Saturday 17th August 2024
       
       
       
#BedwelltyAgriculturalShow2024

Health & Safety Policy

Purpose

The purpose of this document is to set out the Bedwellty Agricultural Society Limited’s commitment to the Health ,Safety and well being of all those who are involved and attend the ‘Bedwellty Agricultural Society Show’. It is the Society’s intention to provide so far as is 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 organizers 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 consider competent to undertake this type of work. The Society undertakes to periodically review these assessments.

Context

The Society asks that Exhibitors, Ticket Holders, Contractors and any other relevant person familiarizes themselves with this document or any relevant guidance that relates to the activities undertaken by them. Furthermore the Society ask all parties referred to above to have due regard for their own safety and the safety of others at all times. You are also asked to comply with any instruction or direction given by the Society’s Stewards or Officers to ensure you 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. There are reviewed regularly by the Society and also forwarded to Caerphilly County Borough Council for additional review and scrutiny.

What we ask of you..

We hope you enjoy your time at the Society’s events. Our greatest wish is for you 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 instructions or directions given by steward or society officers. Some Exhibitors, Tradestands, Attractions may be required to complete written Risk Assessments for review by the Showground Director.

 

The Society has identified the areas below as being worthy of particular mention.

 

Arriving and Exiting Site

We have in place a Traffic Management contractor who will erect suitable signage, traffic calming and control measures. Please ensure you comply with instructions of Traffic and Gate Stewards and observe any speed restrictions.  Please remember you are attending an Agricultural Show in an Agricultural Show Setting. You should be especially vigilant for uneven or unmade ground conditions and the possibility of loose animals. You may also expect animals who may startle easily so please approach with caution. Once in the Showground Vehicle movements may be restricted at certain times or for certain areas.

Loading/Unloading/Tethered Animals

The Society expects live exhibits to be controlled or handled by a person of suitable skill ability and capability at all times. It may inappropriate for certain animals to be ‘under the control’ of persons who are not capable of keeping the exhibit under control. Care should be taken during the loading and unloading of live exhibits and animals that are to be shown should be tethered using suitable restraining equipment.

Live Exhibits (General)

The Society recognizes 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 Headwear (that meets a certain British or European Standard) the provision of specific 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 the HSE Guidance Note in the Handling of Bulls, Society Rules relating to the Showing of Stallions ,Any ASAO Guidance relevant to the Holding of a Show, the Proximity of Overhead Electricity Lines to displays , attractions or similar.

Housekeeping

Exhibitors and Tradestands are requested to keep the area that they occupy free from any hazard that may lead to slips trips and falls. Eg cables or pipes to be neatly stowed or secured, equipment not being used to be moved or stacked safely.

Dogs

Dogs must not be left unattended at any time. Dogs must not at any time be left unattended in any vehicle. The Society reserves the right to force entry to any vehicle where a dog may be in distress. Be advised the Society may also report the owner of the vehicle to law enforcement.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted within the Marquees or any other public place as defined by legislation.

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 handwashing facilities in the livestock area if you have been handling animals. Please use them. Disinfectant mats have been provided to prevent the spread of disease. Please ensure that you do in fact walk through or over these mats to ensure footwear-mat contact.  Soiled clothing and footwear should not be worn to show.

Identification and Movement Licensing

The Exhibitor is responsible for any passports or licensing requirements.

Evacuation and Emergency

All persons attending any Society Event should familiarize themselves with any exit points, the location of first aid and fire fighting facilities. In all cases the Show Stewards will assist further and issue directions as appropriate. First Aid is provided by St Johns Ambulance. The nearest hospital has been identified as Price Charles Hospital Merthyr Tydfil -Postcode CF47 9DT. There is a Minor Injuries Unit at Ystrad Mynach Hospital Postcode CF82 7EP.

Fire

Fire Fighting Equipment is available on site and the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service are aware of the show date and venue. Fires are not permitted anywhere on the Showground at any time without approval from the Showground Director.

Electricity

Generators are only allowed with written permission of the Showground Director or by prior arrangement. Generators must be of the run silent type. Electrical Equipment must be PAT Tested, free from any obvious defects capable of being remedied and operated by person familiar with their operation.

Water

Llanciach Fawr Manor mains water is supplied by Dwr Cymru. Pipework upon the showground has been chlorinated and tested.

Show Ring Fencing

Metal pedestrian barriers have been placed around the ringside for your protection. You should not climb over these barriers or cross through any barrier line. Please do not allow children to climb or stand on the barriers.

Plant Machinery and Car Parks

The Society will keep vehicle movements to a minimum for your enjoyment and protection. Only Emergency Services and Society Vehicles will have access to the main show field. Vehicles are to have necessary flashing beacons, hazard lights , observe a 5 mph speed limit and where necessary be escorted by a banksman. Speed limits are to be observed in the Car Park Areas and drivers are to be especially vigilant. Mobile phones are not to be used by any vehicle operator whilst driving.

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 or maneuver the object into position. Mechanical means of lifting are to be encouraged. Correct lifting techniques are advised to prevent associated strain or lifting injuries. A lifting plan may required in erection of marquess and barrier placement where plant is used.

Children

Please ensure your children are supervised at all times. Please be mindful that Children should be aware that sudden or loud noises may startle livestock. Children should not climb on fences walls trees or barriers.

COSHH

The Society requests that various animal treatments are not brought on to the show ground. This includes certain parasite control treatments. The Society has identified certain detergents, aerosols and paints that may be harmful to health. Trade stands bringing any inert or non inert gas to site will need to ensure the safe storage  and use of this gas. They will also need to identify any mitigation measures within their site specific risk assessment. The COSHH Controller for the site is the Showground Director.

Environment

The Society asks that you do not dispose of human animal or chemical waste by pouring onto ground or into any watercourse or surface water drain.

Dangerous Occurrences and Near Miss Reporting

Please report any dangerous occurrence or near miss to the Showground Director.

Continuous Improvement

The Society regards lifelong learning and continuous improvement as critical to the safety of all who attend the show. We would welcome any suggestions from you that would in your opinion improve any safety aspect of the show. This Document will be reviewed by October 2018.

We hope you have a wonderful day at our show we thank you for your support.

Bedwellty Agricultural Society Limited