1. Introduction

This policy outlines how RGA Buckingham will manage its health and safety responsibilities to ensure a safe environment for all students, coaches, and visitors.

2. Health and Safety Management

We will manage health and safety by:

• 2.1 Controlling health and safety risks at the club.
• 2.2 Involving students and spectators in health and safety discussions.
• 2.3 Ensuring that coaches’ workspaces and equipment are safe.
• 2.4 Storing and using first aid equipment safely.
• 2.5 Providing all students, especially new members, with club rules including health and safety information.
• 2.6 Ensuring all coaches are properly qualified with the British Judo Association.
• 2.7 Implementing measures to prevent accidents.
• 2.8 Regularly inspecting the dojo for safety and health concerns.
• 2.9 Reviewing this policy periodically and updating it as needed.

3. Health and Safety Responsibilities

3.1 Overall Responsibility

The overall responsibility for health and safety lies with the RGA Buckingham Chair.

3.2 Daily Responsibility

Daily health and safety management is assigned to:

• Owen Bateman
• Daniel Lewis

3.3 Specific Responsibilities

Name	Responsibility
Owen Bateman	Fire Evacuation, Induction/Club Rules for New Students
Owen Bateman	Health & Safety Risk Assessments, First Aid, Accident Reporting
Ian Wilmore	Assisting with Fire Evacuation, Risk Assessments, First Aid
Ian Wilmore	First Aid Support

4. Student Responsibilities

Students must:

• 4.1 Cooperate with health and safety personnel.
• 4.2 Use safety equipment when necessary.
• 4.3 Take care of their own health and safety.
• 4.4 Report any concerns to the appropriate person listed in this policy.

5. Risk Assessments

5.1 What is a Risk Assessment?

A risk assessment identifies potential hazards in the dojo and determines how to minimize them.

5.2 Steps to Conduct a Risk Assessment

• Step 1: Identify hazards.
• Step 2: Identify who is at risk and how.
• Step 3: Evaluate risks and implement precautions.
• Step 4: Record findings and make them available to staff.
• Step 5: Regularly review and update the assessment.

5.3 Sample Risk Assessment Table

Hazard	Who Might Be Harmed	Existing Precautions	Actions Required
Students falling off mats	Students	Minimum 1m gap between mats and furniture	Regularly ensure spacing
Students walking off mats barefoot	Students	Club rules prohibit this	Enforce the rule
Unsafe practice of Judo	Students	Supervision by qualified coaches	Address breaches with students/parents
Wearing jewelry	Students	Jewelry must be removed before class	Enforce the rule
Leaving mat area without permission	Students	Must inform coach before leaving	Enforce the rule

6. Workplace and Equipment Safety

• 6.1 Maintenance procedures for the dojo and equipment are overseen by Owen Bateman and Daniel Lewis.
• 6.2 Any issues with equipment or the dojo must be reported to them.
• 6.3 New equipment purchases or mat placement changes must meet health and safety standards.

7. Using and Storing Dangerous Substances

• 7.1 Hazardous substances at the dojo will be assessed under COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) regulations.
• 7.2 COSHH assessments will be reviewed when changes occur.

8. Health and Safety Information & Support

• 8.1 The Health and Safety Law poster is displayed at the main entrance.
• 8.2 The Employers’ Liability Insurance Certificate is displayed on the dojo notice board.
• 8.3 Health and safety advice is available from Owen Bateman and Daniel Lewis.
• 8.4 First-time equipment users will be supervised.

9. Training & Induction

• 9.1 General health and safety training is provided to all coaches.
• 9.2 Job-specific health and safety training is provided as required.
• 9.3 Training and induction records are kept by Owen Bateman and Daniel Lewis.

10. Accidents & Work-Related Health Issues

• 10.1 The first aid box is located at the main desk in the dojo.
• 10.2 Appointed first aiders: Ian Wilmore, Owen Bateman, and Daniel Lewis.
• 10.3 All accidents must be recorded in the accident book by Owen Bateman or Daniel Lewis.
• 10.4 Serious incidents will be reported to the Health and Safety Executive.

11. Fire Safety & Evacuation Procedures

• 11.1 Fire risk assessments will be conducted by Ian Wilmore.
• 11.2 Weekly fire escape route checks will be done by the coaching team.
• 11.3 Fire extinguishers and alarms are maintained by Northchurch Social Centre.
• 11.4 Evacuation Procedure:
  1. If the alarm sounds, evacuate immediately.
  2. Ensure visitors leave the building.
  3. Do not put yourself at risk.
  4. Assemble at the front car park.
  5. Do not re-enter until authorized by the Fire Officer.
• 11.5 If a fire is discovered, evacuate immediately following the same steps.

12. 
    Infection Control Policy

At RGA Buckingham, we prioritize the health and well-being of our students and staff. To prevent the spread of infections, we implement the following guidelines:

12.1 Personal Hygiene:

• All members must maintain good personal hygiene, including regular showering and clean training gear for each session.
• Fingernails and toenails must be kept short to prevent cuts and scratches.

12.2 Skin Infections:

• Any student with a suspected skin infection (e.g., ringworm, staph, impetigo) must inform an instructor and refrain from training until cleared by a medical professional.
• Any open wounds must be properly covered with a secure, waterproof dressing before training.

12.3 Illness:

• Students experiencing flu-like symptoms, fever, or other contagious illnesses must avoid training until symptom-free for at least 48 hours.
• If a student is diagnosed with a contagious infection (e.g., COVID-19, strep throat, norovirus), they should notify the academy to help prevent spread.

12.4 Mat and Facility Cleanliness:

• Mats and common areas are disinfected regularly with medical-grade cleaning products.
• Members must wear appropriate footwear off the mats to prevent contamination.

12.5 Hand and Equipment Hygiene:

• Hand sanitizing stations are available, and students are encouraged to sanitize before and after training.
• Shared equipment (e.g., gloves, focus mitts) should be cleaned after each use.

By following these guidelines, we aim to create a safe and hygienic training environment for everyone.

Policy Review Date: (To be reviewed annually or upon major changes)

Approved by:

• Owen Bateman
• Daniel Lewis
• Ian Wilmore