Operating Procedures

Normal Operating Procedure (NOP) - check & edit with specifics

For a bowls club, the Normal Operating Procedure (NOP) outlines daily club operations for safety, while the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) details specific responses to accidents and other emergencies. The NOP covers routine safety measures, equipment use, and facility rules, while the EAP addresses events like falls, medical incidents, fire, or damage to the green. Both plans are vital parts of a comprehensive risk assessment and should be known by all members and volunteers to ensure a safe environment. 

Normal Operating Procedure (NOP) 

The NOP focuses on the smooth and safe running of the club on a day-to-day basis.

Facility Rules:

• All members must report to the Club office on arrival to check-in for their match & pay the required fee.

• The dress code must be adhered to as per the club rules, including proper footwear (no outdoor shoes are permitted)

• There must be no running on the green when playing bowls

• There must be no food on or around the green

• Drinks are permitted around the green but must not be taken onto the green

Equipment Maintenance:

• All electrical appliances being used at the club must be certified for safe use with a Portable appliance test sticker.  The appliances must be checked on a regular basis for safe usage. If any problems are noticed then please report to the office manager.

• All bowls pushers provided must be used with care & checked for damage or faults. If any problems are noticed then please report to the office manager.

• All furniture in the lounge & dining areas must be checked on a regular basis for any damage or repairs required. If any problems are noticed then please report to the office manager.

• Hot drinks machines must be used with care & the instructions followed for how to use them.

Safe Practices:

• In an effort to prevent accidents, please make sure that walkways are clear of obstructions and ensuring heavy equipment is lifted safely. 

• Member Conduct:

  Rules for behavior on and around the green to prevent accidents. 

Emergency Action Plan (EAP) 

The EAP provides clear steps for dealing with unforeseen events. For a bowls club, this could include: 

• First Aid: Identifying the duty first aider, their responsibilities, and contact details. 
• Incident Reporting: Procedures for recording accidents, such as a fall or other injury, using the club's incident report form. 
• Emergency Contact Information:Essential phone numbers for emergency services. 
• Specific Scenarios: Procedures for events like a fire, severe weather, or damage to the green. 
• Evacuation Procedures: Steps for evacuating the premises if necessary, particularly for vulnerable members. 

Key Considerations for Your Bowls Club

• Risk Assessment:

  Both the NOP and EAP should be based on a site-specific risk assessment of your club's facilities and activities. 

• Communication:

  Ensure all members, volunteers, and officials are familiar with both the NOP and EAP. 

• Accessibility:

  Provide access to competent advice on health and safety matters to ensure the plans are robust and effective. 

• Regular Review:

  Regularly review and update these documents, particularly after any incident or changes to the club's facilities.