Pirbright WOKING Surrey GU24 OQQ

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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.

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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

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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 Acceptable1 (Step 1) (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 well 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. All 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. All authorized contractors specific access points. cont. will 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. All 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. All 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 will 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 still be in the and other signage. cont. RDA prior to firing. Clearance 14. Action will 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 well 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. All 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

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(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 will 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) Balloons 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

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(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 will 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. All users will be briefed Yes 1. All personnel should Yes activities trips on injuries during the handover. adhere to the warning signs (Safe Place) uneven 2. Users will produce their own and stay on paths and tracks ground, RASP/EASP/RSD for their where applicable. tracks, offices activity. 2. RCOs will cover this in and sheds 3. Good housekeeping by LSS their brief. staff will reduce the hazard. 4. Areas OOB will 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 will be briefed during trained on will be made handover on how to operate available. the Hythe frames and SARTS 3. LSS staff will be on site to

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(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. All equipment is part of the inspection routine. 8 Military Danger from Minor and 1. Range Standing Orders Yes 1. All 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. All 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 Small 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 will be destroyed in accordance with Ref D.

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(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 means is prohibited. Any and disposed clearance work will 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.

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(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. All COSH items on site are Yes 1. All 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. All 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 specifically using controlled by Range Control. access and different times. Small Arms weapons 2. Only one group (Deer 2. All 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. All 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 still permitted prior to entering of access to the RDA when the the site. red flags are down). 4. All would have attended 4. All 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. All 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 will 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.

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(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

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