Extreme Weather Policy

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this policy is to ensure compliance with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 with regards the provision of a safe environment that minimises the potential risk to Orange Ex-Services’ Club employees and patrons.

In particular this policy targets the potential risk of lightning strikes at Wentworth Golf Club and endeavours to control the risk to golfers and outdoor staff who are exposed to these potential risks.

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SCOPE

It is the responsibility of Orange Ex-Services’ Club staff, the Wentworth Pro Shop staff and Green Keepers to administer the following procedures to ensure a timely warning is issued to patrons and staff in the event of an electrical storm that poses a threat to patron safety. This document will outline:

• The warning signs that an electrical storm is eminent and may pose a threat to safety

• The procedure for warning club patrons and outdoor staff

• Lightning Safety Tips

• First Aid procedures

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BREACH OF POLICY

Failure to apply this policy is a breach of the Work Health and Safety Act and the Work Health and Safety Regulation. The controls outlined in the attached procedure for the minimising of risk to patrons and staff during an electrical storm is to be strictly adhered to at all times

 

DEFINITION:

Extreme Weather includes extreme heat, thunder, lightning, high rainfall and flooding which will render the course unplayable due to an extreme weather event or other circumstances out of our control

 

POLICY:

• The club will use its warning siren to communicate to its golfers

• The siren, when sounded, has a 15-second horn noise

• This warning siren will be used to suspend play as follows

Immediate Stop: One 15 second note of the siren

Resume Play: Two 5 second notes of the siren

• During a competition day a SMS message may be also sent to all players that have provided their correct mobile number to communicate the details of the cease in play

The Wentworth Golf Club will monitor compliance with this Policy

 

PROCEDURE

1. Wentworth Golf Club has a duty of care to its members and seeks to take a reasonable approach to days of extreme weather conditions

2. Wentworth Golf Club is concerned for the health, safety, welfare and wellbeing of all its members, visitors and guests

3. Cancellation of the competition on the day is on advice from pro shop staff, course superintendent and management when it considers weather conditions are too dangerous for play

4. Members who play on days of extreme heat do so at their own risk. Members are advised to take appropriate actions to prevent heat stress. The Club reminds all members about the appropriate measures to be taken to avoid heat stress, heat stroke, heat cramps and heat exhaustion

5. The members will have certainty and will know from the use of the warning siren system what to expect on days of play affected by extreme weather conditions

 

ASSES THE SITUATION

Other signs of an approaching electrical storm include

• Darkening skies

• Flashes of lightning in the distance

• Increased wind speed

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HEAT PROCEDURE

Members who play on days of extreme heat are advised to apply sunscreen, wear hats, sun sleeves, carry and use a UV rated umbrella and other protective clothing and continually re-hydrate (with water) during play

 

Heat Stress - the policy notes that stresses occur when air temperatures exceed 36c and particularly when body temperatures exceed 37.6C

Heat illnesses arising from excessive heat while playing sports include:

• Heat rash

• Heat cramps

• Heat exhaustion and heat stroke

• Fainting and hyperventilation

 

NB: The cancellation of the competition on days of extreme heat represents the club’s advice that members should take appropriate and due care for their health and welfare. Members will be aware before arriving at the course of the situation that they can expect

 

LIGHTNING PROCEDURE

The Rules of Golf acknowledge that lightning on golf courses has caused deaths and injuries and urges golf clubs to take precautions for the protection of members, Visitors and guests against lightning

 

Such provision permits the pro shop staff to suspend play or discontinue play if they believe there is a danger from lightning. When the pro shop staff suspends play, all golfers must discontinue play immediately. The pro shop staff in consultation with management will determine when play is to resume. Failure to discontinue play on the advice of the pro shop will result in disqualification

 

Policy: “Should lightning be in the immediate vicinity (within a 10km radius) of the golf course, the pro shop staff will consider the risk and if the situation is considered dangerous will in the interests of the health and safety of the members, suspend play. The pro shop staff will use the UBIMET weather and lightning tracker to monitor lightning strikes

 

The club’s siren will be used to suspend play

 

Immediate Stop: One 15-second note of the siren

Resume Play: Two 5 -second notes of the siren

 

When the siren has sounded to stop play, all golfers must leave the golf course immediately and head into the clubhouse via the fairway and avoid walking/driving around trees. Golf balls must be left in position (can be marked but must stay where it is) and be played when play resumes. Players that chose to stay on the golf course after the siren is sounded do so at their own risk

 

If play is suspended for more than 30 minutes, the clubhouse audio system will be used to inform players when play will resume

Play will recommence 30 minutes after the last confirmed lightning strike occurs on the UBIMET lightning tracker

 

Members, Guests, Volunteers and Employees are advised to be aware of the forecast of all weather conditions before entering the golf course

 

At any time players feels uncomfortable or unsafe while on the golf course they reserve the right to mark their ball and leave the golf course if they choose due to any extreme weather conditions

 

When the siren is sounded the date, time and reason is to be recorded on the extreme weather conditions spreadsheet for record keeping purposes

 

LIGHTNING SAFETY TIPS

The following outlines some general safety advice when confronted with an electrical storm

 

• Avoid seeking shelter under isolated trees or other tall objects

• Don’t wait for rain to seek shelter. Patrons and staff are to make their way to the club house as soon as the siren is sounded

• When the siren has sounded to stop play, all golfers and staff must leave the golf course immediately and head into the clubhouse via the fairway and avoid walking/driving around trees

• Get out of the water. Water is a great conductor of electricity

• Avoid any metal objects such as bicycles, golf clubs, umbrellas, or tools

• If you are caught in the storm in a group spread out, do not stay together in a group

• Never lie flat on the ground

• As a last resort assume the “lightning safe position”. Advise patrons and staff that if they are caught in an electrical storm and you feel your hair stand on end, your skin tingle or you hear a crackling noise crouch on the ground with your weight on the balls of the feet, your feet together, your head lowered, and ears covered. It is recommended placing your hands on your forehead and your elbows on your knees to create a path for lightning to travel through your extremities rather than through your core (heart)

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FIRST AID FOR LIGHTENING STRIKES

• Call medical help immediately “000”

• Ask for someone to bring the defibrillator from the clubhouse to the location of the victim

• Assess The Situation; Are you safe when you administer first aid. It’s important not to create more casualties. Be aware of continuing lightning danger to victims and rescuers. If necessary, move the victim to a safer location before providing first aid

• Check for breathing and heartbeat. The best place to check for a pulse is at the carotid artery in the neck and the femoral artery behind the knee. Place the two pads from the deliberator on the victim and follow the instructions given on the deliberator

• Administer CPR. If the victim isn’t breathing or have a heartbeat immediately begin CPR. The current Red Cross specs are 2 rescue breaths followed by 30 fast chest compressions in 30 seconds. Continue CPR until rescue arrives

• Other lightning injuries. Besides cardiac and respiratory arrest other lightning caused injuries are burns, shock, and brain injury, muscular and skeletal damage. Some victims also experience nervous system disruption with loss of consciousness and amnesia. Treat all injuries with basic first aid until help arrives