Health & Safety

1. Statement of Intent

Broad Town Village Hall Committee is committed to ensuring, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of all persons using the Village Hall, including volunteers, employees, hirers, contractors and members of the public.

The Committee recognises its responsibility under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and associated regulations to provide and maintain safe premises and working practices.

This policy will be reviewed annually and updated as required.

 

2. Responsibilities

2.1 Management Committee

The Management Committee has overall responsibility for health and safety at Broad Town Village Hall and will:

• Ensure the hall is maintained in a safe condition

• Provide safe equipment and facilities

• Carry out regular risk assessments

• Ensure adequate insurance is in place

• Appoint a person responsible for health and safety matters

• Review this policy annually

2.2 Health & Safety Officer (or Chair/Secretary if not appointed)

The appointed person will:

• Monitor health and safety arrangements

• Ensure risk assessments are completed and reviewed

• Keep records of inspections and incidents

• Act on reported hazards

2.3 Volunteers and Staff

All volunteers and staff must:

• Take reasonable care of their own health and safety

• Report hazards, defects, or incidents promptly

• Follow safety procedures and guidance

2.4 Hall Hirers

All hirers of the hall are responsible for:

• Conducting their activities safely

• Ensuring equipment they bring into the hall is safe

• Complying with this Health & Safety Policy

• Reporting accidents or hazards to the Management Committee

 

3. Risk Assessment

Risk assessments will be carried out:

• Annually

• When new activities are introduced

• After any significant incident

Identified risks will be recorded and appropriate control measures implemented.

 

4. Fire Safety

• Fire risk assessments will be conducted regularly

• Fire exits must be kept clear at all times

• Fire extinguishers will be maintained annually

• Hirers must familiarise themselves with fire exits and procedures

• Emergency evacuation procedures must be displayed

 

5. First Aid and Accidents

• A first aid kit will be available and clearly marked

• All accidents and near-misses must be recorded in the Accident Book

• Serious incidents will be reported in accordance with relevant regulations where applicable

 

6. Electrical Safety

• Electrical installations will be inspected and tested as required

• Portable electrical equipment owned by the hall will be PAT tested

• Hirers must ensure their own electrical equipment is safe and suitable

 

7. Slips, Trips and Falls

• Floors will be kept in good condition

• Spillages will be dealt with promptly

• Adequate lighting will be maintained

• Cables must be safely routed and secured

 

8. Manual Handling

• Manual handling risks will be assessed

• Users are encouraged to seek assistance when moving heavy items

• Trolleys or aids will be provided where possible

 

9. Hazardous Substances

• Cleaning products and hazardous substances will be stored securely

• COSHH information will be available where required

• Users must not bring hazardous substances into the hall without permission

 

10. Contractors

Contractors working at the hall must:

• Provide evidence of competence and insurance

• Work in a safe manner

• Comply with all health and safety requirements

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11. Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if circumstances change.

Date of last review: 5/2/2026
Next review due: 5/2/2027

Signed (Chair of Management Committee): __________________