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HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY A: General Statement of Policy Our policy, so far as is
reasonably practicable, is to provide and maintain safe and healthy working
conditions, equipment and systems of work for all our employees, casual labour
and voluntary helpers, and to provide such information, training and
supervision as they need for this purpose. We will also endeavour to ensure,
as far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of all
members of the congregation, contractors, visitors and others who may visit the
church and churchyard. The allocation of duties for
safety matters and the particular arrangements we will make to implement the
policy are set out below. The policy will be kept up to
date, particularly in the light of any changes to our buildings or activities. To ensure this, the policy and the way in
which it has operated will be reviewed annually and any appropriate changes
made. Employees, voluntary helpers and
all interested parties will be consulted on a regular basis in order to seek
their views on health and safety matters. B: Responsibilities Vicar Overall and final responsibility
for health and safety is that of the vicar. Parochial
Church Council The PCC has general
responsibility to ensure that the health and safety policy is implemented. Health and
Safety Officer The Health and Safety Officer has
responsibility for the day-to-day implementation of the arrangements outlined
in this policy. Employees and
Voluntary Helpers All employees and voluntary helpers
have a responsibility to co-operate in the implementation of this health and
safety policy and to take reasonable care of themselves and others while on
church business or premises. C: Consultation, Involvement and Information Employees, voluntary helpers and
all interested parties will be consulted on a regular basis in order to seek
their views on health and safety matters. In carrying out risk assessments
relevant persons will be involved. For
example, a risk assessment related to the church kitchen will seek the input of
some of the voluntary helpers who prepare refreshments for the congregation. Relevant persons, including
voluntary helpers, will be made aware of this health and safety policy and will
be given full information to enable them to carry out any specific health and
safety procedures and approved actions arising out of risk assessments that are
pertinent to their role. D: Risk Assessment A risk assessment is a careful
examination of what, in our church, could cause harm to people, so that we can
weigh up whether we have taken enough precautions or should do more to prevent
harm. Risk
assessments will be carried out in the following manner: a) by walking round the building
in order to make a visual inspection of the areas to be examined and any
equipment which is used, keeping in mind the activities which take place in the
church. b) and by consultation with
employees, voluntary helpers and any other interested persons. Risk
assessment will be undertaken by: The Health and Safety Officer,
accompanied by such other persons as are considered appropriate. Action: a) The findings of the risk
assessment will be reported to the Vicar and the Parochial Church Council. b) Action to remove/control risks
will be approved by the Vicar and the PCC. c) The Vicar and the PCC will be
responsible for ensuring that the action required is implemented. d) The Health and Safety Officer
will check that the implemented actions have removed/reduced the risks. e) A review date will be set
after each risk assessment. E: Accidents and First Aid The First Aid box is located in
the kitchen on the right hand counter by the door. It will be checked every three months by the Health and Safety
Officer. The accident book is located next
to the First Aid box. All accidents and
work related ill health must be recorded in the accident book. F: Fire Fire risk
assessment: A fire risk assessment will be
carried out and the Fire Brigade will be invited to inspect the building and
offer fire safety advice at appropriate intervals (every two years). Fire
Extinguishers: Fire extinguishers will be
checked annually by the maintenance company. Fire extinguishers are kept in
the following locations: Lower Hall: 1 nine litre water fire extinguisher 1 two kilo C02 fire extinguisher Kitchen: 1 two kilo dry powder fire
extinguisher 1 fire blanket Entrance Hall
(on south side of church) 1 nine litre water fire
extinguisher Office: 1 nine litre water fire
extinguisher Baby Bright
Nursery Class: 1 nine litre water fire
extinguisher Upper Hall
Landing over South Door: 1 nine litre water fire
extinguisher Upper Hall
Landing over West Door: 1 nine litre water fire
extinguisher Vicar’s
Robing-Room: 1 fire blanket Flower Room: 1 nine kilogram dry powder fire
extinguisher Evacuation
Procedures If you discover a fire (no matter
how small) Ÿ
Tell people in the immediate vicinity to evacuate the
building. Ÿ
Delegate another person to check every room and evacuate the
rest of the building (including the nursery), while
you call the emergency services on 999. Ÿ
Attack the fire if possible within your capability using the
appliances provided, but without taking personal risks. Do
not use water or foam extinguishers on an electrical fire. Ÿ
If not possible to attack the fire or you are unsure which
fire extinguisher to use, assist in the evacuation of the building ensuring
that all doors are closed behind you. Ÿ
Evacuate to the designated assembly point. This is the churchyard on the south side of
the church. Ÿ
Do not re-enter the building until it is safe to do so. Fire Exits It is the responsibility of all
staff and voluntary helpers to ensure that exits from the building are not
obstructed. When the building is in use the
doors must be easily opened from the inside. G: Electrical Safety The lightening conductor and the
electrical wiring will be checked every
five years by a competent specialist firm. Every six months the Health and
Safety Officer will check plugs, sockets and cables of all electrical equipment
to ensure there are no loose connections, worn flexes or trailing cables. Any repairs will need to be reported to the
church wardens for action. All employees and voluntary
helpers must observe the following: Ÿ
Visually check all electrical appliances before use. Ÿ
Report all faults to one of the church wardens, the Health
and Safety Officer or the Vicar. Ÿ
Do not attempt to use or repair faulty equipment. Ÿ
Flexible cables should be positioned so as not to cause a
tripping hazard. H: Gas Equipment Safety The gas boiler will be maintained
and checked annually by a competent contractor who is CORGI registered. J: Kitchen A risk assessment specifically
related to the kitchen will be conducted. All employees and voluntary
helpers must observe the following: Ÿ
General standards of hygiene should be observed. Ÿ
Work surfaces should be cleaned before and after the
preparation of food. Ÿ
All crockery and cutlery should be washed thoroughly after
use. Ÿ
Take extra care when handling boiling/hot water. Ÿ
Any spills should be cleaned up immediately to avoid slips
and falls. Ÿ
Visually check electrical equipment before use. K: Work at High Levels Work at a high level is carried
out at St Barnabas’ Church in the following areas: a) changing light bulbs b) putting up and taking down
decorations for festivals e.g. Christmas. c) occasional work outside e.g.
cleaning gutters. When ladders are used for these jobs, or any others, the following
standards and procedures must be observed. a) All ladders must meet the
approved British or European standards. b) Before use all ladders should
be checked visually for any sign of damage. c) Ladders must always be
positioned securely. d) Ladders should only be used by
competent people who are completely confident about their use. e) Two people must always be
present when ladders are being used. f) Ladders will be checked for
defects every six months by the Health and Safety Officer. L: Review This policy will be reviewed
annually by the PCC. Policy
adopted by St Barnabas' Parochial Church Council 2006 |