Page 23 - RCS_Brochure_PDF

risk assessMent

In my previous working life of running a hardwood importing business and sawmill I am possibly more aware than
most of the need for continual “Risk Assessments”. As well as describing our Shoot and shoot day, the following is a
“Risk Assessment” for anyone attending the Shoot as a gun or non-shooting guest.

We must all be very aware of the potential danger a loaded shotgun can pose if used in an unsafe manner and observe all
the basic safety rules of shooting in order to avoid any accidents. This is essential and will not in any way compromise the
success and enjoyment of your shoot day. I have tried to describe and assess the potential risks on a shoot day at Ripley
Castle, Mountgarret, Eagle Hall and Ashfold Side and on Hardcastle & Heathfield Moors and everyone’s responsibility
to try and avoid them.

A few points to remember when shooting on all land under the Management of
RIPLEY SPORTING AT RIPLEY CASTLE, MOUNTGARRET, NIDD, HOB GREEN AND
CAYTON, AT EAGLE HALL & ASHFOLD SIDE AND ON HARDCASTLE & HEATHFIELD
MOORS: (Please also see information which specifically applies to each Shoot)
• Everyone shooting on any area under the Management of Ripley Sporting must have a minimum cover of £10M third
party, public and personal liability insurance.

• Each day starts at 8.30 a.m. with breakfast together with the brief for the day, the draw and cards distributed with the
names of each gun. If you are running late don’t rush, just phone one of the contact numbers on our last minute check
list and someone will wait for you to bring you to the drive.

• Gun safety is one rule where there is no compromise, if there is clear sky behind a bird it is normally safe to shoot,
however if in doubt do not shoot. Shoot only at birds you are comfortable with and please respect your neighbour’s
birds.

• Guns should be unloaded and carried in a secure gun sleeve when not at the pegs. When you take your gun out of its
sleeve, check the barrels have no obstruction particularly in snowy and muddy conditions.

• When you close your gun, always keep the barrels pointing down and bring the stock up to meet them. Never raise
the barrels to the stock. If your gun is closed the barrel must be pointed at the ground or up in the air. If you wish to
rest your gun over your arm it must be broken.

• Safety glasses will be available each day for guns, loaders and visitors together with ear plugs if you have forgotten
them! I do strongly recommend you use these items.

• When you are at your peg have a good look around and acknowledge the flankers and pickers up and take great care
never to shoot in their direction.
• Our game species are pheasant, French and English partridge, grouse, duck, geese, woodcock and snipe.

• Please leave any legal vermin such as pigeons, crows, jays and magpies until the game have started to come over,
otherwise you may push the partridge back over the beaters heads and not over the guns.

• It is worth remembering there are an increasing number of protected species evident and must not be shot or shot at
under any circumstances. Maybe it would be worthwhile for all of us to brush up on our species identification before
joining a shoot day.

• We do not shoot ground game on a shoot day.

• You are encouraged to bring your own dog provided it is pegged during the drive to avoid the possibility of running
in. This does not of course apply to well trained dogs!

• Please do not pick up during the drive as there is ample time at the end of each drive.
• Our pickers up will leave birds for you but please liaise with them on the number you have picked, as they count the
number which should be picked up whilst we are shooting.

• Cartridges will be collected by a member of our shoot staff after each drive, leaving them in a pile at your peg would
be appreciated.

21