Health and Safety Statement

AVALON DOG TRAINING CLUB Inc.

Health and Safety Statement

INTRODUCTION

Avalon Dog Training Club is based at Belmont Domain, Lower Hutt. It operates its regular training on designated days and from time to time holds Obedience shows in the Domain. While this use is approved by the Lower Hutt City Council the domain always remains open to the public.

This document is for the guidance of members of the Avalon Dog Training Club and those members of the public who have paid a Training Fee to the afore-mentioned club. Most of the items are common sense however we are required to formally bring them to your notice by: Occupational Safety & Health Act, Accident Compensation Commission Act, Dogs New Zealand (formerly the New Zealand Kennel Club) (to which we are affiliated), Dog Control Act and Hutt City Dog Control Bylaws.

NATURAL HAZARDS

1. The Hutt River which runs the full length of Belmont Domain alongside the access road which is not fenced.

2. There are numerous trees in the domain – some climbable by children.

3. As with any basic grassed domain, the surface will be far from even and in our case this problem is increased as the domain is shared with the Pony Club. Also be aware of the depression (a main sewerage cover) in front of the clubrooms. 

Being a grassed area the surface will be slippery in wet weather. Appropriate foot-ware should be worn

Parents/Guardians are advised that it is their responsibility to keep their children away from or be warned of the above hazards.

DEVELOPED HAZARDS

Vehicles

Before, during and after classes vehicles will be accessing the parking area on the river side of the domain. 

Be aware that drivers may be distracted by dogs in their vehicles. 

While vehicles should not be driven at more than 5kph, one should not rely on this being the case.

Clubrooms

Our clubrooms are there for the use of Club members and those who are training their dogs however there are certain hazards in the immediate area.

(a) The verandah and associated railings and in wet weather the deck surface may become slippery.

(b) The fence around the front of the clubrooms and the associated gravel surface.

(c) The tea/coffee facilities which of course contain hot water.

Dogs

Dogs may be restrained, unattended, in various places round the training area. 

They may also be in unattended vehicles. 

No unattended dog should be approached.

Parents/Guardians are advised that it is their responsibility to make their children aware of the above hazards and of the possible consequences.

Avalon Dog Training Club Inc. cannot accept responsibility for any incident if the above warnings are not adhered to.

_________________________________________________________________________

Item 10 – A.D.T.C. STANDING ORDERS

Control of Dogs (During designated training time)

All dogs are required to be on lead at all times in the training area of our grounds (from the clubhouse side to the river side and from the road fence to a line extending from the last southern floodlight) during club nights.

Exceptions: 

For obedience and agility - dogs can be off lead for the purpose of warm-up and/or when an Instructor directs that the exercise will be off lead.