Parish of Prestbury – Health and Safety Policy

General Statement of policy

Our policy, so far as is reasonably practicable, is to provide and maintain safe and healthy working conditions, equipment and systems of work for our employees, casual labour and voluntary helpers, and to provide such information, training and supervision as they need for this purpose.

We will also endeavour to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of all members of the congregations, contractors, visitors and others who may visit our churches, churchyard, church field and any associated buildings.

The allocation of duties for safety matters and the particular arrangements that we will make to implement the policy are set out below.

The policy will be kept up to date, particularly in the light of any changes to our buildings or activities. To ensure this, the policy and the way in which it has operated will be reviewed annually and the appropriate changes made.

In order to ensure that health and safety matters are kept constantly under review, an item on health and safety will be on the agenda for all meetings of the Parochial Church Council and the Fabric Committee and employees and voluntary workers will be consulted on a regular basis in order to seek their views on health and safety matters.

Organisation and responsibilities

1. Responsibility of the Rector

Overall responsibility for health and safety is that of the Rector, who will ensure that arrangements are in place to satisfy health and safety regulations and appropriate Codes of Practice. Specific responsibilities may be delegated to church personnel. As new projects emerge, the names of responsible persons will be notified and the list amended accordingly.

2. Responsibility of the Churchwardens

Responsibility to ensure that the arrangements outlined in this policy are carried out and updated as necessary is with the Churchwardens as noted below:
   Mrs Frances Murton - St Mary.
   Mrs Clare Wyatt – St Mary.
   Mrs Janet Ford – St Nicolas.
   Mr Marcus Steel – St Nicolas.

3. Responsibility of the Parochial Church Council

The Parochial Church Council has general responsibility to ensure that the health and safety policy is implemented.

4. Responsibility of the Health and Safety Officer

The following people carry the responsibility for the day-to-day implementation of the arrangements outlined in this policy:
   The churchwardens – St Mary.
   Mr Tony Mason – St Nicolas.

The responsibility of the health and safety officer shall be to:

1. be familiar with health and safety regulations as far as they concern church premises.

2. be familiar with the health and safety policy and arrangements and ensure that they are observed.

3. ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that safe systems of work are in place.

4. ensure that the churchyard and church field are properly maintained including the safety of monuments, tombstones and trees.

5. ensure that safety equipment and clothing is provided and used by all personnel where this is required e.g. high visibility jackets, hard hats, gloves or masks.

6. ensure that all plant, equipment and tools are properly maintained and in good condition and that all operators have received the appropriate training.

7. ensure that adequate access and egress is maintained.

8. ensure that adequate fire fighting equipment is available and maintained.

9. ensure that food hygiene regulations and procedures are observed.

10. in the event that an identified hazard has not been satisfactorily addressed, the Health and Safety Officer has the authority to prohibit all associated activity.

5. Responsibility of employees and voluntary workers

All employees and voluntary workers have a responsibility to co-operate in the implementation of this health and safety policy and to take reasonable care of themselves and others whilst on church business or premises.
Employees and voluntary workers must therefore:

1. comply with safety rules, operating instructions and working procedures.

2. use protective clothing and equipment when it is required.

3. report any fault or defect in equipment immediately to the appropriate person.

4. report and record all accidents (however minor), injuries, near misses or other potential hazards as soon as possible.

5. not misuse anything provided in the interests of health and safety.

Checklist for implementation of the policy

Accidents and First Aid – First Aid boxes and accident reporting.

Fire safety – Fire Service Risk Assessment, review annually.

Electrical safety – Regular inspections and testing of portable appliances and electrical system.

Gas equipment safety – Annual check.

Hazardous substances – Appropriate personal protective equipment to be used.

Safety of plant and machinery – Equipment to be correctly maintained and safely operated.

Slips, trips and falls – Floors, steps and paths to be well maintained and defects reported.

Lighting – Regularly inspected.

Working at height – See separate policy.

Preparation of food – There is to be no food preparation.

Manual handling and lifting – A risk assessment must be carried out before exceptionally heavy or awkward items are moved.

Child Safeguarding – See separate policy.

Contractors – Will be required to comply with this Health and Safety policy and have appropriate insurance cover.

Health and Safety poster – To be displayed on notice boards in each church.

7th December 2016,  amended 15 June 2018
 

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mary and St Nicolas Prestbury Cheltenham - Registered Charity No 1130933

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Last modified: 27 January 2020