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:

  1. 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.
  2. Fire Evacuation:
    • Familiarize all participants with fire evacuation routes and procedures.
    • Ensure clear access to fire exits at all times.
  3. 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.