Cumberwell Park Golf Club in Bradford-on-Avon
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Risk Assessment

Cumberwell Park Golf Club – Course Risk Assessment – General Version

 

This risk assessment covers the main hazards associated with the golf course, primarily from the golfer’s perspective.

The hazard profile attached shows hazards are specific to particular areas of the course and grounds. In an emergency, call the golf club 01225 863322 or Course Manager 07967 727104. A list of certified first aiders can be found in the clubhouse reception area.

What are the hazards

Who might be harmed and how?

What are you already doing?

What further action is necessary?

Action by who?

Action by when?

Done

Adverse Weather Conditions

Golfers and Greenstaff could be injured.  Risks include:

Being struck by lightning, being struck by falling debris, such as branches. Restricted visibility increasing the risk of being struck by a golf ball

There exists a golf course closure policy for use in adverse weather conditions, such as lightning, high winds or fog. The starter, Course Manager & Golf Manager will liaise on when conditions are suitable for play.

 

 

 

 

Holes in close proximity

Golfers, Greenstaff and others risk injury by being hit by a golf ball or club.

Clear instruction is given to golfers stating that green keepers are given priority etc.

Never play a shot unless the players ahead are well out of range. If a miss hit shot is heading in the direction of other golfers, you must shout “FORE” in a loud voice to alert players of the possible danger. If “FORE” is heard, please take appropriate evasive action.

Golfers should always stand well back and to the side of the player who is playing their shot, both on the tee and on all other areas of the course.

All practice shots should take place on the designated driving range & short game area.

 

 

 

 

Bridges

"Golfer, Greenstaff and others are at risk of injuries such as cuts, bruises, grazes, sprains or fractures resulting from slips on wet surfaces, trips on uneven surfaces and falls.

 

Where bridges are used by vehicles, including buggies, there is a risk of overturning by falling off the edge of a bridge."

 

Handrails and buffers are installed where there is a risk of falling from a height.  Bridges are kept clear of vegetation and fallen leaves.  Greenstaff have a timetable of inspection and routine maintenance.

Periodic maintenance includes use of pressure washers and algaecide to prevent slippery surfaces.  Warning signs are erected, to notify users of potential risks.

 

 

 

 

Water Hazards

Golfers, Greenstaff and others are at risk of drowning or contracting water borne diseases, such as Leptospirosis and Legionnaire's disease

Special care must be taken to avoid trips, slips and falls when standing on, or walking near, banks/slopes especially adjacent to lakes, ponds and ditches as these are considered to be some of the most hazardous areas of the course, particularly during or immediately after adverse weather conditions.

Players should be aware that some of the lakes and ponds have deep water and in places where muddy banks look dry they can be treacherous and one can easily slip or get stuck. Players should take great care when retrieving balls from these areas.

Life buoys are provided around each lake in the event of an emergency.

Long rough is allowed to grow around many of the ponds which are considered habitats for wildfowl and are considered out of bounds to vehicles.

Renew all life buoys around course lakes.

 

 

 

Public Access

Members of the public are less likely to be aware of the risks present on a golf course and are consequently at greater risk of being hit by a golf ball, buggy or maintenance vehicle

Footpaths and bridleways are present on holes 2 and 9 on the orange course as well as the holes 1 and 2 on the par 3 course.

Signs have been erected, warning walkers, cyclists and horse riders of the danger from golf balls and from work equipment and activities. Wherever possible, paths are well protected by mature trees or hedges on both sides.

Golfers are aware to afford walkers priority and not play if anyone is in range.  Blue or yellow way-markers show where bridleways and footpaths are. Look Left and Look Right signs used where walkers cross fairways.

Golfers must shout “fore” in any likelihood of the ball hitting someone.

Course safety sign makes reference to paths and the need to afford public priority.

Signs to be sited on tees where paths come into close proximity, to inform golfers where the paths are.  Review blue and yellow way markers to ensure that they are visible and sufficient to clearly mark the routes walkers must use. Use “Look Left” and “Look Right” signs at all points where public must cross fairways.

 

 

 

Adjacent Road/Houses

Members of the public are at risk of being hit by a golf ball - in the case of drivers, this may cause traffic accidents.

 

 

A house with walled garden is located at the top of the driving range – it is forbidden to aim golf balls in this direction.

To reduce the likelihood of players hitting balls out of bounds:

Ensure direction of play is away from public rights of way. 

 

 

 

 

Road crossings

Members of the public are at risk of being hit by a golf ball - in the case of drivers, this may cause traffic accidents.

 

Golfers and greenstaff are at risk of being struck by a car (especially where a road crosses the course).

The golfers route to the par 3 course runs adjacent to and crosses the main driveway. This route is frequently used by cars, delivery vehicles, course service vehicles and lorries using the construction site.

To reduce the risk of traffic accidents:

There are clearly defined crossing areas.

Pedestrian crossing areas are kept away from bends in the road and anything that obscures both player and road users vision.

Golfers have been made aware of the hazard in the form of signage.

Vehicles are made aware of speed limits on the main driveway.

Way markers in place to make sure bridleway users are aware of correct route.

There are separate pedestrian and golf buggy/greens vehicles crossings.

Signage and road markings kept clean and visible at all times.

Visibility kept open on crossing points by clearing vegetation – hedge and grass cutting.

Consider improvements to crossing point across the main driveway to the par 3 course.

Sign to warn golfers about the speed of the traffic. Ensure site lines for buggy users are at least 250 yards each way.

Ensure white lines are kept clear of debris and repainted regularly.

Install warning beacons at the main crossing point.

 

 

 

Slopes, banks and ditches - rollover hazard

Users of Golf buggies or All-terrain vehicles risk being trapped or crushed as a result of overturning vehicles when being driven on slopes

Users of golf buggies are made aware of particular hazards around the golf course as part of buggy induction.

Users of golf buggies are made aware of the risks associated with buggy use and the correct operating instructions, as part of buggy induction.

Specific routes, suitable for buggies, are defined, clearly signed and well maintained. Signs have been erected to emphasise that deviation from traffic routes is prohibited.

 

 

 

 

 

Slopes & banks – slippage hazard

Golfers & greenstaff are at risk of grazing, sprains & fractures as a result of slip, trips & falls.

Steep slopes and banks can also present a risk of falling or slipping in particular when wet. Please try to avoid these where ever possible. Ensure that you have appropriate golf shoes with well maintained spikes. Always replace spikes before they become over-worn.

Greenstaff will isolate the worst areas using post and rope and also signage.

Monitor new par 3 course slopes where grass has not established enough – rope off where required.

 

 

 

Steps

Golfers, greenstaff and others risk injuries, including bruising, grazing, sprains and fractures as a result of slips, trips and falls.

Steps are subject to periodic inspection to detect early deterioration in their condition and initiate early repair and/or refurbishment. Steps are cleaned in the autumn/winter period to remove fallen leaves and algae that may cause a slip hazard.

Steps are kept clear of vegetation.

Steps have been fitted with synthetic grass to aid footing.

Wooden step on 7th tee needs to be covered in a non-slip material.

 

 

 

Paths, car park & patio areas

Golfers, greenstaff and others risk injuries, including bruising, grazing, sprains and fractures as a result of slips, trips and falls.

Paths are subject to periodic inspection to detect early deterioration in their condition and initiate early repair and/or refurbishment. Paths are well maintained and kept clear of vegetation where possible.

Please follow directional signage for buggies and trolleys as these routes have been developed and introduced for your safety.

During freezing conditions, these areas may become slippery as a result of frost or ice. Green staff will monitor these areas and apply salt and/or signage where appropriate.

Continue with renewing pathways with 6mm to dust topping layer to improve surface smoothness.

 

 

 

Bunkers

Golfers and greenstaff risk injury as a result of overturning buggies or ATVs into bunkers.

 

There is a risk of falling, especially into particularly steep sided or deep bunkers.

Defined buggy routes avoid steep sided bunkers. Consideration has been given to altering steep bunkers, to provide a safe means of access and egress.

Mark boundary of new long grass areas around bunkers which prevent access by machines including buggies and mowers.

 

 

 

Golf buggies (usage)

Golfers can be injured by being crushed or trapped as a result of overturning a buggy into a bunker, ditch or on a steep gradient etc.

 

There is also a risk of injury to drivers, other golfers, pedestrians and greenstaff, as a result of collisions.

A ‘Golf Buggy Safety Policy’ has been devised and is issued to, read by and signed by all prospective users, before a buggy is hired and taken onto the course.  The policy includes:

A minimum driving experience e.g. ‘full driving licence’ etc., produced before hire.

Guidance on specific routes to be followed and details of areas where buggies MUST NOT be driven e.g. tees, greens, within 2 metres of bunkers or slopes leading to them, within 2 metres of any water hazard.  General guidance on operation of the buggies e.g. controls (accelerator, foot brake, parking brake, reversing control), driving on slopes, speed limit etc. Details of any local hazards specific to the course and based on prevailing conditions.

The use of privately owned single seat ride-on buggies or standard double seat buggies are permitted only by prior agreement with the Golf Manager. All buggies must be operated in accordance with our Golf Buggy Safety Policy (displayed at in reception, pro shop, starters hut and on each buggy).

Buggies owned & operated by members must provide a copy of an insurance certificate providing 3rd party public liability each year when renewing their membership. This copy will be retained in the administration office.

Any visitor bringing their own buggy must provide a copy of an insurance certificate providing 3rd party public liability before use of the buggy on the course is allowed. This copy will be retained in the administration office.

Please follow directional signage for buggies as these routes have been developed and introduced for your safety.

Course safety sign includes the need to adhere to the buggy policy

 

 

 

Vehicles

Golfers and other pedestrians could be hit by a moving vehicle or ejected debris, such as from greens maintenance machinery.

Greens maintenance work is scheduled to minimize contact between vehicles and golfers with green keepers starting work at 6:30am in summer.

Consideration is given to closing parts of the course, during certain greens maintenance works.

Access to areas with high traffic (around greens workshops), by pedestrians and non-essential personnel, is restricted and defined as "Out of Bounds".

There are clearly designated routes for traffic on and off the course. Greenstaff are aware of such routes.  Course users are warned of areas of the course where steep slopes make driving hazardous.

Safe areas, where course users have to cross internal and external roads in the club’s grounds, have been created and sign posted. These are kept clear of obstructions that may hinder driver or pedestrian vision.

 

 

 

 

Hazardous substances

Ingestion, inhalation of vapours and dusts and skin absorption on contact with pesticides and fungicides.

Temporary notices are erected, informing golfers that treatments have been recently applied on the course.

Treatments will only be applied in suitable weather conditions to avoid drift of vapours. All application users will be trained and certified.

 

 

 

 

Driving range

Golfers, Greenstaff and others risk injury by being hit by a golf ball.

Persons under the age of 13 MUST NOT use the practice ground without appropriate adult supervision; this includes crossing to/from the practice area to the golf club/pro shop.

Persons using the practice area are expected to be aware at all times of danger to others and to themselves. Care must be taken at all times to avoid accidents or injuries to themselves or others who may be present on the practice area. Please make sure that the practice area is clear with due allowance for the possibility of an errant shot.

Walking to/from the practice area requires crossing the car park and service path so should be aware of cars and service vehicles.

In the interests of safety, practice of long shots are prohibited in all other areas.

 

 

 

 

Short game area

Golfers, Greenstaff and others risk injury by being hit by a golf ball.

Persons under the age of 13 MUST NOT use the practice ground without appropriate adult supervision; this includes crossing to/from the practice area to the golf club/pro shop.

Persons using the practice area are expected to be aware at all times of danger to others and to themselves. Care must be taken at all times to avoid accidents or injuries to themselves or others who may be present on the practice area. Please make sure that the practice area is clear with due allowance for the possibility of an errant shot.

Walking to/from the practice area requires using a machinery service path so should be aware of buggies and other service vehicles.

In the interests of safety, this area is only to be used for chipping, bunker shots & putting.

Users should be aware of adjacent holes (9th, 10th & 11th) where golfers will be playing and are at risk of errant shots. Trees are now maturing which provides a barrier to errant shots.

Please read the rules and regulations of use which are situated on the side of the wooden teaching room.

 

 

 

 

Animal scrapes & holes

Golfers, greenstaff and others risk injuries, including sprains and fractures as a result of slips, trips and falls.

Holes, dug by mammals such as rabbits, can become obscured on grass tracks and elsewhere on the course and pose the risk of tripping or falling. Watch for indentations caused by rabbits or burrowing animals and be careful when using pathways and tracks.

 

 

 

 

Golfers in range but out of sight

Golfers, Greenstaff and others risk injury by being hit by a golf ball.

Do not play until you are sure that the group in front have left the green or fairway. Holes that may be hidden from view include: 11th, 15th, 19th, 22nd, 23rd, 25th.

Holes with "blind shots" are equipped with an all-clear bell.

Signs are erected warning of the danger and the use of bells.

 

 

 

 

Shared fairway

Golfers, Greenstaff and others risk injury by being hit by a golf ball.

The 33rd & 34th holes use a shared fairway. Golfers must be aware of other golfers occupying the adjacent fairway before hitting.

Signage is in place on both tees warning of the risk.

Visibility is very good.

 

 

 

 

Mature trees

Golfers, Greenstaff and others risk injury being struck by falling branches.

You are advised to approach all mature trees and wooded areas with caution, particularly during windy or other adverse weather conditions. If you do so, this is at your own risk. The club has an ongoing programme for the removal of dangerous branches through our tree survey programme. Please inform the team at the Pro Shop or Reception if you identify additional concerns.

 

 

 

 

Pop-up sprinklers

Golfers, greenstaff and others risk injuries, including sprains and fractures as a result of slips, trips and falls.

All greens, approaches and tees have “pop-up” style sprinklers, mainly situated around the edge of the playing areas. Over time, some of these may become sunken as a result of sand build up on the edge of bunkers. They also may become obscured by grass and leaves. They pose a threat of tripping or falling. Green keepers will have a programme of cleaning around sprinklers and levelling the ground around them.

 

 

 

 

Wildlife

Golfers, Greenstaff and others at risk of bites

The golf course contains a diverse natural habitat for species such as: snakes, bees, wasps, ants, ticks and flies. They all have the potential to bite. Please keep your distance from any species that have the potential to bite. Please notify the proshop or reception of any threats such as wasp nests which will then be managed by the green keeping team.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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