Plas Heli Hub – General Risk Assessment
• Plas Heli Hub – Operational Protocol & User Guide
• Plas Heli Hub – Fire Risk Assessment
This General Risk Assessment relates to the Plas Heli Hub and should be read alongside the Plas Heli Hub – Operational Protocol & User Guide and the Plas Heli Hub – Fire Risk Assessment . It records the main non-fire hazards, existing controls, and further measures required to manage risk in the Hub.
Version Control
➕ Version Control
- Document Title: Plas Heli Hub – General Risk Assessment
- Version: 2026.0-Draft
- Status: Draft for Review
- Prepared By: Plas Heli Operations
- Reviewers: Plas Heli Directors
- Premises: Plas Heli Hub – five-bay steel-frame building
- Current Approved Version: None (new digital document)
- Digital Version Status: Prepared for inclusion in the Plas Heli Governance Library
- Effective Date: To be set upon Board approval
- Approval Date: Pending Board decision
- Next Review: 12 months after approval or following significant change
1. Premises & Use
➕ Premises & Use
The Plas Heli Hub is a five-bay steel-frame building constructed in 2013 under a grant-funded scheme, with Plas Heli Cyf contributing financially to the build. It is a significant operational asset used for the storage of equipment and kit for:
- CHIPAC – Youth Sailing Section of CHPSC
- Clwb Rwyfo Pwllheli – Rowing Club
- Plas Heli Cyf – Race management and event equipment
Typical Activities:
- Storage and retrieval of boats, oars, sails, trolleys and race equipment.
- Movement of equipment in and out of the Hub.
- Occasional small maintenance works on stored equipment (non-hot-work).
- Access by volunteers, youth sailors, rowing club members and Plas Heli staff.
2. People at Risk
➕ People at Risk
- Plas Heli volunteers and staff.
- CHIPAC youth sailors and coaches.
- Clwb Rwyfo members.
- Visitors and contractors.
- Children and young people (higher-risk group).
- Individuals unfamiliar with the building layout.
3. Main Hazards Identified
➕ Main Hazards
Slips, Trips & Falls:
- Equipment or kit left in transit routes.
- Loose items on the floor.
- Uneven surfaces or changes in level.
Manual Handling:
- Lifting and moving boats, oars, trolleys and heavy race equipment.
- Reaching and handling items stored at height.
Storage & Stacking:
- Items stored at height not properly secured.
- Overloaded racks or shelves.
- Unstable stacking of boxes or kit.
Equipment Hazards:
- Sharp edges on metalwork or fittings.
- Pinch points on trolleys and moving parts.
- Use of small hand tools for minor maintenance.
Electrical Hazards:
- Use of power points and extension leads.
- Chargers and small appliances brought by user groups.
Behavioural & Supervision Hazards:
- Youth activity without adequate supervision.
- Unfamiliar users not aware of local rules.
- Potential lone working by volunteers.
4. Existing Control Measures
➕ Existing Controls
Housekeeping & Layout (from Hub User Guide):
- Transit routes must be kept clear at all times.
- Doors, walkways and access routes must not be obstructed.
- Items stored at height must be tied down and secure.
- No trip hazards or unsafe conditions may be created.
- Rubbish must be removed after each use.
- Bins must be emptied regularly.
- A floor plan will be displayed showing the areas occupied by each group.
Activity & Behaviour Controls:
- User groups may only carry out small maintenance or repair works on their own stored equipment.
- Larger works must be notified to Plas Heli and may only be carried out with consent.
- No welding, sanding or work producing fumes, dust or hazardous emissions.
- User groups must ensure appropriate supervision of children.
Access & Security Controls:
- Plas Heli provides the access code only to each group’s listed representative.
- Access codes must not be shared beyond the approved personnel list maintained by each group.
- CCTV installation is planned to enhance welfare, security, safety and insurance compliance.
Health & Safety Controls:
- Each user group is responsible for its own First Aid provision.
- Accidents and near misses must be reported using the online Accident Book:
https://plasheli.org/homepage/accident-book - Emergency posters and instructions will be displayed in the Hub.
- A notice board will display key emergency contacts and group representatives.
- Activities on the water must be noted on the notice board (names, time out, relevant details).
Language & Signage:
- All signage and notices must be bilingual and comply with the Plas Heli Language Policy.
5. Additional Controls Recommended
➕ Additional Controls
- Periodic internal inspections of the Hub to check:
- Transit routes remain clear.
- Doors and exits are not blocked.
- Items stored at height are secure.
- Bins and waste are managed appropriately.
- Encourage safe manual handling practices for boats, trolleys and heavy equipment.
- Consider guidance or briefings for volunteers and coaches on safe lifting and storage.
- Ensure any electrical equipment brought into the Hub is in good condition and used safely.
- Confirm arrangements for lone working, where relevant, and ensure suitable communication.
6. Overall Risk Assessment
➕ Overall Risk
General Risk Level: Medium
The overall non-fire risk in the Hub is assessed as Medium, reflecting the presence of heavy equipment, youth activity, manual handling and storage at height. This risk is controlled through clear housekeeping rules, supervision of children, restrictions on hazardous work, secure storage, and the operational controls set out in the Hub User Guide.