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Health and Safety Policy
Head One
Section B - Organisation and responsibilities
Section C - Arrangements
This section sets out our arrangements to minimise, as far as is reasonably practicable, risks to the health and safety of employees, voluntary workers, members of the congregation, visitors and contractors. (Return to top)
1. Accidents and First Aid
a. The First Aid box is located on the chest on the west side of the North Transept.All accidents and incidents are to be entered in the Accident Book and our insurers advised. If the church is Let to outside organisations eg: Ann Cam School, the responsible person must be told in writing that, in the event of an accident details must be entered in the Accident Book. Serious incidents should be reported to the HSO as soon as possible so that reporting action can be taken under the "Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 1995" regulations. (Return to top)
b. A trained and qualified First-Aider(s) should be identified where possible.
c. The Accident Book is located in the chest on the west side of the North Transept (Return to top)
NB. Serious injuries must be reported to the local Environmental Health Dept under the RIDDOR regulations within 10 days of the incident. (Return to top)
2. Fire Safety
Our policy is to fulfil our obligations under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. In order to achieve this we undertake the following:
The extinguishers listed above are checked every month by the HSO to check that they are still in place and have not been discharged. They are also checked annually, during December, by Island Fire Protection Ltd.
2.2 Other Fire Precautions. There is one Fire Blanket in the kitchen area in the North Transept which will be checked monthly by the HSO.
2.3 Evacuation Procedure. For large services and functions where the congregation/audience exceeds 70 our procedures for stewarding/evacuation are as follows:
If You Discover a Fire. The general rule is people before property. Then:
a. A Fire Risk Assessment (RA) for the church.2.1 Fire Extinguishers. Fire extinguishers are kept in the following locations:
b. A check that a fire can be detected in a reasonable time and people warned.
c. A check that people who may be in the building can get out safely, including, if necessary the provision of emergency lighting and fire exit signage.
d. To provide reasonable fire-fighting equipment.
e. A check that those in the building know what to do if there is a fire.
f. A regular check that our fire-fighting equipment is in place and serviceable and is maintained annually. (Return to top)
| Location | Type of Extinguisher & Capacity | ||
| Main (South) Door | Carbon Dioxide | 2 kg | |
| South Transept (By switch cupboard) |
Carbon Dioxide | 2 kg | |
| Organ | Carbon Dioxide | 2 kg | |
| North Transept | Water-Gas | 5 kg | |
| Poets Display | Carbon Dioxide | 2 kg | |
| Tower Base | Carbon Dioxide | 2 kg | |
| (Return to top) | |||
The extinguishers listed above are checked every month by the HSO to check that they are still in place and have not been discharged. They are also checked annually, during December, by Island Fire Protection Ltd.
2.2 Other Fire Precautions. There is one Fire Blanket in the kitchen area in the North Transept which will be checked monthly by the HSO.
2.3 Evacuation Procedure. For large services and functions where the congregation/audience exceeds 70 our procedures for stewarding/evacuation are as follows:
a. Both doors must be unlocked before the service/event starts and Fire Exit signs posted.2.4 Evacuation Drills. All PCC members should ensure that they are familiar with the evacuation procedures and escape routes.
b. Both doors must be checked to ensure they can be opened.
c. A trained PCC member/Steward must be allocated to each door and take responsibility for persons near that door.
d. Electric torches are available for the stewards and they must ensure that they are available and charged before the function.
e. PCC members are trained to use fire extinguishers use them as trained in case of fire.
f. In the event of a fire, persons should fight the fire only if the way out is blocked. The main objective is to get everyone safely out of the building as quickly and safely as possible.
g. In the event of a fire or other emergency, an announcement to evacuate the building will be made by the Rector, Churchwarden or duty PCC member.
h. Persons will assemble on Wintours Green and an attempt made to carry out a headcount to ensure all are out of the building and no-one is missing.
i. The emergency services will be contacted immediately by the Churchwarden/duty PCC member using the telephone in the Beauchamp Arms, the public telephone by the Well House Garage or by suitable mobile phone. Return to top)
If You Discover a Fire. The general rule is people before property. Then:
a. Immediately raise the alarm.
b. Telephone the emergency services.
c. Check the building for occupants.
d. Fight the fire, if possible, within your capability, using the appliances provided but without taking personal risk.
e. If it is not possible to fight the fire or if unsure which fire extinguisher to use, assist in the evacuation of the building, ensuring that all the doors are closed behind you.
f. Evacuate to the far side of Wintours Green or if inclement weather, into the Beauchamp Arms Pub.
g. Ensure clear access for the emergency vehicles. (Return to top)
3. Electrical Safety
a. A list of the portable electrical appliances is maintained by the HSO who will inspect the plugs, cables and sockets quarterly to ensure that there are no loose connections, worn flexes or trailing leads and report any repairs needed to the Fabric Officer for action.
b. Every year all our portable equipment will be tested by a competent NICEIC or ECA contractor to ensure that all appliances are safe. Unsafe equipment will be safely disposed of.
c. Every quarter, a visual inspection of the fixed electrical installation will be carried out by the HSO. Defects will be reported to the Fabric Officer for action.
d. Every 5 years, the fixed electrical system will be inspected and tested by an approved NICEIC or ECA contractor and any necessary remedial work carried out.
e. The lightning conductor will be subject to a visual and resistance check annually and to a full test every 5 years by a competent specialist firm of lightning conductor engineers
f. All employees and volunteers must:(1) Check all electrical equipment visually before use.
(2) Report faults to the HSO as soon as possible.
(3) Not attempt to use or repair faulty equipment.
(4) Switch off and unplug electrical equipment when not in use.
(5) Ensure that flexible cables are positioned and protected so that they do not constitute a trip-hazard or are subject to mechanical damage. (Return to top)
4. Hazardous Substances 5. Safety of Plant and Machinery
4. Hazardous Substances. Any hazardous substances are to be stored in the outside store and are to be clearly marked. An asbestos survey has been carried out and no asbestos is present. (Return to top)
5. Safety of Plant and Machinery. The Churchwardens will maintain a list of all items of plant and machinery. The procedures for checking and rules for use are:
5. Safety of Plant and Machinery. The Churchwardens will maintain a list of all items of plant and machinery. The procedures for checking and rules for use are:
a. Employees and volunteers must not operate plant or machinery that they are not trained or authorised to use.
b. Employees and volunteers must not ride on any parts of machinery not intended for that use.
c. Machinery must be switched off before adjustments are made.
d. After carrying out maintenance or adjustment, all guards must be replaced before use.
e. Before using any item of plant or machinery, a check must be made to ensure it is in a safe working condition, correctly adjusted and there are no loose nuts, bolts or other defects.
f. Appropriate personal protective equipment (gloves, goggles, boots etc) must be worn when operating items of plant or machinery.
g. Persons under 18 years of age are not permitted to operate any power-driven item of plant or machinery.
h. Ladders may only be used for work of short duration provided they can be safely secured and one person remains at the foot of the ladder.
i. Any defect or damage to any item of plant or machinery must be reported to a Churchwarden.
j. All plant and machinery will be regularly maintained and a schedule kept of maintenance requirements.
k. Persons must not work on their own unless they have means of communication and have notified a colleague of the work being undertaken. (Return to top)
6. Condition of Floors, Steps and Paths 7. Lighting
6. Condition of Floors, Steps and Paths. In order to reduce, as far as is reasonably practicable, the risk of slips, trips and falls an inspection will be made every week by the HSO and Churchwardens of:
7. Lighting. In order to ensure that the church is adequately lit, the Churchwarden will check the lights weekly to ensure that all the lights in the church and churchyard are working. Any bulbs needing replacing will be reported to the Fabric Officer for remedial action. (Return to top)
a. All floors, steps and stairs in the church.All defects will be reported to the Fabric Officer for remedial action. (Return to top)
b. All paths in the churchyard, noting excessive moss, algae and leaves.
7. Lighting. In order to ensure that the church is adequately lit, the Churchwarden will check the lights weekly to ensure that all the lights in the church and churchyard are working. Any bulbs needing replacing will be reported to the Fabric Officer for remedial action. (Return to top)
8. Preparation and Serving of Food
No preparation of food will take place in the church, but food which is prepared elsewhere may be served. As such, Food Hygiene Regulations apply and will be followed. In particular:
a. All food handlers will have received appropriate food hygiene training and be adequately supervised by at least one person who holds a current Basic Food Hygiene Certificate.
b. If foods are stored they will be stored in accordance with the Regulations and at the correct temperatures.
c. Before food is served, the surfaces coming into contact with the food must be washed down and disinfected.
d. Foodstuffs may only be served in the North Transept kitchen area. (Return to top)
9. Hazardous Building Defects
In order to ensure that our church is safe, the building will be inspected every quarter by the Fabric Officer and any defects remedied. Where necessary, temporary measures will be taken to ensure that there is no risk of accident or injury until permanent repairs can be carried out. (Return to top)
10. Child Protection
A Child Protection Policy is in place and Benefice Child Protection Officer appointed in accordance with current policy. Appropriate records of numbers and ages of young children involved in our youth groups, Fun Club and Pilgrims and details of adult supervisors must be maintained. Parental consent forms should be obtained for any unusual activities or trips away from the Parish and particular needs of individual children noted. Additionally:
a. A statement upholding our procedures will be made at each APCM and suitably recorded.
b. A permanent record will be maintained of accidents involving children. (Return to top)
11. Personal Safety
Persons are expected to take reasonable care when working in the church or environs, travelling to and from the church, participating in home groups or handling cash or other valuables. Detailed procedures are in the “General Factors” Risk Assessment. (Return to top)
12. Manual Handling
Where manual handling must be used, eg moving the piano or Nave Altar, opening the lid of the Altar Cloth Chest, erecting staging, moving other furniture etc, appropriate manual handling techniques must be used. Additionally:
a. An appropriate number of persons must be used for the load being moved. For abnormal loads or heavy lifts a minimum of 2 persons should do the lift.
b. Safe manual handling and safe lifting techniques must be used at all times and persons must be briefed on the manual handling techniques to be used.
c. Appropriate personal protective equipment (gloves, boots etc) must be used.
d. No-one should work alone in or around the church.
e. The nature of the tasks involved may demand dynamic RAs by all concerned. (Return to top)
13. Risk Assessments
Risk assessments have been and will be carried out for the activities which carry significant risk and will be reviewed annually to meet our obligations under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. Risk assessments are available for:
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a. Fire hazards. b. Bell-ringing. c. General factors d. Churchyard maintenance.Others will be carried out as required by the HSO.
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14. Contractors
Anyone entering the church to carry out work will be regarded as a contractor. All contractors, including the self-employed must abide by the following:
a. Their own H&S Policy (where required by law) and be available to provide a copy.The nominated project manager will ensure that the necessary arrangements are put in hand under The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations. (Return to top)
b. Produce evidence that they have appropriate public and employers’ liability insurance in place. A record of this evidence will be maintained.
c. Comply with all the requirements of this H&S Policy and co-operate with the church officials in providing a safe place of work and a safe system of operation.
d. Where plant and machinery is brought onto church premises by contractors, they must be able to show, where necessary, that the equipment has been inspected and tested to ensure its safe operation.
e. Contractors may only use sub-contractors or persons other than their own direct employees with the express permission of the church officials. However, responsibility will remain with the contractors.
f. All contractors will be given detailed instructions regarding the areas where they are permitted to work and the extent of the work they are authorised to undertake. This ‘permit to work’ will also specify any safety precautions they must undertake.
15. Information and Enforcement
The Environmental Health Dept of the Forest of Dean District Council can be contacted on 01594 810000 (Return to top)