Shooting Ranges Health & Safety
Introduction
All pastimes have inherent risks and archery is no different. It is our duty as committee and Club members to minimise the risks to our members and visitors.
Many of us have been practising archery for a number of years and some are new to the sport. Whatever stage we are at in our archery development, we all need to take safety as our number one priority. It is easy to become complacent and allow potentially dangerous practices to creep into our everyday routines. The purpose of this document is to advise all participants, under instruction of Sleaford Maltsters Coaches and Field Captains, that the safety rules and regulations in place are mandatory. All Club rules and regulations can be found on the club website.
All participants must take responsibility for their own and others Health and Safety and take all reasonable and practicable steps to minimise risks to everyone which may arise in the course of shooting. This is a legal as well as a moral responsibility.
You must be proactive in identifying hazards and bring them to the attention of the field captain/coaches in attendance. You must also comply with any risk reduction measures that are imposed.
This document is to be read in conjunction with the Archery GB Rules of Shooting, available on the Archery GB website archerygb.org, and the Sleaford Maltersters Archery Club Health & Safety Risk Assessment.
In summary, health, safety and environmental issues affect us all and we expect everyone participating to follow this guidance to ensure a safe and enjoyable session. Failure to comply with these rules may lead to the offending person or persons being reported to the committee and may lead to disciplinary action under AGB rules.
The term “archery ranges” refers to the following:
Indoor shooting range at Northgate Sports Hall, Carre’s Grammar School, Northgate, Sleaford, Lincolnshire, NG34 7DD.
Outdoor shooting range at London Road, Osbournby, Sleaford NG34 0DH.
Attendance at Outdoor Range
Archers will sign into and out of the outdoor range. By signing in an archer is confirming they have ready and understood the AGB Rules of Shooting.
Emergency Procedures
Whilst taking every precaution to ensure that sports and activities are performed as safely as possible, there are times when accidents or incidents can occur which may result in injuries to members of the club, whether in the course of the sport or activity or when travelling to tournaments. As a result, the Management Committee has a set of Incident and Accident Emergency Procedures for the Sleaford Maltsters archery ranges.
Reporting of Accidents at Sleaford Maltsters Archery Ranges
All club members shooting at the archery ranges must have with them a contact telephone number for emergency use and also ensure the first aid box is available for use.
The Management Committee must produce a list containing members emergency contact details, medical risks, etc., which must be available at all shooting events. This needs to be maintained regularly and at least on an annual basis.
If an ambulance is required, one nominated person from the club, is to call 999 or 112 stating the nature of the injury and the location of the casualty. All ambulances should be directed to:
Indoor season: Northgate Sports Hall, Carre’s Grammar School, Northgate, Sleaford, Lincolnshire, NG34 7DD.
Outdoor season: London Road, Osbournby, Sleaford NG34 0DH, what3words: pulses.roadways.hamster.
Callers who use mobile phones to dial 999 should be aware that due to the different base stations used by phone companies, the call may be answered by an emergency operator in another part of the country. If you need to make an emergency call from a mobile phone, ensure you tell the operator immediately where you are phoning from so that your call can be dealt with by the appropriate emergency service closest to you.
First Aid
Adequate arrangements are to be made to ensure all emergencies requiring medical assistance can be satisfactorily and quickly dealt with. In particular:
- Ensure the emergency services have safe access to all parts of the event site, car parks etc., at all times, and all shooting must stop immediately.
- Ensure that there is provision on site of first aid equipment and trained first aiders.
- That all field captains are fully briefed and trained on the emergency procedures.
- That the first aid kits locations shall be made known at the start of each shoot.
- That the first aid kit should be suitable for a large group and should be maintained regularly.
Junior Members
Additional precautions are required to ensure the safety of junior members. Junior members should be supervised at all times and should not be allowed to carry heavy objects. The parent or guardian of a junior member under the age of 14 must be present at all times while the junior is shooting.
Junior members must wear protective gloves when handling target stands and bosses to prevent risk of injury from splinters.
Duty of Care of Participants
It is the responsibility of every archer to decline any shot that they consider too dangerous, and report to the ranges/field/club captain any matter that they deem to be hazardous to the health and safety of any participant or spectator.
Spectators can also be in breach of the duty of care regulations by not adhering to laid down rules and regulations specific to the archery club which result in negligence caused by their own acts or omissions. Everyone attending an archery event must comply with safety regulations in place.
Senior members of the club have a duty of care towards junior members. They must not allow junior members to undertake tasks or activities that may cause injury to themselves or others.
Equipment
It is the responsibility of each archer participating in any archery event to ensure that the equipment they are using is in a safe condition and within the guidelines laid down by the equipment manufacturer and is capable of withstanding the requirements of an archery tournament or club shoot.
All bosses on the outdoor range are to be secured by means of rope and pegs immediately after the boss is moved.
An arrow puller must be used when pulling arrows.
When handling club equipment, such as stands or bosses where there is a potential risk from splinters, members should wear protective gloves. Senior members shall prevent junior members, who are not wearing protective gloves, from handling such equipment.
All members must report damage to equipment that has potential to cause injury. Damage to equipment, such as splintered stands, should be repaired in a timely manner so as to prevent injury.
No member shall fit an arrow to their bow, except when standing on the shooting line. No member shall raise their bow to full draw, with or without an arrow attached, unless standing on the shooting line, with the bow aimed down the archery ranges towards the target.
Personal Protective Clothing
It is the responsibility of each archer that they are suitably protected against the elements and terrain. In the case of a junior, the onus is on the parents or guardians to ensure those in their care are protected. Closed in footwear is a requirement on the archery ranges. Sandals, “crocs” type shoes etc., are not permitted and if you attend a shooting session wearing such you will be asked to change your footwear for an appropriate type. If you do not have an appropriate alternative then you will not be allowed onto the shooting line. Shoes with raised heels are not suitable due to stability issues and therefore are not permitted to be worn on the shooting line.
Senior members must raise their concerns to the Field Captain if they believe a junior member is not wearing clothing appropriate for the prevailing conditions. In such an instance, the junior member or parent/guardian may be asked to dress according to the conditions. If they are unable to comply, they may be asked to leave the field.
Lost Arrows on Outdoor Range
Every arrow that has not hit the target should be recorded at the time of shooting and an approximation of direction it followed i.e. high, low, left, or right. The missing arrows should be searched for at the time of recovery of the other arrows. If an arrow cannot be found at this time then the field captain is to be notified and they will decide whether to continue the shoot and search for it at another time.
No arrow should be left unaccounted for at the conclusion of shooting and if necessary a shoulder to shoulder search should be initiated. If this is necessary then after each sweep the group should move down the field in a logical sequence, at the end of the first sweep, the person at the last point of the sweep should remain static whilst the others move onto the next section of field down from the static person and the sweep recommences on the next section of the field. This should continue until the entire field has been covered.
If, after this, the arrow is still missing then the field captain must report to the ground person that an arrow has been mislaid and that a full sweep of the area has been conducted. The owner of the arrow should be aware that in this event it is likely that the arrow will be destroyed as it is likely to be found during grass cutting.
Lost arrows must be recorded in the “Lost Arrow” book available in the club cabin.
Smoking
Whilst we acknowledge some archers smoke, we have a duty of care to all members and following Archery GB’s Code of Conduct which states “smoking is prohibited on the field of play” where the “field of play” is defined as the shooting area, including all required overshoot, and all areas behind the shooting line.
Members wishing to smoke are to do so beyond the last archers chair, tent or shelter. We also ask that if you wish to smoke you should stand down-wind from other persons so they are not disturbed by your smoke. If you insist on smoking within the prescribed area you will be asked to leave the field, if you repeatedly fail to obey these instructions disciplinary measures may be taken.
At events which are predominantly for children, then smoking is not permitted anywhere on the field. Smoking includes the use of electronic cigarettes. Also, to comply with UK law smoking is not permitted in any enclosed public space e.g. sports halls etc. If attending a venue away from the Maltsters archery ranges, check with organisers what their smoking arrangements are.
Emergency Procedures for Sleaford Maltsters at Other Locations
For activities that occur outside of Sleaford Maltsters archery ranges ensure you make yourself familiar with the emergency procedures in place at your destination.
Always ensure that your family or friends are aware that you are attending another sports venue and carry a phone number of your next of kin. If an incident occurs at another sports facility, in the first instance, follow instructions from staff members at that site.
If an incident occurs in remote areas away from central communication links, the club’s members, in the first instance, should ensure that the injured person(s) are treated using emergency first aid, and that a decision is made by the person who is responsible for contacting the relevant emergency services.
Near Misses
It is important to note that as well as reporting accidents and incidents, everyone should also report near misses. These are where there has been no actual injury, but where it has been highlighted that an injury could have taken place. These incidents must be reported so that a risk assessment can be carried out, and appropriate preventative procedures can be implemented.
Disclosure of Information
Cases have been known where relatives have been contacted by the media rather than the police or hospital following serious accidents or incidents. This is obviously a very difficult situation, which should be avoided at all costs. To reduce the likelihood of this happening:
Liaise with emergency services directly giving them the full details requested. The police may also request the names and addresses of the next of kin. Give them the telephone number of the club secretary has this information. The number can be found on the back of the First Aid Kit.
Ensure that no member of the group makes a statement to the media. Seemingly innocent comments can be damaging when reported later.
Do not post messages related to any incident on social media or messaging service.
Accident/ Incident Investigation
When an individual or the Club reports any accident or incident resulting in a “near miss” situation, the Welfare Officer will contact the people directly involved in order to obtain a clear understanding of the circumstances.
Depending on the circumstances and after consultation with the Management Committee the Welfare Officer may submit an additional report together with the original accident report. In the case of a death, serious injury or a damage claim against the Club, then a report will be submitted by the Welfare Officer as soon as possible to the Archery GB Health and Safety Officer.
Manual Handling
Setting up and dismantling of the archery ranges requires some degree of manual handling of club equipment. Target stands and bosses need transporting from the small container out onto the ranges and erecting. Some of these items are heavy and members should be careful to adhere to a safe practice of manual handling.
Manual handling should be avoided if at all possible. When transporting stands and bosses from the container to the ranges, the trolley shall be used. When setting up the ranges, the stand shall be erected first in the appropriate position, then the boss shall be rolled in front of the stand and lifted into place. There must be two members lifting the boss onto the stand.
Before undertaking a manual handling operation, follow the basic rules:
- Plan the lift – how do you intend to do it
- Adopt a stable stance
- Bend at the knees and not at the waist
- Get a good firm hold of the object
- Keep the object close to your waist during the lift
- Avoid twisting or leaning while lifting
- Keep your head upright while lifting
- Place the object down and then adjust as necessary
If more than one person is involved in the lift – communicate during the lifting operation to coordinate your actions.
There is no safe weight limit for lifting. Each individual will have different capabilities, however the guidelines are there to protect you and you must not feel pressured into lifting a weight you do not feel capable of handling.
Club Cabin Health and Safety Policy
In managing the Sleaford Maltsters club cabin, and in compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, our general policy on Health and Safety is:
- To provide adequate control of health and safety risks associated with maintaining and letting the facility
- To prevent accidents
- To provide and maintain safe plant and equipment
- To ensure safe handling and use of substances
- To provide adequate and effective information to all users
When club members, volunteers, visitors and contractors are on site, we will:
- Maintain safe and healthy working conditions
- Ensure that all employees are competent to carry out their tasks
- Provide effective and informative information to employees
Responsibilities for Health and Safety
Sleaford Maltsters club cabin is managed by Sleaford Maltsters Archery Club Committee to provide community and sporting facilities.
Overall and final responsibility for health and safety rests with Sleaford Maltsters Archery Club Committee.
Any club members, volunteers, visitors and contractors must:
- Co-operate with Sleaford Maltsters Archery Club Committee on health and safety matters
- Not interfere with anything provided to safeguard their health and safety
- Take reasonable care of their own health and safety
- Report all health and safety concerns directly to Sleaford Maltsters Archery Club Committee.
Health and Safety Risks Arising from the Maintenance of the Facility
Sleaford Maltsters Archery Club Committee will undertake a Health and Safety Risk Assessment review on at least an annual basis. The findings will be reported to the committee along with any actions required to remove or control the risks and the person responsible for ensuring the actions are carried out. The Risk Assessment will be conducted on a more frequent basis if any significant changes occur or any issues are identified.
A number of related posters are displayed in the club cabin to help people using the building to ensure that they are using the facilities correctly and meeting their legal obligations.
There is no WIFI or landline telephone facilities at the club cabin. Club members, volunteers, visitors and contractors must always have a mobile phone with them to summon assistance in the case of an emergency.
Your safety and security whilst on site
The club cabin is in an isolated location at the edge of the village. Several safety and security features have been incorporated to ensure that club members, volunteers, visitors and contractors are safe whilst using our premises:
- Gated entrance to the field
- Security doors and shutters on the building
Safe Storage of Equipment
Sleaford Maltsters Archery Club Committee has taken all reasonable measures to ensure that equipment can be properly stored and accessed safely when necessary, including:
- Lockable rooms in the main building for the storage of cleaning materials.
- The provision of an archery equipment storage room.
- Initiated a storage and alteration agreement, stipulating that no items can be stored on site, nor alterations made to the site, without the permission of the Sleaford Maltsters Archery Club Committee.
Sleaford Maltsters Archery Club Committee is responsible for identifying all equipment / plant in need of maintenance, checking that new plant and equipment meets Health and Safety standards prior to purchase, ensuring effective procedures are drawn up and that required maintenance is implemented.
Any problems found with the plant / equipment should be reported to the Sleaford Maltsters Archery Club Committee.
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)
The only substances on site relate to cleaning materials e.g. bleach. COSHH sheets can be found in the club cabin Manual located in the kitchen. Storage cupboards are to be kept locked.
First Aid, accidents, and work-related ill health
One first aid box has been provided and stored in a cupboard, a door sticker identifies the location. The contents will be checked monthly or whenever items have been used to deal with an accident.
Ensure that full access is available at the gate for emergency services. If you need to call an ambulance, they will need to be able to access the shooting range via this entrance so their route must be clear.
If you need to call an ambulance, a reminder of the address of the site is printed in the club cabin. London Road, Osbournby, Sleaford NG34 0DH, what3words: pulses.roadways.hamster.
All accidents and cases of work-related ill health are to be recorded in the accident book located in the main club cabin. Please also report all accidents to the Welfare Officer.
Sleaford Maltsters Archery Club Committee is responsible for making any reports demanded by the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR).
Fire and Evacuation
No fire detection system has been installed.
Sleaford Maltsters Archery Club Committee have undertaken an independent fire risk assessment, which is reviewed and updated regularly.
Fire extinguishers will be provided throughout the building and stores.
Emergency signage will be provided throughout the building.
Posters in the building will show the location of firefighting equipment, fire assembly points and first aid boxes.
All users are made aware of emergency exits and escape routes. Users must make sure that emergency exits remain clear and accessible throughout use of the building.
Fire-fighting equipment is checked and maintained on an annual basis.
Water/Legionella
Water into the building comes direct from the mains. However External Temperatures are monitored in hot weather. During a heatwave, mains water can become as warm as 20°C or more (the perfect temperature for Legionella growth). Taps will be run for at least 5 minutes once a week.
Car Park
Parking is provided at the entrance to the field. Please ensure that you take suitable care when using and exiting the car park, watching out for other pedestrians as they do so.
Asbestos
The committee need to confirm if asbestos is to found on any buildings at the outdoor range.
Health and Safety Risk Assessment
Please read this policy in conjunction with the Health and Safety Risk Assessment.