HEALTH & SAFETY POLICY

HARTPURY METHODIST CHURCH

GLOUCESTER CIRCUIT

SECTION A

General Statement of Policy

Our policy, so far as it is reasonably practicable, is to provide and maintain safe and healthy working conditions, equipment and systems of work for our employees, casual labour and voluntary helpers

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, hall, grounds and any associated buildings.

The allocation of duties for safety matters and the particular arrangements which we will make to implement the policy are set out below.

SECTION B

Organisations and responsibilities

Responsibility of the Church Council

Overall responsibility for health and safety is that of the Church Council. It is therefore its responsibility to ensure that the health and safety policy is implemented It shall therefore

1. Be familiar with the Health and Safety Regulations, as far as they concern church premises
2. be familiar with the health and safety policy and arrangements and ensure that they are observed
3. ensure so far as is reasonably practicable, that safe systems of work are in place
4. ensure that the church premises are clean and tidy
5. ensure the grounds are properly maintained
6. ensure that first aid equipment is provided
7. ensure that all tools and equipment are properly maintained and in good condition
8. ensure that adequate fire fighting equipment is available and maintained
9. appoint a member with specific responsibilities for health & safety, with a small sub-committee who have the responsibility of carrying our the various assessments and reporting back

Responsibility of employees and voluntary workers

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 whilst on church business or premises.

SECTION C

Arrangements
(Implementation of the Policy)

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,

1. ACCIDENTS AND FIRST AID

First Aid Box/first aid blanket/accident book

All accidents and incidents must be entered in the accident book. First Aid kits should be stored in an area where conditions will not readily contribute to their deterioration and checked on a regular basis.

2. GENERAL FIRE SAFETY

Our responsibility is to undertake the following:

1. 1. An Assessment of the fire risks in the premises
2. 2. To provide reasonable fire detection and fire fighting equipment
3. 3. To ensure that all Fire Exits are clearly marked.
4. 4. Check that people who may be in the building can get out safely
5. 5. A regular check that our fire fighting equipment is in place and is serviceable, and that there is an annual maintenance contract in place with a recognised company.

If you discover a fire (no matter how small)

1. Immediately raise the alarm
2. Telephone the emergency services
3. Check the building for occupants without taking personal risks
4. Attack the fire if possible within your capability using the appliances provided, but without taking personal risks
5. If not possible to attack the fire or if you are unsure which fire extinguisher to use, evacuate the building, ensuring that all doors are closed behind you. The general rule is People before Property
6. Ensure clear access for the emergency vehicles.

3. ELECTRICAL SAFETY

At regular intervals, plugs, cables and sockets will be inspected to ensure there are no loose connections, worn flexes or trailing leads.

1. Any repairs needed will be carried out by a competent electrician.
2. All electrical systems should be inspected every 5 years
3. Portable electrical appliances to be inspected annually by a registered electrician
4. Any person bring electrical items onto your premises should have a PAT tested sticker on
5. Donations of electrical items (i.e. Kettles, vacuums etc), should be PAT tested before using

4. CENTRAL HEATING

Oil fired/Gas/Electric Central Heating to be checked annually

5. HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES

1. Cleaning fluids and other substances, which could be dangerous to children, will be kept out of their reach
2. Anyone cleaning the property to be made aware of hazardous cleaning materials.
3. Bleach should not be used

6. SAFETY OF MACHINERY

1. Persons under the age of 18 may use hand tools only and are not permitted to operate any power driven item of plant or machinery
2. Ladders may only be used when they can be safely secured. This may necessitate the use of ladder ties or two person operations.

7. SLIPS, TRIPS AND FALLS (conditions of floors, steps and path)

In order to reduce, as far as is reasonably practicable the risk of slips, trips and falls, regular inspections will be made of all floors, and all paths and steps to the grounds.

8 LIGHTING

In order that the Church, Hall and adjacent rooms are adequately lit, regular inspections will be carried out to ensure that all lights in the Church premises and grounds are working and bulbs replaced as necessary. The necessary safety precautions will be followed for replacing bulbs at high levels.

9 WORKING AT HIGH LEVELS

Only approved contractors or competent volunteers may work at high levels subject to the necessary safety provisions being in place.

10 PREPARATION OF FOOD

We ensure that we follow the appropriate regulations governing the preparation and storage of foodstuffs including storage at correct temperatures.

11 CONTRACTORS

Anyone entering the church premises for the purposes of carrying out work, other than an employee or voluntary worker of the church, will be regarded as a contractor. All contractors, should:

1. Have their own Health & Safety Policy (where required by law) and be able to provide a copy of the same
2. Provide evidences that they have appropriate public and employers' liability, in place
3. Any Contractor seen to be acting in a way contrary to the conditions of the Health and Safety Document, may be asked to stop working and leave the site.

Signed.....................................................Date……………December 2002