Thanet bowls Club Environmental Health and Safety Report 2026
The overall standard of safety evident throughout the club was good.
Vehicles
Minimal risk associated with vehicular movements in the car park. The Keep Clear area of the car park in front of the fire exit needs to be repainted to highlight that cars must not be parked in the immediate vicinity of the fire exit.
Fire
Fire exits were functional and clear. Fire extinguishers were in their correct locations and have been inspected. Minimal storage of flammable liquids - stored in safe containment. Fire signage is generally good. The Keep Clear sign on fire exit into the car park is 'non-standard' and must be replaced. No Smoking/Vaping signs adjacent to the main clubhouse entrance have faded and will be replaced.
The Fire assembly sign at the far corner, (by tennis courts), was missing. The assembly point is where members and visitors must assemble in the unlikely event that a fire occurs in the clubhouse or one of the sheds. Everyone must assemble in this location, (not leave the area), as this allows those present to establish if anyone is missing and may still be inside the burning structure. The Fire Assembly Point signage will be replaced to highlight the far corner adjacent to the tennis courts as the assembly point.
Slips, Trips and Falls
The clubhouse floor was clear presenting no significant trip hazards. Paths around the green were in good condition, (i.e. no raised/uneven slabs detected). Several incidents in the Accident Book referred to slips/trips when stepping onto, or off of, the green. The use of the purpose made aluminium access steps is encouraged in particular for anyone who is unsure of their footing. The steps will be positioned on the green edge at the corner near the pushershed. Steps will be located on the green edge parallel to the direction of play, so as not to interfere with the playing surface. Members or visitors who may need them should be directed to use the steps and not to step directly onto the green. Office duty holders will be requested to position the steps at the start and conclusion of the day's play. The wooden step currently located in this corner is unstable and has been removed for disposal.
The highlighting paint on the front edges and the risers of all of the concrete steps into the clubhouse has faded. Also the step up onto the green in front of the main clubhouse doors. All step edges and risers will be repainted with highlighting yellow paint to reduce the risk of tripping on the steps.
Homemade benches (painted pink) are too thin at the base and too unstable for safe use. These will be disposed of.
Catering and Bar Areas
Good housekeeping and adherence to hygienic working practices and storage of consumables. The sign indicating colour coding of food chopping boards is faded and located on the wall opposite where the boards themselves are located. A replacement sign will be located alongside the boards to promote clearer understanding and use of the boards for the correct food type.
Chemical Safety
Chemicals held in the club are generally typical of those held in most domestic households. The quantities held are not excessive and storage is in original containers labelled with the hazard and clean on the exterior. Acelopryn, for the treatment of leatherjacket infestation, is extremely toxic to humans and aquatic life. The smallest practicable quantity of Aceloprym, is retained and is stored in its original well labelled container. A small lockable cupboard is to be purchased to house Acelopryn safely and securely. The cupboard to be clearly labelled to indicate the toxic nature of the chemical within it.
Electrical Safety
PAT Testing off electrical equipment is up to date. Annual PAT testing to be arranged for June 26 to comply with insurance policy.
Housekeeping and Manual Handling
Too many 'club bowls', available for loan purposes, are stored in the back office creating a trip hazard and manual handling risks. Only bowls that may be stored safely on shelving within the back office are to be retained. Other bowls will be made available for members to take (home) or they will be disposed of if not wanted. Members are asked NOT to leave bowls that they may wish to donate to the club in the back office. Anyone with bowls they wish to donate should talk to their Captain to discuss the need.
Main clubhouse area and Ladies changing room - housekeeping of a good standard. Men's changing room is very 'busy' with lots of bowl bags left on the floor around the edges. Numerous chairs stacked up in the middle of the floor. Men are encouraged to make use of lockers and/or take bags home, where possible, to minimise clutter. Chairs to be relocated to a more appropriate storage area.
An excessive quantity of scrap wood is stored alongside the tool sheds. The wood should be sorted and disposed of with the exception of pieces of a quality and size that may be useful to retain.
Inspection conducted by Steve Smith and Stuart Burt on Monday 13th April 2026