Introduction
High Wycombe Bowling Club recognises its responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and accompanying legislation to ensure the following:
- To provide and maintain a safe Clubhouse and green, safe equipment and a safe environment for members and guests, particularly for volunteers working for the Club.
- To ensure hazards are identified and that there is a regular assessment of risks.
- To provide information, instruction and training as is necessary to ensure all can be issued for a safe and healthy working environment.
- To promote awareness of Health and Safety, encouraging best practice.
- To ensure it takes appropriate protective and preventative measures.
- To ensure there is access to competent advice.
Organisation and Responsibilities
Responsibility for ensuring that the Club complies with Health and Safety responsibilities is vested in the Club’s Management Committee which will arrange for an annual pre-season risk assessment in April to ensure appropriate measures are in place to eliminate/mitigate risk. In addition, the Club appoints one member, whose function is at any time to draw to the Committee’s attention any risks/hazards that may not have been properly identified or where the mitigation action may be insufficient.
The Risks
As a small organisation, the Club does not employ full or even part-time staff but Health and Safety Law requires that where volunteers are used on a regular basis (e.g. Secretary, Treasurer, Green Staff), they should, for the purposes of the Act, be treated as employees, even if unpaid. The Club has identified the following principal areas where it needs to monitor closely risks associated with work done by volunteers.
- Fire
- Trips/Falls
- Electricity: Risk of Fire and Personal Injury
- Chemicals/Fertilizers
- Use of Machinery
- Food Safety
- First Aid
Measures in Place to Mitigate Risk
Fire:
The Fire extinguishers are inspected and serviced by qualified personnel.
Trips/Falls:
At the beginning of each season, the premises/greens are checked to ensure that potential hazards are appropriately marked and that any necessary warning signs are visible. An Accident Book is maintained in which all incidents are recorded.
Electricity:
Electrical installations and portable electrical equipment are subject to periodic inspection and testing.
Chemicals/Fertilizers:
Chemicals and fertilizers are held securely under lock and key and, where appropriate, their use is under supervision of an individual who has been on a Pesticide Course and obtained PA1 and PA6 certification.
Use of Machinery:
All machinery is kept fully maintained and regularly serviced. First-time users of machinery are trained and initially supervised by experienced operators.
Food Safety:
Kitchen facilities are maintained to a high standard and meet legal requirements. Members are aware of Food Hygiene requirements. Catering is under the control of a holder of a Food Hygiene Certificate.
First Aid:
The Club cannot necessarily, from its own members, expect to have trained First-Aiders on hand. It provides, however, a First Aid box, which is regularly checked and displays information on how emergency assistance can be obtained.
Children and “Adults at Risk”:
The Club has a clearly publicised Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy.
Record Keeping
The following documentation is held:
- Lists of green equipment and manufacturers’ manuals/instructions.
- Simple bullet-point instructions for use of motorised or heavy equipment.
- Record of training given on use of equipment.
- Formal risk assessments (as necessary).
- The Accident Book
Dissemination of Health & Safety Information
A copy of this Health & Safety Statement is displayed within the Club. Members are asked to familiarise themselves with the content and, if necessary, to draw attention to the Committee members of any areas of concern.