Health and Safety Policy Statement
The policy of Cruckton Ploughing Society is to create and maintain an environment that is safe for the benefit of all members, competitors, trade stand exhibitors and spectators during the Ploughing Match, in its preparation and dismantling
This Health and Safety Policy Document will be revised from time to time as required by the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and derivatives.
Responsibility for Health and Safety
The Offices of the Society have overall responsibility for all aspects of Health and Safety and will ensure, with the help of Committee Members, that everyone involved with the organisation of the Match is familiar with this policy.
The Stewards will assist with the implementation and enforcement of the Safety Policy and encourage competitors, exhibitors and spectators to commit to the same.
The Safety officer will be responsible for:
1. Promoting and providing guidance on Health and Safety
2. Liaising with appropriate bodies
3. Advice on accident prevention
4. Investigating and recording all incidents
Fire and Emergency Procedures
1. Evacuate the marquees immediately
2. Report all fires to the Secretaries tent where a mobile telephone is available to call the authorities
3. Keep all spectators clear of the any danger area
First Aid
1. First Aiders will be on site.
2. Any accident should be reported to the Secretary’s tent immediately where necessary action will be taken
3. Any incidents will be recorded in the accident book and investigated fully by the Safety Steward
Electricity
1. All temporary low voltage distribution systems (415 volts or less) on the site will be subject to the Electricity at Works Regulations 1989.
2. A competent electrician familiar with the requirements of the above legislation must carry out all installations.
3. All electrical equipment used should be tested and have accompanying documentation to show that it has been tested, by a competent electrician.
4. All equipment should be connected through a Residual Current Device (RCD).
5. Cables and connections should be protected to prevent danger from exposure to weather.
6. Sockets outlets should not be overloaded. Extension cables note be used indiscriminately.
7. All portable equipment should be installed and used in accordance with HAS Guidance Note PM32 “Safe Use of Portable Electrical Apparatus”.
8. All temporary installations must be safely disconnected and removed from the site after the Match.
Catering
All caterers must ensure that they comply with all the relevant Food Hygiene Regulations.
Plant & Machinery
1. All competitors are reminded of their duty of care to all persons affected by their activities.
2. Any plant machinery or equipment used before during or after the Match may only be operated by an adult fully trained and experienced in its use.
3. Passengers must not be carried on any vehicle unless it is adapted for that purpose. Use of any machinery by anyone under 13 years of age is prohibited.
4. Riders of all Terrain Vehicles (ATV’s) must wear a motor cycle helmet to BS5361 of 1076 “Protective Helmets for Vehicles Users” and comply fully with the advice given in Forestry Safety Council Guide No.35.
5. All vintage exhibitors will be governed by the National Vintage Tractors and Engine Club Safety Code Rules, which must be strictly adhered to.
6. Any equipment supplied or loaned to the Society must comply fully with current legislation and standards relevant with its use. No equipment should be used unless it is considered safe and is fully guarded and properly maintained.
7. Plant or machinery must only be operated or demonstrated after ensuring and adequate precautions are taken to protect the operator and bystanders. If any person encroacher into a danger area operation should cease immediately. Unsafe operation will not be allowed and will result in eviction from the site.
8. Where an activity requires personal protective equipment by law, then that equipment must be worn and must comply with the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992.
9. No exhibitor will be allowed to excavate without first checking the position of underground services with the Officers of the Society.
10. Horse drawn equipment must only be used in designated areas. The designated areas will be fenced off and only those stewarding or attending to the horse will be allowed in that area.
Trade Stand Area
1. The organisers hold exhibitors wholly responsible for the observance of statutory regulations covering the safety of plant and machinery displayed or working on their plot.
2. Static exhibits must be erected in such a way that they present no risk to anyone during erection, display or dismantling. In particular any plant or machinery relying on oil pressure in a ram or similar device to support it must be physically propped to prevent collapse irrespective of the type of safety device fitted to the hydraulic system.
3. Pesticides or other substances hazardous to health must only be displayed in new empty containers
4. Exhibitors must give regard to the stability of their exhibits and ensure that are secure from any form of collapse. All structures must comply with relevant codes of practice and be safe and fit for their intended purpose.
5. Any steam or pressure vessel must be examined and documented as required by the Pressure System & Portable Gas Containers Regulation 1989.
6. Machines or vehicles left unattended must be immobilised to prevent interference from children.
7. Lifting appliances ropes chains etc. used to tow vehicles must have been inspected and be of adequate strength and fit for their purpose. They should be hitched below the axle of the towing tractor, which must be fitted with an approved safety cab.