Health and Safety
Health and Safety Policy
Purpose
The purpose of this document is to set out the Clynderwen YF Show Society’s commitment to Health and Safety and to the well being of all those who are involved and attend the show. It is the Societies intention to provide so far as reasonably practical a safe and healthy working environment in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (as amended by the 1999 regulations). The Society is committed to the Health and Safety of employees, volunteers and visitors and will ensure the safety of this group by making sure that organisers and event stewards are properly trained, briefed and equipped of regulations, contingency plans, safe working methods and procedures. The Society has risk assessed its activities using persons it considers competent to undertake this type of work. The Society undertakes to periodically review these assessments at the Annual General Meeting or before should the need arise.
Context
The Society asks that Exhibitors, Ticket Holders (the general public), contractors and any other relevant person familiarize themselves with this document or any relevant guidance that relates to the activities undertaken by them. Furthermore the Society asks all parties referred to above to have due regard for their own safety of others at all times. You are also asked to comply with any instruction or direction given by the Societies Stewards or Officers to ensure your own safety and the safety of others.
Our Commitment to you…
The Society has risk assessed many of its activities and has in its opinion put in place the necessary control or mitigation measures to reduce any risk to an acceptable level. These are reviewed regularly by the Society.
What we ask of you…
We hope you enjoy your time at the event. Our greatest wish is for you all to go home having had a thoroughly enjoyable day without harm or injury. We ask that where possible Exhibitors and Ticket Holders (the general public) comply with the instructions or directions given by steward or society officers. Some Exhibitors, Trade Stands, Attractions may be required to complete written Risk Assessments for Review by the Showground Director/Chief Stewards.
The Society has identified the areas below as being worthy of particular mention
Arriving and Exiting the Show field
We have in place a number of stewards who man the main and side gate(s) into the show (High Visibility Jackets to be worn at all times). Suitable signs will be erected to encouraging traffic calming and control measures on the main highway for entering and exiting livestock vehicles and general show traffic. Please ensure that you comply with the instructions of the Traffic and Gate Stewards and observe any speed restrictions. Please remember you are attending an Agricultural Show in an Agricultural Setting. You should be especially vigilant for uneven or unmade ground conditions and the possibility of loose animals. Please stick to clearly marked walkways. Animals may startle easily so please approach with caution. Once in the Showground, vehicle movement may be restricted at certain times for certain areas.
Live Exhibits (General)
The Society recognises that some Breed Societies have their own requirements for the exhibiting of certain animals or certain ages. This can often take the form of protective headgear (that meets a certain British or European Standard) the provision of specifics bits, halters or saddles. In addition to the skill ability and capability of any handler the Society may also require the Exhibitor to be aware of or show the live exhibit in such a way as to comply with any HSE Guidance Note or regulation by any other competent authority. Examples of these include HSE Guidance Note in the Handling of Bulls, Society Rules relating to the Showing of Stallions, and ASAO Guidance relevant to the Holding of a show, the proximity of Overhead Electricity Lines to display, attractions or similar. Any exhibitor seen mistreating any animal shall be asked to leave the showground immediately and no refunds shall be made. In severe cases we reserve the right to notify the relevant authorities. Please remember that Judges have the right to refuse any entry into any class if they believe it is in the interest of health and safety and no refunds shall be given.
Housekeeping
Exhibitors and Trade stands are requested to keep the area they occupy free from any hazard that may lead to slips, trips and falls eg cables and pipes to be neatly stored and secured, equipment not being used to me moved or stacked safely.
Dogs
Dogs must not be left unattended at any time either in a vehicle or tied up. The Society reserves the right to force entry to any vehicle where a dog may be in distress. Be advised that the Society will report the owner of the vehicle to law enforcement. It is also prohibited for dogs/puppies or any canine animal to be sold at the show.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted with the Marquee or any other public building as defined by legislation during the duration of the show.
Hygiene – The Control of Disease
Exhibitors will not take known to be diseased Exhibits to any Society Event. Any animal identified as exhibiting signs of any disease may be subject to inspection by the Society Veterinarian and may be removed from the showground without reimbursement of entry fees. The society has provided hand washing facilities in the livestock area if you are handling animals. Please use them. Disinfectant mats have been provided to prevent the spread of disease. Please endure that you do in fact walk through or over these mats and ensure footwear – to – mat contact. Soiled clothing and footwear should not be worn to the show.
Be seen to be clean is the Society’s motto.
Identification and Movement Licensing
The Exhibitor is responsible for any passports or licensing requirements to and from the show. Passports for all animals should be brought to the show.
Evacuation and Emergency
All persons attending any Society Event should familiarize themselves with any exit points, the location of first aid and fire facilities. In all cases the Show Stewards will assist further and issue directions as appropriate. First Aid is provided by St. Johns Ambulance who will be situated next the main Secretaries Tent at the top of the Horse main Show Ring. The nearest hospital(s) have been identified as (1) Withybush Hospital, Fishguard Road, Haverfordwest, SA61 2PZ (Tel. 01437 764545) and West Wales General Hospital, Dolgwili Road, Carmarthen, SA31 2AF (Tel. 01267 235151)
Bouncy Castles and/or Inflatable Structures/Children’s Entertainment
Entertainment devices must comply with ‘HSG175 Fairgrounds and Amusement Parks – Guidance on Safe Practice’. They must be run by qualified adults, provided with the necessary safety fences and operated with the designated areas. Inflatable play equipment must have an up to date ADIP/PIPA (or equivalent) inspection tag/certificate. The original documents must be given to the Show Secretary to hold whilst the structure is in attendance at the show.
Fire
In the event of a fire please inform the General Secretary and dial 999. The Post code for the show is SA66 7NE. Fires/BBQ are not permitted anywhere on the showground at any time. Please be vigilant when stubbing out cigarettes, that these are done carefully and butts are disposed of.
Electricity
Generators only to be used at the show and with the written permission of the Chairman – General Secretary – Health and Safety Officer – Treasurer. Generators must be PAT Tested and must be of the run silent type and free from any obvious defects capable of being remedied and operated by person familiar with their operation.
Water
There is mains water on the showground and this is situated at the entrance into the Cattle/Sheep field. There is also mains water available in Clynderwen Community Hall which has been tested.
Show Ring Fencing
A post and rope ring has been placed around each of the 3 horse rings, and these are there for your protection and exhibitors. You should not climb over these ropes or cross through the rings at any time. Please refrain young children from swinging/climbing on the ropes, these ropes are there for your protection. Please keep arms and legs outside of the roped area. Proper sheep pens have been erected and again we ask that children are supervised at all times. The Cattle Section has been erected with purpose built cattle tie area. Any Straw/Hay being brought by exhibitors needs to be removed at the end of the show. Livestock are to remain within the designated areas. Horses are not permitted to be walked/ridden around the showground - this is totally prohibited and they should only be ridden/walked to and from the show rings. Please keep an adequate and safe distance from the horse in front and please do not congregate at the main gateways. Only bona fide riders and grooms can enter the collecting and/or main ring.
Plant Machinery and Car Parks
The Society will keep vehicle movements to a minimum for your enjoyment and protection. Only designated Show Vehicle(s) are allowed to move freely around the show and will do so with full main beam lights on and hazard lights flashing. Please keep entry/exits clear for the purpose of Emergency Vehicles. A 5MPH speed limit is enforced throughout the showground for the setting up – duration of the show – taking down. Mobile phones are not to be operated whilst driving unless they are hands free. Exhibitors and Visitors to the show park at their own risk. The Society is not responsible for any theft, damage to person, vehicles whilst at the show. Please lock your cars securely. Cars left on the showground overnight are left at the owner’s discretion and the Society has no responsibility for unattended vehicles. The Show Society also does not accept responsibility for any damage caused by animals on the showground or associated equipment such as carts and farm machinery.
Manual Handling
In the setting up of the show the Society will ensure that certain activities are completed with the necessary compliment of persons properly required to lift – carry – manoeuvre objects into position. Mechanical means of lifting are to be encouraged. Correct lifting techniques are advised to prevent associated strain or lifting injuries. A listing plan may be required in the erection of marquees and carrier placements where plant machinery is used.
Children
Please ensure that your child/children are properly supervised at all times. Please be mindful that Children should be aware of sudden loud noises that may and can startle livestock. Children should not climb on fences, ropes, walls, trees or barriers. The Society has in place a Lost Child Policy – Vulnerable Adults and Children Policy.
COSHH
The Society requests that various animal treatments are not brought to the showground. This includes certain parasite control treatments. The Society has identified certain detergents, aerosols and paints that maybe harmful to health. Trade Stands bringing any inert or non inert gas to the site will need to ensure the proper and safe storage and the use of gas. They will also need to identify any mitigation measures within their site specific to a risk assessment being needed.
Environment
The Society asks that you do not dispose of Human/Animal or Chemical waste by pouring onto the ground or into any watercourse or surface water drain. Please take your chemicals home with you at the end of the day. YOU brought it YOU take it home.
Dangerous Occurrences and Near Miss Reporting
Please report any dangerous occurrences or near misses to the Show Secretary.
Continuous Improvement
The Clynderwen Show Society regards lifelong learning and continuous improvement as a critical part of ensuring the safety of all who attend the show. We welcome any suggestions that, in your opinion, would improve any safety aspects of the show. This document will be reviewed at the Annual General Meeting following the show.
We hope you have a wonderful day at our show and we thank you for your support.