Maintain artificial sports surfaces

This standard is for those who maintain artificial sports surfaces.  This will include confirming that artificial/synthetic playing surfaces are safe and meet the required standards for the sport.

If you are working with chemicals or machinery you should be trained and hold certification in accordance with relevant legislation.

You must carry out your work in a way which will minimise the impact on the natural environment and enhance its nature, conservation and recreational value.

1. be aware of hazards associated with the activity to be carried out
2. wear suitable clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE)
3. select, prepare and use the tools, equipment and materials required to maintain artificial sports surfaces safely and correctly
4. use tools and equipment in accordance with relevant legislation and  manufacturers' instructions
5. clear and prepare the artificial sports surfaces for maintenance
6. carry out maintenance so that the quality and appearance of the artificial sports surface is suitable for the sport
7. carry out work in a manner which prevents damage to the surrounding area
8. dispose of waste and excess materials safely and correctly in accordance with relevant legislation and organisational requirements
9. maintain communication with colleagues and others involved in, or affected by, your work
10. restore the site to an appropriate condition following the maintenance of artificial sports surfaces
11. maintain and store tools and equipment safely and securely
12. carry out your work in accordance with relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, risk assessment requirements, codes of practice and organisational policies

1. the hazards associated with the maintenance of artificial sports services
2. the type of clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) suitable for the activity
3. how to select, prepare and use the tools, equipment and materials required for the maintenance of artificial sports surfaces safely and correctly
4. the methods and techniques required to clear and prepare the artificial sports for maintenance
5. how artificial sports surfaces and weather conditions may affect maintenance
6. how to prepare the artificial sports surfaces before carrying out maintenance
7. the standard of playing quality and appearance of the artificial sports surface that has to be achieved for the requirements of the sport
8. the importance of following environmental and ecological best practice to help minimise the impact of your work on the environment
9. how to handle, transport and dispose of waste in accordance with legal and organisational requirements
10. the importance of maintaining communication with those involved in, or affected by, your work
11. the importance of restoring the site to a clean and tidy condition after the maintenance
12. how to clean, maintain and store tools, equipment and materials required for the maintenance of artificial sports surfaces correctly and securely
13. your responsibilities relevant to health and safety legislation, codes of practice and organisational policies

A.       maintain the following types of artificial sports surfaces:

1. hard porous water bound 
2. filled synthetic                  
3. non-filled synthetic

B.       use the following types of tools and equipment when maintaining artificial sports surfaces:

1. hand
2. powered
3. mounted

C.       carry out the following types of maintenance on artificial sports surfaces:

1. brushing
2. luting
3. top dressing 
4. weed control
5. moss/algae control
6. frost protection
7. marking out
8. irrigation
9. renovation (damage repair)
10. contamination removal

Carry out routine maintenance: brushing, luting, top dressing, weed control, moss/algae control, frost protection.

Inspect surfaces: clearing and preparing surfaces for maintenance.

Specifications: drawings, schedules, method statements, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), manufacturers' guidelines, organisational policies.