Health & Safety Policy – Skerries Rugby Club

Skerries Rugby Football Club

SAFETY STATEMENT

Contents pg.

Policy 3
Scope 3
Responsibilities 3
Implementation and operation 7
Hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control 7
Safety signage 14
Training 14
Documentation and reporting 14
Emergency preparedness and response 15
Summary 15
Conclusion 15

Appendices:

Anti-Bullying Policy (available in Club foyer and website)
Camera use Policy (displayed on Changing Room notice board)
Fire
First Aid
Traffic control and gate duty protocols
Codes of Conduct
Hazard identification report
Accident report
Accident report witness statement
Quarterly health and safety audit
Cleaning of toilets, showers, Refs Room (Checklists)
Cleaning of floors (Checklist)
Lift manual (available in Club office)
Electrical cables (underground) plans (available in Club office)
Policy on lock-ups
Cold stores (available in Club office)
Manual Handling
Pest control Policy
Policy on debris control

Policy

The Management of Skerries RFC, being the General Committee, is committed to compliance with the Safety, Health and Welfare At Work Act 2005 and in compliance will provide for all its members and staff an environment that is as safe and healthy as is reasonably practical and will comply with all relevant statutory requirements. Skerries RFC will provide a safe system of operation through the provision of appropriate information, instruction, training and supervision. The co-operation of members and staff is expected and all members are reminded that statutory obligations are the minimum standard for which they are responsible.

Scope

The provisions of this statement will apply to all members of Skerries RFC all staff, visitors and outside agencies such as Contractors, Suppliers, ESB etc. and to any agency that may from time to time have to affect deliveries or to service equipment located on the premises.

Responsibilities

Chairperson

He/She will ensure that:

Adequate resources are made available so that the Safety Policy can be carried out efficiently
The members of the General Committee are fully aware of their responsibilities in relation to occupational health and safety
All members and staff are accountable for their performance in relation to occupational safety and health
The Safety Statement is reviewed regularly and its operation monitored

General Committee

They will ensure that:

Safe systems and practises are incorporated into all activities in the club
All activities are continually monitored and that any potential unhealthy or dangerous practices are reported and eradicated
Any specialist or H&S training, if required, is discussed, authorised and put into practise
Any wilful breach of safety rules is reported and that the club disciplinary procedure is activated if it is deemed necessary

Honorary Secretary

He/She will ensure that:

The Safety Statement is circulated to the appropriate personnel and that it is widely available in the club through notice boards, team managers, etc.
Any amendments to the Safety Statement as may be made from time to time are included in an updated version as soon as possible
Any discussion, reports or suggestions relating to the Safety Statement which are raised at General Committee Meetings are recorded and actioned
Any Accident Reports, anti-Bullying Reports, Hazard I.D. Reports, H&S Audits etc. are retained and recorded in club records and reported outside the as decided by the General Committee
Any correspondence relating to Health and Safety is brought to the attention of the General Committee and any subsequent actions are recorded
Persons who are not paid-up members are not allowed to use the Club’s facilities

Chair of Grounds

He/She will ensure that:

Machinery such as grass mowers are used only by authorised and experienced personnel
All equipment and machinery is securely locked away when not in use
The premises are properly secured when not in use and not available for any non-approved activities
Third party contractors do not commence work of any kind unless evidence of insurance and safety legislation compliance is forthcoming. In his/her absence the Grounds Chairman will request a member of the General Committee to deputise
Any incursion or unauthorised entry is prevented and, if unable to prevent such, will report such incursion to An Garda Síochána
A fully-equipped First Aid Kit is available on site at all times
Waste and refuse are managed and collected by the appropriate agency

Chair of Clubhouse and Bar

He/She will ensure that:

All functions in the clubhouse have the prior authorisation of the General Committee
The documentation in relation to the booking of functions is properly completed prior to the function taking place
A doorman is in place for all functions, with the exception of after match activities
That all non-members entering the clubhouse for functions sign the guest book prior to entering the inner premises
There is always a senior club member present to supervise the function
The toilets and dance floor are inspected at least once per hour and that all spillages are immediately cleaned up

Guests do not bring any items onto the premises which could endanger other guests

All functions are closely supervised and that guests do not engage in ‘horse play’ of any kind
Persons using disco or musical equipment comply with any instructions from the supervisor
Non-members who are allowed to prepare functions do not climb above ground level

Coaches

They will ensure that:

All coaching activities in the various sections are carried out according to guidelines laid down by the Club Coach/Chair of Rugby
They submit to An Garda Síocanna, through the club Child Welfare Officer, such information required by Garda Vetting procedures
They sign the IRFU ‘Declaration of Intent’ document and ensure that the completed document is presented to the Child Welfare Officer
Sufficient coaches are available to ensure safe supervision of any particular section
Specialist equipment such as weights, scrummaging machines, tackle bags, etc. are used only if there are qualified supervisors present
Weights training is not permitted in the under-age sections
Under-age members are not allowed to engage in ‘horse play’ either on the club premises or on transport provided by the club
All changing rooms, showers and toilets are cleaned and swept up after matches and training sessions
All lock-ups are secured after matches and training sessions
Medical kits are immediately available for both matches and training sessions

Members

They will ensure that:

They are aware of the provisions of the Safety Statement and that they operate within those provisions at all times
They take no action which could endanger either themselves or their fellow-members
They are familiar with the location of fire extinguishers
They are familiar with all fire exits on the club premises
They comply with any safety directives which may be issued from time to time

Health and Safety Representative

The H&S Representative will be nominated by the General Committee on an annual basis and will be responsible to that body to ensure that health and safety is managed in a proactive manner within the club and that all club activities are in keeping with the maintenance of a safe environment.

He/She will:

Monitor health and safety issues within the club and make recommendations, if necessary, to the General Committee
That a number of members are trained on an annual basis in First Aid and the use of ﬁre extinguishers

4 Implementation and operation

To actively carry out the club’s policy in relation to health and safety, to maintain a general consciousness of safety and to promote a safe club environment, the following should be kept in place:

General stewardship by the Safety Representative and the General Committee of Health and Safety policy in the club
Promoting awareness of safety issues through such means as poster campaigns
Giving safety instructions regularly to the under-age sections of the club
Ensure the maintenance of ﬁre extinguishers appliances, staff training in their use and in that of First Aid on an annual basis
Proper reporting of accidents or dangerous occurrences and take action to prevent recurrence

Identiﬁcation of hazards and assessment of risks should be an ongoing process and any identiﬁed hazard or risk should be immediately reported to the Safety Representative. The hazard or risk should be immediately assessed as ‘high’, ‘medium’ or ‘low’ and appropriate action taken depending on its level.

This is a very important aspect of our safety policy and it is expected that when an area is audited for safety, it will be found that any accidents, injuries, collisions, hazards, etc., will have been properly reported and documented.

5 Hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control

Hazard Assessment: Medium

The necessary presence of contractors (trade or service suppliers paid to carry out works) may create hazardous situations by the use of unsafe materials or equipment. The club wishes to ensure the safety of contractors and will:

Brief all contractors on safety and issue them with a copy of this Safety Statement before any work commences
Not allow the use of mechanical or access equipment unless express permission is given
Require contractors to brief their employees on club safety requirements
Have a club member accompany any occasional visitors

Cuts and Contusions

Hazard Assessment: Medium

Cuts and contusions can result from glass breakages, impact with sharp edges, collisions during training or match situations, falls, etc. To ensure safety:
All glass breakages must be cleaned up and binned immediately
Have ongoing monitoring to eradicate all sharp edges/corners
Have pitches examined for sharp objects after any events
Have complete First Aid kits available in changing rooms and clubhouse
Ensure that a number of members undergo First Aid courses every year

Main Hazards

Contact with moving vehicles
Steps around clubhouse and adjacent to pitches
Specialist equipment (scrum machine, platforms, gym equipment, weights, etc.)

Risk Control

All steps and inclines to be signed/colour-coded
All cars, third party vehicles to move within the club speed limit
No access by any third party to gym/specialist equipment

(a) Access/Egress (all buildings):

Hazard Assessment: Medium

All doorways, corridors must remain unobstructed
Fire doors must be kept closed but not blocked or locked
Exit doors must be kept clear at all times
Clearways for ambulance access must never be blocked by parked cars

(e) Electricity

Hazard Assessment: High

Miss-use of electricity can result in fire, explosion, personal injury and even death. Club members should never:

Attempt any kind of repair or maintenance of electrical equipment or installations

Jam wires into sockets using matchsticks etc.
Connect power tools to light sockets (unearthed)
Insert plugs into wrong sockets
Use the wrong fuse for the current the equipment is carrying

All members/staff should:

Assume all electrical circuits/cables are ‘live’ until proven otherwise
Switch off sockets before removing plugs
Learn what to do in the case of electrical shock.
Ensure source is isolated before attempting any rescue
Report any discolouration or burn marks on plugs

General: Only a qualified electrician may attempt any electrical work. All contractors should be referred to the services map (Appendix XX) indicating both overhead and underground electrical and should also be referred to the ‘special conditions’ section of ESB Code 98032030 (see Appendix )

(f) Fire

Hazard Assessment: Medium:

There is always a risk of fire and this risk can be increased through e.g. careless smoking, unsupervised use of electrical equipment, poor waste management etc.

The risk can be minimised through:

The total prohibition of smoking in any enclosed area on the club premises
Proper management of the kitchen area
Having well-serviced fire extinguishers in numerous locations
Ensuring good waste management on site

Additional measures:

All extinguishers should be regularly audited by third party expertise
All fire escapes should be clearly indicated and kept clear/unlocked at all times
Use of electrical equipment must be carefully controlled
Staff/members/visitors should be aware of the action to be taken in the event of fire

Functions

Hazard Assessment: Medium

The clubhouse is available for hire to suitable third parties for private functions. As those present at such functions may not include club members, any risk to safety must be minimised through close supervision by a senior club member.

Risks can be minimised by:

Not allowing those involved to climb above floor level or to use ladders to put up decorations prior to or after the function
Not allowing any substance to be spread on the dance floor beforehand
Ensuring that the persons hiring the premises understand and undertake to abide by any instructions issued
Ensuring that the entrance door is manned by a person competent to do so
Insisting that all those attending the function sign in on the book provided for that purpose
Strictly enforcing the ‘no-smoking legislation’
Not allowing any ‘horse play’ on the dance floor
Ensuring that the hall floor and toilet floors are examined for spillages at least every hour
Indicating through an announcement where the fire exits are
Ensuring that those using musical equipment have good electrical gear
Not admitting any person who is obviously intoxicated
Not further serving alcohol to any person where the bar staff feel it is inadvisable
Ensuring that all exterior lighting is in good working order
Ensuring that bottles or glasses are not brought out of the premises

(h) Floor Treatment

Hazard Assessment: Medium

All floors should be cleaned regularly and kept free from debris or obstacles and in particular:

The dance floor and tiled area in the bar should be inspected at least every hour during function by the Function Supervisor and any spillages should be immediately cleaned up
Persons hiring the function area are not to spread any substance on the dance floor
All mats should be regularly lifted and the floor areas underneath cleaned

(i) Toilets

Hazard Assessment: Low

In the interests of good health it is essential that all toilets/wash areas are maintained to a high standard and, further:

Cleaning of toilets will be certified by Staff signing the form provided
Smoking is forbidden in the toilet areas
During functions, the Steward should regularly inspect toilet areas and have

any soiling/spillages cleaned up

Extractor ventilation system should be in operation

(j) Bins

Hazard Assessment: Low

Bins will become a health hazard if not attended to or allowed to overflow. They should be monitored by the Grounds Chairman and Bar Chairman and, further:

All debris on floors should be immediately deposited in the bins
Effluents such as oil, waste liquid etc. should not be deposited in bins
The waste management policies of the Local Authorities should be observed when using bins
Bins should be closed at all times and should be left out to avail of the area refuse collections
Club members or staff not dispose and any personal domestic waste in club bins
Club wheelie bins should be securely locked at all times

(k) Kitchen/Bar

Hazard Assessment: Medium

The kitchen/bar area can account for accidents through slips, burns from hot surfaces, cuts from knives and glass etc. It is an area where a high standard of hygiene is required and only authorised persons should use either of these areas.

Further actions should include:

Keeping access doors locked at all times, allowing only staff within
Maintaining the highest hygiene standards when handling food
Cleaning up spillages immediately
Using the glass-washer for all glass washing
Keeping all surfaces clean at all times
Discharging all remains of food in the proper bin immediately
Not allowing any storage of kit or other items in the kitchen area
Keeping a complete First Aid Kit in place

(l) Pest Control

Hazard Assessment: Medium

It is in the interest of general health that the premises are kept vermin-free.

Therefore:

Any sighting/signs of vermin should be reported immediately
A pest control system should be operated by an outside agency
Eating or drinking on the premises should be restricted to designated areas

(m) Injuries from games

Hazard Assessment: Medium

Injuries are a constant hazard in rugby and as they cannot be anticipated, the club should be in a position to react swiftly to any minor or major injury.

The hazard can be minimised if:

Training or games are always supervised.
The proper equipment, including pitch-lining and flags are in place
Only qualified referees are allowed to officiate in organised games
Under-age players play within their age group.
Training is supervised by at least one coach.
All coaches have at least the Foundation Coaching course completed
Players are encouraged to wear head-gear, body armour, etc.
A First Aid Kit is present at all training sessions/games

However injuries will happen and in such instance there should be sufficient preparation in place to ensure that the injured party is treated immediately and that the injured party suffers no additional pain or trauma through lack of action.

This can be enhanced by:

Having as many coaches and support staff as possible undergoing First Aid courses
Having complete First Aid Kits for all sections of the club
Ensuring that all coaches/support staff are aware of the contact numbers for the Duty Doctor and local ambulance
Having an approved stretcher available at all times
Ensuring that the ambulance approach is always kept clear
Establishing and maintaining liaison with the local hospital

Safety signage

The presence of safety signage enhances general safety on the club premises and our duty of care to members and visitors alike.

Health and Safety signage should cover such topics as:

Speed limit to be observed
Steps in various areas
Surfaces which are likely to become slippery
Steep grassy banks
Locations of First Aid Kits
Hygiene signs re: food preparation, washing of hands, etc.
Location of ﬁre extinguishers, ﬁre exits

Training

All persons involved in coaching or support staff for teams to undergo First Aid courses. All persons involved in coaching of players should have completed, as a minimum, the Foundation Course in coaching. Those refereeing games at all levels should have a basic course completed.

Documentation and reporting

It is essential that the documentation attached to this statement is completed by the senior club official present (e.g. Accident Report and Witness Reports) immediately, if any accident of any kind occurs. It will also be very helpful if photographic evidence (digital camera or phone) can be attached. Routine documentation (cleaning of floors) is equally important as is may provide evidence on behalf of the club in the case of an accident. All such documentation will be handed over to the Honorary Secretary who will take action as directed by the General Committee.

9 Emergency preparedness and response

The club must ensure, on an ongoing basis, that there are adequate numbers of Members trained in First Aid and the use of Fire Extinguisher

Equally:

Notices indicating action in the event of fire should be displayed
Local emergency numbers should be prominently displayed
All fire doors must be kept clear at all times
When the club is unoccupied, the main gate must be secured to prevent unauthorised entry

Summary

The purpose of this Health and Safety Statement is to:

Provide a healthy and safe club premises for our members, staff and visitors
Comply with our statutory obligations
Designate responsibility for health and safety at the various levels of the club
Minimise the risk of accidents/injuries/dangerous occurrences at the club
Heighten awareness of the health and safety issues within the club

Conclusion

As a club we have a duty of care to our members, staff, visiting teams, visitors, members of the public using the facilities and spectators and we now recognise that duty by having this Health and Safety Statement in place. We trust that this statement will engender a spirit of co-operation in Health and Safety matters among all our members, staff and all others using our Club.

Appendices:

Anti-Bullying Policy (refer to website and Club Foyer)

Camera use Policy (notice in changing room hallway)

Accident Report Form

This form must be completed in the event of any accident/injury on the club premises.

Full Name, Address and Occupation of Injured Person:

________________________________________________

Occupation _____________________

Signature of person making this entry. If the entry is made by some person acting on behalf of the injured person, the address and occupation of such must be given.

________________________________________________

Occupation _____________________

Is injured party a club member? Yes No

Date of report: _____________________

Date and time of accident: __________________________ ______________

Place where accident happened: _________________________________________

Cause and nature of injury: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Action taken by club:

Hazard I.D. report

Date:

Time:

Location:

Details of hazard: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Reported by: ___________________________________

Action/closure: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Signed: (Safety Representative) _________________________________

Accident Report Witness Statement

Name of injured person: ____________________________________

Date of accident: _________________________

Name of person making statement: (PRINT) ____________________________

Statement:

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Signed _________________________________________

Date _____________________________

Quarterly health and safety audit

Date: ______________ Area Audited: _______________

by: ___________________________

Time: from ___________ to ___________

Number of people in area: _________________________________________
Was area clean/tidy? Yes No

If no, describe briefly: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

No. of Fire Extinguishers: _______ Date of last Inspection: ________________
Access/Egress Doors: Clean Blocked
Floors: Clean Spillages
Safety Signs: Visible Not Visible
Fire Doors: Closed Open

Comment ____________________________________________________________

Evidence of smoking in Prohibited Areas Yes No
Bins: Empty Full
Has there been any accident/injury in this area in the past quarter? Yes No

Details ______________________________________________________________

Has the accident/injury been properly reported? Yes No

Comment ___________________________________________________________

Is lighting adequate in the area? Yes No
Have personnel received fire extinguisher training? Yes No
Are locations of fire hydrants generally known Yes No
Are Third Parties (non-members) entering the area? Yes No

Is there equipment plugged in? Yes No
Are wiring/plugs/sockets safe? Yes No
If protective equipment/clothing is required, is it being used? Yes No
Are all areas tidy? Yes No
Are all chairs/stools in good working order? Yes No
Are toilets clean/serviced? Yes No
First Aid Kit available? Yes No
Is speed limit on site obeyed? Yes No

Report:

Comment on any Health or Safety concerns not specifically covered by the questions above and recommend actions where it is felt necessary

Signed: ____________________________________

Title: ______________________________________

Cleaning of Floors

Please make every effort to keep these floors in good condition.

These floors were cleaned as follows:

Date ______________________

Time __________________

Sig. ____________________________________________

19 Cleaning Record

Date ________________________________

Time Signature _______________________________________________