wfaa range safety procedures course...

Date: 20/02/2018 of 17 Version: 1.0 Status: FINAL

WFAA Range Safety Procedures

Course Charter

Version:1.0

Status: FINAL

Process Owner: Course Charter Team

Document Author: Edd Jones/Shane Thomas

Change Approver: WFAA Committee

Confidentiality and Intellectual Property Rights

This document has been prepared by the WFAA and remains the property of WFAA.


Revision History

Date of this revision: February 2018 Date of next revision February 2019

Version Revision Date Summary of Changes Update by Changes marked

0.01 18/01/2018 First Draft E Jones No

0.02 25/01/2018 Second Draft S Thomas No

1.0 01/02/2018 FINAL E Jones No

Approvals

This document requires the following approvals before being baselined.

Name Title Approval Date

Course Charter Team Course Charter Team Jan 2018

WFAA Exec Committee WFAA Exec Committee Jan2018

Distribution

This document has been distributed to (including the above people).

Name Title

WFAA Committee

Course Safety Representatives

All Interested Parties

References

This process references the following documents.

Ref Document Version Author

1. 4-IFAA Field manual-2015.pdf http://ifaa-archery.org/index.php/ifaa-instructors-coaching/manuals/field-archery-manual

2015 IFAA

2. Archery Range Health & Safety Guidelines Proc-04-01 AGB

http://ifaa-archery.org/index.php/ifaa-instructors-coaching/manuals/field-archery-manual

http://ifaa-archery.org/index.php/ifaa-instructors-coaching/manuals/field-archery-manual


Contents 1. Introduction ............................................................................................................. 4

1.1 Scope of Document .........................................................................................................................4

1.2 Purpose ...........................................................................................................................................4

2. Safety Guidance ..................................................................................................... 4

2.1 Safety in Field Archery ....................................................................................................................4

2.2 Facilities ..........................................................................................................................................5

2.3 Direction signs / Danger tape ..........................................................................................................5

2.4 Emergency Action Plan ...................................................................................................................5

2.5 First Aid ...........................................................................................................................................6

2.6 Individual Safety ..............................................................................................................................6

2.7 Safety within the target group .........................................................................................................6

2.8 Duty of care of participants .............................................................................................................7

2.9 Course Inspection Protocol .............................................................................................................8

2.9.1 Approach Path .........................................................................................................................8

2.9.2 Shoot Lane ...............................................................................................................................8

2.9.3 Overshoot .................................................................................................................................9

2.9.4 Risk Assessment Score ........................................................................................................ 10

Risk Assessment Matrix .......................................................................................................................... 11

Actions Required ..................................................................................................................................... 11

3. Course Charter Template ..................................................................................... 13

3.1 Range Layout and Risk Assessment ........................................................................................... 13

3.1.1 Aerial view of range .............................................................................................................. 13

3.1.2 Target layout ......................................................................................................................... 14

3.1.3 Muster and Emergency Access points ................................................................................. 14

3.1.4 Entry to Site........................................................................................................................... 15

3.1.5 Target Safety Checklist ......................................................................................................... 16

3.1.6 Summary Risk Table ............................................................................................................. 17


1. Introduction

The activity of field archery includes the disciplines of shooting Field, Hunter, Animal, Unmarked

Animal, 3D Standard and 3D Hunter Rounds.

All these archery rounds practice archery in natural surroundings, such as shooting in a forest,

uphill and downhill shooting in the hills or mountains, across lakes and slopes and with all kinds

of other natural obstacles with a minimal amount of clearance.

It is not possible to define a fixed layout of a field course as shooting distances are not

sequentially fixed and depend on the layout and topography of the course area.

The basic rule is that the courses must be safe, fairly easily accessible and targets as well as

the walking route must be properly indicated as part of this safety measure.

The rest is up to the course designer and the more experienced he/she is the better and more

interesting the course may be.

Although serious injuries or accidents rarely occur in Field archery a system must be in place to deal with them if they occur.

1.1 Scope of Document

The scope of this document is to provide guidance to the designers and operators of field courses within the WFAA to ensure the safety of all participants and third parties

1.2 Purpose

The objective of this document is to provide a guide and standardised approach to safety and course layout within the WFAA

2. Safety Guidance

2.1 Safety in Field Archery

Although serious injuries or accidents rarely occur in Field archery a system must be in place to deal with them if they occur.

a) Courses should be laid out in such a way as to provide safety, maximum interest and variety. Targets shall be arranged along a course with such difficulties in aiming and shooting as the terrain presents and the spirit and traditions of the discipline require. Direction indicators should be placed as necessary to ensure safety.

b) Course design should also consider the shorter distances that the children shoot to ensure that the shooting position fits the terrain of the target positions.

c) Suitable barriers shall be placed around the course, wherever necessary, to keep spectators at a safe distance. Only those persons having obtained permission shall be allowed on the course inside the barriers.

d) All targets shall be numbered in succession and the number board, which can be used as a stop peg, placed within the approach to the shooting post for that target.

e) At the targets there shall be sufficient area for two competitors to stand side by side and able to shoot at the same time.

It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure safety on any course or archery range.


2.2 Facilities

Course organizers are to ensure:

a) That the course is secure with signs and tape to keep out wanderers, mountain bikers or even horse- back riders.

b) That no tracks or roads may be situated directly behind a target.

c) That the field is inspected for hazardous objects especially prior to the start of a tournament or after stormy weather conditions.

d) That the targets are inspected in the mornings, before the shoot starts: the target butts or 3D should be firmly anchored so that they will not tip over.

e) That they are fully aware of the safety zones especially with uphill targets before the start of the shoot and make sure all safety zones are free of obstacles, and livestock.

f) That danger tape is available to mark safe walking paths to each target.

g) That a sufficient reserve of target faces is laid down behind each target.

2.3 Direction signs / Danger tape

a) Care must be taken in the placement of the safe path directional arrows. They are there for the guidance and safety of the archers when they are travelling between targets.

b) They must not direct the archers, or spectators into areas where there is a risk of flying arrows, or an area that may be considered a hazard due to the terrain.

c) If needed, extra directional arrows should be used, and an alternative route sought to guide those persons away from any hazard, but keeping them within the course boundaries.

d) Where an alternative cannot be found, the targets in the area concerned must be relocated accordingly.

e) Any dangerous areas shall be taped off with the use of danger tape.

f) Unused tracks need be closed to archers and spectators to prevent people wandering around the course.

g) Entrance to and exit from the course must be clearly indicated, as well as any emergency exits.

h) Under no condition are archers or spectators allowed to walk back against the layout “flow” of the course!

2.4 Emergency Action Plan

Each course should have a documented Emergency Plan detailing the actions to be taken in the event of an emergency situation arising.

The plan should clearly define the steps to be taken and in each instance, the person responsible for carrying out those actions.

Course organizers should consider as a minimum:

• Minor accidents/injuries/incidents occurring

• Major accidents/injuries/incidents occurring

• The death of a person on the course whether it be archery related or not

• Bomb threats

• Environmental factors such as

• Weather conditions deteriorating

• Heat exhaustion

• Issues with the Flora and Fauna on the course


The plan should contain at least the following aspects:

• Communication between the various persons involved in dealing with an emergency situation as well as with the emergency services.

• Accessibility of the course by motorized transport.

• Making everyone on the course must be aware of the basic IFAA rule to stop shooting when the arranged emergency signal is given (e.g. three loud blasts or shots).

A more in depth and specific emergency plan may be required by individual tournament organizers. This more specific plan may also include:

• An emergency vehicle i.e. ambulance and first aid personnel must be stationed at a central part of the course(s) and be contactable at all times.

• A map that shows points of entrance to the various courses will be available at the emergency vehicle as well as at all rest areas.

2.5 First Aid

It is the duty of every club operating a field course to consider the necessary first aid requirements for the course. It is recognized that not all clubs have a nominated trained first aider or emergency responder. In this instance the club should provide appropriate first aid supplies to allow the archers/spectators themselves to treat any minor injuries they receive. Major injuries will be covered by the Course Emergency Action Plan.

For major international tournaments the organizer should ideal have a first aid station, supervised by a competent person, established to cater for all situations likely to occur.

2.6 Individual Safety

a) Behave in a responsible manner and behave in the manner described in the IFAA Code of conduct.

b) Do not move into dangerous terrain.

c) Watch where they walk going to a target to score, and when walking on to the next target.

d) When going downhill try and keep equipment in one hand, away from the hillside, thus keeping the other hand free for safety reasons.

e) Be alert for the unexpected in the field such as wanderers, bikers, dogs, horse riders, etc.

f) Do not run!

2.7 Safety within the Target Group

a) All members of the group whether shooting or not are responsible for their own safety and the safety of other persons on the course.

b) When two archers are shooting the rest of the group will be on the lookout for any dangerous situations.

c) Archers must only draw their bows whilst the arrow is pointed towards the target.

d) Under no circumstances should anyone shoot if someone is in the field near the targets, this also includes all animal life.

e) No person should step in front of the shooting position until all archers have finished shooting

f) Care should be taken when drawing arrows out of the target, especially when there is an uneven area in front of the targets.

g) When looking for lost arrows make sure a bow is placed in front of the target, or place a person near the target, so that it is visible for oncoming archers to see that the target is not available.


h) Keep in mind that “looking for arrows” may not delay the following groups. An archer is expected to bring enough arrows to complete the day’s shoot.

2.8 Duty of Care of Participants

a) It is the responsibility of each archer participating in any field archery event to ensure that the equipment they use is in a safe condition and within the guidelines laid down by the equipment manufacturer and rules of the tournament, and is capable of withstanding the requirements of a field archery course.

b) It is their further responsibility to decline any shot that they consider too dangerous. The target captain shall report to the Range Officer any matter that is deemed to be hazardous to the health and safety of any participant or spectator.

c) Participants can also be in breach of the duty of care regulations by not adhering to laid down rules and regulations, which result in negligence, caused by their own acts or omissions.

d) All persons using the course must act in an appropriate manner to ensure that their actions do not put themselves or others in danger or risk of injury.


2.9 Course Inspection Protocol

When inspecting a course for suitability to shoot the following factors must be considered as a minimum:

• Approach Path;

• Shooting Lane;

• Overshoot;

• Risk Assessment Score.

2.9.1 Approach Path

The approach path should be free of trip hazards as much as possible. It should not go through

an over shoot or cross another shoot lane. If there is a steep slope, steps or hand rails should

be provided.

2.9.2 Shoot Lane

The shoot lane should be free from trip hazards as much as possible. A safety zone / cone of

15 or 20 degrees from the furthest out shoot position. There should be no paths or access

points in this area.

Within the shooting lane there should be no obvious obstructions, such as overhanging

branches, which could affect the flight of the arrow.

All the shooting pegs or positions should be visible from the furthest out shoot peg / position

and not obscured by terrain or foliage. (a person should be visible if stood on the peg).


2.9.3 Overshoot

The Overshoot or Safety Area behind the target, should not contain walk ways or pedestrian traffic Sufficient distance behind the target should be given to allow the arrows to fall to ground safely. If the ground rises behind the target this area can be shorter. but if the ground falls then this distance should be greater and still maintain the 15/20 degree safety cone as seen from the furthest shooting

distance. The overshoot should not overlap or be shared with another target or walk way.


2.9.4 Risk Assessment Score

A simple risk level matrix, based on the “BS 8800 Management of Health and

Safety”, is detailed below to be used as a tool to assess the level of risk by a particular course hazard.

There are 3 levels of harm and 5 levels of likelihood of harm occurring. A combination of these gives the level of risk from a particular hazard and thus the type of action (control measure) necessary to reduce the risk to an acceptable level. No activity can be made completely free of risk, but the level of that risk can usually be controlled and reduced to it’s lowest possible level. By implementing the necessary control measures the likelihood of an incident/injury occurring can be reduced along with the potential consequences of those incidents if they happen.

Levels of Harm

1 Slightly Harmful (Potential for Superficial & Minor injuries) - The injured party requires First Aid treatment, e.g. superficial injuries, minor cuts and bruises, ill health leading to temporary discomfort. Such injuries are unlikely to result in absence from work and could occur for example if an archer walks into an arrow protruding from the grass.

2 Harmful (Potential for Serious Injuries) - The injured party requires more than First Aid treatment e.g. a visit to a Hospital Accident and Emergency Department or General Practitioner. Injuries might include lacerations, burns, concussion, serious sprains, minor fractures, etc. Such injuries are likely to result in absence from work and for example, could occur if a target blew over whilst scoring was under way.

3 Extremely Harmful (Potential for Major Injuries & Fatalities) - Injuries include amputations, major fractures, poisoning, multiple and fatal injuries. Such injuries are likely to result in absence from work for extended periods. An arrow strike would almost certainly be in this category.

Likelihood of Harm Occurring.

1 Highly Likely – It is reasonably foreseeable that an incident will occur given the activity being performed in the current manner and the current control measures in place. E.g. a path from a target goes through the overshoot area of another target, public footpath runs through or close to the shooting lane.

2 Likely - Only one event i.e. one thing going wrong will result in harm or the potential for harm occurring. An example would be shooting whilst persons are at the target scoring. Harm under these conditions are “Likely”.

3 Possible - More than one event must occur at the same time to cause harm or the potential for harm arising. For example (1) a person steps in front of the targets or archer, (2) the archers do not see them and continue shooting under normal circumstances the archers would be aware of his presence and would stop shooting in time to avoid hitting the person.

4 Unlikely - More than two events must occur at the same time to cause harm or the potential for harm arising. For example (1) a person is searching for arrows in the overshoot area, (2) there is no indication in front of the target that a person is behind the target, (3) an archer shoots, misses and the arrow goes over the target.... So whilst harm is still possible it is “Unlikely” to occur unless both conditions (1) and (2) apply.

5 Highly Unlikely – A series of events need to occur coincidentally in order for an incident/injury to occur. For example (1) a spectator walks along the end boundary of the overshoot area, (2) the overshoot is 15 yards shorter than it should be, (3) an archer shoots, misses and the arrow goes over the target and the boundary rope just as the spectator passes behind the target.

Note. “Highly unlikely” events can and do occur. Just because it is assessed as “Highly Unlikely” does not mean it cannot or will not happen, it is merely a measure of likelihood.


Risk Assessment Matrix

RISK ASSESSMENT

MATRIX

Probable Level of Harm

Slightly Harmful Harmful Extremely Harmful

Superficial Minor Serious Major Fatality

SCORE 1 2 5 7 10

Lik

elih

oo

d o

f a

n in

cid

en

t

oc

cu

rrin

g

High Unlikely

1 1 2 5 7 10

Unlikely 2 2 4 10 14 20

Possible 3 5 10 15 21 30

Likely 4 7 14 20 28 40

High Likely 5 10 10 25 35 50

Actions Required

Risk Score Risk Level Action Required

1 - 2 Trivial Risk No action required.

3 - 5 Tolerable Risk No action required but monitor and review.

6 - 15 Moderate Risk

Efforts should be made to reduce the risk. When moderate risk is associated with “Extremely harmful” consequences, extra control measures must be put in place to reduce the risk.

16 - 21 Substantial Risk Shooting must not commence until the risk has been reduced considerably.

22 - 30 Intolerable Risk

Shooting must not commence until the risk has been reduced considerably. If it is not possible to reduce the risk shooting may have to remain prohibited.


It's most unlikely that any level of planning can predict all hazards that could arise; therefore, an important part of effective risk management is being able to recognise additional hazards as they arise. All persons must be alert and able to recognise hazards that do not have sufficient control measures in place and consider actions such as: -

• Provide additional control measures.

• Modify the activity

• Suspend the activity

• Terminate the activity

• Highlight the issue to the appropriate person to determine a suitable solution

Although this is an important part in delivering a safe activity there is no substitute to proper planning in the first instance.

During an event dynamic risk management must be carried out by all persons, using an archery range/course. However, the main responsibility lies with the appointed tournament organizer.

The tournament organizer must identify the site-specific hazards (e.g. requirement for safety barriers) and time specific (e.g. weather) hazards, assess the risks and then take suitable control measures to control the risk in order to use the range in a safe manner.

All persons using the range should monitor conditions and reassess the risk assessment to ensure that safety rules are in place and complied with.

If safe conditions cannot be maintained for both archers and the general public, shooting should not start or continue if already underway.


3. Course Charter Template

RANGE NAME: [xxxxxxxxxxxx]

Location postcode: [XXX XXX]

Location Co-ords [Long: xxx,xxx]

[Lat: xxx,xxx]

Site Safety Contact [NAME]

[Contact Number]

Venue Does the venue have a valid risk assessment for archery in place

Y/N

Is the Venue compliant with the guidance within this document

Y/N

Location of toilets

Additional notes

Emergency procedures

Does the venue have emergency procedures in place

Y/N

First aid kit present Y/N

Additional Notes

3.1 Range Layout and Risk Assessment

3.1.1 Aerial View of Range


3.1.2 Target Layout

3.1.3 Muster and Emergency Access Points


3.1.4 Entry to Site


3.1.5 Target Safety Checklist

Each target within a range MUST undergo its own documented safety check list the form bellow MUST be completed for every target within a range. (a copy of this form in MS Excel format can be obtained by request to the course charter team)


3.1.6 Summary Risk Table

The Bellow table is to be completed by the authorized course charter representative

Target Risk level Accepted

1 Y/N

2 Y/N

3 Y/N

4 Y/N

5 Y/N

6 Y/N

7 Y/N

8 Y/N

9 Y/N

10 Y/N

11 Y/N

12 Y/N

13 Y/N

14 Y/N

Agreed By: (Course Charter Team Representative)

Name & Signature

Date:

End of Document

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