HAZARD

RISK

RISK LEVEL

CONTROL MEASURES IN PLACE TO REDUCE RISK OF HAZARD

ARRANGEMENTS TO ENSURE THE CONTROL MEASURES CONTINUE TO BE EFFECTIVELY IMPLEMENTED

GENERAL

1.

Country summary

Low – Medium

FCO Advice:

 Kazakhstan:

You should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.

You may travel to most places in Kazakhstan, but travel to any "closed territories" or secure areas require advance permission from the relevant authorities.  Some military/restricted areas are not clearly marked so care should be taken when travelling away from normal routes.

You should ensure that your inoculations are up to date.

You should obtain your visa in advance of your visit and ensure it covers the entire duration of your stay.

The main type of incident for which British nationals require consular assistance in Kazakhstan is replacing lost or stolen passports.  Local regulations require you to carry some form of photo ID at all times.

We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.  You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.

 Kyrgyzstan:

There is no British Embassy in Kyrgystan, but there is an Honorary British Consul in Bishkek.  Kyrgystan is covered from the British Embassy in Astana, Kazakhstan, with consular assistance provided by the British Embassy Office in Almaty, Kazakhstan.  See the General section of this travel advice for more details.

Since March 2006, there have been a number of demonstrations in Bishkek related to the internal-political situation.  Political tensions remain high and a demonstration led by the political opposition is due to take place on 11 April 2007. You should check the current situation before travelling and avoid any political demonstrations or large crowds while in Kyrgyzstan.  See the Political Situation section of this travel advice for more details.

Tensions also exist over recognition of the Kyrgyz-Uzbek borders and you should only use officially recognised border crossings if travelling in the region.  There is a risk that uncontrolled border areas may be land-mined.  See the Local Travel section of this travel advice for more details.

There is a threat from terrorism in Kyrgyzstan.  Attacks could be indiscriminate and against civilian targets

Most visits to Kyrgyzstan are trouble-free.  The main type of incident for which British nationals require consular assistance in Kyrgyzstan relates to victims from crime.  Since June 2005 there have been a number of criminal incidents involving foreigners in Kyrgyzstan.  See the Crime section of this travel advice for more details.

You should carry your passport, or a copy of it, at all times.  The police can arrest you if you do not carry identification.

We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.  You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.

China:

Outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in China have resulted in a small number of human fatalities.  As a precaution, you should avoid live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you might come into contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked. 

British nationals require visas to enter China.  Visas cannot be obtained on arrival except at Hainan Island.  Carefully check your visa validity as fines can be levied for overstaying.

The threat from terrorism in China is low but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.

Most visits to China are trouble-free.   The main type of incident for which British nationals require consular assistance in China is for replacing lost or stolen passports.  Please note that only the British Embassy in Beijing has the facility to issue replacement passports, although applications can be submitted at the Consulates in Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chongqing.

We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.  You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. 

An updated FCO brief will be given to all participants at the UK training weekend.

Any further FCO advice will be directed to the Expedition Leaders before and during the expedition in order to appropriately brief the clients. This will cover an update on the political situation, any no-go areas and current advice.

Embassies / Consulates:

Kazakhstan:

British Embassy (also for Kyrgyzstan)

62 Kosmonavtov Street

Renco Building 6 Floor

Astana 010000

(73172) 556200

britishembassy@mail.online.kz

Kyrgyzstan:

British Honorary Consul

Kalik Akiyeva Street

Building 11

Appartment 24

Bishkek

(996) 312 680815

gbhoncon@mail.kg

China:

British Embassy
11 Guang Hua Lu
Jian Guo Men Wai
Beijing 100600

(86) (10) 5192 4000

consularmailbeijing@fco.gov.uk

LOST

2.

Lost (Individual)

Low

Adopt buddy / buddy principal from outset as standard procedure. Briefing on UK training weekends will include sizes of groups, how to obtain assistance and location of adults.

Leaders to constantly check participant’s locations. Participants briefed to retrace route by day, stay put by night and to be aware of own and partners situation. Leaders to always nominate a meeting point and time to be there.

3.

Lost (Group)

Low

Adult supervision. Group will be led throughout by leaders and / or a local guide, throughout.

Periodic checks during route and education on route to staff and clients.

VEHICLES

4.

Vehicle crash or failure

Low

Expeditions will not use local buses or taxis. It will use reputable transport companies, as advised by our in country providers, having roadworthy vehicles.

Leaders to assess driver suitability and competency to drive prior to driving off. Check vehicle for defective brakes, tyres and lights.

There will be no travelling after dark unless it is absolutely vital to so to do.

Leaders to position themselves near to the driver throughout the journey to control speed and continuing ability to drive. Ensure that the group has frequent rests. If in any doubt cease the journey as appropriate

5.

Road quality.

Medium

Roads vary enormously from rough tracks to smooth tarmac. They often have big drops to one side or the other. The standard of other drivers varies too. Driver to be aware of these problems and to drive accordingly.

Leaders to be near to driver to monitor speed, driver awareness of these problems and driver’s ability to drive according to the prevailing conditions

INDIVIDUALS

7.

Flight anxiety, nerves and general apprehensiveness of journey.

Medium

Comprehensive briefing from leaders and support from rest of team

Leaders to observe and look after those concerned. Keep person(s) occupied and reassured

8.

Group member inexperience including not being aware of the hazards associated with the country / environment.

Medium

Appropriate briefing and training given to all participants prior to departure with particular regard to health, hygiene and safety issues

Daily briefing of group and close control every day

9.

Being unhappy with circumstances and not getting on with other group members, homesickness

Medium

Discussion with group members prior to expedition on the likelihood of such an event. Gradual exposure to the environment

Individual(s) concerned monitored by leaders & buddy and encouraged to join in the activities as much as possible and to be integrated into the group who should help the person or people involved

10.

Different culture, people, language and dress

A different way of life and religious beliefs

Medium

Group briefed prior to departure at training sessions on all aspects of what to expect. This will include appropriate dress code

11.

Third party awareness in towns.

Low

Buddy / buddy system applies throughout. Advice will be given on RV’s location of leaders and how to obtain assistance

Careful briefings giving precise timings and meeting places

12.

Mugging, theft, rip offs, assault and sexual harassment, lone people seen as an easy target

Medium

Advice given during training sessions to include minimum group numbers when in towns and cities. Group advised not to carry valuables and large amounts of money

All participants advised only to take what they can afford to loose and not to put temptation in temptations way.

Monitoring of group throughout the expedition and on going briefing

13.

Accommodation security and theft including theft of valuables or personal belongings from hotel rooms

Medium

All valuables – including Passports - to be secured by Leader or assisting staff. Group educated prior to trip and on arrival with the need to be vigilant

Ensure rooms are locked and secure when they are vacant. Valuables hidden or given to staff for safe keeping. Use money belt and if wearing multi pocketed garments spread money around. Any theft needs to be reported immediately to the police and a report obtained

14.

Accommodation fire hostel or hotel

Low

Set ground rules before departure to include a no smoking policy whilst inside buildings. All clients and staff aware of safety notices in hotels and emergency procedures. Group to be aware of where the Leaders are located

Leaders to check hotel and inform group on what to do and where to meet in the event of a fire starting. Leaders to enforce the no smoking rule.

15.

Alcohol, drugs and sex

offerings of aforementioned in country and between group members

Low

Clear rules set before departure. Rules to be applied for smoking and drinking. Zero tolerance of drug abuse with offenders returned to UK immediately, at their own expense. Sex between group members is forbidden.

Ensuring that the rules are obeyed with a review of compliance throughout the trip

16.

Lack of fitness and being unable to proceed with expedition

Low

Fitness training programme for all participants prior to departure. In country, groups advised to take walks steadily and not to race and to drink plenty of water

Allow time to acclimatise before undertaking long walks. After a few days longer walks may be attempted but advice given about the need to drink plenty of water.

17.

Lack of preparation resulting in arriving on expedition with incorrect or unsuitable clothing

Low

Group safety equipment carried by Leaders. Comprehensive kit list has been suggested.  At training sessions kit inspected with advice given as appropriate.

Leader to monitor clothing worn by group members with further advice given where appropriate. Group brief given at start of day to ensure correct is kit is carried and clothing are worn

18.

Camping routine: maintaining criteria for being ‘under canvas’

Low

Members will use only campsites that are designated as such or have been recced by the Leader. Group are briefed on correct procedures with due regard to personal safety, food preparation, cooking, stove safety, personal hygiene, siting of lavatory tent (if required) with strict rules on water collection and purification (as required)

Leaders to ensure that discipline is maintained and site carefully chosen. Leader and staff to monitor all cooking and other activities. In the event of bad weather a cooking area is set aside. There will be no cooking in tents

19.

Crossing steep ground where there is the possibility of: rock-falls / landslides / animal initiated rock falls

Low

Leaders supervise safe travel through these types of terrain. Use of local guides where necessary

The Group will maintain recognised crossing points and paths

20.

River crossings where there is the possibility of being swept away / tripping / getting caught in debris / drowning

Low

The Group will avoid river crossings wherever possible and try and use bridges even if this entails a detour. If there is no option brief group precisely on the method to be adopted and consider other hazards downstream and/or upstream such as flash flooding.

Particular attention will be paid to weak or non-swimmers.

Leaders with the co-operation of local guide organise river crossings only if absolutely necessary.

21.

Water-based activities where there is a possibility of drowning.

Medium

Leaders to ensure that a full safety brief is given prior to the activity.

Leader must be aware of any weak or non-swimmers and act accordingly even to the point of asking individuals not to participate. Leader to monitor group at all times

22.

Guides and Porters that may be untrustworthy / thieves / unreliable.

Low

The Group will use reliable in country guides from reputable companies that have good safety records. Group to be briefed on possible dangers and how to treat these individuals

Leader to continually assess the guides performance and behaviour of porters

23.

Project work on site and work related injuries, including: muscle strain, bad backs, sun stroke

Medium

Detailed daily briefing for the day’s work. If appropriate safety glasses, gloves and helmets must be worn. A first aid kit must be at hand at all times whilst this work is being carried out. Encourage group to make the locals aware of proper safety procedures

Careful supervision at all times especially if using tools or machinery. Ensure that appropriate machine guards are in place. Let the locals do whatever needs machining

AIR TRAVEL

24.

Accidental failure of plane

Low

All flights provided by reputable airlines

Airline to ensure safety of aircraft and to provide clear communication to passengers

25.

Hijack Plane hijacked for ransom or other political purpose

Low

All flights provided by reputable airline with screening of all passengers

Listen and do exactly as commanded by either hijackers or cabin staff. Keep together if at all possible

26.

Loss or theft of luggage or loss of personal equipment after landing and theft of baggage during expedition

Medium

Vital medication always carried on self. Insurance will cover immediate expenses with full remuneration if baggage not delivered. Group told to be vigilant at all times and not to leave valuables lying around

Everyone to be diligent of their own baggage and look out for others too. Obtain police report of any theft of personal kit

27.

Flight cancellation or missed flight

Low

Leaders to contact either in country agents or YSES office as appropriate. Simultaneously take precautions to look feed / accommodate / reassure group.

Leaders to always arrive early for flights.

HEALTH

28.

Previous medical conditions

Low

All team members to complete medical form along with all staff prior to departure. Copies of these will be held by the Leader with any problems highlighted. Any major problems need to be referred to participants GP for approval to take part

Leaders to be fully aware of any problems before the expedition leaves the country.

29.

Conventional illness or minor ailments. Worst case scenario is patient being uncomfortable and having to rest for a day or so

Medium

Comprehensive first aid kit carried to cover most minor ailments. Health and hygiene to be discussed with group both at training sessions and in country.

Leaders to monitor all expedition members when sick. All bites and ailments to be examined and a doctor called if necessary

30.

Serious medical problems that could be  life threatening if not resolved

Low

Leaders to be fully aware of evacuation procedures and location of nearest hospital

If illness not going to be resolved quickly then evacuation to UK may be necessary. Contact YSES insurance provider as soon as possible.

31.

Personal hygiene and infection resulting in debilitating and threat of spreading infection to rest of group

Low

Briefings and discussion about personal hygiene to be given at training sessions and again in country, especially regarding hand washing before handling food and after going to the lavatory

Reinforcement of hand washing with leaders monitoring all individuals, especially during the expedition phase whilst away from sanitary facilities

32.

Infected wounds resulting in danger of blood poisoning and ulceration

Low

Briefing before expedition on treatment of cuts and abrasions.

Leaders to check all serious wounds twice daily for infection

33.

Lack of balanced diet leading to poor bodily functions, stomach and intestinal problems

Low

Leaders aware of food types and local dishes. Allergy / dietary requirements prior notified to leaders. Leaders to recommend what food to purchase.

Constant monitoring of food intake of group members paying particular attention to how balanced the diet is, especially to those with special needs

34.

Food poisoning: Leading to acute stomach and intestinal problems

Medium

Majority of food bought in country with strict adherence to sell by dates. Groups to only eat at reputable restaurants or camp cooks when not self catering. Leaders to ensure that all camp meals are thoroughly cooked prior to eating. On trek leaders to ensure hygiene and that food is thoroughly cooked. If eating fruit ensure that it is either washed in clean purified water or peeled before eating

When using restaurants only use those that have a good reputation and ask if salads are washed in purified water. Ask if cold meats are fresh. Avoid local corner fast food stalls.

35.

Heat related problems: Exhaustion and dehydration are both serious results of over exposure to sunlight

Medium

Group told how to recognise symptoms in themselves and others during training sessions. Inform group on type of clothes to wear. Emphasise use of sunscreens and other barriers to protect skin from direct sunlight

Leaders to continually monitor fluid intake of group especially when exercising or working. Ensure that shade is available (use an umbrella if necessary) and that rest periods are taken frequently. Endorse the buddy / buddy system

36.

Altitude related illness.

Medium

Group educated about the dangers of altitude sickness and how to recognise signs and symptoms. Leaders to be aware of speed of appropriate height gains.

Only experienced Leaders knowledgeable about altitude problems and signs to lead any expedition going above 3000m

Leaders to constantly monitor group members and be aware of every group member’s progress. Encourage the buddy system and ensure that each person drinks plenty of water. No alcohol. If signs persist and not relieved by a simple analgesic then descent is the only option

37.

Animal bites: Bites from a rabid animal could develop with fatal consequences if not treated

Low

Group advised to keep away from both domestic and wild animals especially dogs and bats. Group members told to inform leader if bitten or scratched

If bitten by any reptile or animal, wild or domestic evacuate to nearest hospital for appropriate assessment and treatment

38.

Sand injuries whilst in the desert. Sand can get in eyes and other orifices which are intensely irritating

High

Careful briefing. contact.No contact lenses. Always wear long sleeved shirts and long trousers and stout footwear

Leaders to ensure that all precautionary measures are taken and that group members shower immediately after return. Use of soothing creams help with irritations

45.

Natural or man-made disaster

Medium

Leader and other staff to brief group on the possibility of the event.  Group must listen to any safety brief given by leader, staff and the local police and/or rescue personnel and ACT on their advice.

Leaders to ask local people on a regular basis.  Look at any frequency chart available and to be aware of all evacuation details from any building

46.

Leader or accompanying staff fall ill or become incapacitated

Due to accident or unforeseen illnesses

Low

Due to accident or unforeseen illnesses

Replacement Leader replaced as thought necessary.

47.

Emergency Contact for parents / Next of Kin (NOK)

Low

Parents / NOK will be provided with a schedule and telephone numbers for contacting participants in emergency. It is recommended that all emergencies are routed through YSES in UK, unless in extremis.