DELPH SAILING CLUB

HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY

 

VERSION: 18/02/01
CONTENTS

 

Introduction                                                                                                    page 2

 

General Principles

            Rights and Responsibilities                                                 page 2

            Recognised qualifications                                                   page 3

            Accident Reporting                                                                           page 3

            Major Incident Policy                                                             page 3

 

Section One

            Safety on shore                                                                                 page 4

 

Section Two

            Safety on the Water                                                                          page 5

Recreational Sailing                                                 page 5

 

Racing                                                                                    page 5

            Principal Race Officer                                              page 6

            Sailing Captain                                                         page 6

            Race Officer                                                              page 6

            Safety Boat Crew                                                      page 7

 

Training                                                                                  page 8

Child Protection                                                        page 9

 

Appendix One

            Safety Boat Checklist                                                                       page 10

 

Appendix Two

            Major Incident Procedure                                                                 page 11

            RYA Advice to Principals in dealing with major incidents            page 12

 

Appendix Three

           Kitchen                                                                                               page 13

 

(In full document) Appendix Four

            Club boat insurance                                                                          page 14

 

(In full document) Appendix Five

            Public Liability Insurance                                                                  page 15

 

(In full document) Appendix Six

First Aid Guidance extract                                                               page 16

 

(In full document) Appendix Seven

            Extract from Draycote Water Incident                                             page 17

INTRODUCTION

 

This document is intended to bring together information that was to be found formerly in a variety of existing documents and to record procedures and good practice that has been developed throughout the recent history of Delph Sailing Club.

 

It is not intended to make sailing at Delph any more difficult or to tie any further red tape around our excellent sport. Rather it is hoped that the document will be a source of information to make Delph a healthier and safer place to be.

 

 

GENERAL PRINCIPLES

 

Rights and responsibilities

 

This document does not confer rights to members with respect to health and safety issues but it does make clearer their responsibilities.

 

The basic principle is that any member who sails at Delph, excluding any recognised training session, but including organised racing and free sailing, is deemed to accept the ordinary ‘perils of the sea’ and thus cannot complain of injury or damage if he or she voluntarily accepts the risks of sailing. This is neatly summed up in the legal phrase ‘Volenti non fit injuria’.

 

Totally different considerations arise where children and novices are concerned. Neither could be expected to assume a risk associated with the sport voluntarily because they cannot appreciate the inherent dangers. Thus every teaching establishment, of which Delph is one, must provide a safe framework of operation including provision to deal with all eventualities on the water. [1]

 

Delph Sailing Club does make clear statements about its expectations of members with respect to Health and Safety issues:

 

·      Buoyancy aids or lifejackets must be worn at all times when on the water or on the pontoons. [2] These should conform to EC Standards and carry the CE mark or equivalent.

 

·      All boat owners must be insured against third party claims in respect of themselves and their boats to a minimum of £1,000,000 for any one incident. [3]

 

·      No boat may sail without prior permission of the Sailing Committee and no boat may race without a Certificate of Measurement. [4]

 

·      Members and visitors are reminded that the club can only provide rescue facilities during listed races and the decision to race is entirely their own. [5]

 

·      The club accepts no responsibility for the actions of any of its members or visitors. [6]

 

These statements apply to all members and visitors whenever they are on the premises, but additional guidance is necessary at certain times, particularly whilst racing or training.

 

Recognised Qualifications

 

Although club members who do not hold recognised Race Management, Powerboat or Training qualifications do much excellent work, Delph Sailing Club supports club members who would like to gain such qualifications and recognises the value of such qualifications. Indeed qualifications gained by Delph members at Delph and other establishments include:

            Coach Assessor

            Senior Instructor

            Instructor

            Powerboat at various levels

            Open Meeting Race Officer

            Club Race Officer

            First Aid

However desirable it is for all members to hold recognised qualifications for safety boat operation, race management, first aid and teaching, it will not be a pre-requisite except where it is a requirement of Delph’s recognition as a training establishment. An appropriate level of training and expertise will be expected before members drive powered craft (see Appendix 1) or are invited to assist in training activities.

 

Accident Reporting

 

All accidents must be recorded in the Accident Book, located beneath the first aid kit, by the telephone in the clubhouse.

 

Major Incident Policy

 

The Major Incident Procedure is detailed in Appendix Two and displayed by the telephone in the clubhouse.

SAFETY ON SHORE

 

Communications

 

·      A telephone will be available for emergency use

·      Emergency numbers will be displayed by the telephone

·      Notes on the precise location of the club will be available as above

·      A Major Incident Procedure sheet will be posted near the phone

 

 

First Aid Equipment

 

·      A first aid kit will be available by the telephone

·      The first aid kit will contain materials to immobilise injured limbs and materials to stem bleeding

·      A thermal blanket will be available by the telephone

·      All accidents should be recorded in the record book that is kept beneath the first aid kit, by the telephone in the clubhouse.

·      A plastic tag will seal the first aid kit to signal when it has been opened and the contents might need to be refilled

·      The maintenance of the first aid kit will be the responsibility of the House and Grounds Committee

 

 

Plant and Equipment

 

All electrical power tools requiring mains supply must be connected to one of the special earth leakage sockets located in the clubhouse and in the Race Control Centre.

 

 

Kitchen

 

 

SAFETY ON THE WATER

 

Safety practices should be considered in the context of the actual risk of death or injury by drowning or hypothermia and how these risks can be reduced.

 

 

RECREATIONAL SAILING

 

Recreational sailing is defined as sailing at Delph at times other than during organised activities.

 

·      The club is available for use by members at all times

·      The decision of a member to sail at a time other than during organised activities is entirely their own

·      Safety boat cover will not be available outside organised activities

·      Buoyancy conforming to EC standards must be worn at all times when on or near the water

·      Suitable clothing must be worn whilst on the water appropriate to the prevailing weather conditions and the wearing of a wet suit or dry suit is recommended for the Frostbite Series

·      All boats must conform to class rules in relation to buoyancy

·      All boats must carry any safety equipment recommended in its class rules

·      All members must be insured against third party claims in respect of themselves and their boats to at least the minimum amount stated in the club fixture list

·      Sailing alone is not recommended though not prohibited

·      Sailing during hours of darkness is not recommended

·      Certificates of competence are not required but members are encouraged to avail themselves of the available RYA courses

 

RACING

 

It is the clear intention of the Sailing Committee that race management at Delph is of the highest quality. Thus an established system of race management is in place, organised by a clearly defined team of members.  This system is designed to support safe practices.

 

The fixture list, issued to all members, includes the following statements:

·      most club members will be asked to assist their fellow members by carrying out duties, usually on the Sunday and Wednesday of one week during the season.

·      the duties of the Race Officer and Race Team are of extreme importance, both in the organisation of racing and in ensuring safety on the water. People nominated for these duties should arrive at the club at least one hour before racing is scheduled to commence.

·      if for any reason they are unable to attend they must find a replacement and amend the rota in the clubhouse.

·      the race team listed must all bring foul weather gear. [7]

 

 

Particular members are charged with additional responsibilities appropriate to their experience and in some cases, qualification. These personnel are as follows:

 

 

Principal Race Officer

 

The Principal Race Officer will be a member of Sailing Committee, which delegates to the PRO the responsibility for all aspects of club racing.

 

The PRO will ensure the policies and procedures agreed at Sailing Committee are complied with and will set up appropriate systems to communicate these to Sailing Captains.

 

 

Sailing Captain

 

Under the direction of the PRO the Sailing Captain will be responsible for overseeing the general standard of race management for a given duration, usually a calendar month.

 

The Sailing Captain will communicate procedures to the Race Officer and step in to guide or instruct the Race Officer where appropriate but particularly with regard to matters of Health and Safety.

 

Sailing Captains will be club members who are experienced racers at the club and who have the appropriate skills to oversee the actions of the race team.

 

 

Race Officer

 

The Race Officer and Sailing Captain manage and deploy the race team.

 

There will usually be a minimum of four members in the team though additional members may be drafted in as appropriate.

 

Two of the team will be deployed in a safety boat, which will be moored on the jetty and ready for immediate action. The Race Officer will expect the Safety Boat Crew to read the Operating Procedures and sign the declaration that they have read and understood them.

 

The Race Officer will need to be satisfied that adequate safety cover is available and balance the ability of the safety boat crew with the conditions on the course. In the event of weather conditions leading to concerns about the ability of the crew to cope with rescue, the Race Officer may deploy additional safety boats and/or abandon racing.

 

 

Safety Boat Crew

 

The basic responsibility of the safety boat crew is to ensure that the instructions of the Race Officer are carried out. The single most important part of this responsibility is to attend every capsize, probably only briefly and sometimes at a distance, to count heads, check that the crew are not injured and need no further assistance. [8]

 

A Safety Boat Checklist is included in Appendix One, a copy of which is included in the Operating Manual held in the Race Control Centre.

 

Temporary amendments to this checklist will be displayed on the chalkboard in the Race Control Centre.

TRAINING

 

Delph Sailing Club is recognised by the RYA as a training establishment. Thus during recognised training activities Delph recognises the RYA recommended safety procedures.

 

As already stated an experienced sailor is deemed to accept the ordinary perils of the sea but totally different considerations arise where children and novices are concerned. Neither could be expected to assume a risk associated with the sport voluntarily because they cannot appreciate the inherent dangers. Thus every teaching establishment must provide a safe framework of operation including provision to deal with all eventualities on the water. [9]

 

In providing this framework, the task of the Principal is made easier by the fact that he can and should control the sailing area, the length of the session and the instructor / student ratio when necessary to keep things under control. The person responsible for each group will make decisions about each of these on the spot. [10]

 

The Principal, or a Senior Instructor, who might deputise for him, will oversee recognised training sessions.

 

Safety boat cover will be provided for all recognised sessions.

 

Recognised training sessions will not begin until the Principal or his deputy is satisfied with the safety cover provided. The flying of a green flag from the Race Control Centre will signal this.

 

Training sessions will be abandoned or cancelled if adequate safety boat cover cannot be provided.

 

The following principles apply to safety boat use whilst training:

 

·      safety cover is the responsibility of the Principal or his designated deputy

·      safety boat crews must be briefed on when to intervene in an incident for the safety of the sailors involved

·      people before property

·      when dealing with an incident, safety boat crews should keep a watch on the rest of the craft on the water

·      the safety boat crew’s responsibility ends only when all craft are ashore

·      safety boats should be manned by at least two people

·      at least one person in every safety boat should be prepared to enter the water

·      cut engine when dealing with people in the water

·      the ratio of available safety boats to training boats will generally be as follows

·      up to six dinghies 1 safety boat

·      6 to 15 dinghies                2 safety boats

·      more than 15 dinghies     3 safety boats [11]

·      the Principal or his deputy may decide to amend the ratios stated above in the light of the nature of the students under instruction, the nature of the task being practised or the conditions applying on the water.

 

 

Child Protection

 

In conjunction with the NSPCC, the RYA makes the following statement about Child Protection.

 

“It is now widely accepted that it is the responsibility of every adult to protect children from abuse. All children have a right to be protected from all forms of abuse and discrimination and to be treated equally regardless of age, gender, racial origin, culture, religious belief, language, disability or sexual identity.” [12]

 

Whilst Delph is not a residential centre, it is possible that child abuse may come to light. Children often place a great deal of trust in an Instructor or in other adults assisting with training and this may lead a child to disclose information of a sensitive nature.

 

If an instructor is concerned about disclosed information the RYA give the following advice:

 

“Remember it is not your responsibility to decide if child abuse has occurred, but it is your responsibility to take action, however small your concern. Inform a senior colleague who will take responsibility for seeking any additional advice and for contacting the local Social Services Department, the Police or NSPCC, who are trained to deal with such situations and have the necessary legal power to protect the child.” [13]

 

During recognised training sessions this senior colleague would usually be the Principal or his deputy.

 

APPENDIX ONE

 

Safety Boat Checklist

 

No one under the age of 18 may drive a power boat unless:

·      they hold a valid powerboat certificate

·      they are under direct instruction in the course of training for a powerboat certificate

 

Before you begin your safety boat duty:

·      Read the standing orders and be sure that you understand them

·      Wear your personal buoyancy aid

·      Check the safety boat buoyancy

·      Check you have the key and the engine kill cord

·      Check you have paddles or oars

·      Check the anchor, chain and warp are prepared for efficient deployment

·      Check the heaving line is ready for efficient deployment

·      Check you have a bucket, bailer or bilge pump

·      Check the fuel state and fill up as necessary

·      Take a First Aid Kit

 

Whilst on watch:

·      The safety boat should be manned by two people

·      At least one of the crew should be dressed to enter the water

·      Use the kill cord, attach it securely to the driver

·      Keep a watch on the whole lake at all times

·      Attend all capsizes to count heads and check all is OK

·      Cut engine whilst dealing with people who are in the water

 

Before returning the safety boat to its mooring:

·      Ensure all people and boats are safely on shore

·      Top up fuel tanks

 

On return to shore

·      Return the key and kill cord to the RCC

·      Report any faults to the Race Officer who should notify the bosun or, in his absence, the Sailing Captain.

 

APPENDIX TWO

 

Major Incident Procedure

In the case of a serious incident do the following:

 

1.   Inform a responsible adult

The responsible adult should make an assessment as follows:

 

1.1       Is first aid necessary?

·      if yes, are trained first aid personnel available? note that all instructors are first aid qualified

·      if yes, inform first aid personnel

·      if not, go to 1.2

1.2       Are emergency services required?

·      if yes find out the following information

·      what is the nature of the emergency?

·      how many casualties are there?

·      what is the nature of their injuries?

1.3       In Case of Emergency dial 999 with the following information:

·      Location

DELPH SAILING CLUB

LONGWORTH ROAD

EGERTON

BOLTON

BL7 9TS

·      Phone number

01024 309033

·      Your name

·      The number of casualties

·      The nature of their injuries

·      A description of first aid procedures that have been administered

 

1.4       Do not become impatient with the questions that will be asked,

            the emergency services will already have been dispatched

 

2.         Next of Kin

If appropriate, a responsible adult should be assigned to inform the

            next of kin of the following information:

·      the facts as known, without any speculation, including:

·      the name of the hospital to which the casualty has been removed

·      the nature of the injuries as far as understood

 

3.         Dealing with the Media

Inform a Flag Officer, who should deal with all enquiries from the media. RYA guidelines overleaf.

 

4.         Record the incident in the accident book.

 

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References