Feltham Community Association
Health and Safety Policy
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
Statement of Feltham Community Associations Safety Policy.
Feltham Community Association (FCA) recognises and accepts its health and safety duties as an employer for providing a safe and healthy working environment so far as is reasonably practicable for all its employees, under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and other relevant legislation.
1. Policy Objectives.
1.1 FCA will take all reasonable practicable steps to meet its responsibilities, paying particular attention to the provision and maintenance of:
1.1.1 a safe place of work and safe access to and egress from it,
1.1.2 a healthy working environment,
1.1.3 plant, equipment and systems of work that are safe,
1.1.4 safe arrangements for the use, handling, storage and transport of articles and substances,
1.1.5 sufficient information, instruction, training and supervision to enable all employees and volunteers to avoid hazards and contribute to their own safety and health at work,
1.1.6 reasonable practical safe arrangements for protection against risk to health and safety of the general public or other persons which may arise from FCAs activities,
1.1.7 making suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks to the health and safety of employees and of persons not in the employment of FCA arising out of or in connection with FCA activities,
1.1.8 making specific assessment of risks in respect of new or expectant mothers and young people under the age of eighteen,
1.1.9 providing information to other employers whose workers are on FCAs premises of any risks to which those workers may be exposed.
2. Management Responsibilities.
2.1 The Manager is responsible for ensuring that the safety policy is carried out and that responsibilities for safety, health and welfare are properly assigned and accepted at all levels.
2.1.1 The Health and Safety Representatives appointed by the Management and staff respectively are:
3. Employees Responsibilities.
3.1 It is the duty of all employees under Section 7 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to take reasonable care for the lives of themselves and others who may be affected by their acts and omissions. Every employee MUST:
3.1.1 Take care of his/her safety whilst at work,
3.1.2 Take care for the health and safety of all members of the general public who may be affected by his/her actions or omissions, with particular consideration for the needs of children and young persons and the elderly and infirm engaged in activities organised by FCA,
3.1.3 Comply with all safety instructions,
3.1.4 Co-operate with FCA so as to enable it to carry out its responsibilities successfully,
3.1.5 Not wilfully misuse nor interfere with any item provided in the interests of health, safety or welfare,
3.1.6 Report at the earliest opportunity injuries, accidents or dangerous occurrences at work including those involving the public and participants in activities organised by FCA.
4. Policy for Visitors and Contractors.
4.1 VISITORS: On arrival all visitors should be directed to the appropriate member of staff or host user/hirer of the building. This person will take responsibility for their visitors and assist in their evacuation from the building during an emergency or arrange help in the event of an accident.
4.1.1 CONTRACTORS WORKING IN THE BUILDING: Report any concerns relating to your own safety or suspected unsafe working practices by the contractors to The Manager or
5. First Aid and Accident Reporting.
5.1 FIRST AID:
5.1.1 The person responsible for First Aid for the premises is:
5.1.2 The following people will be trained in First Aid and appointed as First Aiders:
5.1.3 First Aid Boxes are provided in the following locations:
5.2 ACCIDENTS:
5.2.1 In the event of an injury or illness, call for a member of staff or ring for an ambulance directly. To call an ambulance dial 999 and ask for ambulance.
5.2.2 All accidents must be reported to one of the following persons as soon as practicable:
5.2.3 All accidents must be entered in the Accident Book situated in the Community Centre Administration Office.
5.2.4 The procedures for reportable accidents, as shown in Appendix A, must be followed.
5.2.5
will investigate incidents and accidents and provide a written detailed report for The Board of FCA to consider the actions necessary to prevent a recurrence.
6. Fire Drills and Evacuation Procedures.
6.1 FIRE DRILLS:
6.1.1 All staff must know the fire procedures, position of fire appliances and escape routes.
6.1.1.1 The Fire Alarm points, Fire Exits and Emergency Lighting system will be tested by:
during the first week of each month and entered in the log book provided.
6.1.2
The Staff Health and Safety Representative shall arrange for Fire Drills and Fire Prevention Checks (see Appendix C) to be carried out at least once every three months and entered into the log book.
6.1.3 The last person securing the premises shall ensure Fire Prevention Close-Down Checks are made of all parts of the premises at the end of a session (see Appendix C).
6.2 IN THE EVENT OF FIRE:
6.2.1 Persons discovering a fire should sound the nearest alarm,
6.2.2 The first duty of all staff (and/or senior organisers of host user/hirer) is to evacuate all people from the building by the nearest exit immediately the fire is discovered.
6.2.3 All persons must evacuate the building and, where possible without personal risk, leave all doors and windows closed,
6.2.4 The assembly points for FCA premises evacuation are as follows:
FIRE EVACUTAION ASSEMBLY POINTS:
No-one should leave the assembly point without the permission of a member of staff/senior organiser of host user/hirer essential to thoroughly check everyone has been evacuated from the premises.
6.2.5 If a fire occurs the Fire Brigade must be called immediately by dialling 999 and asking for Fire.
6.2.6 When the Fire Brigade arrives advise whether all persons are accounted for and location of fire.
7. Bomb Warnings.
7.1 If you receive a warning try and find out from the caller:
7.1.1 the approximate location of the bomb and likely time of detonation,
7.1.2 whether the Police and Fire Brigade have been notified,
7.1.3 try and RECORD EXACTLY WHAT IS SAID.
7.2 Notify the Police immediately.
7.3 DO NOT SOUND THE FIRE ALARM but evacuate the building taking into consideration any information from the bomb warning.
7.4 BOMB WARNING EVACUATION ASSEMBLY POINTS (UNLESS BOMB WARNING MEANS OTHERWISE):
8. Theatrical and Public Entertainment Licensed Events.
8.1 In addition to the general conditions of Public Entertainment License for the Community Hall included in the License the following conditions apply:
8.2 Emergency Lights in the areas used must be kept illuminated.
9. Food Hygiene.
9.1 When handling or preparing food there are specific hygiene requirements:
9.1.1 Regularly wash hands before and during food preparation but especially after using the toilet,
9.1.2 Tell the Manager, Staff Health and Safety Representative, Youth Development Officer, or Organiser of Host user/hirer, of any skin, nose, throat or bowel problem,
9.1.3 Ensure cuts and sores are covered with waterproof dressings,
9.1.4 Keep yourself clean and wear clean clothing,
9.1.5 Do not smoke in a food room (it is illegal and unhygienic),
9.1.6 Never cough or sneeze over food,
9.1.7 Clean as you go. Keep all equipment and surfaces clean,
9.1.8 Prepare raw and cooked foods in separate areas. Keep perishable food covered and either refrigerated (less than 8*C) or piping hot (above 63*C),
9.1.9 Ensure waste food is disposed of properly. Keep the lid on the dustbin and wash your hands after putting waste in it,
9.1.10 Avoid handling food as far as possible,
9.1.11 Tell the Manager if you cannot follow the Rules,
9.1.12 Advise the Manager of any defects or concerns regarding the facilities e.g. uncleanness, refrigeration operation, cracked food preparation surfaces, etc.
10. Cleaning Materials, General Machinery and High Risk Areas.
10.1 All portable machinery must be switched off and unplugged when not in use.
10.2 Wandering cables are a hazard; use with caution and safety in mind,
10.3 Slippery floors are dangerous; use warning signs,
10.4 Use protective clothing and equipment provided and as instructed on machinery/equipment/material. It is the duty of an employee to report any loss of or defect in protective clothing or equipment.
11. Safety
11.1 The Manager, Staff Health and Safety Representative and Management Health and Safety Representative shall every six months carry out a safety tour and inspection of the following FCA premises and make a report to the next meeting of The Board of FCA:
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All necessary actions as a result of the tour shall, where reasonable and practicable, be implemented by The Board of FCA. The tour shall include inspection of the Accident Book and Health and Safety Log Books. (See Appendix D for reasons and Checklist for Safety Tour).
12. General
12.1 All thoroughfares, exits and gates must be left clear at all times.
12.2 Corridors, stairs and fire exits must not be blocked by furniture or equipment.
12.3 Cars must not be parked near to the building so as to cause any obstruction or hazard.
12.4 Hazards or suspected hazards or other Health and Safety Matters should be reported to the Manager, Staff Health and Safety Representative, or, Management Health and Safety Representative immediately or as soon as practical, so that action can be taken. If the hazard is of a serious nature immediate action must be taken to protect the area or clear the area to prevent injury to staff or other users.
APPENDICES.
13. Appendix A Accident Reporting.
13.1 ACCIDENTS.
13.1.1 All accidents which occur during work for FCA or on premises under the control of FCA must be recorded.
13.2 ACCIDENTS TO EMPLOYEES AT WORK OR CONTRACTORS.
13.2.1 For all accidents complete Accident Book (HMSO BI 510) and Form Acc.1.
13.2.2 For accidents reportable to the Health and Safety Executive:
* If accident results in incapacity for work for more than 3 calendar days then complete Form F2508 with copies to Health and Safety Executive and the Manager and Chair of The Board FCA, and FCA Health and Safety Representatives,
* If accident results in fatality, fracture, amputation or other specified injury then immediately notify Health and Safety Executive and the Manager and Chair of The Board FCA, and FCA Health and Safety Representatives. Follow up within seven days with completed Form F2508.
13.2.3 Contractors: If a reportable accident involves a contractors employee and the premises are under the control of someone other than the contractor then that person in control of the premises is responsible for reporting the accident.
13.2.4 If a contractors employee is at work on premises under the control of the contractor then it is the contractor or someone working on his/her behalf who is responsible for reporting the accident.
13.3 ACCIDENTS TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.
13.3.1 For ALL ACCIDENTS Complete Accident Book (HMSO BI 510) AND Form Acc.1.
13.3.2 For accidents reportable to the Health and Safety Executive:
* If accident results in fatality, fracture, amputation or other specified injury then immediately notify Health and Safety Executive and the Manager and Chair of The Board FCA, and FCA Health and Safety Representatives. Follow up within seven days with completed Form F2508.
* Some injuries may not be fully identified until the casualty has been to hospital. It is therefore essential that, if it is known that an individual has gone to hospital as a result of an accident, follow up action is carried out.
13.4 DEFINITION OF SPECIFIED MAJOR INJURIES OR CONDITIONS.
13.4.1 Fracture of the skull, spine or pelvis; any bone in the arm or wrist, but not a bone in the hand; any bone in the leg or ankles, but not a bone in the foot.
13.4.2 Amputation of: a hand or foot, or a finger or thumb or toe, or any part thereof if the joint or bone is completely severed.
13.4.3 Other Specified Injuries and conditions:
* The loss of sight of an eye; a penetrating injury to the eye, or a chemical or hot metal burn to an eye.
* Either injury (including burns) requiring immediate medical treatment, or loss of consciousness, resulting (in either case) from electric shock from any electrical circuit or equipment, whether or not due to direct contact.
* Loss of consciousness resulting from lack of oxygen.
* Decompression sickness requiring immediate medical treatment.
* Either acute illness requiring treatment, or loss of consciousness, resulting (in either case) from absorption of any substance by inhalation, ingestion or through the skin.
* Acute illness requiring medical treatment where there is a reason to believe that this resulted from exposure to a pathogen or infected material.
* Any other injury which results in the person injured being admitted immediately into hospital for more than 24 hours.
* IF IN DOUBT REPORT IT.
13.5 DANGEROUS OCCURENCES.
13.5.1 In the event of any of the following:
* Collapse/Overturning of machinery/Explosion/Collapse of Closed Vessel/Boiler Electrical Explosion/Fire.
Notify immediately the Health and Safety Executive and the Manager and the Chair of The Board FCA and FCA Health and Safety Representatives.
13.6 OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES.
13.6.1 Poisoning Skin Diseases Lung Diseases Infections. On receipt of a written diagnosis from a Doctor, report the Disease using Form F2508A to The Health and Safety Executive and the Manager and the Chair of The Board FCA and FCA Health and Safety Representatives.
13.6.2 Full details of Dangerous Occurrences and Occupational Diseases can be found in HSE RIDDOR Booklets 11 and 17.
13.6.3 IF IN ANY DOUBT REPORT IT.
14. Appendix B Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH Regulations).
14.1 ASSESSMENT.
14.1.1 The Assessment must be a systematic review:
* What substances are present? In what form?
* What harmful effects are possible?
* Where and how are the substances actually used of handled?
* What harmful effects are given off etc?
* Who could be affected, to what extent and for how long?
* How likely is it that exposure will happen?
* What precautions need to be taken to comply with COSHH Regulations?
14.2 PREVENTION OR CONTROL
14.2.1 FCA has to ensure that the exposure of employees to hazardous substances is Prevented or, if this is not reasonably practicable, Adequately Controlled.
14.2.2 On the basis of assessment, FCA must decide which control measures are appropriate to its work situation in order to deal effectively with anyhazardous substances that may be present. This may mean Preventing exposure by:
* removing the hazardous substance by changing the process.
* substituting with a safe or safer substance, or using a safer form.
14.2.3 Where this is not reasonably practicable, Controlling exposure by for example:
* totally enclosing the process,
* using partial enclosure and extraction equipment,
* general ventilation,
* using safe systems of work and handling procedures.
14.2.4 It is for FCA to choose the method of controlling exposure and to examine and test control measures if required.
14.2.5 The Regulations limit the use of Personal Protective Equipment (e.g. respirators, dust masks, protective clothing) as the means of protection to those situations only where other measures cannot adequately control exposure.
14.2.6 FCA must provide any of their employees and, so far as is reasonably practicable, other persons on site who may be exposed to substances hazardous to health while at work, with suitable and sufficient information, instructions and training so that they know the risks they run and the precautions they must take.
14.2.7 FCA must ensure that anyone who carries out any task in connection with their duties under COSHH has sufficient information, instruction and training to do the job properly.
14.2.8 FCA will maintain specific COSHH storage cupboards in the:
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15. Appendix C Fire Prevention.
15.1 FIRE PREVENTION ADVICE.
15.1.1 Annually the Fire Brigade should be consulted on the following:
* The number and width of escape routes so as to provide a ready means of escape from all parts of the FCA premises.
* Emergency Lighting and its maintenance.
* The most suitable way of raising an alarm in the event of fire.
* The contents of Fire Instruction Notices.
* The numbers and type of fire extinguishers or other fire-fighting appliances which should be provided.
* Precautions to be taken with any activities involving the use of flammable liquids, naked flames or heating processes.
* The desirability of battening or clipping seats together in sets of four where moveable seats are used for large audiences.
* The maximum number of people who should be allowed in the premises at any one time:
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* Seating and gangways in the Hall/activity rooms so arranged as to allow free and ready access direct to fire exits.
* Exit doors always unlocked before the start of any session and kept unlocked until the last person leaves.
* Escape routes and exit doors clearly sign-posted and marked so that anyone not familiar with the building can quickly see the ways out (Running Person Fire Exit Signs).
* Escape routes and exit doors never allowed to become obstructed or hidden by chairs, stage props, curtains, equipment, etc.
15.2 FIRE EQUIPMENT ADVICE AND MAINTENANCE
15.2.1 Fire extinguishers, fire alarm systems, fire blankets, secondary lighting systems, to be regularly maintained by a specialist fire engineering firm:
15.2.2 All Staff/Duty Officers to be trained to use Fire Fighting Equipment training upgrade quarterly.
15.2.3 Fire Equipment to be kept in its proper position and always clearly visible and unobstructed.
15.3 PREMISES CLOSE DOWN CHECKS.
15.3.1 The following close-down checks to be made by appropriate Staff/Duty Officers on the FCA premises:
* No smouldering fires or cigarettes left burning.
* Heaters and cookers turned off.
* Televisions and other electrical apparatus turned off and unplugged.
* Lights off.
* Internal doors closed.
* Outside doors and windows closed and secured.
15.4 REASONABLE STEPS TO PREVENT FIRES.
15.4.1 The following steps will be taken to prevent fires:
* Smoking not allowed in store rooms,
* Ashtrays provided in areas where smoking is permitted,
* NO SMOKING prohibition Notices to be displayed clearly in appropriate areas,
* Heating appliances fitted with adequate and secure fire guards,
* Portable heaters securely fixed and kept away from combustible materials,
* Precautions to ensure that convector type heaters are not covered with clothes and curtains,
* Temporary extensions or additions to the electrical installation carried out and checked by a competent electrician,
* Electrical appliances to be checked annually by a competent electrician,
* Sufficient socket outlets provided to obviate the need for long trailing flexes,
* Damaged leads replaced regularly,
* Cooking operations supervised by a reliable person,
* Scenery, decorations and costumes for stage performances treated to make them flame retardant,
* Curtains treated to make them flame retardant,
* All parts of the premises kept clear of waste and rubbish, particularly staircases, spaces under stairs, store rooms, attics and boiler rooms,
* Designated fire doors checked to ensure they are of appropriate material construction,
* Fire-check door-closers fitted and operational.
16. Appendix D Health and Safety Inspections.
16.1 A Health and Safety Inspection of the FCA Premises shall be undertaken every six months by the Manager and
16.2 The FCA Health and Safety Officers will undertake the Inspection using the FCA agreed Risk Assessment Inspection Forms. The Risk Assessment forms relate to both the building and activities taking place within the buildings.
16.3 The completed Risk Assessment forms will be circulated to The Board for action and policy consideration.
16.4 Risk Assessments will be carried out in relation to every activity undertaken, whether by groups or individuals, and including the work of paid staff and volunteers.
16.5 The standard FCA Risk Assessment Forms are attached to this Policy Document.
17. Appendix E(1) Display Screen Equipment.
17.1 WHO IS A DISPLAY SCREEN USER
17.1.1 The Regulations are for the protection of employees and self-employed workers who habitually use display screen equipment for a significant part of their normal work.
17.1.2 In some cases it will be clear that the use of Display Screen Equipment is more or less continuous on most days and the individuals concerned should be regarded as users. Where use is less continuous, USER status would apply if most or all of the following criteria are met:
* The individual depends on the use of display screen equipment to do the job, as alternative means are not readily available for achieving the same results,
* The individual has no discretion as to the use or non-use of the display screen equipment,
* The individual needs significant training and/or particular skills in the use of display screen equipment to do the job,
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