Swarcliffe Streams Baptist Church Health and Safety Policy

A policy is not mandatory if there are less than 5 employees but it is advisable to have one in place. The trustees of the church are responsible for health and safety. Appropriate Insurance must be in place.

Fire Safety Fire risk assessments should take place regularly and appropriate action taken, this should include checks that any flammable materials are stored safely. Emergency exits should be signed properly and kept clear. Fire fighting equipment should be checked annually and smoke alarms fitted and checked regularly.

Lightning Conductor If the church has a lightning conductor it should be properly maintained.

Building Inspections (Quadrennial or 5 year inspections) This is more for listed buildings but our building should be inspected as necessary for safety and insurance concerns.

Recording and reporting Accidents Accident reporting forms are available with the first aid box. Forms are preferable to a book due to data protection. Completed forms are saved securely (In a locked filing cabinet) by the church secretary.

First Aid A suitably stocked first aid box must be available. As many as are able should receive First Aid training as it is preferable for a first aider to be present at each meeting. First Aid training should be renewed every three years.

Resuscitation and Automated defibrillators The nearest defibrillator is outside St Lukes Church on Stanks Lane North. Guidance regarding the law and use of these can be sort from the Resuscitation Council.

Electrical Installation and Safety PAT testing should be done annually. Fixed electrical equipment and installations should be tested every 5 years at least. Trustees and any one using electrical equipment should report any wear and tear or malfunction immediately. Child Safety covers should be on all plug sockets and heaters guarded appropriately if necessary.

Gas / Oil Installations Not applicable in our church now.

Lone Working Anyone working alone should make sure that the door is locked and that someone from the church or family is aware they are there. They should not climb or undertake any work which puts them at risk of accident. If a minister or leader is conducting eg a pastoral consultation in the church consideration should be made regarding a safe exit should aggression or violence occur. Good lighting and security around the building should be in place.

Working at Height Working at height should be avoided by volunteers if possible. Measures to prevent falls must be put in place. Appropriate and safe equipment should be used and risk assessments done.

COSHH The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health. Cleaning equipment and redecoration materials need to be handled and stored properly in the correct way and in a safe place.

Asbestos Is any asbestos present in our Church ? If so the condition of this should be monitored.

Working with VDUs If the church increases to need more office work the health problems associated with VDU work would have to be considered.

Welfare at Work Adequate facilities for anyone working at the church (either voluntarily or paid) should be available. This includes toilet and hand washing facilities (regularly checked and cleaned), drinking water, adequate lighting and heating.

Manual Handling Appropriate care needs to be taken when handling heavy equipment or furniture eg tables and chairs. Chairs should be stacked safely.

Legionaires Disease May not be a cause for concern for us but water temperature should be avoided between 20 degrees and 45 degrees and avoid stagnation particularly in hot water tank. How much do we use the hot water?

Manse Should the church provide a manse at any point, the appropriate Health and Safety measures for this must also be in place.

Government Counter Terrorism Advice If concerns are raised regarding security advice is available at www.gov.uk crowded places guidance.

Pandemic - Influenza or other The church needs to be ready to comply with any Government laws or recommendations regarding a pandemic occurring. The trustees are responsible to monitor these situations and do risk assessments.

Food Hygiene The local Environmental Health Department can be approached for advice on food hygiene regulations. The church kitchen is not suitable for catering for large events. Care must be taken if providing any food for the public:- considering allergies and vulnerable people. Advice can be found in the Baptist Together Guideline Leaflet L10.

Smoke Free Legislation in Church Buildings A no smoking sign must be prominently displayed at each public entrance to the premise. It must be no less than A5 and rectangle. It must show the international no smoking symbol and state that it is against the law to smoke on these premises. We also need to mention no ecigs.

Safety of Children Small children must not be allowed to the toilet unaccompanied. Parents/carers should be aware that the outside door is a danger if left open and that they are responsible. Children under 12 are not allowed in the kitchen.

Baptistry If the baptistry is used particular care must be made for the safety of candidates and anyone walking near the baptistry in case of slips. No electrical equipment to be used eg a microphone by people in the baptistry. Children must be especially carefully supervised.

Kevin Freeman is the Church’s Health and Safety Officer