The following is a statement of the Club‘s health and safety policy in accordance with Section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
It is the policy of West Malling Golf Club to ensure so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of all employees working for the Club and other persons who may be affected by our undertakings.
West Malling Golf Club acknowledges that the key to successful health and safety management requires an effective policy, organisation and arrangements, which reflect the commitment of senior management. To maintain that commitment, we will continually measure, monitor, improve and revise where necessary, an annual plan to ensure that health and safety standards are adequately maintained.
The General Manager will implement the Club’s health and safety policy and recommend any changes to meet new circumstances. West Malling Golf Club recognises that successful health and safety management contributes to successful business performance and will allocate adequate finances and resources to meet these needs.
The management of West Malling Golf Club looks upon the promotion of health and safety measures as a mutual objective for themselves and employees. It is therefore, the policy of management to do all that is reasonably practicable to prevent personal injury and damage to property. Also, the Club aims to protect everyone, including visitors and members of the public, insofar as they come into contact with our activities, from any foreseeable hazard or danger.
All employees have duties under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and are informed of their personal responsibilities to take due care of the health and safety of themselves and to ensure that they do not endanger other persons by their acts or omissions. Employees are also informed that they must co-operate with the Club in order that it can comply with the legal requirements placed upon it and in the implementation of this policy. West Malling Golf Club will ensure continued consultation with the workforce to enable all viewpoints and recommendations to be discussed at regular intervals.
The Club will ensure a systematic approach to identifying hazards, assessing the risks, determining suitable and sufficient control measures and informing employees of the correct procedures needed to maintain a safe working environment. We will provide, so far as is reasonably practicable, safe places and systems of work, safe plant and machinery, safe handling of materials and substances, the provision of adequate safety equipment and ensure that appropriate information, instruction, training and supervision is given.
We regard all health and safety legislation as the minimum standard and expect management to achieve their targets without compromising health and safety.
West Malling Golf Club is committed to preventing pollution and to complying with all relevant environmental legislation, regulations and other environmental requirements.
We will regularly evaluate the environmental impact of our activities, products and services and we will take action to continually improve our environmental performance.
It is our policy to:
- Minimise the use of energy, water and natural resources
- Minimise waste through prevention, re-use and recycling where possible
- Dispose of waste safely and legally
- Avoid the use of hazardous materials, where practical
- Work with environmentally responsible suppliers
- Prevent environmental damage and minimise nuisance factors such as noise and air pollution.
We will define environmental objectives, targets and improvement actions that are related to this policy and to our significant environmental aspects. We will regularly evaluate progress.
We are committed to providing relevant environmental training and promoting environmental awareness to employees and, where appropriate, to suppliers and to communicating our environmental performance.
We will implement processes to prevent environmental non-conformities and to ensure that we are prepared to deal with potential environmental emergencies.
This policy will be regularly reviewed and updated to take account of organisational priorities and changes, environmental legislation and best practice.
Use of Ride-on Buggies on the Golf Course
Introduction
The following documents will encompass the minimum criteria to be applied, and the conditions that must be met by anyone who wishes to make use of a motorised ride-on buggy at West Malling Golf Club. These documents will form the Club’s policy for the use of golf buggies in the environs of the Club
Users of buggies on the Course fall into two categories,
Users of Club owned buggies
Users of privately owned buggies
Privately owned buggy users are those who need vehicular assistance to navigate the Course.
Those requiring vehicular assistance are those with a recognised disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010.
Equality Act 2010
Primarily, the act concerns itself with anyone who has a disability as defined by this legislation. Under the Act , Golf Clubs and other premises have a legal duty to produce a policy that allows equal access to the Club to those players who have a recognised disability as defined by Section 6 of the Act. The Club has to ensure that all reasonable adjustments which may include the use of a golf buggy are made to allow those with a disability to play Golf. This policy will fulfil this requirement.
Buggy Use
The safety of everyone is of paramount importance, no-one will be allowed to use a buggy within the Club environs until they can demonstrate that they can use it safely to the Club’s satisfaction.
The purpose of this document is to establish a standard for the safe operation of all ride-on buggies operated on the Courses at West Malling Golf Club.
The document also sets down the criteria to be applied and conditions to be met when the Club considers applications for the use of privately owned buggies.
A copy of this policy will be available at the club office for both members and visitors.
Where privately owned buggies are allowed to be used, a signed Golf Buggy Safety Policy Acknowledgment form will need to be completed. This will be retained by the Club and a copy given to the applicant.
Privately Owned Buggies
Use of privately owned ride-on buggies will not be allowed unless authorised by the Club. Where privately owned buggies are not normally allowed to be used, their use will be restricted to members, visitors and guests having a genuine incapacity to play golf unless aided by the use of the buggy.
The use of a privately owned motorised ride-on buggy at West Malling Golf Club is subject to completing the attached documents and returning these to the office and obtaining their written approval for use of a buggy. The forms and Policy can be obtained from reception.
The Club reserves the right to withdraw authorisation if the medical condition or disability necessitating the use of a ride-on buggy ceases, or, the conditions for its use are not fully complied with.
Qualifications:
Any person operating a ride-on buggy on the golf Course must demonstrate to The Club that they have the knowledge, training and skill to safely operate the vehicle and be fully accountable for their actions and the consequences thereof.
The safe operation of ride-on buggies on the Course requires conscientious application and adherence to the minimum standard of care prescribed by this policy.
Ride-on buggies must be operated in accordance with the requirements of the following documents:
Golf Buggy Safety Policy.
Appendix 1 – Essential and Safe Operating Practices.
Appendix 2 - Buggy Route Guidelines.
Golf Buggy Users Acknowledgement and Acceptance Form.
The Club reserves the right to refuse permission to use a buggy if all of the conditions stipulated are not complied with.
From time to time, Club staff may determine that the state of the Course or the weather is such that safety of buggy users is unacceptably compromised or the Course may be damaged if a ride-on buggy is used.
This might apply to the whole or just part of the Course.
Potentially unsuitable conditions include water-logging, frost, reduced visibility etc.
Where such conditions arise the club will review the situation on at least a twice a day basis.
The club will endeavour to ensure that restrictions placed on buggy users will be kept to a minimum
Golf Buggy Safety Policy
The Club has a duty of care to all users of the golf course. The topography of certain areas of the Course is such that caution and prudence must be shown by the user of a ride-on buggy.
It is also necessary for the Club to provide adequately safe means of access for all golfers including those given permission to use buggies.
Moreover, the Club has to ensure the safety of golfers who do not wish to use ride-on buggies but who might be at risk from a mechanically defective ride-on buggy or its careless use. This duty of care also applies to members of the public walking on the Course.
To assist the safe employment of ride-on buggies all potential users (members and visitors) shall comply with the following conditions:
Ride-on buggies must be operated with the utmost courtesy, care and consideration for the safety and convenience of other Course users. Pedestrians must be afforded the right-of-way at all times.
The signs and instructions employed on the Course to warn buggy riders of potential danger areas or, areas forbidden to ride-on buggies because of concerns about danger or, the potential to cause unacceptable wear and tear to the Course, must be followed at all times.
Ride-on buggies must be operated and parked in such a manner that they do not impede or interfere with normal pedestrian or vehicular flow on roadways, ramps or pavements.
West Malling Golf Club has no responsibility for ensuring the safe operation of ride-on buggies on or beyond the confines of the Course and the club car-parks other than those operated by their employees. The Club will accept no responsibility for any loss or damage caused to any property other than that arising from the negligent use of a ride-on buggy by their employees.
No ride-on buggy will be operated in excess of the manufacturer’s recommended speed limit or at most 15km per hour. All speed limits must be observed.
Ride-on buggies shall be used only between the times stipulated by the club depending on the time of year.
Ride-on buggies must be operated in compliance with the common rules of the road regardless of whether ride-on buggies are operated on pavements or roadways.
Buggies used on the public highway must be rated as road worthy and insured accordingly.
Operators must stop the buggy at blind intersections with paths and roadways and always proceed with caution.
The consumption of alcohol and/or the improper use of drugs are not permitted when using the ride-on buggy.
Users of privately owned buggies must ensure that they are insured at least for third party injury and damage.
The Club has the authority to immediately prohibit any individual from using or being carried on a ride-on buggy. Application for reinstatement of permission can only be made to the Club.
Essential and Safe Operating Practices
(APPENDIX 1)
BEFORE USE
All operators of Golf Buggies must sign a and safety policy acknowledgement form to allow them authorisation to operate a golf buggy.
A pre use inspection will be conducted before the buggy is given out for use on the course.
Problems on the Course
There will be times when conditions are such that use of a buggy is inappropriate on certain areas of the Course and users must ensure that they comply with any buggy restrictions.
Notice of any restrictions on the use of a ride-on buggy will be displayed at reception. (it is the responsibility of all buggy users to check for any restrictions before they commence their golf).
Notices will also be placed where necessary on the Course.
Know the controls and how to use them
Ignition switch and immobiliser key
Accelerator
Footbrake
Parking brake – Always set the brake before leaving the ride-on buggy
Reversing Control
BUGGY GUIDELINES
All buggies will be maintained in a clean and tidy state.
All operators of ride-on buggies must sign a Golf Buggy Safety Policy Acknowledgement form before they are allowed to drive the buggy.
A ride-on buggy shall only be used for the number of occupants it was designed to carry and only by people who are authorised to use one.
Ride-on buggy operators will be responsible for the security of ignition keys for the period that the buggy is used.
Privately owned buggies will not be permitted to be left over night at West Malling Golf Club. However, whilst on site, owners acknowledge that they have given their permission that staff can move their ride-on buggy if required
DURING USE
No person under the age of 18 will be permitted to operated a ride-on-buggy unless they are able to produce a valid driving licence.
Know your driving conditions
Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The vehicle must always travel in the designated buggy paths if available or any other designated areas as advised by the Head Greenkeeper on the day of play.
Use routes that will cause the least damage to the Course and adhere to the Golf Buggy Route (Appendix 2)
Do not move off until the occupants are seated.
Always remain seated and hold on while the vehicle is in motion.
Hands, feet and head must be kept inside the buggy at all times while the vehicle is in motion.
Ride-on buggies must not be driven in prohibited areas.
Golf buggies must not be used on areas signed ‘No Buggies’, guarded with white lines/roped off areas.
The buggies must not be used on or near tees, greens or slopes leading up to them.
The buggy must be used to progress the game and must not be driven up and down excessively, e.g., when looking for golf balls.
The vehicle must not be used within 2 metres of any bunkers, ditches or slopes leading to them except when using the designated bridges.
Check the area behind the vehicle before reversing.
Care must be taken when driving buggy in the car park area.
Set the parking brake before leaving the buggy. When the buggy is left unattended for any lengthy period, engage the parking brake, turn the operating key to the off position and remove the key.
Always consider the terrain, existing vehicular and pedestrian traffic conditions as well as environmental factors that may affect your ability to operate the vehicle safely.
Drive the vehicle only as fast as the terrain and safety considerations allow.
To avoid tipping over, understand the buggies limitations and manufacturer’s instructions regarding slopes and drive the buggy straight up and down severe slopes. Do not drive across slopes.
Operators must stop golf buggies at all the blind areas and proceed with caution.
Slow down before corners. All turns must be executed at reduced speed.
Avoid sudden stops or change of direction that may result in a loss of control.
Take extra care when the course conditions are wet and muddy.
Always follow guidance given by the club and abide by the instructions of the course.
AFTER USE
When the vehicle is to be left unattended, engage the parking brake, turn the operating key to the ‘off’ position, remove the key and return the key to reception or club bar.
The vehicle must be immobilised and secured in the designated area at the end of play.
BUGGY ROUTE GUIDELINES
(APPENDIX 2)
General
The topography of certain areas of West Malling Golf Clubs Courses is such that caution and prudence must be shown by the user of a ride-on buggy.
Also from time to time the Club staff may determine that the state of the Course or the weather is such that safety on or the condition of the Course may be unacceptably compromised if a ride-on buggy is used. Buggy users must abide by safety decisions made by the Club’s staff regarding buggy use.
Prior to play, each approved applicant must ensure that they are completely aware of existing or new potential trouble areas of the Course. This will be notified to ride-on-buggy users at the club office.
Ride-on buggies must be operated with the utmost courtesy, care and consideration for the safety of pedestrians. Pedestrians must be afforded the right-of-way at all times.
In general we expect everyone who uses a motorised ride-on buggy at West Malling Golf Club, to operate it in a common sense fashion, fully respecting the Course and all those around them.
Anyone causing unnecessary damage to the buggy or Course environs will have their right to use a buggy withdrawn immediately.
Whenever West Malling Golf Club have in force, as a minimum Course rule, Preferred Lies, the following traffic light system will be in place:
Red: The course is deemed to be unsafe for any ride-on-buggies.
Blue: Ride-on-buggies will only be available to those who have completed the relevant medical exemption forms. Buggy use may be restricted to designated areas.
Amber: Ride-on-buggies will be available to all, however restricted to designated areas.
Green: Ride-on-buggies will be available to all and signed restricted areas should be adhered to.
Fire Procdeure
In the event of a fire and it being signalled, it is clearly understood by all staff that the immediate responsibility is to safeguard lives.
To this end, the procedure below should be followed.
a) The signal for the fire will be the continuous ringing of the fire bell.
b) The signal will be given by the person who discovers the fire.
c) Alarm call points are situated in each room.
d) The Directors or Nominated Person will be responsible for summoning the Fire or other necessary services.
e) On hearing the signal for fire, staff will commence evacuation of the building in an orderly fashion, using the nearest available exit taking any further staff or customers with them.
f) Nominated Personnel will ensure that the main buildings are empty.
g) The office administrator will take responsibility for taking a means of communicating (mobile phone).
h) In general, all staff will meet at the assembly point (delivery car park), unless the source of the fire makes this impossible.
i) Supervisors will immediately do a head count of staff. Absentees will immediately be reported to the Directors or Nominated Person who will forward this onto the emergency services organize a search.
j) Permission to re-enter the building will be given by the Directors or Nominated Persons once the Senior officer from the fire brigade is satisfied that it is safe to do so.
