Legislation and regulations for sport and leisure facilities

Legislation and Regulations for Sport and Leisure Facilities

Health and Safety at Work Act (1974)

  • This is the foundational piece of legislation regarding safety in the workplace, and applies to all sport and leisure facilities. It outlines the duties of employers to ensure the health, safety and welfare of their employees and the public.

  • Facility operators must conduct regular risk assessments. These assessments identify potential hazards and outline steps taken to mitigate risk, including appropriate training for staff.

  • Operators also have a duty to provide necessary safety equipment and ensure it is in good working order. Equipment must be checked regularly, and repairs or replacements must be made as required.

Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (1999)

  • This regulation requires employers to make a reasonable effort to do a risk assessment and implement necessary measures to manage any identified risks.

  • It also emphasises the requirement for emergency procedures and for providing clear information and training to employees.

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (2002)

  • This regulation deals with potentially hazardous substances. Facilities must identify any substances that may be harmful and determine the correct storage and usage procedures to minimise risk.

  • Employees using these substances should have appropriate protective clothing, and need to be trained on how to use and store the substances safely.

Equality Act (2010)

  • Sport and leisure facilities have a legal obligation to ensure they are accessible to all, regardless of disability, gender, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marital status or pregnancy.

  • Reasonable adjustments must be made for individuals with disabilities, which could involve providing additional equipment or access to the facility, adjusting activity program, or altering facilities to allow for wheelchair access.

Recreation and Leisure Byelaws

  • Specific byelaws are set by individual local authorities to regulate activities within public spaces including sports facilities. They cover aspects like opening times, prohibited activities, fees and charges, and any specific codes of conduct.

  • All facility users and staff must follow these rules, and a failure to do so may result in fines or other penalties.

Food Safety Act (1990)

  • If sport and leisure facilities sell or prepare food, they must comply with this act to ensure the hygiene and safety of food. Regular inspections will be made to ensure compliance with this legislation.

Understand and following all these regulations helps sports and leisure facilities to operate safely, securely and lawfully.