The hide is operated under licence by Swillington Ings Bird Group and is for the use of members.
Non- members, however, are very welcome to use the facility providing that the hide is open, that is if a member is present.
All users of the hide are requested to act safely and take due regard for the welfare of themselves and others.
A Safety Notice is posted in the hide to indicate the main areas of potential risk.
This notice is repeated below.
SWILLINGTON INGS BIRD GROUP
SAFETY NOTICE
All members or other persons who use the Group’s observation
hide or attend Group events do so at their own risk. Neither the Group
nor its officers can accept any liability for any loss or injury of any kind
sustained whilst accessing or using the hide.
All members and visitors should take normal care of
themselves and any children accompanying them.
Members of the public should not use the hide without an SIBG member
being present. Members are required to ask visitors to leave if that
member is the last one to vacate the hide.
When using the hide members and visitors should pay
particular attention to the following:-
ACCESS
Access to the hide is across land not owned or maintained by the Group.
However, the attention of all users is drawn to the uneven and occasionally
slippery nature of the ground and the risk of tripping or slipping.
STAIRS
The stairs have a handrail at each side and anti-slip netting on each tread.
Normal care should be observed when using the stairs with a
recommendation to use at least one handrail when ascending and
descending. Running and jumping should be avoided.
DOOR
The door opens to the outside. Care should be taken in blustery
conditions as the prevailing wind will tend to forcibly push the
door closed giving rise to trapping hazards.
WINDOWS/FLAPS
These are held closed with turnbuckle catches and held open with
self-locking catches. Care must be taken to ensure that the latter are
properly engaged when opening the windows in order to prevent them
falling and causing injury to users and/or damage to equipment.
FIRE RISK
The hide is a wooden structure and thus at higher risk of fire. Smoking or naked lights are therefore not permitted.
A fire extinguisher is situated next to the door
ACCIDENTS
Details of any accidents or near misses occurring in or around the hide should be noted in the hide log and reported to a committee member.
A basic first aid pack is available in the hide.
If the accident is serious, the Emergency Services should be called on 999.
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