Health and Safety Policy

PRIORY CHURCH, GATEHOUSE & GROUNDS

Health and Safety Policy

General Arrangements

Ensure that all reasonably practical steps are taken to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all persons using the site and buildings thereon,Ensure that all reasonably practical steps are taken to ensure the health and safety of clergy, congregation, visitors, volunteers and others who may be visiting,Ensure safety and absence of risks to health in connection with the use, handling, storage and transport of articles and substances,Develop safety awareness amongst clergy, congregation, visitors, volunteers and other supervising adults,Formulate and implement effective procedures for use in the event of fire and other emergencies.

Responsibilities

The maintenance of a healthy and safe site is the shared responsibility of the whole church community.

The Vicar, Churchwardens, and other members of The Parochial Church Council (PCC) have the responsibility to ensure the health and safety of anyone who visits the church, gatehouse, graveyard or the grounds for whatever purpose.

More specifically they will:

Recognise their responsibility under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 so far as is reasonably practicable,Reference Ecclesiastical Insurance Church Health and Safety Policy with guidance notes,Decide policy,Monitor and review health and safety issues which involves:Annual Health and Safety policy review,Annual Health and Safety risk assessment and audit,Health and Safety risk assessments of any new activity,Carrying out specific risk assessments as and when necessary, for all special events, concerts, etc. (where the public are invited or pay for admission). A copy of these will be kept on the premises,Ensure adequate resources for health and safety are available,Appoint a member of the PCC to be the Health and Safety Officer.

The responsibility of the Health and Safety Officer shall be:

Be familiar with Health and Safety Regulations as far as they concern church premises,Be responsible for the day-to-day development and implementation of health and safety processes and procedures for example first aid, fire/evacuation and risk assessment.Promote the development and maintenance of sound safety, health and welfare practices,Ensure that all staff, volunteers, congregation, visitors and other supervising adults fulfil their duties in accordance with the policy.Provide and maintain a working environment that is safe, without risk to health and adequate as regards welfare facilities for staff, volunteers, congregation, visitors and other supervising adults,Ensure that safety equipment and personal protective clothing is provided as required and adequate fire fighting equipment is available and maintained,Provide adequate training, information, instruction and supervision to enable all staff, volunteers, congregation, visitors and other supervising adults to perform their work safely and efficiently,Promote a culture of safety throughout the church community,Report safety incidents and near-misses in accordance with procedures.Liaise with outside agencies able to offer expert advice as required.

This Policy is accepted by PCC

Signed: Nicolas Spicer Vicar

James Rubie- Churchwarden

Dated 27th September 2022