Bush Kinder Identification & Visibility...

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Bush Kinder Identification & Visibility Policy NQS: Quality Area 2

Purpose

This policy aims to clearly define:

• Ways in which bush kinder participants are clearly visible to staff and volunteers, and clearly identifiable to other users of Strettle Wetlands Reserve to protect the safety of all participants.

• Communication to onlookers and users of the park regarding the Bush Kinder program.

Policy Statement 1. Values Merri Community Childcare Centre & Kindergarten Inc. (Merri) is committed to:

• Providing a safe and healthy environment for children, staff and volunteers participating in the Bush Kinder program.

• Being respectful of the community space that the bush kinder site offers, while ensuring the safety of participants at all times in response to external influences and risks.

• Being respectful that members of the public may be interested in the Bush Kinder program, but ensuring that the program is not interrupted by other park users.

• Informing educators, staff, volunteers, children and families on the importance of adhering to this policy to maintain a safe environment for all.

• Communicating the shared responsibility of adhering to this policy between all involved throughout the duration of the Bush Kinder session.

2. Scope This policy applies to the Approved Provider, Nominated Supervisor, Educators, students on placement, volunteers, parents/guardians, children and others attending the programs at Merri Community Childcare Centre and Kindergarten Inc. 3. Background and legislation

Merri’s Bush Kinder program is conducted in community parkland which is enjoyed by members of the public and allows dogs to be walked off leads in designated areas. It is important that children, staff and volunteers participating in the Bush Kinder program are easily identified to each other and parkland users as a discrete group. It is also critical that children participating in the program are clearly visible to all staff and volunteers. As getting to the Bush Kinder site requires walking on footpaths near roads and catching transport, all participants will need to be clearly identified as one group. Relevant legislation may include but is not limited to:

• Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011

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• Education and Care Services National Law 2010 • National Quality Standard • Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 • Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007

4. Sources and related policies Merri policies

• Excursion & Regular Outing Policy • Bush Kinder Delivery & Collection of Children Policy (Bush Kinder Specific) • Bush Kinder Extreme Weather Policy (Bush Kinder Specific) • Bush Kinder Identification and Visibility Policy (Bush Kinder Specific) • Bush Kinder Emergency Evacuation (Bush Kinder Specific) • Bush Kinder Snake Awareness Policy (Bush Kinder Specific) • Bush Kinder Dog Awareness Policy (Bush Kinder Specific) • Protective Clothing Policy (Bush Kinder Specific) • Occupational Health & Safety Policy • Incident, Illness, Trauma & Illness Policy • Clothing Policy • Sun Protection Policy • Water Safety Policy • Supervision of Children Policy • Curriculum Development Policy • Child Safe Environment Policy

Procedures

The Approved Provider is responsible for: • Ensuring that all families, educators and volunteers are aware of this policy, that this policy

is included in the Bush Kinder Handbook, that families are provided access to the policy at relevant information sessions, and this policy is otherwise made available upon request.

• Ensuring educators are appropriately trained in procedures for dealing with onlookers, dogs etc.

• Providing high visibility (hi-vis) vests for all children, including Merri’s contact details. These are to be fluorescent yellow in colour.

• Providing hi-vis vests for all adults participating in the Bush Kinder program. These are to be fluorescent orange in colour.

The Nominated Supervisor is responsible for:

• Ensuring that all families, educators and volunteers are aware of this policy, that this policy is included in the Bush Kinder Handbook, that families are provided access to the policy at relevant information sessions, and this policy is otherwise made available upon request.

• Ensuring educators are appropriately trained in procedures for dealing with onlookers, dogs etc.

• Providing high visibility (hi-vis) vests for all children, including Merri’s contact details. These are to be fluorescent yellow in colour.

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• Providing hi-vis vests for all adults participating in the Bush Kinder program. These are to be fluorescent orange in colour.

The Kindergarten Teacher and educators are responsible for:

• Reading this policy and ensuring that the procedures detailed in this policy are carried out. • Bringing relevant issues to the attention of the Approved Provider and/or Nominated

Supervisor. • Ensuring all children participating in Bush Kinder are wearing a yellow hi-vis vest, one that

contains the contact details of Merri. • Ensuring that a yellow hi-vis vest, containing Merri’s details, is left for any child/ren arriving

after departure time. • Ensuring all adults participating in Bush Kinder are wearing an orange hi-vis vest. • If necessary, requesting in as diplomatic fashion as possible that interested onlookers move

on so as not to disturb the education program underway. • Identifying owners of dogs off leads and encouraging the owner to put the dog on a lead or

keep the dog away from the Bush Kinder site. Parents/guardians are responsible for:

• Reading and becoming familiar with this policy . • If arriving at Merri after the departure to the Bush Kinder site has occurred, signing their

child in on the attendance record at Merri, collecting a hi-vis vest and then delivering their child to the Bush Kinder site.

• Bringing the relevant issues, including issues relevant to their child’s safe participation in the Bush Kinder program, to the attention of the Kindergarten Teacher, educators, The Approved Provider and/or Nominated Supervisor.

Evaluation In order to assess whether the values and purposes of the policy have been achieved, the Approved Provider will:

• Regularly seek feedback from everyone affected by this policy regarding its effectiveness. • Monitor the implementation, compliance, complaints and incidents in relation to this policy. • Keep the policy up to date with current legislation, research, policy and best practice. • Review the policy and procedures as part of the service’s policy review cycle, or as required. • Notify families at least 14 days before making any changes to this policy or its procedures.

Attachments Attachment 1: Risk Management Plan

Authorisation Endorsed by the Merri Committee of Management on 19 February 2018.

Review Date This policy will be reviewed every two years and is next due for formal Committee review in November 2018, unless deemed necessary earlier.

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ATTACHMENT 1 Excursion risk management plan – Bush Kinder at Strettle Wetlands Reserve

Excursion details

Date(s) of excursion Term 1- Every Monday beginning on Monday 19/02/2018.

Term 2- Every Tuesday beginning on Tuesday 17/04/18

Term 3- Every Wednesday beginning on Wednesday 18/07/18

Term 4- Every Thursday beginning on Thursday 11/10/18

Please note Bush Kinder may be cancelled if weather or grounds are unsuitable.

Excursion destination

Strettle Wetland Reserve

34-36 Strettle street Thornbury

Departure and arrival times Depart Merri at 9:10am and arrive at the Bush Kinder site at approximately 9.45am. Depart Bush Kinder site at approximately 11:45am, returning to Merri by no later than 12:30pm.

Proposed activities Learning to respect, care for and understand our natural environment; Learn from our natural world; Learn how to engage in safe risk taking; Free and explorative play; Some mat time; Some adult led activities; and a lunch meal.

Water hazards? Yes – Wetlands, Merri creek and puddles

If yes, detail in risk assessment below.

The Wetlands is fenced off, the creek is approx. 200 meters away and any play in or near puddles will be closely and actively supervised.

Method of transport, including proposed route

Leaving the centre, we will walk down St Georges road to the pedestrian lights, crossing at two side streets (Bradley Ave and Bird Ave). We then cross using the pedestrian lights and enter the tram stop area. Here we either stand or sit while waiting for the tram. We will board the tram at Stop 31- Bird avenue and St Georges road, travelling five stops to disembark at Stop 37- Miller Street Shopping Centre. We will walk down Gilbert Rd, turning right into Miller St. We will

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walk the length of Miller Street approximately 450 metres, crossing over Robeson St, Kelley Grove and Parkside Row (both Kelley Grove and Parkside Row are no through streets). We will arrive at Strettle street and enter the reserve from the intersection of Miller St and Strettle street. We walking along the path into the reserve and then take the next path on the left for approximately 100 metres, until we reach the Bush Kinder site.

Name of excursion co-ordinator Adriana Pirvu

Contact number of excursion co-ordinator

(BH) 9416 9227 (M) 0448 129 669 (Merri mobile)

Number of children attending excursion

16 children booked in, so maximum of 16 will be attending.

Number of educators/parents/volunteers

Ratio of 1:2

Educator to child ratio, including whether this excursion warrants a higher ratio?

Please provide details.

We will be travelling via tram to and from Bush Kinder. This has been identified as a high-risk time, so this part of the journey will require a higher ratio.

Each term we will have two main kinder educators (Kinder Teacher and Educator), an additional Bush Kinder educator, an additional support worker (if applicable), a therapist to support a child with additional needs (if applicable), the assistant director (Kathleen) and at least one family volunteer. This makes the ratio 7 adults to 16 children, 5 groups of 1:2 and 2 children holding hands placed between two educators with two children.

Please note: Bush Kinder sessions may be cancelled ahead of time, at short notice or during a session during extreme weather, lack of parent volunteers, staff illness or any other reason at the discretion of the Kindergarten Teacher and educators. In the instance that Bush Kinder is cancelled, the regular Kindergarten session will take place at Merri as per normal.

Excursion checklist- – See additional Bush Kinder specific checklist

First aid kit List of adults participating in the excursion

List of children attending the excursion Contact information for each adult

Contact information for each child Mobile phone (Merri mobile and at least one other) / other means of communicating with the service & emergency services

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Medical information for each child (if applicable)

Other items, to be taken down to the site by set up team, please list

o Water bottles o Wet ones o Gloves o Rubbish collecting tongs o First Aid Kit & Snake First Aid Kit o Portable Toilet & toilet tent o Mallet and Pegs o Lunch (pre prepared by cook and packed in the cooler trolley carts) o Large ground Mat o Large grey tarp x2 o Sunscreen o Insect repellent o Portable Cart

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Risk assessment

Activity Hazard identified Risk assessment

(use matrix)

Elimination/control measures Who When

Departing Merri

Informing and recording when the Bush Kinder group is leaving the building.

High

Before leaving the kindergarten room - Fill in the ‘Bush Kinder Departure Record Sheet Listing’ ensuring to list number of children attending Bush Kinder, names of educators and volunteers, and names of children NOT attending. Have this information crosschecked by a co-educator.

Kindergarten Teacher and Educators

Prior to leaving the kindergarten room and Merri

Walking to catch the tram (time) 9.20am

Walking on main road

Low

One adult will be holding the hands of two children OR a pair of children will walk in between the adults of the group, holding a peers hand. Children to be matched with adults as required.

Adults will be supervising up to four children at one time. High visibility vests are to be worn at all time during transit and during Bush Kinder with children wearing yellow vests.

Educators, volunteers and children

Travelling to and from Strettle Wetlands Reserve

Catching the tram Missing 9.20am tram Low to moderate

Departure from the centre will be between 9.10am-9.15am allowing adequate time to arrive at the tram stop for the 9.20am tram. If this tram is missed, the next tram is


In transit to and from Strettle Wetlands Reserve

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scheduled to arrive at 9.29am and the group will catch this.

Waiting for the tram

Children having to wait may want to move around.

Moderate

Adults will hold children’s hand and be actively supervising them at all times. The tram stop has clear lines of safe zones with a dotted line printed on the ground. Children will remain grouped together, either standing or sitting with adults.


In transit to and from Strettle Wetlands Reserve

Embarking the tram

Steps to get into tram

Moderate

The group will always enter the tram at the door closest to the driver in one line. One adult, typically Adriana, will enter the tram first, with their pair of children followed by the next adult and their children, and so on until all children and adults are on board.

One educator will stand at the door, ensuring it stays open during this process. They will conduct a head count of children as they enter the tram, ensuring all children are accounted for before they fully board the tram.


In transit to and from Strettle Wetlands Reserve and while travelling on the tram

Tram ride

Lack of available seats Low

There are less people travelling on the tram at this time of morning and the tram travels away from the city, so there is a lower chance of there being no seats. Educators or volunteers in small groups will direct children to available seats. If necessary and asked, members of the public may be willing to move seats, if not children will be asked to


In transit to and from Strettle Wetlands Reserve and while travelling on the tram

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hold onto a pole with an adult actively supervising them or find a seat that is within close proximity to the group with and adult, at the discretion of the Kindergarten Teacher.

Tram ride/walking to and from Strettle Wetlands Reserve

Stranger danger/inappropriate interactions with children from community

Moderate/High Children will always be actively supervised and have an adult within close proximity during traveling times. Children will be directed to seats in the area of the tram closest to the driver (if available) and will stay together as a group. One or two educators will stand between the group and general public during the tram ride. The remaining adults will be seated with children and remain next to them if a member of the general public is seated in the same area.

Children are taught on being respectful to the public and should they wish to have a conversation with an unknown person, an adult will be actively supervising this interaction.


Anytime during a session, walking to and from Strettle Wetlands Reserve and while in transit on the tram

Disembarking the tram

Steps

Low

The group will always exit the tram at the door closet to the driver, in a similar manner to boarding. One adult, typically Adriana, will first exit the tram with the two children paired with her. The remainder of the group will follow in and exit in a line.


When exiting the tram

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One educator will stand at the door, ensuring it stays open during this process. They will conduct a head count of children as they exit the tram, ensuring all children are accounted for before they fully disembark the tram.

Disembarking the tram

Cars driving on road as you step out

Low

Cars are to obey the road rule of not passing a tram while the doors are open. An adult, typically Adriana, will always be the first person to exit along with her pair of children and she will ensure that it is safe for others to follow.


To and from Strettle Wetlands Reserve

Walking to the Strettle Wetlands Reserve

Crossing streets and laneways

Low

The first educator, typically Adriana will be checking the streets are safe to cross free of cars before crossing. All adults will encourage children and role-model road safety rules, i.e. Stop, look and listen. The educator at the front of the line is to call out “Street” when at the street, to alert all others that a street crossing will occur and that they are to stop and check for a safe crossing.

On Miller Street, the group crosses over one lane way and three side streets - Robeson St, Kelley Grove and Parkside Row. Both Kelley Grove and Parkside Row are no through streets so should have less traffic usage.


Travel to and from Strettle Wetlands Reserve

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Educators will conduct a head count once at Bush Kinder.

Playing in bushland

Snake/ spider insect bite

High

Educators have been speaking with children about what to do for spider/ insect bites. A snake incursion for children and staff to educate them on snake safety is booked in once per term per Bush Kinder group. In addition to the first aid kit that is with the group during transit, there are additional first aid kits kept on site, including a ‘snake bite’ specific first aid kit. The set up crew will conduct a site inspection prior to children arriving before each session, to ensure the grounds are clear from any see able hazards.

Educators, children, snake incursion company

Once per term per Bush Kinder group, an incursion on snake safety will occur. This incursion will take place prior to the start of Bush Kinder each term, typically in the last few weeks of the previous term

Toileting

No toilets on site

Low

Merri has purchased a portable toilet for specific Bush Kinder use. There is a public toilet block located at Egan Reserve approximately, 200 metres away, should the need for this arise. If the need does arise, one educator will take two children to the toilet block in order to stay within ratio. The educator will actively supervise the children during this time.


During session the Bush Kinder session

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Play in bushland

Unknown insect bites Or reaction to plant/other material

Moderate/high

Children, educators and volunteers are to wear long sleeve tops, long pants and closed toe shoes to Bush Kinder. There will be a first aid kit available and easily accessible at all times during Bush Kinder and during transit. Any asthma kits, action plans and any medications will be carried with educators to and from Bush Kinder and will be easily accessible at any time.


During the Bush kinder session, including walking to and from Strettle Wetlands Reserve

Dogs

Dogs entering site

Moderate/High

The children will be taught if a dog is not with its owner and not on a leash, they do not approach the dog. Children will be taught the response to take when they hear an educator blow the whistle or call out “Dog.” i.e. Stop what they are doing and stand still and to attention, with eyes looking to the ground, and fingers in a fist, and await further instructions from educators.

Once a year, an incursion on living safely with dogs will be held with the first group scheduled for Bush Kinder (depending on availability of the program). For the reaming three terms, Merri educators will conduct their own in-house session with a volunteer educator/family dog attending Merri.

Merri has a ‘living safely with dogs resource kit’ to assist with this intentional teaching.


Once per term per Bush Kinder group, a session on living safely with dogs will occur. This session will take place prior to the start of Bush Kinder each term, typically in the last few weeks of the previous term

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Play in bushland

Dog bites

Moderate/High

All educators hold a current level of first aid and will respond with appropriate first aid treatment. First aid kits are readily available and easily accessible during Busk Kinder and in transit.

Children and Educators have attended training sessions on how to approach and be near dogs.

Children will be taught the response to take when they hear an educator blow the whistle or call out “Dog.” i.e. Stop what they are doing and stand still and to attention, with eyes looking to the ground, and fingers in a fist, and await further instructions from educators.


During the Bush Kinder session, including walking to and from Strettle Wetlands Reserve

Play in bushland

General accident: fall Children hit by branch/ tree broken, and other serious injury

Low/moderate

All educators hold a current level of first aid and will respond with appropriate first aid treatment. First aid kits are readily available and easily accessible during Busk Kinder and in transit.

Educators will not hesitate to call an ambulance in the instance of serious injury, or they will call families to collect their child in the instance of a less serious injury, however one that requires departure from Bush Kinder. Educators are having regular discussions with children in regards to safe risks, how to assess risks and how to take calculated risks.


During the Bush Kinder During the Kinder program sessions

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Play in bushland

Lost child

High On arrival for the first three weeks,

a boundary walk is taken with the children so that they aware of boundaries and the safe zones. A head count of children is conducted at regular intervals e.g. 20 minutes throughout the session and anytime there is a change to the group location, such as children moving to another area with an educator, a head count is completed upon departure and return. Above regulation ratios. Children will be wearing yellow high visibility vests with the Merri phone number printed on the back of the vests & educators and volunteers will be wearing orange high visibility vests.


During Bush Kinder session, including walking to and from Strettle Wetlands Reserve

Play in bushland

Syringe injury, broken glass injury or any other sharps injury

Low/moderate

The morning set up crew will conduct a site inspected before the arrival of the group. Through the children’s Bush Kinder meetings, these dangers have been discussed, including what to do if you see a syringe or other sharps. A clean up kit including safety gloves and tongs is kept on site and is easily accessible should the need arise.

Educators, volunteers and children.

During the Bush kinder session, including walking to and from Strettle Wetlands Reserve

Weather

Hail storms and severe winds Extreme heat

Low/moderate

Educators in consultation with the centre Director will monitor the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) website prior to the commencement of the session or


Either the day before Bush Kinder and/or the morning of Bush Kinder

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using the app whilst onsite. Families will be notified of cancellations the night before if possible or on the morning of the Bush Kinder session. Bush Kinder sessions will be cancelled if any of the below conditions are evident; Forecast Temperature: Greater than 34 degrees Celsius at any time during Bush Kinder or transit. Note there is no pre-set minimum temperature. Thermals and protective clothing to be worn on very cold days. Forecast wind speed: >40km per hour Forecast electrical storm activity: Thunder storm/electrical storm forecast Grounds flooded near or at Bush Kinder site: On inspection of the Bush Kinder site by educators, or alert from Parks ranger. BOM weather warning of extreme storm conditions and excessive rainfall: On warning issued by the Bureau of Meteorology.

Excursion to wetlands or Merri creek

Drowning/ near drowning

Low Children will be actively supervised at all times. The wetlands is fenced off with no public access. Educators will carry a first aid kit with them during any additional ventures. The creek has no direct access and children will stand on the path to see the water. Educators will ensure


During Bush Kinder, including in transit

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a safe proximity is maintained from the creek bank at all times.

Children will be actively supervised near any puddles that may have occur from rain or any other means. Educators will talk on the safety points of how to behave when in or around water.

Getting to and from Strettle Wetlands Reserve, play during Bush Kinder

Stranger interference Low to moderate

Educators and adults will actively supervise children at all times and ensure, to the best of their ability, that the ratio is met at all times. Educators will role model appropriate interactions with other users of the parklands and limit the contact with other parties that could disrupt the program.

Children will be wearing yellow high visibility vests & educators and volunteers will be wearing orange high visibility vests.

During Bush Kinder a sign will be posted to inform all park users that a kindergarten program is occurring on site and requesting that disruptions be kept to a minimal, if at all.


During Bush Kinder

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Getting to and from Strettle Wetlands Reserve, play during Bush Kinder

Sunburn Heat Exposure/ Extreme weather conditions

Low Children will apply sunscreen 20 minutes prior to departure, under the active supervision of educators. Sunscreen will then be re-applied as per Sun Smart policy, with regular reapplication every two hours. Water bottles will be available during Bush Kinder and water will be available during transit. Children will be encouraged to seek shade. Appropriate clothing will be worn at all times.


During Bush Kinder

Injury or Illness to a child

Temperature, vomiting or other unpredicted email

Medium If in the unlikely event that a child is injured and or becomes ill during Bush Kinder, one educator will administer first aid assistance to the injured/unwell child and call an ambulance (if required). If they are able to, they will notify the family, notify the director at Merri (when appropriate) and remain with the child until an ambulance or family member arrives.

One of the remaining educators will delegate & take control of the group (including both children and volunteers) to protect them from further harm and or trauma (if applicable).

This educator will either notify or delegate the task to another adult


During Bush Kinder including transit

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to notify Merri and the family of the injured child. They will assess ratios and take action to ensure that active and effective ratios are maintained and not compromised for the remainder of Bush Kinder.

Injury or illness to a staff member or volunteer

Injury or illness to a staff member or volunteer

Medium If in the unlikely event that an educator is injured and/or becomes ill during the Bush Kinder session, one educator/volunteer will administer first aid assistance to the injured educator, call an ambulance if required, notify the centre, notify the emergency contacts and remain with the educator until an ambulance arrives.

One of the remaining educators will delegate & take control of the group (including both children and volunteers) to protect them from further harm and or trauma (if applicable).

This educator will either notify or delegate the task to another adult to notify the centre and if required the next of Kin of the injured educator/volunteer. They will assess ratios and take action to ensure that active and effective ratios are maintained and not compromised for the remainder of the Bush Kinder session.



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Inclusion of children with additional needs

Travelling to and from Strettle Wetlands Reserve issues, tiredness, obstacles whilst at Strettle Wetlands Reserve, behavioural issues.

Medium An educator will always be aware of the child’s movements. The group will walk at a pace that is comfortable for all children. The group will have rest periods when walking to and from Strettle Wetlands Reserve. The group will have an area at Bush Kinder that allows all children to rest their bodies. Educators will be aware of the children’s non-verbal cues and adapt the program to their individual needs. At the end of each Bush Kinder, the Kindergarten Teacher, and Assistant Director, in consultation with the Director, will modify any parts of the program to adjust any issues that may arise. Educators and volunteers will be encouraged to provide their feedback as well.



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Plan prepared by Adriana Pirvu

Prepared in consultation with: Helen Evdokimou and Kathleen Shephard

Communicated to: Christine John; Ross Cirona; Michelle Martin; and any other educators taking part in Bush Kinder; Families of the Kindergarten children; the Committee of Management; and, any volunteers taking part in Bush Kinder.

Venue and safety information reviewed and attached Yes / No

Comment if needed:

Reminder: Monitor the effectiveness of controls land change if necessary. Review the risk assessment if an incident or significant change occurs.

Information contained in this Risk Management Plan correct as of 23 February 2018

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Risk Matrix

Consequence

Like

lihoo

d

Insignificant Minor Moderate Major Catastrophic Al

mos

t ce

rtai

n

Moderate High High Extreme Extreme

Like

ly

Moderate Moderate High Extreme Extreme

Poss

ible

Low Moderate High High Extreme

Unl

ikel

y

Low Low Moderate High High

Rare

Low Low Low Moderate High

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