Health and Safety Policy
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.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.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
Item Test Interval
Emergency lighting Monthly
Fire exits — main hall Weekly
Fire fighting appliances Annually
Electrical appliances Annually
Electrical installation Every 3 years
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
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.
