Policies

Health & Safety Policy

Ripley Bowling Club is strongly committed to encouraging members to take part in both indoor and outside bowling but the health, well-being and safety of each individual is always our paramount concern.

HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY:

Ripley Bowling Club recognises its responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work legislation and to:

1. Provide and maintain a safe Clubhouse and Greens, safe equipment and a safe environment for members and guests and volunteers.
2. Ensure hazards are identified and there is a regular assessment of risks.
3. Provide information, instruction and training as necessary to ensure everyone can be assured of a safe and healthy working and playing environment.
4. Promote awareness of Health and Safety encouraging best practice.
5. Ensure it takes appropriate protective and preventative measures.
6. Ensure there is access to competent advice.
7. Ensure that the policy is reviewed regularly and monitored for effectiveness

1 Organisation and Responsibilities

Responsibility for ensuring that the Club complies with Health and Safety legislation is vested in the Committee who will arrange for an annual risk assessment to ensure appropriate measures are in place to eliminate/mitigate risk.

The Club has appointed 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 previous mitigation action may be insufficient. The member is John Phillips. His deputy is Rob Stalley.

2 As A Club Member You Have A Duty To:

Take reasonable care for your own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by what you do or not do.

Co-operate with the club on health and safety issues.

Correctly use and store all equipment provided by the club.

Report any damaged equipment or areas of concern.

Keep internal areas clear of unnecessary items that might cause an accident.

Take care on walkways and special care when stepping onto or off the greens or indoor mats.

Wear suitable footwear whilst bowling.

Not interfere with or misuse anything provided for your health, safety or welfare.

Ensure fire extinguishers are kept clear of obstructions.

3. The Risks

Risk assessments have been carried out and have identified principal areas to monitor. These are:

Fire/Signs/Extinguishers/Evacuation procedures

Slips/Trips/Falls

Electricity – fixed and portable appliances

Chemicals – use and storage

Use of machinery – training and maintenance

First Aid

Children and ‘Adults at risk’ (see separate policy)

4. Mitigating Risk

Fire: Fire extinguishers and smoke detectors are regularly inspected and serviced by qualified personnel. Fire evacuation procedures are prominently displayed.

Slips/Trips/Falls: Premises/greens and indoor playing area are checked to ensure potential hazards are appropriately marked and that any necessary signs are visible.

Electricity: Electrical installations and portable electrical equipment are subject to periodic inspection and testing.

Chemicals: Chemicals are held securely under lock and key.

Use of Machinery: All machinery is kept fully maintained and regularly serviced. First time users of machinery are trained.

First Aid: Although there are first aiders trained they are not always on hand. However, a first aid box, which is regularly checked and maintained is available. There is also a defibrillator situated outside the clubhouse entrance with clear signage. An Accident Book is maintained.

Children and ‘Adults at Risk’: The Club has a separate and clearly publicised Safeguarding Policy. Norma Davis is the Club’s Safeguarding Officer.

5. Record Keeping

Formal Health and Safety Risk Assessments.

Accident Book

Maintenance

Fire Log & Fire Risk Assessments

6. Dissemination of Health & Safety Information

A copy of this Health & Safety statement is displayed within the Club and on the website.

FIRST AID:

Location of First Aid Defibrillator: Outside Main Entrance Door.

QUALIFIED FIRST AIDERS:

Lawrie Harris

Safeguarding Policy.

Ripley Bowling Club acknowledges the duty of care in ensuring that everyone who participates in bowls can do so in a safe, positive and enjoyable environment. All participants are entitled to feel that they are protected from any form of abuse or neglect.

All members and visitors have a part to play in safeguarding and this policy applies both to outdoor lawn bowling and short mat bowling. We are committed to safeguarding persons in line with national legislation and relevant national and local guidelines.

We are also committed to creating a culture of zero – tolerance of harm to all persons which necessitates: the recognition of people who may be at risk and the circumstances which may increase risk; knowing how abuse, exploitation or neglect manifests itself; and being willing to report safeguarding concerns. This applies to recognising and reporting harm experienced within our activities or within other organised community or voluntary activities on Ripley Bowling Club’s premises.

Implementation

The General Purposes Committee (GPC) will appoint a Safeguarding Officer who will be the first point of contact for any complaints.

When a complaint is received, the Safeguarding Officer will:

1. Ensure that all activities are confidential to general club members and visitors but, the GPC are made aware of the complaint.
2. Investigate in accordance with the Bowls Development Alliance (BDA) document entitled Safeguarding-Adults-Policy-V2-2022. While this is an adults policy, it is equally applicable to minors under 18. Note: The BDA is representative of all bowls governing bodies, including Bowls England and ESMBA.
3. If necessary and with the agreement of the GPC, involve the Police and/or Social Services, though these should be avoided if possible.
4. If needed, enlist the assistance of a GPC Member.
5. After investigation, make a report in writing (or electronic form) to the GPC, with recommendations as to further required action. The GPC will decide whether or not to accept the recommendations. This report and GPC decision will form part of official club documents.

If the complaint is being made against the Safeguarding Officer, the complainant should approach the GPC, who will appoint a person to act as a temporary Safeguarding Officer.

The GPC will facilitate any specialist training required for the Safeguarding Officer.

Safeguarding Officer: Norma Davis (07841 579953, normaannedavis@gmail.com)