Health and Safety

Our General Policy is to:-

* Provide adequate control of the Health and Safety risks arising from our activities

* Consult with all those involved in the Field Trial on matters affecting their health and safety * Ensure the safe handling and use of equipment, which may be hazardous to health

* Provide information and instruction for all those involved in the Field Trial

* Ensure that all those involved in the Field Trial are competent to undertake shooting activities/tasks

* Prevent accidents where possible

* Review and revise this policy at regular intervals

1. Responsibilities

Overall and final responsibility for Health and Safety is that of the Committee of the Tyne Tees and Tweed Field Trial Association.

All those involved with Field Trial and shoot activities have legal responsibilities to take care of the health and safety of themselves and others and to co-operate in order to comply with the law. ALL thosed involved with Field Trials have to:-

*Be co-operative on Health and Safety matters

*Not to interfere with anything provided to safeguard Health and Safety

*Take reasonable care of their own Health and Safety

*Report all Health and Safety concerns to a member of the Tyne Tees and Tweed F.T.A.committee

2. Risk Assessment

Risk assessments will be undertaken by the Chief Steward and the Steward of the Beat befor commencement of the trial.

3. First Aid

The First Aid box will be kept by the Chief Steward or a Committee member at the Trial. The Chief Steward will be responsible for reporting any accidents or dangerous occurrences to the Tyne Tees and Tweed F.T.A. Committee.

4. Anti Fieldsports Lobbyists

All those involved in the Field Trial should be observant at all times of the risk of malevolent action from anti-fieldsports lobbyists. If anything unusual is observed, the circumstances should be immediately reported to the Chief Steward, any member of the committee or Gamekeeper who will ensure that the appropriate action is taken, i.e. that the Police or other appropriate authority is contacted.

HEALTH AND SAFETY PROTOCOLS

1. Car Parking and Transport

Where necessary, access to the meet of the Field Trial will be clearly marked with a sign. At all Trials there will be a certain amount of off road driving. At some Trials there may only be access by 4x4 vehicles and some competitors with their dogs, spectators may be asked to share vehicles,or walk. All competitors and spectators must make their own transport arrangements and the Tyne Tees and Tweed F.T.A. cannot accept responsibility for injury, loss or damage to person or property however occaisioned.

2. Pre-Field Trial Briefing

The Chief Steward will be responsible for safety, supervision and discipline at the Field Trial. The Chief steward will be identified at the beginning of the Trial and will outline safety measures at the Pre-Trial briefing. All persons attending a Field Trial meeting must consider themselves under the control of the Secretary, Chief Steward and Officials of the Association. Any member of the Committee or attendee must inform the Chief Steward if they see anything dangerous or potentially dangerous, during the course of the Trial.ONCE THE TRIAL HAS STARTED NO ONE WILL BE ALLOWED TO LEAVE WITHOUT FIRST NOTIFYING THE CHIEF STEWARD. It is expected that everyone present will comply with the highest standards of safety and sportsmanship with respect to quarry, wildlife and the countryside in general. Any unsafe or inappropriate behaviour will result in the instant dismissal from the Trial. Any person under the age of sixteen must be accompanied by an adult.

3. Weather

In the case of extreme weather conditions, eg. gale force winds, poor visibility due to fog or heavy rain, the Field Trial may have to be cancelled. In hot ,dry conditions on heather moorland to minimise the risk of fire, there will be a request for No Smoking.

4. Topography

The ground used for our Trials is moorland, woods and farmland. The ground is rugged and at times walking may be difficult. There is thus an element of risk with slipping or tripping. It is recommened that suitable footwear is worn and appropriate clothes according to the shooting custom, also a reasonable level of fitness is required. The Tyne Tees and Tweed F.T.A. cannot accept responsibility for injury, loss or damage to person or property however occasioned.

5. Gun Safety

Depending on which Trial is taking place, there will be 4-8 guns. The people carrying guns are very experienced in gun safety. It is the Tyne Tees and Tweed F.T.A. policy that insurance cover and security of shotguns is the responsibility of the individual shooting at the Trial.

PLEASE NOTE- THAT BY ACCEPTING A RUN IN ANY TRIAL RUN AND ORGANISED BY THE TYNE TEES AND TWEED F.T.A. YOU ARE DEEMED TO HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD AND ARE PREPARED TO ABIDE BY THE HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATIONS AS SET OUT ABOVE.