Care, Inspection and Storage of Archery Equipment

This fact sheet provides guidance on the care, Inspection and storage of archery equipment.

The points raised are of importance not just to those directly involved in archery, but also to those observing the activity

A fact sheet such as this can only deal with care and inspection in general terms.

Where a manufacturer's instructions differ from this fact sheet those instructions must take priority.

Those responsible for purchasing equipment for The Lihou Charitable Trust use must have sufficient knowledge to select the item(s) most suitable for their needs. Not all retailers have detailed knowledge either of all the products they sell or to advise on what is best for the intended use i.e. bow lengths and limb weights as well as arrow length etc.

The Lihou Charitable Trust Leaders and Instructors have a 'Duty of Care' for those members for whom they are providing instruction or supervision. It is therefore extremely important that the storage and maintenance of equipment used in a potentially hazardous activity is well documented and available for inspection when required.

Equipment Inspection

ALL equipment but especially the bow risers, limb attachment points and limbs should be checked prior to and after each activity session by a suitably qualified instructor with faults reported to The Warden.

Areas of particular note are:

• Limbs – Check for crazing or any signs of delaminating, lateral cracking or damaged string knocks.
• Riser – Check limb attachment points and thumbs screw security and play within the limb housing.
• String – Check for clean strings with no furring or loose servings paying particular attention to the ends.
• Knocking Points – Ensure that these are secure and correctly located.
• Arrows – Should be straight and be devoid of kinks or damage and should have three attached fletchings with one correctly placed cock fletching  as well as a good knock and point. Arrows with evidence of pitting or corrosion should be disposed of.
• Back stop netting – No holes/damage.

Faulty Equipment

Any faulty equipment should be removed from circulation by placing in the Wardens room for either repair or disposal pending replacement

Inspection Reports

Given that the equipment MUST be inspected as detailed above, it is not necessary for a report to be written other than the written fault report that is positioned with the equipment

• Other Equipment
• Foam target butts should be inspected to ensure that they are suitable and in good condition especially the banding holding the target together given the salt heavy environment that the butts reside in

Bracers and Chest Protectors

Must be present and used where needed

Note: bracers need not be used where participants have heavy long sleeved clothing unless it is to keep clothing from bagging. Chest protectors are for use with large chest individuals

Equipment Storage

• When considering the storage location for archery equipment, the following points should be considered:
• It should be an area designated for such equipment.
• There should be no risk of contamination with acids, fuels, chemicals etc.
• The location should be dry, cool and dark.
• The store should be locked and accessible only by those qualified to use the equipment or under the direct supervision of such a person

Disposal of equipment

When equipment comes to the end of its usable life it is important that it is disposed of in a manner that ensures it is not salvaged and misused.

Qualified Inspectors of Equipment

Only those with NGB awards such as Grand National Archery Association Teacher/Leader award or higher can use the equipment and as such inspect it