Health and Safety Policy

1. General Statement of Policy

Our policy is to:

• Provide healthy and safe working conditions, equipment and systems of work for our employees, volunteers, committee members and hirers.
• Keep the village hall and equipment in a safe condition for all users.
• Provide such training and information as is necessary to staff, volunteers and users.

It is the intention of the trustees to comply with all health and safety legislation and to act positively where we can reasonably do so to prevent injury, ill health or any danger arising from our activities and operations.

The trustees consider the promotion of the health and safety of its employees and volunteers and those who use its premises, including contractors, to be of great importance. We recognise that the effective prevention of accidents depends as much on a committed attitude of mind to safety as on the maintenance of equipment and safe systems of work.

Employees, contractors, volunteers, hirers and visitors must comply with all safety requirements set out by the trustees, in the hiring agreement, terms and conditions of hire and with safety notices on the premises.

2. Organisation of Health and Safety

The trustees have overall responsibility for health and safety.

Everyone using the hall must take care of themselves and others and cooperate with the trustees in keeping the premises and grounds safe. If any faults, damage or hazards are found that cannot be fixed immediately, they should be reported to the Management Committee at pamphillparishhall@gmail.com as soon as possible. Equipment that is unsafe should be labelled and stored out of use.

3. Arrangements and Procedures

Smoking

• Smoking or vaping is not permitted in any part of the hall

Licence

The hall is licensed for the playback of live and recorded music (via PPL/PRS).

The hall is a licensed premises for the sale of alcohol relating to Kingston Lacy Skittle Club — hirers must apply separately to Dorset Council for a Temporary Events Notice if alcohol will be sold.

Fire Precautions and Checks

• See the fire safety policy and fire evacuation procedures in the policies section of our website.
• There is no landline; use a mobile phone to call 999 in the event of fire.
• Fire safety equipment is serviced annually

Asbestos Management Plan

• The plan is held in the Health & Safety file and on our website.

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health

• See the separate COSHH policy in the policies section.

4. Testing and Inspection of Equipment

5. Procedure in Case of Accidents

Nearby medical facilities:

• Royal Bournemouth Hospital A&E – Castle Lane East, Bournemouth BH7 7DW (14 miles)
• Victoria Hospital Minor Injuries Unit – Victoria Road, Wimborne BH21 1ER (9 miles)

• The First Aid Box is in the kitchen.
• The accident book is kept in the First Aid Box and must be completed whenever an accident occurs.
• All accidents must be reported immediately to the committee at pamphillparishhall@gmail.com.
• RIDDOR reportable serious incidents must be submitted through the HSE website: https://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/report.htm

6. Safety Rules — Hirers

All hirers must read the hiring agreement and safety information and follow procedures such as the fire evacuation plan.

Key safety rules include:

• Maximum hall occupancy: 120 people.
• No fires, pyrotechnics or naked flames (tea lights only in approved containers).
• Do not obstruct emergency exits.
• Do not use damaged electrical equipment.
• Do not work at height without proper support and supervision.
• Do not leave portable electrical or gas appliances unattended.
• Only bring electrical appliances that have been checked and are safe.
• Do not move heavy items without assistance or use of trolleys.
• Do not stack more than five chairs.
• Children may only be in the kitchen under close supervision.
• Wear protective clothing when handling toxic or cleaning materials.

7. Contractors

Before work begins:

• The contract must be clear and understood.
• Contractors must be competent and have appropriate insurance.
• Contractors must be shown the health and safety file and made aware of relevant hazards.
• Contractors must have their own health and safety policy for their staff.

8. Insurance

The hall holds Employer’s Liability and Public Liability insurance provided by Allied Westminster Insurance (policy renewed annually).

9. Review of Policy

The management committee will review this policy annually. Reports will be available to the trustees on any accidents, faults, misuse by hirers, or other safety matters.