BSA Revised Safety Checklists for Service Projects
BSA Revised Safety Checklists for Service Projects
Section titled “BSA Revised Safety Checklists for Service Projects”Source: Aaron on Scouting / Scouting Magazine, March 25, 2021
Official checklist: BSA Service Project Planning Checklist (PDF 680-027), 2021 Revision
The BSA’s SAFE Service Project Planning Checklist — 2021 revision. Applies to all Scouting service projects. Organizes safety requirements into four areas: Supervision, Assessment, Fitness and Skills, and Equipment and Environment.
Summary
Section titled “Summary”The BSA’s Service Project Planning Checklist (PDF 680-027, 2021 revision) applies to all Scouting service projects — Order of the Arrow, Eagle Scout, and individual or unit service. It is a planning aid, not an added requirement. SAFE stands for Supervision, Assessment, Fitness and Skills, Equipment and Environment. Complete this checklist before every service project. If it is not practical to meet these protocols, do not conduct the activity.
The BSA’s Service Project Planning Checklist applies to all Scouting service projects — Order of the Arrow, Distinguished Conservation Service Award, Eagle Scout, and individual or unit service. It is not an added requirement for Eagle Scout projects; it is a planning aid.
If it is not practical to meet these protocols, do not conduct the activity or service project.
SAFE Service Project Planning Checklist
Section titled “SAFE Service Project Planning Checklist”SAFE stands for Supervision, Assessment, Fitness and Skills, Equipment and Environment — the four areas leaders must address before any service project.
S — Supervision
Section titled “S — Supervision”Youth are supervised by qualified and trustworthy adults who set the example for safety.
- On-site supervision confirmed
- Required training, certifications, experience, and skills verified
- Adults will monitor all work and tool use
A — Assessment
Section titled “A — Assessment”Activities are assessed for risk during planning.
- Site hazards identified (power lines, trees/bushes, heights)
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) identified and available
- Site access, material delivery, parking, permissions/permits confirmed
- Weather/environment contingencies and communications planned
- Work hours planned, including breaks
- Food/water/hygiene needs addressed
F — Fitness and Skills
Section titled “F — Fitness and Skills”Participants’ Annual Health and Medical Records are reviewed, and leaders have confirmed that prerequisite fitness and skill levels exist for participants to take part safely.
- Annual Health and Medical Record reviewed for all participants
- Training needs identified and addressed
- SAFE Project Tool Use checklist reviewed (if tools are involved)
E — Equipment and Environment
Section titled “E — Equipment and Environment”Safe and appropriately sized equipment is used properly. Leaders periodically check gear use and the environment for changing conditions.
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) on hand
- Tools and equipment available and inspected
- First aid supplies present
- Weather forecast reviewed and conditions monitored
- Communications plan in place
- Project area reviewed for safety concerns
If There Are Any Incidents
Section titled “If There Are Any Incidents”- Take care of the injured — find a safe place.
- Preserve and document the evidence. Take photos if appropriate.
- Immediately complete an incident report and notify your local council.
Incident report: www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/incident-report/
Resources
Section titled “Resources”- Guide to Safe Scouting
- SAFE Overview
- Service Project Planning Checklist (PDF 680-027)
- SAFE Project Tool Use (PDF 680-028)
Used In
Section titled “Used In”| Resource Used In | Type |
|---|---|
| Community Service Coordinator | Role |
Source
Section titled “Source”Source: View Resource