Keeping It Clay-tastic: Safety Guards on Clay Trap Launchers in the UK

Clay pigeon shooting provides a thrilling challenge, but safety is paramount. Automatic clay trap launchers are key components of the sport, and proper guarding is essential to prevent accidents. 

Acorn AutoClay 320 Clay Pigeon Trap showing full set of safety guards, provided as standard on all Acorn clay traps.

Here's a breakdown of UK regulations concerning safety guards for these machines:

The Governing Body:

The Clay Pigeon Shooting Association (CPSA) sets the safety standards for clay shooting in the UK. While they don't have specific regulations solely for clay trap launcher guards, they emphasise adherence to broader UK workplace safety legislation.

Main Legislation:

• Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008: This regulation outlines the general requirements for machinery safety, including guarding [legislation.gov.uk]. Key points include:
  • Guards must be: Strong, secure, not easily bypassed, positioned to minimise danger zones, and allow essential maintenance without removal.
  • Movable guards: When open, they should ideally remain attached and prevent machine startup until closed.

Additional Regulations:

• The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER): PUWER emphasises the employer's responsibility to ensure work equipment (including clay trap launchers) is safe for use [legislation.gov.uk]. This may involve:
  • Risk assessments: Identifying potential hazards associated with the launcher and implementing control measures, such as proper guarding.
  • Maintenance: Regularly maintaining the launcher to ensure guards function correctly.

Best Practices:

• Guard Design: Guards should fully enclose hazardous parts of the launcher, such as the throwing arm and trap mechanism, preventing accidental contact.
• Material Selection: Guards should be constructed from robust materials like steel or reinforced plastic to withstand potential impacts.
• Interlocks: Consider incorporating interlock systems that prevent the launcher from operating when the guard is not securely fastened.
• Signage: Clear signage should be displayed near the launcher reminding users to never reach into the machine while it's operational.

Enforcement and Resources:

• Health and Safety Executive (HSE): The HSE is the UK's national body for workplace safety and enforces regulations like PUWER. They offer resources on machine safety, including guarding principles [hse.gov.uk].
• CPSA Safety Guidelines: While not regulations, the CPSA offers safety guidelines that emphasise responsible clay shooting practices [cpsa.co.uk].

Remember:

These are general guidelines. Always consult the manufacturer's instructions for your specific clay trap launcher model and ensure it complies with current UK safety regulations.

By prioritising proper guarding and adhering to safety protocols, we can keep the focus on enjoying the exhilarating sport of clay pigeon shooting.

https://www.acorntraps.co.uk/images/autoclay320/IMG-3053.jpg?1682351076