Health and Safety Policy Document for Ringstead Baptist Church (also known as Ringstead Shared Church)
Checked for any necessary revision April 2020
Specifics for Ringstead Baptist Church, based on Keeping People Safe, Health and Safety Toolkit.
Baptist Insurance 2019
General statement
We are committed to the Health, Safety and Welfare of our members, volunteers and the members of the public that use our premises. Our aim is to ensure that our premises are a safe work and worship environment for all by controlling the hazards in and around our premises and the hazards caused by what we do. We aim to prevent work-related injuries and ill health.
We carry out Risk Assessments on a regular basis and will review them at regular intervals. We will consult with church members and premises users about Health and Safety and provide them with the information, instruction, supervision and training that we consider is necessary.
We will make sure that you are kept safe by carrying out inspections and performing health surveillance as required. We will maintain equipment and the premises and provide any Personal Protective Equipment that we consider necessary for your Health and Safety.
You are asked to help us maintain a healthy and safe work and worship environment by reporting hazards, accidents and dangerous occurrences. You are asked to look after the safety equipment we provide and to follow safety instructions and signs. You are reminded that you are responsible for your own safety and the safety of others who use these premises
This policy will be reviewed regularly and revised as necessary.
Organisation and Responsibility.
The overall responsibility for Health and Safety lies with the Deacons and the Church Meeting.
The following people (The Property Team) have been designated by the Church Meeting as being responsible for Health and Safety:
- Peter Rance
- Peter Davis
- Alan Burton
If you need any more information or have any concerns about Health and Safety, please contact one of the people above.
Church members and volunteers are reminded that they have responsibility for their own Health and Safety and the safety of the others on the premises.
The Church Property Team will be responsible for discussing matters concerning Health and Safety and making recommendations to the Church Meeting for approval.
Procedures and Safety Arrangements
Chemicals/Cleaning materials
These are to be stored in a safe place away from the reach of children. Ensure that the door to the store is always shut and all chemicals/cleaning materials are correctly stored in the cupboard on high level shelves.
When using cleaning substances, please ensure that you follow all of the manufacturer's guidance and follow any additional information supplied by the manufacturer. Ensure that you are familiar with the precautions that you might need to take in the event of an emergency involving the substance.
Electrical equipment and wiring
The electrical wiring within the building(s) will be inspected periodically at a duration that has been suggested by the contractor performing the tests. A NICEIC contractor will perform the periodic inspection and test in accordance with BS7671 (formerly the IE Wiring Regulations).
Portable electrical appliances will be maintained, inspected and tested routinely. This will be done annually, or at a duration that has been suggested by the contractor performing the tests.
Certificates of wiring inspections, alterations and portable appliance test records will be kept in the Health and Safety Folder. There are 2 copies of this file – one is kept in the church and the church’s designated Health and Safety officer will hold a copy off church premises.
Please ensure that electrical equipment is used safely, following the manufacturer's instructions. Do not overload sockets, avoid using extension leads and take care to prevent tripping hazards when laying cables.
Fire Extinguishers
The Fire Extinguishers within the premises will be periodically examined and tested by the Service Company. The Service Company will also advise on the purchase of replacement or supplemental equipment. The certificate for the inspection and test will be displayed for one year (or until the next inspection and test), after which it will be kept on file.
Fire extinguishers will be examined for damage and use monthly by the designated person as above. Extinguishers must not be removed from their locations except in an emergency, or for the purposes of carrying out maintenance.
In the event of fire, the evacuation procedures, which are posted at all exits, will take effect.
It is recommended by the Fire Service that fire extinguishers should only be used if necessary. Safe evacuation of all people in the building is paramount and overrides the need to use the fire extinguishers.
First Aid
A first aid kit is available in the school room by the kitchen area and is clearly marked. If any of the contents of the first aid kit is used, the designated person as above must be informed.
First aid kits will be checked monthly by the designated person as above to ensure that the contents have not been used, that none of the contents have expired and that no medicines or other preparations are contained within the kit.
Kitchen area
The kitchen area is used on a regular basis by church members and other organisations. It is the responsibility of the users to ensure all equipment is suitable for use and any defects are to be reported to the persons listed on Page 1 of this document. Persons preparing food must have a good knowledge of food safety. Children will not be allowed in the food preparation area.
Food left in the Refrigerator or freezer
Any food left in the refrigerator or freezer should be clearly marked with the name of the person leaving it there and the date.
Ideally no food will be left in the refrigerator, any food exceeding its ‘use by date’ will be disposed of.
Outside BBQ’s
From time to time the church holds functions such as barbeques outside the church building. The organisers take responsibility for the safety of attendees at these functions to ensure safety for all concerned. Suitable barriers are erected at a safe distance around the barbeque area to keep people away from the main cooking area. Persons preparing food must have a good knowledge of food safety. Children will not be allowed in the food preparation area.
Maintenance work on the premises.
Volunteers are advised not to work alone on the premises performing any activity of a hazardous nature, and it is advisable that a mobile phone is carried in case of an accident. If in any doubt about the ability to do the task, a suitably qualified contractor should be employed to do the work. Please note steps and ladder use below.
Use of steps and ladders
Steps should be checked before use and the user be satisfied that they are on a firm level surface. They should be used only if the task can be easily reached without undue stretching. A ladder must only be used with a second person present. It is advisable that a mobile phone is carried in case of an accident. If in any doubt about the ability to do the task, a suitably qualified contractor should be employed to do the work.
Gardening
The mower is kept in the shed, with the petrol can . Petrol must not be brought into or stored in the Church buildings. The person mowing is advised to wear stout shoes, and the protective goggles and ear defenders. A slope is provided to avoid lifting the mower. It is advisable that a mobile phone is carried in case of an accident.
Use of vehicles
Use of a vehicle for Church business (which includes carrying passengers). The driver is responsible for ensuring that the vehicle meets legal requirements and is suitable insured.
Risk Assessment
The designated person(s) as above will identify hazards and perform a Risk Assessment. The outcome of this assessment will be recorded and kept in the Health and Safety Folder. The significant findings of this assessment will be made available to church members, volunteers and members of the public that use our premises through information, instruction and training.
Where actions are needed to reduce or eliminate risk, the designated person(s) will decide a time scale by which the corrective actions are to be completed. This will be based on the principle of "As Low As Reasonably Practicable".
Any person discovering a hazard must inform the designated person as soon as possible. In the case of serious and immediate danger, the correct emergency procedures must be followed.
Reporting an accident
An Accident Report Book is kept by the microwave cooker in the kitchen area. Should there be an accident that requires medical treatment or might possibly require nurse, doctor or hospital treatment then a report should be made and handed to one of the designated Health and Safety Team, Minister or Deacon of the Church. This applies to any accident occurring in the Church building or Church grounds.