Safety Guidelines for Education Outdoors

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Bushwalking - Activity

Student skills

Students should be briefed on:

  • personal equipment, clothing and footwear that is suitable for the walk, the principle of clothing layers, and group equipment suitable for the location and activity
  • personal safety, including sun protection, hydration and safe walking techniques
  • known hazards which may be encountered during the walk (e.g. cliffs, river crossings, bodies of water or steep ground)
  • minimal environmental impact techniques relevant to the location of activity
  • awareness of wildlife.

Students should also undertake navigation training suitable for the location and activity.

Before and during an overnight or extended bushwalk, students should also develop:

  • skills in tent pitching (including awareness of and responsiveness to overhead hazards), safe use of stoves, food preparation and basic first aid
  • an understanding of camp practices, including hygiene, responding to weather conditions and protection of the natural environment.

Bushwalking can involve carrying loads for extended periods with challenging movements and postures.  Therefore, when planning individual load sizes and the intended route, staff must consider the potential for loads to cause injury to students.

Students should not carry backpacks that weigh more than 25 per cent of their body weight.  Students should also be instructed in safe lifting techniques and recommended adjustments which can be made while carrying a backpack.  For assistance in the determination of appropriate lifting techniques, load sizes and weights, please see WorkSafe’s Manual Handling - Code of Practice.

The psychological preparation of students is as important as the physical preparation, especially for students who are anxious about the activity.  Under no circumstances should students be pressured by staff or peers to participate beyond their readiness.

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Equipment and clothing

Equipment, whether hired, borrowed or owned by the school or students, must be in a safe condition and suitable for the activity.

Before overnight bushwalks, staff must ensure that food, essential clothing and personal equipment are suitable for the planned journey.

It is also essential that each student’s backpack is checked immediately before the start of a bushwalk to ensure that all the necessary items are included and the weight of the backpack is appropriate for the student.

First aid kits

First aid kits appropriate to the location and level of training must be carried.

Clothing

Clothing is the individual’s primary protection against severe and variable weather conditions.

Clothing lists need to be appropriate for the activity, environment and season.

To protect against sunburn (see sun exposure) use broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30+ sunscreen on all exposed parts of the body, applied according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.  Students who own sunglasses should be encouraged to bring and wear them when required.  In addition, the use of sun hats should be maximised.

Identification

Staff and students must be easily identifiable.

Staff must determine the most suitable identification system based on an assessment of the environment, students’ skills, the type of activities to be undertaken, and the age and number of students.

Equipment, food supplies and clothing

Equipment appropriate for walks not longer than one day:

  • food and water suitable for the length/nature of the walk, including emergency options
  • footwear that is comfortable, well broken-in and in good repair — in more rugged terrain, footwear should have ankle support
  • rainwear suitable for the activity and location
  • a well-fitted pack
  • maps/walk guide suitable for the activity and location.

Equipment appropriate for overnight or extended bushwalks would, in general, include the items described above, and the following items:

  • a well-fitted backpack with a waist belt and waterproof liner (e.g. garbage bag)
  • a tent or shelter appropriate to the conditions
  • overnight equipment, including sleeping bag, sleep mat, toileting equipment and catering equipment.

In addition, on overnight walks, staff should carry:

  • a repair kit for key equipment such as stoves, packs and tents
  • a stove (even if the group plans to cook on fires)
  • detailed maps of the area (laminated or in a waterproof holder) and a compass
  • spare emergency food and water
  • a length of rope if walking in areas where a handline may be necessary or if needed as a navigational aid.