The Common Room_H&S Policy

ST LAWRENCE CHURCH, NORWICH 02.10.13

HEALTH & SAFETY FIRE & EMERGENCY POLICY

THE COMMON ROOM HEALTH & SAFETY POLICY AND FIRE & EMERGENCY PROTOCOLS

HEALTH AND SAFETY General Safety All Member Hosts (MH) should behave in a manner which is not liable to cause themselves or others harm. They should continuously identify and anticipate hazards.

This Health and Safety Policy sets out how The Common Room tries to ensure that nobody is harmed.

Only undertake work that you have received instruction and training for. Also, advise your Churches Conservation CCT Contact of any health, safety or welfare issue that may affect you.

We ask all MH to:    

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Co-operate with Common Room in any matters that improve the conditions for Health, Safety and Welfare at premises.

Use work equipment in accordance with training and instruction received.

Report dangerous situations or any apparent defects in work equipment and procedures or the premises to the TCCT. Be aware of arrangements for first aid treatment, procedures in the event of accidents, fire and special conditions/hazards related to the church, especially related to undertaking lone working or work at height – either of which are permitted.

Request further instruction, training and supervision should new work practices arise.

KEY RULES  Do not rush.  If uncertain, do not proceed - seek advice or assistance.  Do not smoke, use naked flame or create sparks.

Working in and around the church Working alone in prohibited as personal safety must be the overriding priority at all times.

Keeping yourself safe:  The Common Room proposes creating a log-in log-out system for members and users of the space.

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THE COMMON ROOM HEALTH & SAFETY POLICY AND FIRE & EMERGENCY PROTOCOLS ST LAWRENCE CHURCH, NORWICH 02.10.13

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Consideration and attention must be given to any hazards that are present in and around the working area or locality.

Any situations presenting a risk to personal safety should be reported to your CCT Contact and logged in the Common Room diary, access via the website from the Member Host page.

The following actions must be followed to ensure personal safety:  Do not approach or enter a church if there are people present that you feel threatened by  Opening hours should reflect daylight hours, but if you are holding a project activity or event in hours of darkness ensure you have a torch with you  Promptly report to your CCT Contact any condition or activity which appears to be of significant health or safety risk, and log in the Common Room Diary  Do not tamper with anything that has been provided in the interests of health and safety.  Do not carry valuables, unless necessary. Carrying a mobile phone is a good safety precaution  As you are leaving, ensure you can see to reach the exit if/when switching off lights.

Carry a torch if necessary.  When leaving, look around outside before turning your back to lock the door.

The most important things to remember are:  Do not undertake tasks without having received authorisation, training and instructions.  Personal safety must be taken into consideration at all times.  Consider the health or safety implications and consequences of actions or omissions before undertaking work tasks Anyone with a known risk of losing consciousness or mobility because of a medical condition should not undertake lone work.

Child Protection Currently members must be over the age. Any children most to be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

In Case of an Emergency It is good practice to carry a fully charged mobile phone whilst hosting in the church.

In an emergency Dial 999 and inform the emergency services of the full address and postcode of the church.

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THE COMMON ROOM HEALTH & SAFETY POLICY AND FIRE & EMERGENCY PROTOCOLS ST LAWRENCE CHURCH, NORWICH 02.10.13

To contact the police for a non-emergency dial 101.

Give the church address as: St Laurence Church St. Benedict's Street Norwich NR2 3PE If they need further details to find the church it is on St Benedict’s, passed Pizza Express opposite Norwich Art Supplies.

Please also contact the Churches Conservation Trust about the accident/incident as soon as possible.

Violent or threatening behaviour: If a person entering the church becomes hostile or aggressive, be aware of non-verbal communication; remain calm and polite  Be aware of surroundings.  Be aware of your own actions and how others may perceive you.  If you feel threatened, make your excuses and leave. Make sure you can leave the premises quickly if you need to. Do not put yourself in harms way.

Fire In the event of a fire, saving the church is NOT the main priority!   

On discovering a fire, immediately raise the alarm by shouting “FIRE” Leave the church in an orderly fashion, ensuring that any visitors on the premises are escorted, and assemble outside at a place of safety away from the entrance.

Check that all people are safe without putting yourself at risk.

Dial 999 for the Fire Brigade and provide the address of the church.

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THE COMMON ROOM HEALTH & SAFETY POLICY AND FIRE & EMERGENCY PROTOCOLS ST LAWRENCE CHURCH, NORWICH 02.10.13

Fire extinguishers: There are no fire extinguishers in the church. There will be a bucket of damp sand to hand which should only be used to help clear a safe exit route.

Reducing the risk: Fire can pose a significant risk to human life (and CCT property), therefore the CCT takes all possible measures to eliminate or reduce the risk of fire occurring and the risk of harm from fire to all persons.

It is important to keep routes and exits clear at all times.

No Smoking Policy: Smoking is not allowed inside any church and is a risk if anything could catch fire close to it. If anyone is seen smoking, please notify them that it is prohibited.

Candle Policy:  Lighting of Candles : Matches/tapers are to be kept out of sight when not in use and locked away  Candles must always be used in an appropriate candle holder fixed to the fabric or placed on a level surface  Lighted candles are not to be left unattended at any time and should not be sited in close proximity to a source of flammable materials such as drapes  Avoid placing lighted candles upon delicate surfaces, such as wood and stonework (especially monuments and fonts) as this can cause serious damage  Always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions on the candle box  Always leave at least 100 mm (approximately 4 inches) between candles when burning  Never burn a candle right down. Extinguish the candle before it burns into the holder or container. This creates less risk of the candle overheating the holder  Never touch or move a burning candle  If a candle will not go out easily using a 'snuffer', cover it with a damp cloth Never use water to extinguish a candle. Always use a snuffer.  If the candle smokes: Extinguish the flame, allow to cool. Trim the wick before relighting Vandalism or theft    

Contact the CCT contact and the police (dial 101, unless the incident is taking place at the time then dial 999).

Do not touch anything.

Do not be tempted to clear/tidy up, as evidence may need to be collected.

Broken stained glass and monuments must NOT be touched, as these can be repaired by our conservation experts. Please ensure that the police and anyone else attending the incident site are aware of what must not be touched.

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THE COMMON ROOM HEALTH & SAFETY POLICY AND FIRE & EMERGENCY PROTOCOLS ST LAWRENCE CHURCH, NORWICH 02.10.13

Accidents and incidents   

Any accidents, however minor, or ill health occurring to anyone at the church must be immediately notified to the CCT contact.

If an ambulance is required, dial 999 and ask for an Ambulance giving the church address All accidents and incidents (injuries, diseases, dangerous occurrences etc) must be recorded on the appropriate form (via the website) and the CCT informed

Prevention of slips, trips and falls Historic churches, due to their age and previous use, often have uneven and worn floors.

Please take care, especially in wet weather when floors and steps can be slippery.

CCT is committed to a policy of preventing, so far as is reasonably practicable, slips, trips or falls from damaged/worn flooring, floor coverings, steps and hatches.

CCT relies on volunteers or those visiting church premises, to bring to their attention any significant or unusual features within the access routes, walkways, steps and changes in level that are likely to present a significant risk of slipping, tripping or falling and details of any accidents that have occurred.

In order to minimise the risk of slips, trips and falls occurring, MH are asked to familiarise themselves with their surroundings and adhere to the following guidelines:      

Spillage of Wet or Dry Substances Mop up spills immediately. If liquid is greasy ensure a suitable cleaning agent is used. If the floor will remain wet, please use appropriate signage to notify visitors Trailing cables Position equipment to avoid cables crossing walkways/steps. Use cable covers/guards; restrict access to prevent tripping.

Miscellaneous rubbish Keep the church clean and tidy. Remove any rubbish and do not allow it to accumulate.

Rugs/mats Advise your CCT Contact if mats that are badly worn or torn, or have curling edges.

Lighting Maintain any artificial lighting in good working order and report defects immediately to the CCT Contact.

Slippery Surfaces During wet weather floors and steps may become very slippery. Please advise visitors to be careful around these areas.

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