SAFETY GUIDELINE
FOR SUPERVISORS/FACILITATORS AND JUNIOR WILDLIFE RANGER
The safety guideline listed below are prepared to ensure safe and smooth running of the program and also continuing effort to protect participants in Junior Wildlife Ranger activities. These guidelines which embody good judgment and common sense are applicable to all activities.
1. ADULT SUPERVISION
Every Junior Wildlife Ranger activity should be supervised by a conscientious adult who understands and knowingly accepts responsibility for the well-being and safety of the children and youth in his or her care. The supervisor /facilitator should be sufficiently trained, experienced, and skilled in the activity to be confident of his/her ability to lead and to teach the necessary skills and to respond effectively in the event of an emergency.
2. PHYSICAL FITNESS
Participation in any potentially strenuous activity requires a complete health history from a parent, or guardian or even medical personnel. High-risk activity (e.g. jungle trekking, caving) may require professional evaluation in addition to the health history. The supervisor /facilitator should adjust all supervision, discipline, and protection to anticipate potential risks associated with individual health conditions. No one should participate in activity for which they are unfit. To do so would place both the individual and others at risk.
3. BUDDY SYSTEM
The long history of the "buddy system" in any outdoor activity has shown that it is always best to have at least one other person with you and aware at all times as to your circumstances and what you are doing in any outdoor or strenuous activity.
4. SAFE AREA OR COURSE
A key part of the supervisor's /facilitator’s responsibility is to know the area or course for the activity and to determine that it is well-suited and free of hazards.
5. EQUIPMENT SELECTION AND MAINTENANCE
Some activity may require some specialized equipment. The equipment should be selected to suit the participant and the activity and to include appropriate safety and program features. The supervisor /facilitator should also check equipment to determine that it is in good condition for the activity and is properly maintained while in use.
6. SAFETY EQUIPMENT
Supervisor /facilitator must ensure that every participant has and uses the appropriate personal safety equipment. For example, activity over water requires a lifejacket to be properly worn by each participant, caving activities need helmets and head light, and all need to be dressed for heat from the sun and proper and appropriate clothing depending on the circumstances.
7. SAFETY PROCEDURES AND POLICIES
Sarawak Forestry Corporation Safety & Health Policy and procedures applies to all Junior Wildlife Ranger activities. For most activities there are commonsense procedures and standards that can greatly reduce the risk. These should be known and appreciated by all participants and the supervisor /facilitator must ensure compliance.
8. WEATHER CONDITION
The risk factors in many outdoor activities vary substantially with weather conditions. These variables and the appropriate response should be understood and anticipated. Outdoor activities should be stop /halt when there is heavy rain, thunderstorm, lighting, flooding, landslides and bush fire. All Junior Wildlife Ranger to be accounted for and to proceed to the nearest office of the National Park/Nature Reserve.
9. PLANNING
Safe activity follows a plan that has been conscientiously developed by the experienced Supervisor / Facilitators or other competent person. Good planning minimizes risks and also anticipates contingencies that may require emergency response or a change of plan.
10. COMMUNICATIONS
Supervisor / Facilitator needs to be able to communicate effectively with Junior Wildlife Rangers as needed during the activity. Emergency communications also need to be considered in advance for any foreseeable contingencies.
11. FIRST-AID RESOURCES
Supervisor /Facilitator should determine what first-aid supplies to include among the activity equipment. The level of first-aid training and skill appropriate for the activity should also be considered. An outdoor activity to the trail in the parks obviously may require more first-aid resources and capabilities than a classroom activity .Whatever is determined to be needed should be available.
12. DISCIPLINE
No Supervisor /Facilitator are effective if he or she cannot control the activity and the individual participants. Junior Wildlife Ranger must respect their leader and follow his or her direction. In addition to these general rules, safety concerns in certain activities have been specifically addressed in more detailed in the Risk Assessment Register. All leaders should review and comply with such guidelines in the respective activities.
