Official Connacht GAA Website

Football Club Safety Inspection Checklist

Club Safety

• Documentation

• Safety Statement updated in the previous 12 months

• Safety Statement signed by the Head of the Executive Committee

• Child Protection Policy in Place

• Are all coaches / mentors Garda vetted?

• Fire Safety Management Plan in Place

• Is there a fire register in place with records of all fire detection and fire fighting equipment and its service history

• Is emergency lighting tested with records maintained

• Are practice evacuations/fire drills held at least twice per year with records maintained?

• Copy of Event Safety Management Guide available

• Are copies of manufacturer\'s instructions/operating manuals for equipment easily accessible?

• Is all electrical equipment checked regularly by a competent person. Are records maintained and available.

• Are there service records available for machinery

• Is there a register of work at height equipment (ladders etc) and is there a record of their inspection

• Are there service records available for the heating and ventilation systems

• Have statutory inspections been performed on the boiler

• Is there a register of all Chemicals used and is there a Safety Data Sheet for each Chemical

• Access – Gates, Perimeter Walls, Fencing, etc

• Are all gates, fences and wall in a sound condition? e.g. free from sharp edges, loose blocks, loose capping, dangerous wire, etc

• Are all gates hung properly and in working order?

• Circulation Areas

• Are all steps and/or ramps in good repair, i.e. not worn, broken or slippery? 

• Is the gradient on mobility impaired access ramps less than 1:12 to allow wheelchairs to access the ramp?

• Are there any areas of loose paint, plaster, etc

• Are rails in place on steps and/or ramps where deemed necessary? 

• Are floor coverings, tiles, etc, in good condition and not slippery?

• Are non slip mats in place in shower areas and at the entrance to the club?

• steps/stairways/ramps painted to ease visibility?

• Are surfaces in external areas, i.e. paths, car -parks, etc in good condition?

• Is there adequate lighting in car parks, on paths? 

• Are waste materials properly collected?

• Are arrangements in place on match/event occasions to ensure that emergency vehicles may access/exit grounds? 

• Are circulation areas accessible to those with special needs, e.g. mobility difficulties

• Fire Safety

• Are all designated fire ex its are clearly marked?

• Are fire exits and escape routes kept unlocked and clear from obstructions while people are on premises?

• Do fire doors open outwards?

• Is muster area clearly marked? 

• Are evacuation procedures clearly displayed?

• Are all staff familiar with evacuation procedures?

• Is the fire fighting equipment at its designated fire points?

• Is fire fighting equipment serviced as required and a record of service maintained? 

• Are flammable substances e.g. fuels, paper, cleaning materials, other chemicals, etc, stored correctly, away from any sources of heat?

• Electrical Equipment

• Is electrical equipment suitable for use intended?

• Are plugs and sockets in good condition with no cra cks or pieces missing

• Are socket screws and mountings secure

• Are sockets are situated in safe positions, convenient for the equipment to be used and not sub ject to damp

• Do indi cator lights on sockets function correctly.

• Is al insulation on leads free from cracks or signs of deterioration.

• Where extension leads are being used, they are fully unwound and not left plugged in and unattended.

• Lighting (including pitch lighting)

• Are all light fittings are in working order and are kept in a clean condition?

• Is lighting is adequate for the type of activities being undertaken

• Is all electrical housings, cabling, etc in good condition and with no exposure to live wiring?

• Are all cables to external lighting either buried underground or kept at a height which does not present a hazard to the public?

• Is lighting on approach roads and outside the club sufficient for access and egress

• Machinery

• Is machinery used suitable and appropriate for purpose?

• Is all machinery stored in a locked area away from access of members of the public?

• Is machinery operated by competent persons only?

• Are drive shafts/PTOs/Other moving parts adequately guarded?

• Is all machinery in good working order

• Maintenance 

• Is a safe system of work in place, e.g. does grass cutting, cleaning and other maintenance take place only when the area is free from non involved persons, particularly children?

• Is maintenance only carried out by competent persons?

• Are all roofs, guttering, drain pipes etc, as far as can be seen, sound and well maintained?

• Are staff, members and volunteers, etc provided with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)? e.g. (gloves, eye protection, masks, etc)

• Are all maintenance materials, paints, etc stored safety and securely? 

• Doors and Windows

• Are all doors unobstructed?

• Are all doors free from broken and/or damages hinges, locks, etc

• Are windows free from broken fastenings?

• Do glazed windows, doors etc have toughened, laminated glass?

• Are windows safe when open from contact with passers by?

• Do doors and windows open without unnecessary force being applied?

• Are windows free from broken or cracked panes, frames, etc

• Working at Heights

• Are safe systems of working at heights documented? i.e. access to raised scoreboards, erection of flags, scores, lighting, etc

• Are facilities in place to facilitate safe working at heights?

• Are ladders and others equipment using for working at heights stored safely and securely when not in use?

• Moving and Handling

• Is equipment available to move and handle equipment, fertilizers, furniture, waste, etc?

• Are staff and those moving equipment provided with training in moving and handling? 

• Is there a safe system in place for movement of portable goal posts etc

•  Heating and Ventilation systems

• Is the heating system regularly serviced and maintained in g ood order?
  

• Is maintenance carried out by competent person?

• Is boiler house kept clean and tidy and free from waste materials.

• Kitchen areas

• Is the Kitchen locked when not in use?

• Is the kitchen area supervised when in use 

• Are food preparation areas in compliance with food safety requirements?

• Are there adequate hand washing and drying facilities in kitchen area?

• Is the kitchen/dining area kept clean

• Is the kitchen floor sound and non - slip, especial ly when wet?

• Where required, is equipment adequately guarded?

• Are first aid boxes are available in the k itchen area?

• Is fire safety equipment available in kitchen?

• Are staff, members, etc provided with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)? e.g. gloves, etc)

• Gymnasia

• Is the Gymnasium locked /access controlled when not is use?

• Is the equipment in good condition, maintained and serviced as specified by suppliers?

• Is the Gym supervised by a qualified, competent person when in use? 

• Is gymnasium kept tidy and equipment appropriately stored

• Is first aid box available and accessible?

• Are floors clean, even and non slip?

• Are changing rooms clean and tidy and disinfected?

• Is an induction evening provided to all members and a record of such induction maintained?

• Waste Management 

• Are there adequate waste containers in place in ground/dressing rooms/other facilities?

• Is there a system to collect waste litter following matches/events ?

• Is waste stored in a secure place pending collection/ disposal?

• Is all waste disposed off in accordance with local authority regulations?

• Where building work is underway, is rubble safely secured from access by public?

• Are staff, members, etc provided with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)? e.g. (gloves, eye protection, masks, etc)

• Chemicals

• Are chemicals stored in a secure place preventing unauthorised access by members of the public?

• Are chemicals kept only in containers in which they were purchased with clear and legible “Instruction for use”

• Are chemicals used only by competent persons?

• Are waste chemicals disposed in accordance with manner prescribed in Safety Data Sheets/Instructions on container

• Are staff, members, etc provided with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)? e.g. (gloves, eye protection, masks, etc) while using or disposing chemicals?

• Are rat poisons but in place by competent persons and out of reach by children. 

• Signage

• Are safety or health signs in place where hazards cannot be avoided or adequately reduced?
  

• Are all exit routes clearly visible?

• Is the Occupiers Liability sign erected and clearly visible?

• Goalposts – Fixed

• Are goalposts in good condition and free from sharp edges or other objects which could cause injury?

• Is a safe system in use for securing nets to goalposts frame?

• Goalposts – Portable 

•  Are portable goalposts purchased from manufactures/suppliers that comply with the following standards I.S.355, IS 356

• Do goalposts carry manufacturer’s label and safety warning label.

• Does system exist for securing portable goalposts when is use?

• Are portable goalposts stored securely when not in use?

• First Aid 

• Does a First Aid box exist, and is appropriately stocked and available when required?

• Are there adequate numbers of trained first aiders available during to matches, training sessions and other events?

• Is a stretcher available?

• Is a defibrillator in place and available?

• Does the club have members trained (up to date) in CPR and in use of defibrillator?

• Event viewing areas, i.e. Stands, terracing, etc

• Are all viewing areas in good condition, free from slips, trips and falls hazards, 

• Where seating accommodation exists, is all seating secure, free from all sharp edges, splinters, loose screws, nails, etc

• Are changes in level marked for visibility impaired persons

• Toilet areas 

• Are urinals, w.c.s, basins, etc intact?

• Are hand washing facilities available (including hand drying facilities) and in working order?

• Is there a cleaning programme in place?

• Emergency Planning

• Are procedures in place to prevent flooding from nearby rivers, heavy rainfall, etc
  

• Are procedures in place to protect heating systems, plumbing and buildings from snow and frost damage? 

• All Weather pitches

• Is the pitch in good condition and fit for use and free from defects? 

• fence which is maintained and locked / access controlled when not in use?

• Are the keys maintained by a competent person?

• Is a record of use maintained?

• Is the pitch hired to non members?

• Is there a hire form with a waiver in place?

• Is a record of all use by third parties maintained?

• Is the pitch closed during adverse weather? Such as frost/snow?

• Is all signage on boundary free from sharp edges and not protruding onto the field of play?

• Bar

• Do members / guests sign in?

• Is there a dancefloor? Would you have to cross this carrying drink to return to seating?

• Is there an accident book on site?

• Is there a first aid box on site?

• When facilities are in use is there a cleaning system in operation for spillages/breakages? Are records maintained?

• Are the bathrooms checked regularly for spillages/breakages when the function room is in use? Are records maintained?

• Are all stairways free from obstacles and handrails in working order?

• Are volunteers engaged in bar work at a minimum over 18 years of age and competent?

• Is all emergency lighting and exit lighting regularly maintained and in working order?

• Is food available? Are all FSA requirements adhered to?

• Is stock stored on premises? Is a log of stock maintained?

• Are emptys / returns stored on premises in a safe manner? Is this recorded

• Is there an occupancy limit? Is this enforced?

• Facilities for Hire

• Do all persons hiring facilities for use on a commercial basis provide evidence of valid public Liability and or professional indemnity insurance?

• Is this insurance vetted on an annual basis

• Is a schedule of use of facilities documented and maintained?

• Are the premises checked and cleaned after each use?