Group Risk Assessment
Event/Group Details
Group Name
Lancaster University Living History Society
Date Of Activity
12th March 2013
Risk Assessment Review Date
March 2015
Ongoing Assessment
The Risk Assessment process must be ‘on-going’ and ‘dynamic’.
In other words, professional judgements and decisions regarding safety will need to be made during the activity. If the control measures aren’t
sufficient, the activity must not proceed.
All personnel involved with the running of the event must receive very clear guidance and instructions for the management of the event and be
very clear about their own roles and responsibilities for each aspect of the event and carry these out under the guidance given.
The whole team must be told that under no circumstances are they to admit liability in case of any accidents; all incidents or questions involving
insurance must be referred to LUSU the next day.
Terms and Definitions
The following are the terms set by Historia Normannis for LULHS activities to occur
•
Only a person whom has completed a Historia Normannis internal Training Officer assessment will be allowed to oversee Historia
Normannis events. No training, craft session, show or demonstration activity, or any other activity where the reputation of Historia Normannis
may be at risk may take place without a Training Officer present.
•
All members must abide by the Historia Normannis health and safety regulations, specific cases are listed below. At any point in which
there is a risk of injury, be it to members of the Public or the Society, the word “STOP” shall be used and the right hand raised palm out into the
air. At this point all members must cease in whatever activity they are doing until the call can be addressed. This is not to be confused with
“HALT” which is a marching command.
The following are the definitions of positions used within this document and in relation to any person or activity relating to Historia
Normannis and the Society
•
A ‘Training Officer’ is as defined as a person whom has sufficient knowledge and experience of combat and is approved by the Historia
Normannis Master at Arms (not to be confused with the Living History Society Master at Arms).
•
A ‘Safety Officer’ is defined as a member of the Living History Society Exec whose responsibilities include the role of Health and Safety
whether defined or assumed according to the LUSU Safety Framework and the Society’s Safety Code of Practice. These positions are defined
in the LULHS constitution to be the ‘Union/Society Liaison’ and ‘Master at Arms’.
Who is at
risk?
What are the controls and actions?
All Society
Members
1) Appropriate clothing will be recommended in
advance to members for the weather conditions
expected on the day
2) All new members will be told to bring fluids to all
sessions.
3) sun cream will be recommended when
appropriate
4) Training will be postponed or cancelled in
extreme weather conditions
(use numbers)
Controlled
Risk Rating
What are the
risks & potential
injuries?
Controlled
Likelihood
Hazard
Controlled
Severity
All Society Members have a responsibility to act sensibly and follow all instructions and guidance given by Training Officers, and the
Exec. It is the responsibility of every Society Member on the field to behave responsibly, and to undertake combat as safely as
possible. All Society Members must also understand that a degree of minor injury is endemic within re-enactment combat (minor
bruises, blows to the knuckles, etc.). Any areas where members of the Public may come into direct contact with society activities will
be segregated using area ropes and warning signs. Where combat takes place, the area will be double roped at a distance of the
maximum length of weapons in use, usually the length of a two handed spear, typically at 9-10 feet; and where possible a noncombatant will monitor this space.
Who is responsible
for the control?
Area of Activity : Training
Weather
Conditions
Code of
Practice
Dehydration, Sun
burns, Cold, Flu,
Frost bite

3
1
3
(Lo
w)
1) Safety Officers/
Training Officers
2) Safety Officers
3) Safety Officers/
Training Officers
4) Safety Officers/
Training Officers
The Safety Officers or Training Officers will look at weather forecasts before and on the day that training will take place; a decision will
be made on appropriate clothing and a designated member of the Exec will inform the Membership through Email and where
appropriate via Text Message. Sun cream will also be advised if appropriate due to the weather conditions.

Code of
Practice
Controlled
Risk Rating
(use numbers)
Who is responsible
for the control?
The Union/Society Liaison Officer will inform all new members when they join to bring drinks to all sessions as they can involve a
large amount of physical activity.
Sprains, bruises,
cuts, loss of
consciousness,
broken bones

What are the controls and actions?
A Training Officer will look at the weather conditions on the day and make the decision whether to postpone training due to bad
weather; they will then pass this decision on to the Union/Society Liaison to inform the society membership through Email and where
appropriate via Text Message. A decision will be made no later than 30 minutes before a training session is to take place.

Unsuitable
training
ground
Who is at
risk?
Controlled
Likelihood
What are the
risks & potential
injuries?
Controlled
Severity
Hazard
All Society
Members
1) Inspect the area before training to ensure a safe
environment; if the ground is icy, slippery and/or
dangerous then training will be suspended or
cancelled.
2) Any natural hazards will be avoided such as
water and steep ledges
3) All members will be recommended to wear
suitable footwear for the activity, anyone not
wearing suitable footwear will not be allowed to
participate
6
3
2
1) Training Officers
2) Safety Officers/
Training Officers
3) Training Officers
(Mo
d)
A Training Officer will inspect the area before training takes place, they will ensure the area is away from any natural hazards, such as
a lake, river or steep ledge. If the area is unsuitable then the Training officer will locate a suitable location or cancel the session; if only
a minor area of the ground is unsuitable and it is not a significant hazard then they will advise all participants of the areas of the
training ground to be avoided. If arena ropes are available, this unsuitable area is to be sectioned off by the Training Officer. If the
Training Officer makes the decision to cancel training due to unsuitable ground, they will pass this decision on to the Union/Liaison
Officer to inform the society membership through appropriate means, such as email or text. Members must therefore check their
email account on the day of a session just before they leave to go to the session.
Training officers will ultimately be responsible for checking the suitability of footwear, however the Exec may make an informed decision
to members about their footwear and advise against any that they deem unsuitable. Shoes must be flat soled; unsuitable footwear
includes anything with open toes, and anything with little to no real foot protection such as sandals, flip-flops and canvas shoes. Ideally
shoes shall have a good, preferably deep tread. If members are wearing unsuitable footwear they will not be able to take part in any
What are the controls and actions?
(use numbers)
Controlled
Risk Rating
Who is at
risk?
Controlled
Likelihood
What are the
risks & potential
injuries?
Controlled
Severity
Hazard
Who is responsible
for the control?
activities..
Dangerous
behaviour
Code of
Practice
Bruises, cuts, loss of
consciousness,
broken bones, eye
injury



All Society
1) All members will receive adequate training,
Members and
particularly in combat work, from an approved
Members of
Training Officer and be supervised at all times
the Public
2) Any person exhibiting dangerous behaviour will
be given a formal warning. Continuous
dangerous behaviour will result in the member
being banned from combat
4
2
1) Training Officers
2) Training Officers
8
and Union/Society
(Mo
Liaison
d)
The Training Officers shall follow the guidelines set out in the Historia Normannis Master at Arms Regulations and apply them along
with their training provided by their superiors. All members will receive adequate training in techniques and will be supervised by a
Training Officer at all times.
It will be the Execs responsibility to ensure that all members follow the rules set by the Training Officers in charge otherwise they will
be asked to leave the training session. If a member acts dangerously or they do not follow the rules then they will be warned and
could be banned from combat.
The Training Officers decision to a formal banning from combat will be final, should the member in question wish to appeal this, it
shall only take place after the session has come to a close and away from other members.
Should the behaviour be to such an extent where further action is required, the Union/Society Liaison shall take over the case and if
required involve the Students’ Union.
Unsafe
weapons
Bruises, cuts, loss of
consciousness
All Society
1) All weapons shall be kept well cared for, free from
Members and
cracks and splinters. The heads of any hafted
Members of
weapons must be firmly affixed
the Public
2) Any weapon featuring a blade longer than 20
inches must be made out of a suitable ferrous
4
4
1
(Lo
w)
1) Master at
Arms/Training
Officers
2) Master at
Arms/Training
What are the controls and actions?
(use numbers)
steel and should be free from rust, tarnish or
unsmoothed burrs
3) All equipment must be checked before combat by
either the Master at Arms or a Training Officer
and if deemed unsuitable will be removed from
use until repaired
Code of
Practice




Chemicals
Controlled
Risk Rating
Who is at
risk?
Controlled
Likelihood
What are the
risks & potential
injuries?
Controlled
Severity
Hazard
Who is responsible
for the control?
Officers
3) Master at
Arms/Training
Officers
Through the experience and knowledge required for their position, the Training Officers will be well practiced in identifying and
suitably repairing unsafe weaponry. It is the responsibility of a Training Officer and outgoing Master at Arms to pass this knowledge
on to the current Master at Arms to allow them to identify weapons which could cause harm.
Members will be taught during training how to maintain their equipment so that it will remain safe to use.
Where appropriate; sandpaper, scourers, hammers and WD40 (or similar) shall be used for the on-site care of weapons. Where
possible these will be made available to members by the society; however it is encouraged for them to source their own as they begin
to acquire their personal kit.
All equipment to be used at a session will be checked before the session begins by the Master at Arms or Training Officers to identify if
it is safe to use or not. Any equipment deemed unsuitable by the Master at Arms or Training Officers must be removed from use until
repaired. Any decision made is final and any dispute shall be discussed and resolved after the event.
Any equipment brought back into use after a repair must first go back to the Master at Arms or Training Officer for reassessment before
use. The right to refuse use the weapon again is retained by the Master at Arms and Training Officers.
Poisoning, skin
All Society
1) The COSHH Sheet for any chemicals will be
1)
irritation, blindness. Members and
obtained and kept by the society.
Members of
2) The only chemical the society will use will be
the Public
WD40 or similar.
8
3) Only members of the society who are
4
2
(Mo
competent will be allowed to use chemicals
d)
and they will be supervised at all times by the
Master at Arms or Training Officers.
4) The society owned chemicals will be stored in
a locked metal cabinet where only the Safety
Code of
Practice




What are the controls and actions?
(use numbers)
Controlled
Risk Rating
Who is at
risk?
Controlled
Likelihood
What are the
risks & potential
injuries?
Controlled
Severity
Hazard
Who is responsible
for the control?
Officers have access.
5) All use of chemicals will be done outdoors or
in a well ventilated area and away from any
of the public.
6) All necessary personal protective equipment
will be used; such as gloves, goggles, or face
masks.
7) The first aid kit present will contain eye wash
in case a chemical gets into a person’s eye.
The only chemical used by the society will be WD40 and the society will keep the COSHH data sheet for it and follow its guidance; the
Master of Arms will enforce this.
When not in use the society’s chemicals will be stored in a locked metal cabinet which only the Safety Officers will have access to.
The chemicals must be used outdoors in a well ventilated area away from the public and all necessary personal protective equipment
must be worn by those using the chemical; this will include gloves. This will be enforced by the Master at Arms or Training Officers;
whichever are supervising.
The Master of Arms or Training Officers will supervise all use of chemicals and ensure only those who are competent use the
chemicals.
The Master at Arms will ensure that first aid kits include eye wash to rinse out a chemical if it gets in someone’s eyes. The supervising
person will ensure that the first aid kits and first aiders are present when chemicals are being used.
Dangerous
technique
Bruises, cuts, loss of
consciousness,
broken bones, eye
injury
All Society
1) Initial training will use wooden ‘wasters’ and
involve light contact until the member is deemed
Members and
by the Training Officers to be suitable to advance
Members of
onto steel weapons.
the Public
2) There will be close supervision from the training
officer during the learning phase of combat
training
3) After initial safety training in which members will
be taught to keep weapons low and away from
4
2
1) Training Officers
2) Training Officers
8
3) Training
Officers/The Exec
(Mo
4)
Training Officers
d)
5) Training Officers
6) Training Officers
7) Training Officers
What are the controls and actions?
(use numbers)
4)
5)
6)
7)
Code of
Practice





Controlled
Risk Rating
Who is at
risk?
Controlled
Likelihood
What are the
risks & potential
injuries?
Controlled
Severity
Hazard
Who is responsible
for the control?
the head, all members will receive advanced
developmental training in their chosen weapons
on how to “pull blows” so as to limit the impact of
weapons on the body.
There will always be a Training Officer present
during combat activities to supervise and correct
technique to a safe standard
Members are not to hold a steadfast stance or
technique, so that contact can be cushioned and
easily deflected to prevent injury
If any member displays dangerous technique they
will return to using wooden ‘wasters’ and be
closely supervised by the Training Officer until
their technique is deemed by the Training Officer
to be safe.
The Historia Normanis Combat Training
Regulations will be followed for all combat
training by the Training Officers. (See the
separate document at the end of the risk
assessment)
All Members must partake in a rigorous combat safety training in which the rules of combat shall be explained and safe technique
demonstrated. Members will have close supervision by the Training Officers during this learning phase.
Wooden weapons are used during this training so as to simulate the feel and use of the weapons but reduce the level of damage they
may inflict.
Members are taken through steps in how weapons are safely and effectively used during combat, with specific emphasis given to the
relevance of controlled and well thought out manoeuvres.
Members are shown the importance of ‘correct’ offensive and defensive techniques, which prevent weapons from coming close to the
head and face including parrying “down, out and away” as opposed to upwards, inwards and past, or near the to the face.
The method of “pulling blows” involves combining the visual act of forcefully swinging, or stabbing the enemy, whilst holding back on



What are the controls and actions?
(use numbers)
Controlled
Risk Rating
Who is at
risk?
Controlled
Likelihood
What are the
risks & potential
injuries?
Controlled
Severity
Hazard
Who is responsible
for the control?
the power delivered to them. This is an effect that is only learnt through practice and is normally done by gradually increasing the
speed and force of attacks until a ‘happy medium’ safety and acting can be found. Members are not to hold a steadfast stance or
technique, so that contact can be cushioned and easily deflected to prevent injury.
Members will only progress from wooden weapons to steel weapons once the Training Officer is satisfied that the individual is
competent at the techniques and is safe in combat manoeuvres.
If any member displays dangerous technique they will return to using wooden ‘wasters’ and be closely supervised by the Training
Officer until their technique is deemed by the Training Officer to be safe.
There must always be a Training Officer present for combat activities to take place; they will supervise and ensure good and safe
techniques are used.
The Historia Normanis Combat Training Regulations will be followed for all combat training by the Training Officers. (See the
separate document at the end of the code of practice)
Tripping/
falling while
holding
weapons/equi
pment
Bruising, cuts,
possible minor
impalement
Code of
Practice



All Society
Members
1) Weapons must be carried in a suitable manner so
1) Training Officers
as to not pose a risk to themselves or any other
2) Training Officers
person. Members will be trained on how to carry
3) Training Officers
weapons safely, especially when running with
6
them.
3
2
(Mo
2) All Members must wear suitable flat soled
d)
footwear, anyone not wearing suitable footwear
will not be allowed to participate
3) The area being used will be checked before
beginning by the Training Officer and all trip
hazards will be removed; where trip hazards
cannot be removed the area will not be used.
The correct way to carry weapons and equipment is in such a way so that the weight is sufficiently manageable and the weapon is
not carried in such a way as to pose a risk to themselves or any other person (such as holding the weapon vertically etc).
All Members must partake in a rigorous combat safety training which will include the safe carrying of weapons.
Training officers will ultimately be responsible for checking the suitability of footwear, however the Exec may make an informed
decision to members about their footwear and advise against any that they deem unsuitable. Shoes must be flat soled; unsuitable
What are the controls and actions?
(use numbers)
Controlled
Risk Rating
Who is at
risk?
Controlled
Likelihood
What are the
risks & potential
injuries?
Controlled
Severity
Hazard
Who is responsible
for the control?
footwear includes anything with open toes, and anything with little to no real foot protection such as sandals, flip-flops and canvas
shoes. Ideally shoes shall have a good, preferably deep tread. If members are wearing unsuitable footwear they will not be able to
take part in any activities.
A Training Officer will inspect the area before training takes place, they will ensure the area is cleared of all trip hazards. If there
are trip hazards which cannot be removed then that part of the area will not be used and another area will be used or the unsuitable
part of the area will be sectioned off with ropes by the Training Officer.
Public within
training vicinity
Bruises, cuts, loss of
consciousness,
broken bones, eye
injury
All Society
1) Training will be restricted to specified areas which
1) Training Officers
Members and
are cordoned off using area ropes. Signs shall be
2) Training Officers
4
Members of
erected warning of the risks to the Public
3) All Society
the Public
2) If any members of the Public enter the combat
Members
4
1
(Lo
area then training will cease immediately until
w)
deemed safe to begin again
3) All members need to be vigilant and shout
“STOP” if the Public are seen within the area
boundaries
The Training Officers shall be responsible for setting out the area ropes at the start of the session with adequate spacing and at a
suitable radius with warning signs places around the perimeter. This is to designate the activity area and prevent the public from
accidently entering the activity area.
Code of
Practice

Should a member of the Public breach the area ropes, there instantly becomes a risk of injury, be it to members of the Public or the
Society members, the word “STOP” shall be used and the right hand raised palm out into the air. At this point all Society activities must
cease while the problem is addressed. All members will be informed of this call in their first session and any society member who sees a
member of the public enter the activity area must call “STOP”.
4
Member not
hearing a
warning call
Bruises, cuts, loss of
consciousness,
broken bones, eye
All Society
1) No audio equipment is permitted during any
Members and
session
Members of
4
1
(Lo
w)
1) Training Officers
due to
electronic
audio devices
injury
the Public
Code of
Practice
Before any Member enters into the Training Session they must turn off and remove all personal audio equipment including
headphones and earphones. The Training Officers will not allow anyone to participate until they have done so.
Remote
locations
All injuries are
worsened by the
lack of first aid
provision
Code of
Practice



What are the controls and actions?
(use numbers)
Controlled
Risk Rating
Who is at
risk?
Controlled
Likelihood
What are the
risks & potential
injuries?
Controlled
Severity
Hazard
Who is responsible
for the control?
4
All Society
1) At least one first aider and a full first aid kit must
1) The Exec/ Training
Members and
be present at all sessions
Officers
4
1
(Lo
Members of
2) At least one member present has a working
2)
The Exec/ Training
w)
the Public
mobile phone and University Security’s number if
Officers
on campus (01524 594541)
Training Officers where possible will hold a certificate in First Aid. However, there must always be a trained first aider at each session
and the Training Officers will ensure they are present or the session will be cancelled.
Each year the Exec and Society Members will be encouraged to take a course in First Aid, particular emphasis will be given to the
Safety Officers on the advantages of holding a certificate, and disadvantages to the Society should they not.
The Safety Officers will ensure there is a full and up to date first aid kit at every session.
The Training Officers and Exec attending a Society session/event MUST have a fully charged mobile phone, with adequate credit at
hand, at all times. If on campus they must have University Security’s number (01524 594541) and call them first if the emergency services
are needed.
4
1
4
Unsuitable
weapon
storage
Bruises, cuts, loss of
consciousness,
broken bones, eye
injury
All Society
1) All weapons and shields will be stored in a safe
Members and
location out of reach of the public and be lent up
Members of
against a suitable surface so they will not fall over,
the Public
or while they are in use they will be held
vertically, or positioned flat on the ground.
2) No weapon will be stored on the floor which
(Lo
w)
1) Master at
Arms/Training
Officers
2) Master at
Arms/Training
Officers
What are the controls and actions?
(use numbers)
Controlled
Risk Rating
Who is at
risk?
Controlled
Likelihood
What are the
risks & potential
injuries?
Controlled
Severity
Hazard
Who is responsible
for the control?
allows for tripping or injury
Code of
Practice


Where possible, at a session/event, unused kit shall be stored against a wall or tree, or any other area where at least one side is
inaccessible. The kit will be positioned so that it will not fall over on someone. When it is not possible to position kit against a suitable
surface it must be laid flat on the floor in a specified area so that members will not trip over it. All kit will be stored in a location which
is out of reach to members of the public. Arrows must be kept in suitable containers when not in use.
When stored indoors, weapons shall be stored against a wall leaving adequate space for people to walk past without being a trip
hazard. The kit will be positioned so that it will not fall over on someone. When it is not possible to position kit against a wall it must
be laid flat on the floor in a specified area so that members will not trip over it. All kit will be stored in a location which is out of reach
to members of the public. Arrows must be kept in suitable containers when not in use.
Blades must always be covered during transport to limit injury and prevent public alarm. Arrows must be kept in suitable containers
during transport..
Area of Activity : Archery
Bruises, eye injury
Unsafe
Technique
All Society
Members and
Members of
the Public
1) All members will receive sufficient training
and guidance in archery before taking part in
an archery display.
2) Members will only be allowed to shoot at an
area containing other members behind a
shield wall once they are deemed competent
by the Training Officers. For this activity to
take place all the controls in the ‘Shooting
People’ hazard will be followed.
3) There will be close supervision from the
training officer during the learning phase of
archery.
4) There will always be a Training Officer
present during archery activities to supervise
4
4
1
(Lo
w)
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Training Officers
Training Officers
Training Officers
Training Officers
Training Officers
Code of
Practice






What are the controls and actions?
(use numbers)
Controlled
Risk Rating
Who is at
risk?
Controlled
Likelihood
What are the
risks & potential
injuries?
Controlled
Severity
Hazard
Who is responsible
for the control?
and correct technique to a safe standard.
5) The Historia Normanis Combat Training
Regulations will be followed for all combat
training by the Training Officers. (See the
separate document at the end of the risk
assessment
All members will receive sufficient training and guidance in archery before taking part in an archery display or shooting at an area
containing other members behind a shield wall. ‘Sufficient’ is defined by the amount of training required so that the member can
safely shoot a bow and competently shoot at a shield wall. Close supervision shall be given at all times by a Training Officer while
members are learning archery.
All members will begin by learning to shoot into an open area containing no-one; only when they are deemed competent by the
Training Officer will they progress to shooting at a shield wall.
Rules state that at no point during archery training or at an archery display may a person stand in front of the archer unless as part of
a shield wall. Those stood to the side must be behind area ropes and arrows will be loosed away from those areas.
Arrows shall only be on the bow when shooting and not at any other time to prevent accidental shooting.
All arrows will have a rubber “red end” tip that is attached directly onto a wooden shaft to prevent injury on impact.
There must always be a Training Officer present for archery activities to take place; they will supervise and ensure good and safe
techniques are used.
The Historia Normanis Archery & Missile Combat Regulations will be followed for all archery training by the Training Officers. (See the
separate document at the end of the code of practice)
Catching
yourself on the
bowstring
Bruises, cuts,
abrasions
Members
using bows
1) Training Officers, qualified archery instructors
(GNAS or equivalent) or highly experienced
members are to provide training in the correct
technique to hold and draw the bow
2) Long hair must be tied back, suitable clothing
must be worn, and loose clothing and jewellery
shall be removed or secured safely.
3) Bows will have a draw poundage of no more
3
1
3
(Lo
w)
1) Training Officers
2) Safety
Officers/Training
Officers
3) Master at
Arms/Training
Officers
What are the controls and actions?
(use numbers)
Controlled
Risk Rating
Who is at
risk?
Controlled
Likelihood
What are the
risks & potential
injuries?
Controlled
Severity
Hazard
Who is responsible
for the control?
than 25lb
Code of
Practice



Training Officers (or other suitably qualified or experienced members) shall instruct members to hold the bow with their elbow bent
away from the bow and not at full stretch so that the string will not catch their arm when the bowstring is released.
Clothing should be, where possible, relatively tight fitting, especially along and under the arms so that they do not interfere with the
bow or its string. Any loose clothing that may interfere with the arrow, bow, or bowstring must be removed or securely fastened to
prevent interference.
Training Officers shall ensure that clothing worn is suitable for the activity, that long hair is tied back, and that loose clothing and
jewellery is removed or secured safely before shooting.
Bows will have a draw poundage of no more than 25lb which will reduce the damage to the arm if it is caught by the bowstring. All
equipment will be checked before use by the Master of Arms or Training Officers to ensure they are of the correct poundage.
Walking into
arrows which
are on the
floor
Possible bruises,
cuts, abrasions
Code of
Practice

All Society
Members
1) Members will be instructed on how to collect
arrows appropriately by not approaching them
end on
1
1
1
1) Training Officers
(Lo
w)
Arrows tend to be difficult to spot end on due to their relatively narrow cross-section. Also in many cases flight feathers can be difficult
to spot, particularly with some chosen colours.
The proper way to collect arrows is to approach the landed area from the side and collect the arrows as you come horizontally level with
them. This also helps prevent missing seeing an arrow and stepping on and snapping it. Members will be instructed in this technique in
their first archery session and it will be enforced by the Training Officers.
Tripping/
falling while
holding bow/
Bruising, cuts,
possible minor
All Society
Members
1) All members must wear suitable flat soled
footwear, anyone not wearing suitable footwear
will not be allowed to participate
3
2
6
(Mo 1) Training Officers
d) 2) Training Officers
3) Training Officers
arrows
impalement
Code of
Practice


What are the controls and actions?
(use numbers)
Controlled
Risk Rating
Who is at
risk?
Controlled
Likelihood
What are the
risks & potential
injuries?
Controlled
Severity
Hazard
Who is responsible
for the control?
2) Where available arrows should be carried in a
quiver or held at arms length down your side.
3) When bows and arrows are not in use or being
carried then they must be placed flat on the floor
in an area where they will not be tripped over.
The correct way to carry arrows is within a quiver slung off the hip, down the leg. The alternative to this is through the belt or held
down the side of your leg. All arrows must be carried this way; members will be instructed in these techniques in their first archery
session and it will be enforced by the Training Officers.
Training officers will ultimately be responsible for checking the suitability of footwear, however the Exec may make an informed
decision to members about their footwear and advise against any that they deem unsuitable. Shoes must be flat soled; unsuitable
footwear includes anything with open toes, and anything with little to no real foot protection such as sandals, flip-flops and canvas
shoes. Ideally shoes shall have a good, preferably deep tread. If members are wearing unsuitable footwear they will not be able to
take part in this activity.
When bows and arrows are not in use or being carried then they must be placed flat on the floor in an area where they will not be
tripped over. Members will be instructed in this practice in their first archery session and it will be enforced by the Training Officers.
Discharge of a
bow into the
air
Bruises, eye injury
All Society
1) At no time may a bow be aimed more than 45
Members and
degrees into the air while an arrow is on the
Members of
bow. The only exception to this is one specific
the Public
combat activity; in this isolated case precautions
must be taken to ensure that only essential
people are in front of the archer when the arrow
is released, and that any members partaking in
the activity are sufficiently protected by shields
covering their faces and torsos.
2) The exceptional case can only take place if those
people behind the receiving shield wall have
been trained how to receive arrows released
above a 45 degree angle.
1) Training Officers
2) Training Officers
6
3
2
(Mo
d)
Code of
Practice


Bruises, eye injury
Code of
Practice


(use numbers)
Controlled
Risk Rating
What are the controls and actions?
Who is responsible
for the control?
Under regular archery display conditions, bows must not be aimed at more than 45 degrees into the air. This is to prevent raining
arrows down on someone from above and limit arrow travel – and so preventing injury to other members or members of the public.
The Training Officer will enforce this and members will be taught this when they learn archery.
There is only one specific case where members are permitted to angle their bow at more than 45 degrees causing arrows to drop
onto a shield wall from above.. Under these circumstances the power of the shot should be reduced to prevent overshooting. This
activity can only take place if those people behind the receiving shield wall have been trained on how to receive arrows raining down
on them; they must have their face and torso fully covered with protective shields; the Training Officers will ensure this happens. The
Training Officers will train members on how to shoot raining arrows and how members of the shield wall receive them.
Overshooting

Who is at
risk?
Controlled
Likelihood
What are the
risks & potential
injuries?
Controlled
Severity
Hazard
All Society
1) Arrows are aimed towards the ‘Blind Side’ flank of
1) Training Officers
Members and
the enemy, opposite to the audience, thus
2) Training Officers
Members of
preventing their arrows from landing anywhere
3) Training Officers
the Public
near the audience
4) Training Officers
3
2) The ‘Blind Side’ area will be cleared of all people
except those taking part in the activity who are
3
1
(Lo
behind a suitable shield wall.
w)
3) Shooting will not take place in high winds to
prevent arrows being misdirected
4) Bows shall only be drawn to a length sufficient
for making arrows reach the enemy and must
never be drawn to such a length where arrows
will be shot further than the area ropes
A strict combat area boundary shall be present at all times. Where there is a public display the public are usually set along one side of
the combat area. Arrows are aimed away from the side on which the public would stand so that arrows would not land anywhere
near them.
The Training Officer will ensure that the area where the arrows will fall will be cleared of all people except those who are taking part
in the activity and are suitably covered by a shield wall.
During high winds a Training Officer will make the decision to suspend shooting if they believe it is unsafe; this is to prevent arrows
being misdirected by the wind and hitting people.

What are the controls and actions?
(use numbers)
Controlled
Risk Rating
Who is at
risk?
Controlled
Likelihood
What are the
risks & potential
injuries?
Controlled
Severity
Hazard
Who is responsible
for the control?
A Training Officer shall dictate the recommended draw length for the conditions and display type. The three standard display types
are as follows:
o Direct Archery – Bows may be drawn to full length, shooting at the triangular gaps left at the base between shields.
o Showered Archery – Bows are rarely drawn to full length, usually ½ to 2/3rd draw. They are angled up to 45 degrees so
that arrows drop onto the shields from above at a similar angle to which they are shot.
o Raining Archery – Bows are rarely drawn to full length, usually ½ to 2/3rd draw. They are angled at an angle greater
than 45 degrees and the arrows fall almost vertically on top of the shield wall. During this display no arrow may be shot
at less than 45 degrees as all shields shall be held above the head and none shall be protecting from direct shooting.
Members shall only shoot with enough power to cover the distance required and under no circumstances may they range shots further
than their targets, and more importantly the area ropes.
Bruises, eye injury
Shooting
people
All Society
Members
and
Members of
the Public
1) Archery displays will only occur on an empty field,
away from any other members and members of
the public.
2) The exception to this is when shooting at a shield
wall in which the members in the shield wall will
have been trained in how to ‘receive arrows’. This
involves keeping the head covered behind the
shield while shooting takes place.
3) If there are spectators, either other members or
members of the public, they will positioned in a
single location which is behind the line of the
archers shooting so that all shooting is away from
the spectators.
4) There will be full supervision during all activities
by the Training Officers and they are responsible
for ensuring all controls are enforced.
5) All arrows will have a rubber “red end” tip that is
attached directly onto a wooden shaft to prevent
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
3
2
Training Officers
Training Officers
Training Officers
Training Officers
Master at
Arms/Training
Officers
6
6) Master at
(Mo
Arms/Training
d)
Officers
Code of
Practice





What are the controls and actions?
(use numbers)
Controlled
Risk Rating
Who is at
risk?
Controlled
Likelihood
What are the
risks & potential
injuries?
Controlled
Severity
Hazard
Who is responsible
for the control?
injury on impact
6) Bows will have a draw poundage of no more
than 25lb
The Training Officers will rope off any area to be used during archery and to ensure that neither Society Members nor Members of the
Public enter this area during shooting. If any person does enter this area, Shooting MUST cease immediately – This is done by using
the “STOP” command and can be called by any member who sees someone enter the shooting area.
Should the archery be as part of a combat display, Training Officers shall instruct the members partaking in the exercise in the proper
way of forming a shield wall, and reinforce the importance of keeping their heads behind the wall under all circumstances until the
exercise is complete.
Members will only become part of a shield wall that receives arrows once they have been fully trained in the correct techniques and
the Training Officer is convinced they are competent.
When shooting at a shield wall, those partaking in receiving the arrows will inevitably be hit. Arrows shall always be aimed at limbs
and the torso and never the head, the rule for those in the shield wall is to always have their faces covered so that this will always be
the case; the Training Officer will ensure that all members cover their faces with their shield. Arrows are typically made from lengths
of wooden dowel with flight feathers attached to the rear and a rubber tip on the front. The tip of the dowel must never be
sharpened under the rubber to prevent the shaft penetrating the tip. The rubber tips are designed in such a way as to offer a much
larger cross section to spread the force upon impact and thick enough to absorb much of the momentum of the arrow. The effect of
these tips is to severely reduce the likelihood of an eye injury and reduce the impact felt by arrows which often leave little to no visual
marks i.e. bruises.
The red rubber tips must always be in place when the arrow is used and must be secure so that it will not come off in flight. The
Master at Arms and/or Training Officers will check all arrows before they are used in a display to ensure they are safe and suitable.
Any bow bought for use within the Society shall be purchased with the explicit requirement of being made to 25lb. The Master at Arms
or Training Officers shall check and test every new bow to ensure their suitability for use. The draw weight of a bow can be sufficiently
‘felt’ by an experienced Training Officer through the force required to pull the string back.
Sign Off
The undersigned believe this assessment to cover all significant risks associated with the above activity and accept their responsibilities for
ensuring associated controls are in place
Authorisation
Position
Print Name
Sign
Date
Union/Society Liaison
Patrick Bousfield
Patrick Bousfield
12/03/13
Master at Arms
George Millar
George Millar
12/03/13
Please detail how this risk assessment will be communicated to all parties who must comply:
Communication
Who needs to understand this
assessment?
How will this be communicated to them?
Person Responsible
As each activity takes place, the risks and
controls will be made clear to the members
before the activity begins
Society Members
The Society Exec
All safety documents will be made available
online to all members. When new members
join they will be sent the link and told to read
the documents.
Upon assuming the role, all members of the
Exec must read and understand the risks,
controls and responsibilities of all hazards
outlined in this document and the Historia
Normannis Master at Arms Regulations
Date
Safety Officers
Society
Members
Outgoing Safety Officers
The Society
Exec
Training Officers
The Society Exec will be responsible to
communicate the details of this assessment to
the training Officers before each specific
activity so that the Training Officer
understands the controls given to sanction
training to take place
The Society Exec
Training
Officers
Risk Rating Guide
Below is a simple guide to help risk assessors determine the risk rating of each hazard identified.
A Risk Assessment should be ‘Suitable and Sufficient’. That is to say:
 It should identify the risks arising in connection with the activity.
 The level of detail included should be proportionate to the risk.
 It must consider all those who might be affected i.e. staff, students, etc.
 It should be appropriate to the activity and should identify the period of time for which it is to remain valid.
Risk = Likelihood X Severity
Likelihood
Very Unlikely
Unlikely
Possible
Likely
0
1
2
3
The Severity
No Action
First Aider
Doctor
A&E1
Very Likely
Certain
4
5
A&E2
Death
Likelihood
Severity
No injury
Bruising, minor cuts, grazes
Strains, Sprains, concussion
Loss of consciousness, blood loss, burns, breaks or injury resulting in Visit to A&E. Other non-permanent
chemical effects. Corrosive toxic, flammable substances, mild chemical irritation of eyes or skin. Harmful,
irritant substances
Permanent /partial/total disablement or other reportable injury/disease
Single Death or Multiple Death
Risk Rating
Score
Action
Trivial Risk
0-2
No further action required unless incidents occur
0
1
2
3
4
5
Death
A&E2
A&E1
Nurse
Unit
First
Aider
No
Action
Certain
25
20
15
10
5
0
Low Risk
3-4
No additional controls may be needed overall, but specific hazards may be reduced.
Monitoring is required to ensure controls are maintained. Review if an incident
occurs or more effective controls become available.
Very Likely
20
16
12
8
4
0
Moderate Risk
5 - 10
Efforts should be made to reduce the risk over a defined period of time.
Likely
15
12
9
6
3
0
High Risk
12 - 16
Work should not be started until the risk has been reduced. If work is in progress
Urgent action should be taken to reduce or control risks.
Possible
10
8
6
4
2
0
Intolerable Risk
20 - 25
The activity should cease until risks have been reduced to an acceptable level.
Unlikely
5
4
3
2
1
0
Very Unlikely
0
0
0
0
0
0