Dorridge Village Hall Association Registered Charity 506221
Health and Safety Policy Part 1 – General Statement of Policy
This document is the Health and Safety Policy of the Dorridge Village Hall Association
Provide a healthy, safe and secure environment, both inside the hall, and within its precincts, for the users, hirers, visitors, and others, including members of the public, when using the facilities.
Keep the village hall and equipment in a safe condition for all users.
It is the intention of Dorridge Village Hall Management Committee to comply with all Health and Safety legislation and to act positively where it can reasonably do so, to prevent injury, ill health or any danger arising from its activities and operations.
Dorridge Village Hall Management Committee considers the promotion of the health and safety of those who use its premises to be of great importance.
The management committee recognises that the effective prevention of accidents depends much on a committed attitude of mind to safety.
To this end, it will seek to encourage all users to engage in the establishment and observance of safe working practices.
Users, hirers and visitors will be expected to recognise that there is a duty on them to comply with the practices set out by the committee, with all safety requirements set out in the hiring agreement and with safety notices on the premises and to accept responsibility to do everything they can to prevent injury to themselves or others.
Part 2: Organisation of Health and Safety
The Dorridge Village Hall Management Committee has overall responsibility for health and safety at Dorridge Village Hall
It is the duty of all users, hirers and visitors to take care of themselves and others who may be affected by their activities and to co-operate with the Management Committee in keeping the premises safe and healthy, including the grounds adjacent to the Hall.
Regular users must identify a nominated supervisor who shall be at least 21 years old and will be responsible for the hirer of the user’s activities during the hire period. Any incidents should be reported by telephone or email and written up in the incident book that is kept in the kitchen area.
Should anyone using the Hall identify a fault, damage or other situation that might cause injury and cannot be rectified immediately they should inform Bob Tabb as soon as possible.
Where equipment is damaged or constituting a hazard the hirer should place a notice on it warning that it is not to be used.
Part 3: Arrangements and Procedures
3.1 Premises Licence
The Hall is licenced by Solihull Metropolitan Council for:- plays, films, indoor sporting events, live and recorded music, performances of dance, provision of facilities for making music and for dancing, and the sale by retail of alcohol for consumption on the premises.
3.2 Fire precautions and action
Users should acquaint themselves with all exits (normal and emergency) and these must be kept clear at all times both internally and externally so as not to impede emergency evacuation.
Fire doors should not be wedged open.
In the event of an outbreak of fire:
- Immediately operate the nearest fire alarm.
- Ring the fire brigade on 999 to report the fire at Dorridge Village Hall, Grange Road, Dorridge B93 8QA.
- Evacuate the building. Fire extinguishers are provided to assist in clearing a path to the exits.
- If possible and if it is safe to do so then close doors and windows to reduce the spread of the fire.
- Assemble in the car park area away from the Hall.
- The hirer should check that everyone is present.
- Do not re-enter the building until it is declared safe to do so.
3.3 Procedure in case of accidents
Accident forms are kept in the kitchen area in a Health and Safety file. It is the responsibility of the hirer present at the time to complete the form and record all accidents or ‘near misses’. They will be reviewed regularly by the Committees and necessary actions taken to diminish risks on a proactive basis.
A first Aid box is available in the kitchen. It will be inspected monthly and restocked by a designated member of the Management Committee.
Any serious incidents will be reported to the Health a safety section Environmental Services Solihull MBC.
3.4 Safety Rules
All new hirers will be given copies of this policy by the Booking secretary. They are expected to comply with all aspects of the policy.
Risk assessments have been carried out by members of the Management Committee. The following practices must be followed to minimise risks.
- Ensure all emergency exit doors are clear and unlocked as soon as the hall is to be used and throughout the hiring
- Do not operate or touch any electrical equipment where there are signs of damage, exposure of components to water or water penetration.
- Do not work on steps, ladders or at height until they are properly secured and another person is present.
- Do not leave portable electrical or gas appliances operating while unattended.
- Do not bring onto the property any portable electrical appliances which have not been PAT (Portable Appliance Tested) approved within the last 12 months.
- Do not attempt to move heavy or bulky items without adequate support and use the trolleys provided to move chairs.
- Do not allow children in the kitchen.
- Wear suitable protective clothing when handling cleaning or other toxic materials.
- Report any evidence of damage or faults to Bob Tabb or the bookings secretary.
Be aware and seek to avoid the following risks:-
- Slipping hazards on stairs, polished or wet floors. Mop spills immediately.
- Tripping hazards both internally and externally.
- Tripping hazards in poorly lit areas. Use adequate lighting.
- Creating toppling hazards by stacking equipment.
- Injury from improper handling of kitchen equipment
- People being on their own in the Hall without easy access to backup such as a mobile phone.
3.5 Contractors
The management Committee representatives will check with contractors (including self-employed persons) before they start work that:-
- Contractors have appropriate and adequate insurance cover
- Contractors do not work alone on ladders at height.
- They have received a copy of the Healthy and Safety Policy
- Contractors have their own health and Safety policy.
3.6 Insurance
Name of insurer: Village Guard
Name of Insurance Broker: Allied Westminster (Insurance Services) Ltd
Telephone number of insurer: 01937 845245
Policy Number: 24166446CHC
Date of renewal: 29 03 2020
Email: insurance@alliedwestminster.com
3.7 Review of Health and Safety Policy
The management committee will review this policy annually.
(On behalf of the Management Committee)