| Scope | Orienteering is an activity in which participants find their way through an area using a map or a map and compass. The aim is to find a series of control markers at point features located on the map. Students can treat orienteering as a race to test their navigational skill or simply as a recreational activity in the bush. |
| Nature of hazards | As part of the process of safety self-regulation, all persons engaging in this activity should identify the hazards, assess their significance and manage the potential risks including any additional hazards not mentioned here Hazards that may be encountered in this activity include: - environmental hazards (e.g. uneven terrain and thick vegetation, adverse weather conditions)
- gravitational hazards (e.g. falls); and
- biological hazards (some flora and fauna).
Orienteering in bushland carries the risk of students becoming lost. |
| Level of risk | The categorisation of these conditions is subjective and offered as a starting point for risk management planning. The actual degree of risk is best ascertained by persons with intimate local knowledge present at the site of the activity. Orienteering activities in bushland are categorised as High risk (level 3). |
| Minimum supervision | A minimum of two adults is required. One adult present should have knowledge of, and an ability to perform, first aid procedures. If an adult other than a registered teacher is engaged for instruction, a registered teacher should be present to take overall responsibility. |
| Qualifications | The qualifications listed in this section are minimums for each type of situation. Leaders are encouraged to seek training to raise their qualification level above the minimum listed. The leader should be: - a registered teacher with competence (demonstrated ability to undertake the activity) in:
- the teaching of orienteering at this level; and
- search, rescue and emergency procedures; or
- an adult who has Level 1 coaching qualifications from Orienteering Australia, where no teacher with these qualifications is available.
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| Minimum equipment | Each student, or group of students, should carry a map, an orienteering compass and an emergency whistle.
The leader should have a first aid kit. Safe drinking water should be available.
It is recommended that orienteering be restricted to an area for which a large-scale map (e.g. 1:15000; 1:7500) is available. |
| Hazard reduction | Parents (or caregivers) should be informed of the details of activities to be undertaken and supervision to be provided and their written permission should be obtained. In setting the course, the leader should - be familiar with any potential danger areas
- match the age, fitness level and orienteering experience of the students
- avoid areas with steep cliffs, old quarries, deep streams and old mine shafts
- provide 'streamer rails' as a guide through difficult areas where no handrails exist; and
- survey the area to update the map where necessary
The program should include instruction to participants regarding - predetermined safety bearings
- the need for students to proceed to a major feature if lost
- use of the emergency whistle; and
- the set finishing time and the requirement to return at that time, whether or not they have completed the course
Prevailing weather conditions should be considered. If weather conditions are unsuitable, the activity should be curtailed and appropriate shelter should be sought. |
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