Health & Safety Policy

• report any hazards, incidents, non-compliances, improvement actions to the church office
• clear up any spillages or obstacles that may cause an incident even though you may not have caused it
• advise your colleagues or visitors of any potential hazards, restricted access, unseen steps, cables
• develop a culture of cleanliness and tidiness
• make provision for and use appropriate safety clothing where required
• maintain and all systems and equipment
• maintain high standards of food hygiene and preparation
• use the Baptist Union Food Safety Checklist for all applicable events
• complete a Risk Assessment Form for all activities and file in the church office Green File

General Statement

Our policy, so far as reasonably practicable, is to provide and maintain safe and healthy working conditions, equipment and systems for all users of our premises and all activities organised by OBC.

We seek to train, educate and create a culture of health and safety in all we do.

The allocation of duties and responsibilities are detailed below. We seek to be continually vigilant to improvements in health and safety and we will carry out regular ongoing reviews including a major review annually in the fourth quarter of the year.

Responsibilities under this policy

The Church Leadership Team takes corporate responsibility for leading and managing all aspects of health and safety for Oundle Baptist Church and, particularly, for those activities under their responsibility.

The leader responsible for Health and Safety of Buildings and Meeting Venues – David Gent

Activities governed by this policy

The following activities must be reviewed for all church buildings and events in particular – Number 1, The Manse, Oundle Primary School, Joan Strong Centre and the Methodist Church:

1. Record and report all accidents on the books/forms provided through the church office.
2. Ensure fire extinguishers are checked by an external specialist once per year.
3. Display and inform on Emergency evacuation procedures.
4. Check portable electrical appliances/ equipment including sound systems and projection systems.
5. Test fixed electrical systems every five years.
6. Gas equipment. An annual inspection will be carried out at Number 1 by a trained specialist.
7. Hazardous substances. Chemicals, paints and cleaning equipment must be stored in the outside shed at Number 1.
8. Inspect the condition of floors and ceilings on a regular basis.
9. Inspect the condition of the exterior of the building including the gutters for structure and cleanliness on a regular basis.
10. Working on ladders. For external ladder work, two people must be present at all times ensuring clear safety standards and demarcation for themselves and people in the vicinity. Where possible and appropriate, fix the ladder to the wall.
11. At Number 1, internal work at heights including the changing of light bulbs must be performed using the two-step ladder located in the rear lobby.
12. Food hygiene and preparation should follow the Baptist Union checklist.
13. Food storage, in particular use of the fridge at Number 1, must follow the guidelines displayed.
14. Food education, signage and management for allergies and special dietary requirements must be trained and implemented.
15. Safety critical building defects and glazing integrity will be fixed without delay.
16. Safeguarding for the vulnerable including older people and children will follow the Church procedures.
17. Personal safety must be considered at all times when carrying out duties.
18. Health and safety training must be given where appropriate.

Contact us

If you have any questions about this policy, or would like to raise a concern, please contact the Church Office.

Email: hello@oundlebaptist.org.uk

Your enquiry will be passed to the appropriate member of the church leadership or safeguarding team where necessary.