Health and Safety
We don't want to scare you off - but this is the Australian bush we're talking about..!
It can be a dangerous place, if you don't come prepared. So let's get you prepared!
You will require a reasonable level of fitness - we do it, so we're not talking about being athletes here...
You will also need to carry some essential items, to get you through the day.
If you follow the simple guidelines on this page, you shouldn't have any problems at all.
Keeping Safe - our highest priority!
really...
Our success (and ongoing happiness) depends on bringing everyone back, safe and well - every time. Not a lot of room for error, there... The way we do this is to create a safety attitude right from the start.
Here's how it works:
- we start with the brief Safety Induction
- Chris and Steve are in charge - this is not a discussion point...
- you are assigned to a walk buddy (your choice of friend or new acquaintance) - you stay in eyesight range of this person throughout the day
- Chris or Steve will be at the front of the walk - no passing
- the other one will be at the back of the walk - no lagging behind
- Chris and Steve will be in 2-way radio contact throughout the walk
- we are equipped for emergency first aid
- we have an exit strategy for each of the walks, ready in case of an emergency situation
- we have the strong expectation that each of you will be proactive in keeping all of us safe - this includes:
- clearly identifying potential hazards
- assisting others in difficult places
- not creating hazards (e.g. letting go of springy branches, without checking behind you...)
- avoiding contentious or disruptive behaviour
ZERO tolerance on stupidity...
Here's OUR ten Commandments:
- no alcohol
- no recreational drugs
- no noise-makers, firearms or weapons (utility tools and pocket knives are OK)
- no cruelty to wildlife
- no vandalism (marking trees, etc.)
- no littering (you carry it in - you carry it out)
- no souveniring bush items (animal, mineral or vegetable)
- no unauthorised fire lighting
- no losing your walking buddy
- no excuse for discourtesy to your fellow travellers
Click here to download the Bushwalkers of WA (BOWA) Safety Procedure
Being Well - fitness and health...
thriving - not just surviving...
At the end of the day's walk, we don't want you feeling that a short stay in hospital might need to be part of your recovery plan... This is not meant to be an endurance test, or marathon effort. We also don't want you suffering from jungle fever or some other strange mallady! Good old common sense is the best practice - for you and for everyone else on the walk...
Being sensible and communicating
If you're having any difficulties, let us know sooner, rather than later. We have all sorts of ways to adjust the walk, or provide you with the support you need.
If you use medications, bring them
If you suffer with ongoing medical issues that don't stop you participating in this sort of strenuous activity - come along! But make sure you bring any medications or preventative items (inhalers, etc.) that you may need.
General Hygiene
We're in the bush - so 'hygiene' means 'bush hygiene'. A few simple guidelines:
- don't drink untreated water - we carry a very efficient filter pump, if you want to try your hand at harvesting water from the waterways
- don't be adventurous and eat 'bush tucker' (food), without checking with us first
- be wary of touching flowering plants - some may carry strong allergens (pollens, etc.)
- be cautious about a 'freshen up' during the day - deoderants may cause chafing
Toileting
Always a sensitive area for some people - but one of life's necessities; especially when we're going to be out in the 'middle of nowhere' for the day...
We provide you with a Poop Pak to carry with you (zip-lock bag containing: toilet paper, disinfectant wipes, lime powder). DO NOT put your poop in the Pak!!
Remember the 4 Ps:
- Place: do your business away from the group. Avoid river beds and water systems. Choose a fairly flat area. Make sure we know that you are going away from the group for toileting purposes.
- Peeing: can be done directly on the ground - at least 20 meters from the group. Be careful if squatting (see next point)...
- Pooping: - at least 50 meters from the group. Be careful when squatting - sitting on a stick or an ant nest can be a nasty experience!
- use our spade to dig a hole to do it in (20cm / 8")
- squat and poop into the hole (holding onto your walking staff whilst squatting will assist your balance)
- use the provided toilet paper to clean yourself, and throw it into the hole on top of the poop
- sprinkle lime powder on top of the poop and paper
- fill in the hole completely with dirt
- refresh the area, so no-one can tell where you dug the hole
- disinfect your hands with the provided disinfectant wipes
- rejoin the group - let us know you're back
- Privacy: toileting is not carried out for entertainment purposes. Only one person leaves the group at a time to carry out their personal toileting. The group stops and patiently waits while this happens. We have a privacy screen in our Leader Kit, which can be set up for anyone who requires it.
General Walking Tips
it's not just a walk in the park...
Walking in the bush is an 'adventurous' activity. This means it can be dangerous.
The following tips have been gained from much experience - some of it painful...
- Don't ever go away from the main group by yourself (see Toileting).
- If you become lost - STOP - blow on your whistle strongly and regularly until you are found (blow for 5 seconds, pause for 10 seconds).
- Be aware of your body. It is possible to work through 'minor' aches and pains - but don't ignore 'real' pain or discomfort.
- Don't take your boots off at rest stops - your feet will swell up, and it's hard to get your boots back on. Put your feet up, which will relieve any aches and pains.
- Avoid running along tracks - it is very easy to trip and injure yourself.
- Be willing to share the loads of others - be willing to help... and be helped...
- Have as little impact on the environment as possible.
- As you are walking, be aware of the position of the sun and its relationship to the direction (compass bearing) you're going.
- As you are walking up hills, turn around every so often and look at the view behind you. That is what you are earning with every step up - you don't have to wait until you get to the top...
Foot Care
putting your best foot forward...
When hiking, your feet can be your best friends, or your worst nightmare!
The following tips have been gained from much experience - some of it painful...
General Principles
- Wear walking shoes or boots. They need to:
- fit properly - not too big or too small (with two pairs of socks on)
- support your feet
- 'breathe' well (not suffocate your feet and make them too sweaty)
- support your ankles
- be strong enough to handle rough tracks
- be waterproof - there are sprays or wax polishes that will make your boots waterproof
- Don't wear new boots on the hike - wear them in first.
- Wear two pairs of socks. The inner pair should be wool, or wool blend. Wool breathes well, soaks up sweat, minimises rubbing inside your boots.
- You can also wear 'footlets' (ankle-high stockings - ask your Mum..!). These are very good for minimising rubbing inside your boots.
- Practice walking - two to five kilometers in a session is good practice. This will help you learn about your feet and your boots. It's important to feel where there might be pressure spots and rubbing.
- Whiteman Park is a fantastic place to go for practice walks - it's free, and a beautiful place to visit.
- Kings Park is another fantastic place to go practice - also free, also stunningly beautiful.
The night before the walk
- Trim your toenails. They should not be cut too short. Cut them square.
- Wash your feet - dry them thoroughly - give them a massage - and use a foot powder (including between toes).
- Check your gear - make sure you've got everything... Two pairs of socks each day - that's two pair on and four pairs in your pack!
- Go to bed early.
- Have a good sleep. You will need to be well rested.
The day of the walk
- Have a good breakfast. This has little to do with your feet, but will make you feel better generally.
- Shower (this will make the rest of us feel better...) - and give your feet a good wash.
- Dry your feet thoroughly.
- Powder your feet - including between your toes.
- Two pairs of socks (+ footlets, if possible) and your boots.
As you are walking
- Take notice of how your feet are feeling.
- Let your Leader know if your feet are rubbing or getting blistered. It's important they are treated quickly, to minimise damage.
- Avoid walking through water and soaking your boots - they are never that water-proof..!
- On rest stops, don't take your boots off - your feet will swell, making it difficult to get your boots back on.
- Sore or aching feet are fairly natural when hiking - especially if you haven't done much walking. It is still better to let your Leader know if your feet are bothering you, than 'soldiering on', and causing real damage.
Sun Smart
SLIP! SLOP! SLAP!
Australia is famous for its abundance of glorious light and sunshine. It's also famous for its lack of ozone layer...
We don't run walks in the traditionally scorching summer months - but that doesn't mean we won't get warm days. Your comfort and well-being depend on dressing right and staying well hydrated.
Being 'Sun Smart' includes the following:
- don't get sunburnt - very painful and potentially dangerous
- light, natural-fibre, long-sleeved shirts are best
- today isn't the day to work on your tan...
- wear a wide brimmed hat - keep it on when you're out in the sun
- put on a SPF 30+ sunscreen - nose, cheekbones, mouth, back of neck are all sun-sensitive areas
- wear polarised sun glasses - the glare can be pretty intense some days
- don't get sun stroke - this is where your brain cooks...
- wearing a good, protective hat is the answer to this one
- if you feel over-heated, dizzy, cold/clammy, strong headache - tell us - immediately!
- don't get dehydrated
- drink - half a bottle (300ml) each hour is a good start
- your body holds and uses water for metabolism and cooling - that's why you drink - not to keep your mouth moist
- if your mouth is dry, try breathing through your nose
So be sun smart -
SLIP on a shirt -
SLOP on some sunscreen, and
SLAP on a hat!
Wet Wise
we didn't come down in the last shower...
You might not think rain and cold would be that big a problem in Western Australia, but you'd be wrong...
Some days can start out nice, and end up very chilly. Some mornings can be icy cold, even though the forecast for the day is fine and warm. Rain is rarely a problem - most of our rain is in the form of passing showers - usually in 10 minute bursts. But sometimes we will get sustained, heavy rains, and winds that bring the temparature down drastically. Best to be prepared.
- wear sturdy long trousers (natural, quick-dry material is best - wet jeans can be very heavy!)
- have a jumper (pullover, windcheater, jersey, etc.) in your pack
- unless the forecast is clearly for dry, warm weather, bring a raincoat/poncho
- during the walk, keep as dry as possible - leave 'singing in the rain' for the movies! It's amazing how quickly wet feet get blisters...
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