Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 5:40 AM AWST

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Identify hazards, assess and control safety risks for horse handling and riding activities

Identify hazards, assess and control safety risks for horse handling and riding activities

Unit of competency
National Code
SISOEQU010
State Code
BBF45
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
19/12/2017
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
18/05/2018
Field of Education
061301 - Occupational Health And Safety
Original Release Date
18/05/2018
Nominal Hours
25
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to identify hazards, assess associated safety risks, take measures to eliminate or control those risks and document all processes. It covers the processes necessary to manage the significant safety risks associated with horse handling, instructing, coaching, guiding and riding activities.This unit applies to a range of organisations including those involved in equestrian sport, instructional and recreational riding programs. Risk assessments are usually completed by those responsible for the activity including instructors, coaches, guides, and trail bosses. They may complete risk assessments independently, in consultation with others or through a team effort.No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Identify hazards for horse handling or riding activities.
  • 1.1. Use hazard identification and risk assessment templates, independently or with other personnel to complete assessments.
  • 1.2. Use a range of methods to identify current and foreseeable hazards with potential to harm health and safety of anyone involved in or present during activities.
  • 1.3. Identify man-made or environmental obstacles and hazards in areas where horse handling or riding activities are scheduled.
  • 1.4. Gather and interpret weather and environmental information to ascertain impacts on handling or riding conditions.
  • 1.5. Identify hazards, including biosecurity issues, associated with handling or riding horses for program activities.
  • 1.6. Identify features of and potential hazards for tack and all other equipment to be used.
  • 1.7. Record identified hazards according to organisational procedures and legal requirements.
2. Assess safety risks associated with hazards.
  • 2.1. Consult with other personnel, as required, for input into risk assessments.
  • 2.2. Collect sufficient evidence of the type and level of risk posed by identified hazards.
  • 2.3. Use commonly accepted methods to complete risk analysis and risk assessments.
  • 2.4. Document outcomes of risk assessments and proposed actions to eliminate or control risks.
  • 2.5. Maintain records of risk assessments according to organisational procedures and legal requirements.
3. Assess risks associated with horse and handler or rider combination.
  • 3.1. Use organisational templates designed to match horses to handlers or riders.
  • 3.2. Identify handler or rider characteristics and level of horse handling or riding skills.
  • 3.3. Identify known behaviour and education level of horses available for the activity and consider potential hazards.
  • 3.4. Assess and select horses of suitable history, size and temperament to match handler or rider characteristics and skill level.
  • 3.5. Assess handler or rider’s own horse, when self-provided, and ensure horse and handler or rider combination is safely matched.
  • 3.6. Maintain records of assessments according to organisational procedures.
4. Plan activities to eliminate or control risks.
  • 4.1. Evaluate and determine ways to eliminate hazards from horse handling or riding activity.
  • 4.2. Evaluate and determine ways that safety risks can be effectively controlled for horse handling or riding activity.
  • 4.3. Take measures to eliminate or control risks, within scope of responsibility or refer for authorisation.
  • 4.4. Incorporate risk control processes into documented plans or procedures for horse handling or riding activities.
5. Respond to immediate safety risks.
  • 5.1. Monitor horse behaviour and handler or rider control during activities and adjust horse and handler or rider combination as required.
  • 5.2. Respond immediately to safety situations and stimuli causing adverse horse reactions as they arise.
  • 5.3. Complete on-the-spot risk assessment to avoid injury to handlers or riders and horses.
  • 5.4. Amend or cease activities if hazard or safety risk is determined to be extreme.
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