NCSC HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY
Issued November 2005

Safety Report forms are kept in the Disabled Toilet with a First Aid Kit. Please follow instructions and report any incident, as we use these to try and prevent further incidents.

Introduction
Whilst the implementation of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 is not mandatory for sports clubs such as NCSC, it, together with other supporting specific regulations, provides the framework for the provision of a sound system to provide a safe environment. It also serves to satisfy the insurer's requirement to have a Policy in place.
The Policy will be brought to the attention of all members who are recommended to read it as it places responsibilities on them to ensure the requirements are met.
All actions required of the general membership are included in the NCSC Handbook and a copy of the Policy will be made available on the Club notice board.

Should any member have any questions, or suggestions on how the Policy may be improved, they should bring them to the attention of the NCSC Insurance Officer or any member of the Executive who will address them. Any changes to the Policy will be notified to the members through the Club Newsletter.

Aim of the Policy
The aim of the Policy is the prevention of illness and or injury to members of NCSC, its guests and others associated with the activities of the organisation. This policy is regarded as a starting point for the management of safety and only serves to provide the foundation of the whole system, which is largely based upon sound common sense and good practice.

RISK MANAGEMENT
During the course of sailing and associated activities, many potential hazards arise and it is important that they are recognised in order that action can be taken to avoid injury, illness or accidents.

The following is a list of hazards which may be encountered but it is not exhaustive:

Risk Action Drowning.
Buoyancy aids to be worn in the vicinity of or whilst on the water. (N.B. Windsurfers are exempt from this requirement at their own risk.) Safety cover provided during club racing and other organised activities. Safety boats made available for use outside of organised activities.

Hypothermia.
Suitable clothing to be worn whilst on the water. Safety cover provided during club racing and other organised activities. Safety boats made available for use outside of organised activities.

Launching and recovery of boats.
Slipways, pontoons, jetties and foreshore to be kept clean and free of debris. Launch and recovery only to undertaken if there is sufficient room to avoid other boats. If using vehicles to launch and recover: A lookout should be used in addition to the vehicle driver. The towing line should have sufficient breaking strain. Only qualified drivers to use the Club tractor.

Collision between boats.
All sailing and power boating undertaken using International Regulations for the Avoidance of Collision at Sea ("Rules of the Road"). Racing undertaken using RYA racing rules. Power boats only driven by qualified persons. Race officers to avoid setting courses that may lead to a high risk of collision.

Injury to persons under instruction.
All instruction undertaken by RYA qualified instructors and in accordance with RYA methods. Adherence to the NCSC Training Section Safety Policy and Operating Procedures.

Fire.
No smoking policy in Club buildings. Fire extinguishers and blankets provided. Smoke alarms fitted. Fire exits marked and to be kept clear. Deep fat fryer mounted on metal base. Galley extraction systems regularly cleaned. Fuel and other flammable substances stored in separate and secure building.

Explosion.
Naked flames and smoking not permitted in vicinity of gas and fuel storage areas.

Electric shock.
Electrical appliances, sockets, plugs etc. are not to be handled with wet or moist hands. All portable electric appliances undergo PAT. Building circuits regularly tested. Electrical maintenance only to be carried out by qualified persons.

Compressed gas.
In-use bar gas bottles to be restrained to the wall to prevent toppling. Not in-use bottles to be laid horizontally and restrained to prevent rolling. Gas bottles to be changed by authorised personnel only.

Noxious vapours.
Galley extraction systems regularly maintained. Minor boat repairs involving noxious substances to be undertaken outside. No smoking policy in Club buildings.

Slippage.
Use of slip resistant floors where possible. General awareness that as a sailing club floors and steps may be wet and care is to be taken. Spillage to be cleaned without delay in areas not anticipated to be wet; e.g. the galley. Use of wet floor signs if wet floors are not anticipated. e.g. whilst cleaning.

Tripping.
General awareness when moving outside of Club buildings. Areas within Club buildings to be monitored for trip hazards and removed if possible or otherwise clearly identified. Trip hazards on pontoons and jetties to be identified using brightly coloured paint.

Lifting of heavy objects and persons.
Use of correct lifting techniques. Only authorised persons to use lifting tackle and the disabled persons hoist.

Collision between persons and vehicles.
On site speed limits in force. Parking in designated areas.

Injury to children in play area.
Supervision required by parent/guardian. Equipment designed to mitigate against injury. Surrounding area covered with impact absorbing material.

Food poisoning.
Food to be stored, handled, prepared and cooked in accordance with national standards. Galley to be maintained in accordance with national standards