Risk Assessment for Hull Archery Club

Date: 1st June 2024 Assessor: Carl Cooper Activity: Archery Sessions Location: Cottingham Golf Coarse

1. Projectiles Flying Through the Air

Hazard: Risk of injury from arrows in flight. People at Risk: Participants, instructors, spectators, members of the public. Control Measures:

Establish a clear shooting line and waiting line.
Ensure all participants understand the range commands and safety rules.
Provide proper supervision by qualified instructors.
Use safety barriers or nets where necessary.
Ensure all spectators remain in designated safe areas.

Residual Risk: Low

2. Slips, Trips, and Falls

Hazard: Risk of injury from slipping or tripping on uneven surfaces, equipment, or weather-related conditions. People at Risk: Participants, instructors, spectators. Control Measures:

Conduct regular inspections of the field to identify and address potential hazards.
Ensure that all equipment is stored safely and out of walkways.
Provide clear walkways and ensure they are kept clear of obstructions.
Advise participants to wear appropriate footwear.
Have a qualified first aider, first aid kit, and emergency contact number readily available.

Residual Risk: Low

3. Bow String Causing Injury

Hazard: Risk of injury to arms and hands from the bow string. People at Risk: Participants. Control Measures:

Ensure all archers wear arm braces to protect from string slap.
Teach and reinforce proper shooting techniques to minimize injury.
Provide full-length arm bracers if needed.

Residual Risk: Low

4. Inappropriate Shooting

Hazard: Risk of injury from incorrect handling or shooting of bows. People at Risk: Participants, instructors, spectators. Control Measures:

Provide clear and comprehensive briefings before each session.
Demonstrate safe shooting practices and monitor adherence.
Maintain instructor vigilance to correct any unsafe behaviour promptly.

Residual Risk: Low

5. Over-Drawing the Bow

Hazard: Risk of injury from over-drawing the bow, potentially causing the arrow to fly off the bow. People at Risk: Participants, instructors, spectators. Control Measures:

Ensure arrows are of appropriate length to prevent over-drawing.
Instructors to monitor and correct over-drawing as necessary.

Residual Risk: Low

6. Impalement While Removing Arrows

Hazard: Risk of injury from handling arrows during retrieval. People at Risk: Participants. Control Measures:

Provide thorough demonstration and briefing on the correct method to remove arrows.
Allow participants to remove their own arrows only under instructor supervision.
Ensure safe distances are maintained while others are removing arrows.

Residual Risk: Low

7. Weather Conditions

Hazard: Risk of adverse weather conditions affecting safety and comfort. People at Risk: Participants, instructors, spectators. Control Measures:

Monitor weather conditions regularly and adjust plans accordingly.
Provide shelter and advise participants on appropriate clothing for weather conditions.
Postpone or cancel sessions if weather poses a significant risk.

Residual Risk: Medium

8. Boundary Control

Hazard: Risk of members of the public straying onto the archery field. People at Risk: Members of the public, participants, instructors. Control Measures:

Mark the boundaries of the archery field with clearly visible flags.
Train all members to be vigilant and promptly alert others with the FAST command, if a person or animal enters the field.
Designate a safety officer to oversee boundary control during sessions.
Place warning signs around the perimeter to inform the public about the archery activities and associated risks.

Procedure in Case of a Dangerous Situation:

Immediately cease shooting and signal for all archers to stop (FAST).
Politely instruct the person or persons to leave the field for their safety.
Only resume shooting once the field is confirmed to be clear.

Residual Risk: Low

Emergency Procedures:

First Aid:
- Ensure a qualified first aider is present at all sessions.
- Maintain a well-stocked first aid kit on site.
- Have a functioning mobile phone available for emergency calls.
Fire Evacuation:
- Familiarize all participants with fire evacuation routes and procedures.
- Ensure clear access to fire exits at all times.
General Safety:
- Conduct regular safety briefings and updates for all members.
- Display safety information prominently at the venue.

Comments/Actions:

Conduct regular safety checks and maintenance of all archery equipment.
Ensure all participants are medically fit to participate.
Make information about access (e.g., wheelchair access) publicly available.
Brief all participants before each session to reinforce safety measures.