Health & Safety

Taupo Dog Training Club – Health & Safety Policy

      Introduction – extract from Dogs NZ Health & Safety Obligations – Dogs NZ Clubs

      DogsNZ is considered a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) as they are employers. As such, it has an obligation under the Health & Safety at Work Act               (2015) and Regulations.

      People considered volunteers are not employees. They may be reimbursed any expenses incurred while volunteering, but they are not paid a wage or salary, and they are not        contractors. Club secretaries may be paid an honorarium, but are still considered volunteers (see Income Tax Act 2007, CW 62B Voluntary activities).

      Clubs with their own venue

      Clubs that own their own facilities and do not pay wages are not considered PCBUs. However, they still have a responsibility to ensure the safety of volunteers, club                        members,  and users and hirers of the grounds, particularly when it comes to any contractors hired to perform work on site.

      Volunteers, club members, and user or hirers of the grounds also have a responsibility to ensure their own safety while in attendance and also to ensure their actions do not            negatively impact on the wellbeing of others.

      Safety Management Plan

      This information is to be provided to new members commencing any classes and found on the website and in the clubrooms.

      The club has a “no harm” philosophy for dog training and positive reinforcement is promoted i.e. no harsh handling of dogs is permitted.

E-Collars, Prong collars or any other aversive training devices are strictly prohibited on our grounds at all times.

Club Rooms & Surrounding Area

·      In the event of a fire in the building, leave calmly and gather in the middle of the training grounds. Ring Emergency Services on 111 and state the address as 89 Centennial             Drive, Tauhara, Taupo. If it is safe to do so, extinguish the fire.

·      Steps – use the handrail particularly during winter months

·      The kitchen has a stove, boiling water and other hazards typical of a kitchen.

·      There is uneven ground around the club rooms.

·       In the event of a natural disaster, follow the instructions of Civil Defence. Move to a safe place such as the middle of the grounds, or into doorway.

Car Park

·       The park access gate (Centennial Drive) is to be kept clear for emergency vehicles

·       Be aware of dogs getting in and out of nearby vehicles.

Health of Dogs

·       If your dog is unwell or showing signs of illness, do not bring the dog to class. You are encouraged to attend without your dog.

·       A current dog registration tag issued by Taupo District Council is to be displayed on your dog’s collar or harness.

·       All dogs must be currently fully vaccinated. The club accepts Titre Testing.

·      We encourage you to toilet your dog OUTSIDE the training area i.e. boundary sides of the low fencing. Do this on arrival. Toileting within the training area provides                           unnecessary distractions for other dogs.

·       Droppings must be picked up and either placed in bins provided or removed from the grounds.

·       Bitches in season are not permitted to attend classes but can resume three weeks after the first indication of the season was noted. Handlers are encouraged to attend                    classes without their dog so you may continue training at home.

Dog fights will be avoided by –

·      During training dogs must be on a well secured lead, unless directed otherwise by the class instructor.

·      No dogs are to interact with each other during training. Outside of classes, this must be with the owner’s permission and not in a location that will interfere or distract other             dogs. Dogs are not to be run off -lead before or after classes unless the gates are closed. Handlers must stay with their instructor and class and not interfere with other                   classes, handlers, dogs or areas.

·       If a dog attack or fight occurs, all owners with their dogs are to leave the area immediately and secure the dog in a vehicle, then assist the instructor as required.

·      Instructors are to report any incident or untoward events to committee. Incidents or events must be noted in the Health & Safety Register.

·      Committee will assess the incident on a case-by-case basis and may notify a member that their dog is not suitable to attend a class or to attend wearing a muzzle.

·       Dogs deemed dangerous by the Dog Control Act 1996 will not be accepted to attend classes, trials or shows.

Contractors

       Clubs hiring contractors should attain a statement from the contractor that they are competent to complete the requirements of the work being completed and carry any                  licences required for that work. Clubs are not expected to understand what those requirements might be under the law.

        Worksafe NZ considers these specifics are minimum requirements for engaging contractors:

        Define the contractor’s scope of work and their responsibilities for health and safety.

        Ensure contractors are aware of and adhere to the organisation’s safety rules and procedures.

        Provide contractors with appropriate induction (if possible) on the specific hazards and risks associated with their work.

       Establish clear communication channels for reporting hazards and incidents. To this end, the above Safety Management plan will assist in providing a safe  environment,                 identifying hazards and mitigating these where possible.

In the Case of Injury

People – call 111 for emergencies. The First Aid Kit is in the cupboard.

        Dogs – encourage attending a vet clinic if necessary, otherwise basic first aid should be given.

28.8.2025