Pirbright
WOKING
Surrey
GU24 OQQ
Telephone [MOD]:
Ref:
Facsimile [MOD]:
E-mail:
See Distribution
Mar 2020
ASH SMALL ARMS RANGE COMPLEX (INCORPORATING THE RANGE DANGER AREA) MILITARY
TRAINING FACILITIES RISK ASSESSMENT
References:
A.
Ash Range Complex Range Standing Orders.
B.
JSP 375.
C.
DSA 03 OME Part 3
D.
Inf Training Vol IV Pamphlet No 21.
E.
Range Complex Safety Instruction.
F.
Defence Deer Management Procedures.
G.
LSS Assignment Instructions.
H.
Site Access Instructions.
I.
UK Training SHEMS V6.
GENERAL
1.
The Ash range complex Military Training Facilities (MTF) Risk Assessment has been written in
addition to Reference A and in accordance with the other references. Conservation groups, including Deer
Management have been notified by the Training Safety Officer of the safety control measures and access
limitations across the whole of the Range Danger Area (RDA) and the range complex in general. Trying to
do everything possible to reduce any risk to ‘As Low as Reasonably Practical (ALARP)’ is at the heart of all
site activities and in accordance with the HSW Act.
AIM
2.
The aim of this MTF Risk Assessment is to identify existing and potential hazards, demonstrate that
the appropriate control measures have been put in place and to monitor the overall safety regime across
the range complex. Where possible, hazards will be eliminated in their entirely, or significantly reduced.
ASH RANGE DANGER AREA
3.
The Ash RDA, and Impact Area contained therein, is classed as
OPEN as described in Reference
C. Ash range complex and RDA is one of the oldest military training areas in England which dates-back to
1
the 18th Century. The ranges are located 3K East of Aldershot and the main entrance to the range complex
may be found off the A321 Ash Vale and Heath Vale Bridge Road. The RDA comprises over 800 acres of
heath land. The RDA is enclosed by a 1.4m high chain-link fence with a single strand of barbed wire on top;
this fence provides demarcation of the RDA and is a preventative barrier to unauthorised persons trying to
enter the area. There are several metal barriers along the fence line and access is controlled during firing.
DESCRIPTION AND OUTLINE OF ACTIVITIES ON ASH RANGE COMPLEX
4.
The range complex is used predominately by Service units and Cadets but frequented by Civilian
Police and occasionally by CPU RMP.
5.
The primary activity on the range complex is Live Firing Marksmanship Training (LFMT) on purpose-
built Small Arms ranges. The ranges are normally active seven days a week, and up to 45 weeks annually.
A variety of ranges are available on the complex including standard Gallery, Electric Target and Pistol
ranges. Dry training may be conducted within the main RDA when the red danger flags are down. An area
for shooting clay targets is situated on site. This facility is occasionally used by Service units.
MAJOR IDENTIFIED HAZARDS
6.
A summary of the major hazards, are:
a.
Authorised/unauthorised persons could be injured by Small Arms fire
on the range complex.
b.
Authorised/unauthorised persons could be injured by Small Arms fire
in the RDA.
c.
Authorised/unauthorised persons could be injured by unexploded ordnance lying within the
RDA or the main range complex.
d.
Heath fires are a major hazard.
e.
The hazard to aircraft flying over the RDA from Small Arms fire and debris from controlled
explosions.
f.
Range traffic is a hazard to troops marching/running on the range roads.
g.
Proximity of public ‘Rights of Way’ on the adjacent dry training areas.
h.
The poor condition of some tracks.
i.
Wooded areas on the flanks of individual ranges.
j.
Unauthorised digging (and all forms of ground penetration) on the range complex or in the
RDA (the potential risk associated with unexploded ordnance).
ADDITIONAL IDENTIFIED HAZARDS
7.
Should any person identify an additional, potential hazard it is your responsibility under the HSW
Act to report it to Range Control immediately.
FIRE RISK ASSESSMENTS AND MANDATORY CHECKS/TRAINING
8.
Up-to-date, individual Fire Risk Assessments, building-specific, are consolidated (where
appropriate) and displayed in buildings on each range. LSS is contractually responsible for keeping the
complex compliant in accordance with current Fire Regulations including ‘Mandatory’ checks; these checks
are consolidated by TSO/DTSOs (BFFPs) in a spread sheet, ‘Fire Diary’ record for ease during
Audit/Assurance inspections. TSO/DTSOs incorporate Fire Checks as part of their monthly range
inspection routine. Observations are recorded in the range monthly reports.
2
9.
The
received appropriate Fire Training, delivered locally by the qualified site EFFP
(STSO) in mid-October 2019. They also complete their online Mandatory Fire Course annually. During the
2019 RAB, Pirbright (incl. Ash and Barossa ranges) Fire Management procedures were identified as being
best-practice.
RISK ASSESSMENT AVAILABILITY
10.
The range complex MTF Risk Assessment is available to anyone who wishes to read it (copies held
by the Deputy Training Safety Officer and on display in the Range Control building). In any event, it is
released on a wide distribution (including conservationists and contractors) and it is on display in the
Training Area Operative’s office on every range within the Ash range complex (including the Clay Target
range). The MTF Risk Assessment must be read by all range users/visitors/contractors/range staff.
A
separate ‘Lone Worker’ Risk Assessment is held for ‘Authority’ staff. REGIONAL OPERATIONS ROOM
11.
The Regional Operations Room is the focal point to assist in accounting for individuals and groups
who wish to access the range floors and the main RDAs for certain activities e.g. deer management, out-of-
hours when the sites are unmanned.
Original signed
Maj (Retd)
Annex:
A.
Ash Range Complex Military Training Facility Risk Assessment.
Distribution:
LMS Senior Estate Surveyor
LSS Team Leader
All Ranges
3
DATED MAR 2020
MILITARY TRAINING FOR LAND SYSTEM
Unit/Formation:
SE UK Training (Ash)
Assessor:
Activity / Exercise:
Small Arms Live Firing
Date Assessment:
31 Mar 2020
Relevant Publications / Pamphlets / Procedures:
Review Date:
31 Mar 2021
Steps relate to the Risk Assessment Process Generic Risk Assessment:
Yes
Is Residual
Residual
Activity/
Hazards
Additional Controls
Risk
Existing Controls
Risk
Risk
Ser
Element
Identified
Required
Identified
(Step 4)
Acceptable
(Step 1)
Acceptable1
(Step 2)
(Step 6)
(Step 3)
(Step 5)
(Step 7)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
1
Small Arms
Injury from
Possible death 1. The boundary is very wel
Yes
1. The perimeter track has
Yes
live firing
Small Arms
or serious
marked with flags and signs to
been repaired to improve the
(Safe Place
fire (on range injuries from
warn the public not to enter the
surface for emergency
and Safe
floor or in the gunshot
ranges when the ranges are
vehicle movement.
Person)
RDA/outside
wounds
live (red flags or lamps are
2.
Radios incl. base stations
RDA)
(authorised or
displayed):
MILITARY FIRING
are used by Training Area
unauthorised
RANGE KEEP OUT WHEN
Operatives (TAOs).
access by
FLAGS OR LAMPS ARE
3. Extra signage informs the
service
DISPLAYED. The flags and
public when night shooting is
personnel or
lamps are raised and lowered
going to take place.
civilians)
daily. This forms part of the
4. Al authorized contractors
perimeter check.
will carry out a site visit prior
2. Unused barriers and access
to any work.
points are secured with
5. Range Standing Orders
security padlocks during live
which contain the range
firing. The security keys are
clearance and emergency
only issued to those that
procedures are available on
require them.
each range. These are
3. Extra RDA patrols take
amended by the DTSO.
place during school holidays.
6. Bylaws are displayed at
1 If residual risk remains consult Chain of Command
A-1
a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
1
4. Al authorized contractors
specific access points.
cont.
wil report to the Range Control
7. The ranges and their use
to gain access to the site,
are governed by very strict
receive a briefing where
rules and regulations laid
necessary or read and collect
down in various publications.
safety information.
Range Standing Orders are
5. Al live firing is conducted by
one such publication that
qualified/authorized
must be strictly adhered to by
Officers/NCOs. They produce
user units.
their own RASP/RSD to cover
8. Ranges will not be
their activities.
allocated unless the BAMS
6. Two barriers have been
procedures are followed.
placed on the perimeter track
9. Al users must book in at
to restrict movement. Warning
Range Control.
signs are attached to the
10. The ranges are inspected
barriers, and they are locked
monthly by the DTSO and on
always, unless transit has
an annual basis by other
been authorized by the Deputy
authorized bodies.
Training Safety Officer
Inspections are recorded in
(DTSO).
the Land Range Log MOD
7. Authorized users must have
906A. These inspections
Range Standing Orders2 which
assist in the process of
contain the range clearance
maintaining a “
Safe Place”
and emergency procedures.
11. Range control is manned
8. Only those with issued keys
and there are members of
wil gain access through the
LSS range staff present
gates.
during Live firing.
9. A track sits adjacent to the
12. Warning of trespass or
boundary fence. This facilitates
incidents will be reported to
the daily range clearance of
Range Control from patrols or
the perimeter fence by LSS
any range by radio or
staff using a 4WD vehicle; they
telephone.
will also drive through the RDA
13. When the flags and
where possible, to detect
lamps are lowered, the public
have access to the site and
should abide by the by laws
2 Range Standing Orders are constantly under review and a routine amendment system is used.
A-2
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
1
persons who may stil be in the
and other signage.
cont.
RDA prior to firing.
Clearance
14. Action wil be taken
to Fire will not be given until
against military units who use
this procedure has been
the site without going through
carried out.
the correct booking
procedure.
Note:
15. All users should have
their own first aid kits; First
There is a plan in-place to
aid kits are also present in
erect additional fencing (SON
each range hut.
submitted) around the main
16. All near misses,
complex in-an-attempt to
incursions and incidents are
isolate the public from the
reported as per
range floors. This is in addition
to the recently installed, new
RDA perimeter fence (approx.
4ft high with barbed wire atop).
2
General
Falling from
Miscellaneous
1. Signs are displayed to
Yes
1. Any tracks/steps/paths that
Yes
maintenance height, open
injuries
restrict public movement to
provide access for
and
trenches,
roads, tracks and paths.
maintenance purposes are
inspections
gallery roofs,
2. Signs to prohibit movement
wel maintained
(Safe Place)
old range
onto the gallery range mantlet
2. If a TAO has to carry-out
furniture and
are in place. ‘Sudden Drop’
maintenance work on a
buildings
signs are displayed to remind
markers’ gallery roof the
staff working on the mantlet
‘method of work’ in the LSS
and range floor to use caution.
AIs are followed.
3. All contractors are briefed on
3. A ‘preventative fence’
the hazards on site and
exists on Henley Park CGR
produce their own RA for the
(only CGRs have fences,
work required.
basic Gallery ranges do not).
4. Al LSS staff are given
4. The DTSO (and
training
independent inspectors)
5. Authorised users are aware
inspects the gallery roofs as
of the hazards associated with
part of the range inspection
the complex and identify any
routine (incl. Tech).
specific hazards during their
5.
Concerns regarding
visits prior to training.
Gallery ranges in general and
A-3
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
2
6. RCOs should remind
the safety of the public has
cont.
personnel about this hazard
been raised by the Training
during their safety briefings.
Safety Officer (TSO) with the
ETR:
RAB and the LCO.
7. The old, disused Marker’s
ETR:
Gallery on the East side of the
6. An ESR was submitted
range floor is OOB. This is also
some weeks back. The
a hazard to the public (sudden-
recommendation is to fill the
drop, discussed during 2019
Gallery with soil (?) and
RSIT inspection). Measures
landscape (cost) or provide
wil be taken to protect anyone
proper signage in the
who may venture into this area
immediate area and at key
site access points.
3
Fires
Heath and
Burns/
1. A tracer and pyrotechnics
Yes
1. The site Fire Management.
Yes
(Safe Place)
building fires
Smoke
ban is in force on the complex
Plan/Wildfire Plan is held in
inhalation
during periods of dry weather.
Range Control.
2. Open fires are not permitted
2. The Fire and Rescue
on the complex.
Service has conducted
3. Fire Orders and Wildfire Fire
training to deal with such
Plans are displayed on every
event (on site) and are
range and the Brunswick
familiar with the area. They
Camp Fire Orders are held in
have been issued with keys
Range Control.
to access the area during
silent hours or when the
range is not being used.
3. The Fire and Rescue
Service have operational
experience dealing with real
heath fires on the Ash
ranges.
4
Unauthorised Low flying
Gunshot
1. The RDA incorporates an
Yes
1. During the biennial
Yes
(& unauth)
Aircraft
wounds to
ADA designated 132 and an
Farnborough Air Show, there
low-flying
including
crew/
Air Danger Height (ADH) of
is a ban on the use of
aircraft
Helicopters,
passengers or
500ft at ground level. Range
7.62mm ammunition. All
(Safe Place)
Bal oons and aircraft brought activities requiring an
range users are warned to be
Micro-Lights
down
increased ADH are subject to
more vigilant. The ADH will
NOTAM action by the Booking
not exceed 500ft over this
A-4
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
Cell.
period.
2. The RCO is the Air sentry.
2. Any air incidents would be
3. Range Standing Orders,
dealt with in accordance with
range discipline and safety
supervision ensure that live
firing is contained within the
laid down parameters.
5
Range traffic
Driving with
Injuries caused 1. The roads and tracks in and
Yes
1. Only authorized vehicles
Yes
(Safe Place) undue care
by road traffic
around the complex are
have access to the range
attention/
accidents
generally in a good state of
complex – byelaws prohibit
speeding
repair. They are part of the
access to the site by all
inspection routine.
civilian vehicles and motor
2. Vehicle access is tightly
cycles without authorization.
controlled; the public do not
2. Speed is restricted to
have vehicle access at any
15mph; signs are placed
time.
around the site.
3. LSS staff wil clear snow and
3. Authority staff and TAOs
provide grit/salt when
enforce the speed limit.
conditions deteriorate.
4. Where possible, the road
layout is designed for one-
way traffic.
6
Daily routine
Slips and
Miscellaneous
1. Al users wil be briefed
Yes
1. Al personnel should
Yes
activities
trips on
injuries
during the handover.
adhere to the warning signs
(Safe Place)
uneven
2. Users wil produce their own
and stay on paths and tracks
ground,
RASP/EASP/RSD for their
where applicable.
tracks, offices
activity.
2. RCOs wil cover this in
and sheds
3. Good housekeeping by LSS
their brief.
staff wil reduce the hazard.
4. Areas OOB wil remain
locked.
7
Maintenance Moving parts/ Miscellaneous
1. Hythe frames and SARTS
Yes
1. Any defective parts are
Yes
of range
machinery
injuries
lifters are locked in position
reported immediately and
equipment
and
including
when not in use and can’t be
isolated, so they can’t be
(Safe
electricity on
electric shock
operated. Power to the SARTS
used.
Equipment)
SARTS
lifters is isolated in the console.
2. Only items that the user is
ranges
2. Users wil be briefed during
trained on will be made
handover on how to operate
available.
the Hythe frames and SARTS
3. LSS staff wil be on site to
A-5
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
7
targets
solve any issues that can be
cont
3. Hythe frames and SARTS
repaired on site.
lifters are maintained by
qualified LSS staff.
4. Al equipment is part of the
inspection routine.
8
Military
Danger from
Minor and
1. Range Standing Orders
Yes
1. Al LSS staff receive an
Yes
debris
live
major injuries
direct users to clear their
annual brief on how to deal
(Safe Place)
ammunition
or death
ranges of live ordnance and
with military debris. Local
and
debris after firing.
conservationists are also
unexploded
2. Ranges are checked post-
encouraged to attend these
ordnance
firing by TAO.
briefings (dates given out at
3. Al tracks and roads crossing
group meetings).
the range boundary are
2. EOD has no records of
marked with hazard and bylaw
anything other than small
signs, warning the public not to
arms ammunition being used
touch military debris.
on the Ash Complex.
4. Patrols by TAOs and ensure
that roads, tracks and paths
are clear.
5. Use of ammunition natures
is restricted to Smal Arms and
certain pyrotechnics. There is
no, HE firing on this site.
6. Signs are positioned at
appropriate points around the
boundary to warn the public to
stay on the roads, tracks and
paths.
7. No unauthorized digging is
permitted on Ash Ranges.
8. Blind pyrotechnics will not
be left on the area; they wil be
destroyed in accordance with
Ref D.
A-6
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
8 a.
Items of
As Serial 8
As Serial 8
As Serial 8
As Serial 8 As Serial 8
military
debris were
1. New scrapes, removal of
found on 24th
top soil, digging (by any
May2019,
means) and clearing of
recovered
gorse/scrub by mechanical
and disposed
means is prohibited. Any
clearance work wil be carried
of.
out using hand-held cutting
tools only. Visual checks will
be required prior to any
cutting.
2. The risk is low
(no live
items found). The area has
been ‘walked’ and checked
by Authority staff/EOC Team.
The
is now content to
allow access to the area but
see Para 3.
3. The area where OME was
found is located on the map
below.
A-7
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
The grid references which
create a box around the
OOB area are:
SU 92427 / 54688
SU 92450 / 54627
SU 92493 / 54723
SU 92508 / 54653
9
COSH
Exposure to
Poisoning
1. Al COSH items on site are
Yes
1. Al TAOs follow the LSS
Yes
(Safe Place)
hazardous
Dermatitis
controlled by LSS staff. They
AIs.
substances
Burns
are secured in a lockable
2. Where units require COSH
store.
items for training, their unit
2. Users are responsible for
has individuals trained in their
the control of any COSH items
use.
they bring on site for their
training.
10
Conserv.
Hazard
Gunshot
1. See Serial 1. In addition,
Yes
1. Al parties are aware of
Yes
group
caused by
wounds
access to the RDA by
each other’s responsibilities
activities
Deer Man
authorised persons is
and work together to gain
specifical y
using
controlled by Range Control.
access and different times.
Small Arms
weapons
2. Only one group (Deer
2. Al parties are aware of
Fire
Management/Conservation) is
public access and the site
(Safe Place
authorized to enter the RDA on
live firing programme.
and Safe
any given day or time.3
3. Al confirm with range
Person)
3. They are also aware of the
control that nothing has
small hazard that exists at Ash
changed in relation to their
in the form of unexploded
booking and that access is
ordnance. (Civilians have right
stil permitted prior to entering
of access to the RDA when the
the site.
red flags are down).
4. Al would have attended
4. Al activities are undertaken
briefings and visited the area
by experienced and qualified
on many occasions.
people.
5. When Deer Manager is on
5. See Reference I, for site
site, the ranges are closed to
access instructions.
Service users.
6. Al book-in/out thru Ops
Room.
3 There are occasional exceptions to this rule.
A-8
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
11
Digging or
Danger from
A range of
1. Units and other visitors (e.g.
Yes
1. Users will be advised to
Yes
any form of
sub-surface
minor to major from SWT) to the site are not
employ other means to
ground
unexploded
injuries and
permitted to dig anywhere
secure tents etc. where
penetration
ordnance
possible
within the range complex or
practical (sand bags or
within the
and utilities
disruption to
RDA (refer to RSOs).
weights). Only the
range
local area and
2. Reactive (Emergency)
may authorise
complex or
site utilities
maintenance will be supported
ground penetration of any
RDA
by a ‘Statement of Known
kind.
(Safe Place)
Hazards (SOKH)’ (where
2. EOC of an area may not
practical) issued by the
at
always be necessary
HQ SE UK Training. In any
(consideration given to past
event, LSS or authorized
clearance etc.); such
contractors must also consult
decisions will be the
HSG47 before repairs to
responsibility of the
utilities are carried-out
only. The
(ground- scans in accordance
may decide that
with current regulations are
support from engineer
mandatory).
‘Banksmen’ may be a
3. When ground penetration or
prudent option.
digging is necessary for
3. The
‘must’ be
planned maintenance an EOC
consulted by LSS before
survey may be carried out prior
reactive maintenance is
to the work commencing. Such
carried-out that may involve
work wil also be supported by
digging or ‘any’ form of
a SofKH.
ground penetration.
4. Unit requests to erect tents,
4. LSS range staff and other
etc. on site where ground
employees carrying-out
penetration is a possibility will
routine work on site (incl.
be recorded in the ‘Unit Recce
‘rural’ activities) are to comply
Form’
(available online) for
with the instructions in this
consideration by the
serial (Ser.11); if any form of
(a SofKH will also
digging or ground penetration
be requested by the
is being considered then the
). Other visitors to
must be
the sites (e.g. from SWT) are
consulted.
not permitted to carry-out any
form of ground penetration.
A-9
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
12
Police
Bites or
Members of
1. The dogs are Police working
Yes
1. Police have liability
Yes
working dogs attacks on
the public or
dogs controlled by trained
insurance for this activity.
training on
other dogs
their dogs
handlers.
2. All staff on site are aware
site during
using the
being bitten or
2. Signs are posted on all entry
of the training and can inform
non-firing
area during
attacked.
points, warning the public of
the public.
periods
non-firing
the dogs training on site.
3. Along with the site specific
(Safe Place)
times
3. Officers are from the Surrey
MTF RA and the ‘nine-point’
and Sussex Constabularies
safety brief, both
and will be in uniform.
Constabularies have also
been given details of key
DTE SE personnel and duty
telephone numbers, including
the Regional Ops Room
13
Possibility of
Personnel
Ticks can carry 1. Personnel should inspect
Yes
1. Further information on tick
Yes
Ticks on the
may be bitten harmful
themselves regularly for Ticks.
bites and first-aid may be
RDA and
by Ticks
diseases such
If found, remove the Tick
found at:
Range floor
as Lyme
promptly and carefully.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/fir
(Safe Place)
disease
2. If you are concerned it may
st-aid/first-aid-tick-
be advisable to consult your
bites/basics/art-20056671
GP at the earliest opportunity.
Authorising Officer
Name
Post
Date
Signature
Existing and Additional Controls Agreed
31/03/2020
Additional Controls Implemented
A-10
