover the World

How is the risk

controlled?
Care taken when getting
into bus

List what further action might

be necessary to control the
risk
None

Page 3 of 12

Risk Assessment Form

Location/Activity: Iceland
Teacher in charge:
Significant Hazard

Date:
Year Group:
Who might be harmed?

-Every day getting on and off the coach or

Superbus after various activities slipping up
and down the steps with wet feet

Staff & Students

Risk factor:
High, Medium or
Low
Low

-Driving in snow and ice

Staff & Students

Low

Icelandic drivers very

experienced in such
conditions

None

-Perlan viewing platform slipping up the

steps
-ingvellir National Park falling, slipping if
snow / ice present / falling in fast flowing
water

Staff & Students

Low

Care taken

None

Staff & Students

Low

Group stays together and

sticks to the path

Vigilance by staff and Trip

leader to inform all of hazards
before getting off the bus

-Keri explosion crater walk around the

edge of the crater on path falling into crater

Staff & Students

Low

Weather conditions to be
taken into account and all
to adhere to the path

As above

Signed: Teacher in charge:

Date:

Signed: EVC

Date:

Discover Iceland: Risk Assessment

Discover the World

How is the risk

controlled?
Care taken when entering
or leaving the bus

List what further action might

be necessary to control the
risk
Driver will get all to change wet
shoes and place in drying area
so all to have change of shoes
handy every day

Page 4 of 12

Risk Assessment Form

Location/Activity:
Teacher in charge:

Iceland

Significant Hazard

DateYear Group:

Staff / Students

Risk factor:
High, Medium or
Low
Low / Medium

Staff & Students

Low

As above

As above

-Crossing the road

Staff / Students

Low

Group stays together

Advise Icelandic drive on the

right

-Seljalandsfoss waterfall walk behind the

falls and around slipping and falling in

Staff / Students

Low

Group sticks to the path

and takes care on
slippery mud

Wear appropriate footwear

-Gullfoss waterfall walk to the edge of the

waterfall along the edge of the gorge on path
slipping on path and falling in the water

-Geysir hot springs and geyser eruptions

as the group is walking around the site
hazard if student puts hand in water or
stands too near to geyser erupting

Who might be harmed?

Signed: Teacher in charge:

Date:

Signed: EVC

Date:

Discover Iceland: Risk Assessment

Discover the World

How is the risk

controlled?
Trip Leader to again
mention the hazards;
group stays on the path
and does not get too
close to the edge staff
to monitor closely

List what further action might

be necessary to control the
risk
As above for all (trip leader to
mention activities and hazards
and adhere to advice of the
guide in inclement weather)

Page 5 of 12

Risk Assessment Form

Location/Activity:
Teacher in charge:

Iceland

Significant Hazard

Date:
Year Group:
Who might be harmed?

-Skogarfoss walk up the side of the falls

on metal steps - slipping

Staff / Students

Risk factor:
High, Medium or
Low
Low / Medium

-Slheimajkull glacier:
a) Ice walking
b) Walking on the moraines
To both falling over whilst crossing the many
small streams, slipping on the ice, crevasses

Staff / Students

Low/Medium

Qualified guide to instruct

all students in the use of
the ice-axe and crampons
to be fitted to all; group
stays together at all times
and on track indicated by
the guide

As above

-Mrdalsjkull glacier trip on snowbus

then majority of group to go sledding; sixth
form and selected staff to drive skidoos
falling in snow; falling off skidoos

Staff / Students

Low/Medium

Some staff stay with

group sledding to ensure
safety and some to
accompany qualified
skidoo guide full
instruction given

As above

-Volcano erupting whilst on glacier which

is on volcano

Staff / Students

Low

Group only allowed on

top for 2 hours and
volcano constantly
monitored by scientists
and guide on glacier

Signed: Teacher in charge:

Date:

Signed: EVC

Date:

Discover Iceland: Risk Assessment

Discover the World

How is the risk

controlled?
Care taken and staff to be
well distributed between
the students

List what further action might

be necessary to control the
risk
As above

Page 6 of 12

Risk Assessment Form

Location/Activity:
Teacher in charge:

Iceland

Significant Hazard

Date:
Year Group:
Who might be harmed?

-Dyrhlaey-walk on the beach and along the

cliff tops to view the ocean falling into the
sea

Staff & Students

Risk factor:
High, Medium or
Low
Low

-Eldhraun walk amongst lava flow covered

in moss tripping over

Staff / Students

Low

Group stays on the path

-Skaftafell National Park:

a) Walk to glacial snout of Svinafellsjokull
b) Walk to Svartifoss columnar basalt
waterfall
With both, tripping and falling into river or
onto edge of glacier

Staff / Students

Low/Medium

Group stays together and

on the path adhering to
the advice of the guide

As above

-Jkulsrln walk around the iceberg

lagoon ground quite slippery; falling in ice
cold water;

Staff / Students

Low

Group stays together and

staff monitor ground

As above

Signed: Teacher in charge:

Date:

Signed: EVC

Date:

Discover Iceland: Risk Assessment

Discover the World

How is the risk

controlled?
Group stays together and
at a safe distance from
the waves

List what further action might

be necessary to control the
risk
As above

Page 7 of 12

Risk Assessment Form

Location/Activity:
Teacher in charge:

Iceland

Significant Hazard
-rsmrk or the alternative gorge
Valahnjkur plus walk to Gigjkull glacier
and Stakkholtsgj falls in gorge:
a) Falling in stream whilst fording them to get
to gorge
b) Slipping over

Date:
Year Group:
Who might be harmed?
Staff / Students

Risk factor:
High, Medium or
Low
Medium

Signed: Teacher in charge:

Date:

Signed: EVC

Date:

Discover Iceland: Risk Assessment

Discover the World

How is the risk

controlled?
All are informed of
activities, stay together
and help each other with
the crossing team work
throughout contact with
emergency services
through guide and driver
at all times and helicopter
rescue available if
required
Hazards mentioned to all

List what further action might

be necessary to control the
risk
As above

Page 8 of 12

CODE OF CONDUCT
We have devised a code of conduct for all students to adhere to throughout the trip. This Code of Conduct has been created by Discover the
World with which they expect all students to comply. We would like to keep rules and regulations to a minimum but in the interest of
enjoyment and safety, and in the hope that the students will gain the most from their visit with Discover the World, all staff (both
company staff and school staff), expect the following standards of behaviour during their stay.
At the end of the letter a signature is required from student and parent / guardian to ensure all parties understand the contents of this Code of
Conduct and agree to adhere to the guidelines.
BEFORE THE VISIT
1. Familiarise yourself with the outline programme.
2. If there are any changes to a students medical and dietary information which has already been recorded then the trip organiser should be informed
as soon as possible.
AT YOUR ACCOMMODATION
1. Familiarise yourself with the various buildings and the most direct route to be taken in the event of fire.
2. Do not indulge in smoking or the consumption of alcoholic beverages within the accommodation or its grounds.
3. Do not leave the grounds of the accommodation.
4. Remember in most of the cases the accommodation is also the home of your hosts and that the usual home courtesies are expected.
IN THE FIELD
General Safety: Remember that you have a responsibility to yourself, to those around you and if called upon, to those who might be called in to help you.
Please respect our advice and the advice of the company guide however petty some instructions may seem. They will be given in your best interests.
Crossing Roads: Icelanders drive on the right hand side of the road. Caution must therefore be taken when crossing the road, especially in Reykjavik.
Water: Icelandic rivers are notoriously cold and fast flowing. At no time should you enter a stream or river. Similarly the Atlantic swell onto the South Coast
beaches comes uninterrupted for thousands of miles. Waves are large and beaches sometimes steep. Playing dare devil or throwing stones into the sea is
not to be undertaken.
Falling Rocks: There is much loose material in front of a glacier and this can be unstable and contain large boulders. It may also be underlain by an ice
core, which can make it slippery. Extreme care should be exercised. Stones should never be thrown in any situation.
Exposure: There is no reason why any student should suffer from exposure or hypothermia. In most cases our field sites are little more than a few hundred
metres from the vehicles and thus prolonged exposure to cold or wet is minimised. When on the glacier (Icecap and Glacier walk only) thermal and
waterproof clothing is provided for all students (including gloves and boots)

Discover Iceland: Risk Assessment

Discover the World

Page 9 of 12

Burns: The areas around hot springs are not safe owing to thin crusts overlying boiling water and at Geysir eruptions can blast several hundred feet in the
air with the steam cascading down. Only walk where directed by your course tutor/guide. Should your foot go into boiling water a) say so, b) remove
boot/sock and keep foot off ground, c) apply cold water and d) sterile (non-fluffy, non-adhesive) dressing.
Dust in the eyes: Glacierized and volcanic areas can be very dusty in dry weather. The wind can blow grit or students playing around can kick up dust.
Sensible behaviour must be stressed. Should you get something in the eye a) say so, b) do not rub it, c) request eye irrigation if necessary from the First Aid
Kit.
Getting Lost: At no time should any group split up or any individual select to go off without first asking a member of staff. The only place where groups will
be more independent is in Reykjavik, which is a very safe city, and the instruction to students are very specific.
Unforeseen Hazards: Considerate and safe conduct must be enforced at all times. For example the throwing of snowballs on slippery ground may cause the
thrower to slip and break an arm!
First Aid: While we carry a First Aid Kit on the bus, it is your responsibility to carry your own basic kit of plasters etc. for blisters and cuts etc.
Clothing: A clothing list has been issued. It is absolutely essential that you are prepared for cold and wet. The weather in Iceland is even more changeable
that the British weather so you must be prepared. We reserve the right to refuse a student to take part if the clothing is considered to be inadequate.
Head-phones: We do not consider it to be safe practice to use CD players / mini-disc / Ipod players in the field. Please keep them safe inside the bus or
accommodation.
Sleep: The days will be long and demanding. We ask that students should be in their rooms by 2300 at the latest or earlier at teachers discretion. We also
ask that the students are sufficiently quiet so that those around them may sleep. There will be other tourists in the centres of accommodation.
Food: The days will be long and demanding. Do not skimp on your food and be sure to make up a balanced food box each day.
Conservation: We expect students to be conscious of the fragility of the Icelandic environment and the risks that they bring to it by using it in large numbers.
We try to minimise this impact and urgently request your co-operation in this.

Discover Iceland: Risk Assessment

Discover the World

Page 10 of 12

Particular Hazards at specific sites being visited

Airport: Students and staff are to stick together at all times when at Heathrow.
Blue Lagoon: Students need to be aware that the lagoon is underlain by volcanic rocks which can be very sharp, and while a life-guard is present, at no time
is anyone to dive into the lagoon or run around the edge. It is an extremely popular location for the Icelandic people so respect must be shown to other
members of the public who have also paid to be there.
Gullfoss: This is a very large, spectacular waterfall and the path leads right around the edge of the gorge. The path is protected by fencing and viewing
platforms are in place. Sensible behaviour is a must at this location as the water is very fast flowing and the gorge carved from fast flowing glacial melt-water.
Students are to stick to the path at all times and adhere to staff instructions.
Keri: This is a volcanic explosion crater. We shall be walking around the rim of the crater and down to the crater lake. Again a path is present but obviously
sensible behaviour is essential as the sides of the crater are quite steep.
Seljalandsfoss: This is another waterfall where we will be walking around the back of the water into a cavern via a path and looking through the water out
onto the landscape. This is a fairly popular tourist site but again co-operation and adhering to instructions given by staff is a must.
Slheimajkull glacier: See the Falling Rocks information above.
Other activities carried out on the trip such as the time on the icecap, boating in the glacier lake (weather dependant it may be frozen over) etc obviously
require behaviour to be within the guidelines stipulated in the section on General Safety.

Discover Iceland: Risk Assessment

Discover the World

Page 11 of 12

ICELAND CODE OF CONDUCT

Please detach and return this slip to Trip Leader as soon as possible.
Many thanks.

Parent / Guardian Agreement:

I understand the contents of this Code of Conduct and agree that my son / daughter will abide by the guidelines set out in this document:
Signature:

___________________________

Date:

___________________________

Parent / Guardian of: ___________________________

Form/Class:

___________________________

Student Agreement:
I understand the contents of this Code of Conduct and agree that I shall abide by the guidelines set out in this document:
Signature:

___________________________

Date:

___________________________

Discover Iceland: Risk Assessment

Discover the World

Page 12 of 12