Health & Safety and Risk Assessments Policy

Health & Safety and Risk Assessments Policy 
Version 4
 
Contents
Page Subject
   1 Introduction
   2 Fire Procedure
   2 Fire Safety
   4 First Aid
   4 Safeguarding
   5 Miscellaneous Risks
   5 Insurance
   6 Landlord Gas and Electrical Safety Certificates
   7 Activity Risk Assessments
   7 Events in the Chapel
   7 Events in the Upper Room
   8 Groups from outside the Church (supplementary conditions)
   9 Appendix A – Fire Procedure
For display on Chapel noticeboard 
For Deacons and Group Leaders; also on web site
  12 Appendix B – The ‘Responsible Person(s)’
  13 Appendix C – Poster – Emergency 999 Calls
  14 Appendix D – Acceptance Form
  15 Appendix E – Fire Risk Assessment – Template
  18 Appendix F – Fire Training ‘Handbook’ – 2024
  21 Appendix G – The duty to manage asbestos
  22      Appendix H – Accessibility Audit for the Chapel – Template
 
 
1. Introduction
This policy will be reviewed on a regular basis (maximum period of 24 months)
 
This document was last revised in August 2023, was agreed by the Trustees at their September 2024 meeting, and was accepted by the Church Members at their October 2024 meeting.
 
There will be two ‘Responsible Person(s) – see Appendix B for more details:
• The Chair of the Deaconate 
• The Chair of the Trustees
 
The Pastor (currently Alan Marsden) will be included in the circulation of any relevant communications between or by the ‘Responsible Person(s)’
 
Any queries and/or suggestions about the policy should be addressed to Andrew (Andy) Kay (Trustee Policy Custodian).
 
A copy of the policy will be maintained on the Church website. A hard copy may be requested via the Church Secretary.
 
2. Fire Procedure
The Fire Procedure (see Appendix A) will be reviewed and accepted as part and parcel of the review and acceptance of this policy.
 
(See Appendix A) The large print version will be displayed prominently around the Church premises; the ‘Deacons and Group Leaders’ version will be included on the Church website.
 
 
3. Fire Safety
This section is based on the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, otherwise known as the Fire Safety Order.
 
The Responsible Persons will ensure that a Fire Risk Assessment is carried out on a regular two-yearly basis (or, in the case of the Manse, on a change of tenancy). The document will be filed by the Church Secretary.
NOTE:The last Fire Risk Assessment was carried out on 30 June 2021. Therefore, one is due. 
 
This will be a Trustee responsibility, and the Trustee Secretary will maintain a diaried schedule.
 
Risk Assessment
3.1 Awareness of the Fire Procedure • A large print version of the procedure will be displayed on the noticeboards in the Upper Room and Chapel. The full procedure will be available on the church website.
3.2 Prevention of Fire – Tests to be carried out • All portable electrical equipment is to be PAT Tested regularly. (Minimum every two years). This will be a Trustee responsibility, and that the Trustee Secretary will maintain a diaried schedule. Records of the tests are to be securely filed by the Trustee Secretary.  
• Ensure that the electrical wiring is tested and inspected frequently.  This will be a Trustee responsibility, and that the Trustee Secretary will maintain a diaried schedule. Records of the tests are to be securely filed by the Trustee Secretary.
 
3.3 Prevention of Fire – via careful use of facilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
• All electrical equipment is to be switched off at the socket after use. Group leaders must ensure that this is done. 
• Where candles are used, ensure that they are not burnt near flower arrangements and similar combustible materials.
• Portable heaters should be used carefully, avoiding use in/near exit areas.
• Aim to keep at a minimum the amount of flammable and combustible material that is stored on the premises, especially in those easily forgotten spaces and store areas.
• Avoid storing flammable rubbish outside the premises.
 
3.4 Preparing for quick evacuation • Group Leaders should check all relevant Fire Exits before each meeting to ensure they are unlocked and unobstructed.
• New Group Leaders will be made aware of this when appointed.
 
3.5 Escaping from the building in the event of fire • There are four fire exits; all have white/green Fire Exit signs above them.
• Deacons and Group Leaders are tasked with assisting elderly or vulnerable persons to exit the building, and to check that everyone has been evacuated.
• Fire Assembly signs, directing people to the grassed area - in the graveyard at the side of the car parking area on Long Lover Lane - have been erected at key locations. 
• A ‘Fire Assembly Point’ sign has been attached to the outside wall by the grassed area to indicate where assembly should take place.
 
3.6 Fire Safety Training The Diaconate Responsible Person will continuously review the needs of the Church Officers with regard to Fire Safety training and guidance
 
3.7 Fighting fires (if safe to do so) • Six fire extinguishers are located in the building - three in the main chapel, one downstairs on the side of the archway between the two rooms, one in the kitchen and one in the Upper Room. 
• A Fire Blanket is located in both the upstairs and downstairs kitchens.
• The Diaconate Responsible Person will continuously review the needs of the Church Officers with regard to training and guidance relating to the use of fire extinguishers.
 
3.8  Extinguisher Inspection
• BS5306 stipulates that a fire extinguisher should be serviced once each year by a qualified professional.  A record of tests, maintenance and servicing needs to be kept to show that this has been done. Each bottle has a time of check. 
• This will be a Trustee responsibility, and the Trustee Secretary will have a diaried schedule. Records of the tests will be filed by the Trustee Secretary.
 
3.9 Testing of emergency lighting This will be a Diaconate responsibility.
• Testing will be carried out on a monthly basis.
• Instructions about how to carry out testing will be available in a folder in the file rack in the vestry.  
• The testing programme/record will also be maintained in that folder.
 
Note: Premises Inspection by the Fire Brigade • Current Regulations do not contain a requirement that the premises should be inspected by the Fire Brigade. (The emphasis is now placed on the Church’s responsibilities).
 
 
 
 
 
 
4. First Aid 
Risk Assessment
4.1 Prevention of Accidents: • Deacons/Group Leaders to ensure hazards are removed or minimised before each meeting, eg objects on the floor, spilt liquids, sharp objects.
 
4.2 First Aid • Two First Aid Kits are located in the chapel (in the kitchen and at the top of the stairs to the downstairs room) 
• The Diaconate will ensure that a list of contents will be maintained and will schedule regular checks of those contents
4.3 Recording of Accidents • An Accident forms are located in the vestry; they should be used to record any accidents which occur on the Church premises and  should then be passed to the Church Secretary to be filed securely.
• The Diaconate will carry out an annual review of the accidents reported, and will make appropriate arrangements for avoidance of similar accidents where appropriate.   
 
4.4 First Aiders Currently, no details of First Aiders are kept, due to the fact that full training is now considered to be overly expensive
It is considered that minor first aid requirements will be able to be dealt with by current church members and that anything more will involve calling the emergency services..
 
 
5. Safeguarding 
Risk Assessment
5.1 Safeguarding Policy • See the separate document, ‘Safeguarding Policy – Version 4’.
• The policy will be reviewed regularly (maximum every 24 months). Currently, this is done annually by the Safeguarding Leads.
• All persons whose role within the Church may involve a Safeguarding aspect are required to read and sign their acceptance of the policy. The signed acceptance document will be filed by the Church Secretary.
• The Diaconate to liaise with the Protection Verifier to identify persons requiring such checks.
• An A4 summary poster has been placed on the Church Noticeboard and in the main chapel.
 
5.2 Knowing what Safeguarding is • The policy and poster will be available on the Church website; hard copies may be requested from the Church Secretary. 
 
5.3 Protecting Children and Vulnerable Adults • All children’s workers are to have enhanced DBS certificates
• Safer Recruitment practices may be found in Version 4 of the Safeguarding Policy.
• Safe Use of Images practices may be found in Version 4 of the Safeguarding Policy
 
5.4 Recording Serious Incidents • As identified in the Safeguarding Policy, Serious Incidents must be reported to the Pastor or another Safeguarding Lead.
• A Serious Incidents folder, containing guidance, is located in the vestry; it should be used to record any Serious Incidents
• The details will then be passed to the Church Secretary to be filed securely.
• The Safeguarding Leads will carry out an annual review of Serious Incidents that have been recorded that year, and – where relevant – will take any necessary actions to avoid any recurrence of such incidents. 
 
 
 
6. Miscellaneous Risk
Risk Assessment
6.1 Key Holders • To comply with insurance purposes – and all other purposes relating to access to the premises – the Church Secretary will maintain a list of key holders.
• The list will be reviewed regularly by the Trustees. Where appropriate, the return of keys may be requested. 
 
6.2 Power cuts • There are battery-powered lights in the chapel and upper room which are operated from the recording desk. 
• The leader(s) of the event that is taking place will take the decision about whether or not to vacate the premises. 
 
6.3 Snow/Ice • Grit/sand and a shovel are available in the store room under the chapel. Currently, James Taylor, who looks after the graveyard, clears them for Sunday morning services. 
• Areas to be cleared and gritted:
• Chapel courtyard
• Path from courtyard to ramp on Newby Lane
• Footpath by courtyard on Long Lover Lane
• Path and steps from car park to Upper Room
6.4 Food and Drink In accordance with the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulation 2013 we have met the legal requirement to register with the Ribble Valley Borough Council Environmental Health Service.  On August 12th 2021 we were issued with an "Awaiting Rating" food hygiene status.  In due course, we will have a visit from Environmental Health by appointment and we will then get our food safety rating  (hopefully 5*).
 
 
7. Insurance     Current Policy Number: RC01002105
 
Type and Coverage:
• Employers’ Liability
• Public Liability
• Products Liability
• Personal Accident
• Legal
• Trustees’ Liability 
 
8. Landlord Gas and Electrical Safety Certificates 
8.1 CP12 – Gas Safety Certificate
We do not have any appliances or resources of these types. This section of the Policy is, therefore, included for possible future use.
 
UK landlords with gas appliances and fittings – including central heating, boilers and flues – must conduct an annual safety check conducted by a Gas Safe engineer.
 
All permanent and portable gas appliances and flues in the property require an annual gas safety check.
 
Any gas appliance that we own and provide for the tenant's use is included in our legal duties
 
If a tenant has their own gas appliance that we have not provided, we are responsible for parts of the associated installation and pipework, but not for the appliance.
 
Note: This is separate from any maintenance requirements.
 
The engineer will check any gas appliances in the building, including heaters, cookers and boilers. They will check for gas tightness, pressure, ventilation and safety cut outs, as well as making sure all flues are safe and free from blockages.
 
If any appliances fail the gas safety check, we will need to have the issue fixed before our CP12 certificate can be issued. If an appliance is dangerous, the engineer will ‘condemn’ it by placing a warning sticker on the appliance and disconnecting the gas supply. This appliance will need to be removed and replaced.
 
If everything passes the inspection, the engineer will provide the CP12 immediately. If no-one is at the property during the inspection, they may send it to us in the post. 
 
We must provide a gas safe certificate copy to our tenants within 28 days of the inspection.
 
8.2 EICR – Electrical Installation Condition Report
 Landlords of privately rented accommodation must:
• Ensure national standards for electrical safety are met. These are set out in the 18th edition of the ‘Wiring Regulations’, which are published as British Standard 7671. 
• Ensure the electrical installations in their rented properties are inspected and tested by a qualified and competent person at least every 5 years.  This should be a Trustee responsibility, and the Trustee Secretary will have a diaried schedule. Records of the tests are to be securely filed by the Trustee Secretary.
• Obtain a report from the person conducting the inspection and test which gives the results and sets a date for the next inspection and test.
• Supply a copy of this report to the existing tenant within 28 days of the inspection and test.
• Supply a copy of this report to a new tenant before they occupy the premises.
• Supply a copy of this report to any prospective tenant within 28 days of receiving a request for the report.
• Supply the local authority with a copy of this report within 7 days of receiving a request for a copy.
• Retain a copy of the report to give to the inspector and tester who will undertake the next inspection and test.
• Where the report shows that remedial or further investigative work is necessary, complete this work within 28 days or any shorter period if specified as necessary in the report.
• Supply written confirmation of the completion of the remedial works from the electrician to the tenant and the local authority within 28 days of completion of the works.
 
9. Activity Risk Assessments
9.1 Events in the Chapel
Lead Person(s): Deacons supported by Pastor
Risk Assessment
9.1.1 Fire Exits • Ensure that all doors (including the Upper Room) are unlocked before the event.
• Ensure that the doors are locked at the end of the event
9.1.2 Hazards on walkways, etc • Ensure that any such hazards are removed.
9.1.3 Evening or dark weather • Ensure that the outside lights are on before darkness falls.
• Ensure that the stairs, lower room and downstairs kitchen are lit.
• Ensure that the lights are switched off after the meeting.
9.1.4 Toilet sanitation • Ensure that soap/handwash and paper towels are available in all the toilets. 
 
9.1.5 Robbery/theft/burglary of offerings • No money to be left on the premises 
• Money to be counted and removed quickly and discreetly
9.1.6 Safety on the Chapel steps and stairs • Assist any elderly/frail visitors as needs direct
9.1.7 Physical intrusion or attack on meeting attendees • Pastor and Deacon(s) to attempt to escort intruder/attacker outside and close the door behind them. 
• If successful, other Deacons to then either lock the doors, or evacuate the building via other exits as they so judge. 
• If ‘escort’ action is not possible, Deacons to evacuate the building via other exits. 
• Police to be called immediately. 
 
9.2 Events in the Upper Room
Lead Person: Alan Marsden supported by Deacons, Group Leader, or Trustee Chair
Risk Assessment
9.2.1 Fire Exits • Ensure that all doors (including one in the Chapel) are unlocked before the event.   
• Ensure that the doors are locked at the end of the event
9.2.2 Hazards on walkways, etc • Ensure that any such hazards are removed.
9.2.3 Evening or dark weather • Ensure that the outside lights are on before darkness falls.
• Ensure that the stairs, lower room and downstairs kitchen are lit.
• Ensure that the lights are switched off after the meeting.
9.2.4 Phone for emergencies • Ensure that a mobile phone is available for this purpose
• The Group Leader will be responsible for ensuring that this requirement is met.
9.2.5 DBS Accredited Person • Where children are involved, ensure that the group has a DBS-accredited person in attendance. The meeting must not proceed if one is not in attendance.
 
9.2.6 Toilet sanitation • Ensure that soap/handwash and paper towels are available in all the toilets. 
 
9.2.7 Use of sharp equipment, eg needles, scissors • Group Leader to ensure these are used safely
• Also, to ensure they are stored safely afterwards.
9.2.8 Robbery/theft/burglary of offerings (Craft Group, Saturday Fellowship, Sunday Lunches, etc) • No money to be left on the premises 
• Money to be removed quickly and discreetly by the Group Leader
9.2.9 on the Chapel steps and stairs • Assist any elderly/frail visitors as needs direct
9.2.10 Physical intrusion or attack on meeting attendees • Pastor, Deacon(s), and/or Group Leader (depending on attendance) to attempt to escort intruder/attacker outside and close the door behind them. 
• If successful, other key holders to then either lock the doors, or evacuate the building via other exits as they so judge. 
• If ‘escort’ action is not possible, Deacons or Group Leader to evacuate the building via other exits. 
• Police to be called immediately. 
 
9.3 Groups from outside the Church (supplementary conditions)
Risk Assessment
9.3.1 Safeguarding and Health and Safety • Provide Group Leader with a copy of this policy and also a copy of the latest Safeguarding Policy
• Obtain a signed copy of the ‘Leader’s Declaration’
 
 
             APPENDIX A – FIRE PROCEDURE DOCUMENTS
 
One to be placed on the Noticeboards around the Chapel.    (This will replace the existing detailed procedure)
 
One to be used by Deacons and/or Group Leaders. This will also be used on the website.
 
 
 
Salem Congregational Chapel, Martin Top
 
IF A FIRE IS DETECTED 
OR SUSPECTED
                                                                         
 
Immediately exit the building.
 
Do NOT attempt to fight the fire.
 
Do NOT divert to get coats or valuables.
 
Leave by the clearly marked Fire Exits. If the nearest one is blocked, use an alternative route.
 
Fire exits are located in the following places:
• Main Chapel Entrances
• Upper Room
• Bottom of stairs to Lower Room
 
 
The meeting point is: 
The grassed area of the graveyard which is accessed via the gate to the left of the car parking area on Long Lover Lane.
 
 
 
Salem Congregational Chapel, Martin Top
 
FIRE PROCEDURE 
DEACONS AND GROUP LEADERS
                                                                           
 
IF A FIRE IS SUSPECTED OR DETECTED
 
Instruct attendees to exit the building via the clearly marked Fire Exits. If the nearest one is blocked use an alternative route.
 
Fire exits are located in the following places:
• Main Chapel Entrances
• Upper Room
• Bottom of the stairs to the Lower Room
 
Deacons and Group Leaders are especially responsible for ensuring that children, the elderly and people with limited mobility, sight or hearing vacate safely. 
 
Do not allow people to divert to collect coats or valuables. People are not replaceable.
 
TACKLING FIRE
 
The most important thing is to leave the building safely. 
 
A decision to tackle the fire – or not - will be the responsibility of the Deacon(s) and/or Group Leader(s); it is expected that common sense should prevail.
 
As a general rule, only use a fire extinguisher if all exits are blocked.
 
Fire Extinguisher equipment is clearly available in the Chapel building.
 
CALL THE FIRE BRIGADE
 
The address of the church is: 
 
Salem Chapel, Martin Top, Long Lover Lane, Rimington, Clitheroe BB7 4EG
 
An ‘Emergency 999 Calls’ poster containing the address can be found in the outside noticeboard.
 
Do not re-enter the building. Do not go back for any reason. Await the Fire Brigade.
 
MEETING POINT
 
The meeting point is the grassed area of the graveyard which is accessed via the gate to the left of the car parking area on Long Lover Lane.
 
Deacons, Group Leaders and attendees should liaise to ensure that everyone has been accounted for. 
 
This procedure was adopted by the Church on  2 October 2024.
 
 
APPENDIX B – The ‘Responsible Person(s)’
 
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 consolidated and rationalised previous fire safety legislation and reduced the number of enforcing authorities dealing with general fire safety matters.
The Order requires that the responsible person (the person having control of the building, or a degree of control) takes reasonable steps to reduce the risk from fire and makes sure people can safely escape if there is a fire. 
 
Note: It is acceptable for more than one person to share the responsibilities of the ‘Responsible person’
 
The Order defines the ‘responsible person’ as the person who has control of the premises (as occupier or otherwise) in connection with the carrying on by him of an undertaking (for profit or not).
 
Their duties of the responsible person are set out in articles 8 to 22 of the Order, and include:
• Taking fire precautions to ensure the safety of employees and premises.
• Undertaking a fire risk assessment.
• Making arrangements for the effective planning, organisation, control, monitoring and review of the preventive and protective measures.
• Eliminating or reducing risks from dangerous substances.
• Ensuring premises are equipped with appropriate fire-fighting equipment and with fire detectors and alarms; and that any non-automatic fire-fighting equipment is easily accessible, simple to use and indicated by signs.
• Ensuring that routes to emergency exits and the exits themselves are kept clear at all times.
• Establishing appropriate procedures, including safety drills, to be followed in the event of serious and imminent danger to relevant persons.
• Ensuring that no relevant person has access to any area to which it is necessary to restrict access on grounds of safety, unless the person concerned has received adequate safety instruction.
• Ensuring equipment is maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair.
• Appointing one or more competent persons to assist them in undertaking preventive and protective measures.
• Providing information and training to the relevant people.
• Co-operating and co-ordinating with other responsible persons.
 
APPENDIX C
EMERGENCY
999 CALLS
Our location is:
Salem Chapel, 
Martin Top, 
Long Lover Lane, 
Rimington, 
Clitheroe 
BB7 4EG
 
APPENDIX D
 
 
 
HEALTH AND SAFETY AND RISK ASSESSMENT POLICY ACCEPTANCE
 
VERSION 4
 
 
I have signed this document to indicate that I have read and understood the contents and requirements of this version of the policy and that I accept them as being relevant to my role(s) at Martin Top.
 
In particular, I confirm that I have read the Fire Procedure documents in Appendix A, have read the Fire Safety Handbook in Appendix F, and have viewed the fire extinguisher training YouTube videos that have links in the handbook.
 
 
Name (in upper case):     _____________________________
 
Signature:     _______________________________________
 
Date:             _________________
 
 
Role(s):
 
APPENDIX E
This is the standard template. The contents of the ‘Assessment Conclusion’ contain the expected findings; if the actual assessment conclusions are different, then the standard details should be replaced by the actual details and then filed by the Trustee Secretary.
 
Fire Risk Assessment - Template
Date of Assessment:
Names of Assessor(s):
Location(s) assessed: (1) Salem Congregational Chapel, Martin Top
(2) The Manse, Martin Top
Location address: Long Lover Lane, Rimington, Clitheroe, BB7 4EG
(1) Salem Congregational Chapel
Assessment Issue
Assessment Conclusion(
Fire Procedure: Does one exist? Yes.
 
Fire Procedure: Where is it described? In Appendix A of the ‘Health and Safety and Risk Assessments Policy’.
Fire Procedure: Where else may it be viewed?
At various prominent locations in the Chapel and Upper Room. 
On the Church website.
 
Fire Procedure: Who are the Fire Marshals/Wardens?
For events in the Chapel, the Pastor and the Deacons.
For other meetings, the Group Leader(s).
 
Fire Procedure: How are Fire Marshals/Wardens trained? What evidence is available to identify that this has taken place?
A ‘handbook’ has been produced (see Appendix F) relating to both good practice and operation of fire extinguishers.
The evidence of the training taking place is the signing of the acceptance of this policy. See the form in Appendix D.
 
Fire Procedure: Do Fire Assembly signs exist, directing people to the grassed area – in the graveyard at the side of the car parking area on Long Lover Lane – at key locations? 
Yes.
Fire Procedure: Has a ‘Fire Assembly Point’ sign been attached to the outside wall by the grassed area to indicate where assembly should take place?
Yes.
Fire Procedure: Whose responsibility is it to ensure that fire doors are unlocked and free of obstructions prior to meetings. As described in the ‘Health & Safety Risk Assessments Policy’:
• for events in the Chapel, the Deacons
• for other meetings, the Group Leader(s).
Fire Procedure: Are Fire Exit signs fully and correctly located?
Yes.
Prevention of Fires: Is all portable electrical equipment PAT Tested regularly? (Minimum every two years). Where are the records of the testing kept?
Do we have a schedule for this testing? Yes.
Records are filed securely by the Trustee Secretary, who maintains the testing schedule.
 
 
Prevention of Fires: Is the electrical wiring is tested and inspected frequently? How often? Are records kept? 
Yes.
Records are filed securely by the Trustee Secretary, who maintains the testing schedule.
Prevention of Fires: Are there ‘good practice’ guidelines?
Yes
See Section 3 (the ‘Fire Safety’ section) of this policy
 
Fire Extinguishers: Do we have the correct quantity of each relevant type? Yes.
See the ‘Fighting Fires’ section in Appendix F of this policy
 
Fire Extinguishers: BS5306 stipulates that a fire extinguisher should be serviced once each year by a qualified professional.  A record of tests, maintenance and servicing needs to be kept to show that this has been done. 
Do we have a schedule for this?
Is the paperwork filed securely by the Trustee Secretary?
Yes
See Section 3 (the ‘Fire Safety’ section) of this policy
 
Fire Extinguishers: Who has been trained in the use of fire extinguishers? How? What evidence is available to identify that this has taken place?
Training materials are available in the ‘handbook’ contained in Appendix F
.
Signed acceptance of the policy (see Appendix D) will be filed by the Church Secretary.
 
Kitchen: Potential sources of ignition There are no gas appliances in the kitchen, only electrical ones.
 
 
 
 
(2) The Manse, Martin Top
Assessment Issue
Assessment Conclusion
Furniture: Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations 1988/1989, 1993 and 2010
These regulations outline the minimum levels of fire resistance the furniture and furnishings in your rental property must have. As a landlord, you need to make sure any furniture or furnishings supplied in your property are suitably labelled to show they meet the specified ignition resistance levels.
Not applicable.
No furniture is provided as part of the tenancy.
The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015
This legislation requires landlords to install warning systems to protect tenants from the dangers of fire, smoke and carbon monoxide. Landlords are required to install a smoke alarm on every floor and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a fuel burning appliance, such as a wood burning stove.
We do not currently have a fuel burning appliance such as a wood-burning stove.
Smoke alarms are installed on the ceiling of every storey.  
 
 
 
Escape routes: Are there any escape routes that aren’t clear or easy to exit the building from? 
There are no escape routes with this problem.
 
Fire escape routes: Are tenants informed of their responsibility to keep the exits clear?
Currently, no. 
The tenancy agreement will be updated to include this responsibility.
 
Escape routes: The door between the Manse and the Chapel downstairs kitchen is not classed as a fire exit door. However, the November 2017 report by the Blackburn Brigade Fire Officer recommended that a notice - ‘This door is to be kept closed at all times apart from for access’ – should be placed on both sides of the door.
The door contains the notice. 
The use of the top-storey room as a bedroom.
Have we placed any limitations on this in the tenancy agreement?
Currently, the tenancy agreement states that the room must not be used as a bedroom until the fire risk assessments confirm that it is safe to do so. 
 
Prevention of Fires: Is all portable electrical equipment PAT Tested regularly? (Minimum every two years). Where are the records of the testing kept?
Not applicable.
No portable electrical equipment is provided as part of the tenancy.
 
 
Kitchen: Potential sources of ignition There are no gas appliances in the kitchen, only electrical ones.
 
 
 
APPENDIX F - FIRE SAFETY HANDBOOK – 2024
The details below were originally published in a handbook designed using the Microsoft Publisher facility. These details will supersede the contents of that handbook.
 
Fire Wardens and Fire Marshals
Our current policy at Martin Top is that no distinction needs to be made between Fire Wardens and Fire Marshals.
For simplicity, the traditional roles will be replaced by the Trustees, Pastor, Deacons and Group Leaders working together as a team.
The responsibility of the Trustees is to ensure that policies and procedures are in place to take reasonable steps to reduce the risk from fire and makes sure people can safely escape if there is a fire.
Details of these policies and procedures may be found in Section 2 of this policy.
The responsibility of the Pastor, Deacons and Group Leaders is to make themselves aware of those policies and procedures and to put them into action if the need ever occurs. To do this, they must:
• be familiar with all fire emergency escape routes and exits from the relevant area; 
 
• assist/direct all people on the premises to evacuate, should an emergency occur, including assisting people with special needs, e.g. helping someone in a wheelchair; 
 
• close windows and doors behind them so as to isolate any spread of fire;
 
• guide everyone to the designated Fire Assembly Area; 
 
• make sure that everyone has evacuated and ensure all people from within the building are accounted for during an evacuation.
In addition, they should liaise with the Emergency Services on their arrival at the premises, informing them of any relevant details relating to the fire incident, and following any instructions provided.
 
 Tackling Fire
• The most important thing is to leave the building safely. 
 
• As a general rule, only use a fire extinguisher if all exits are blocked.
 
• A decision to tackle the fire – or not - will normally be the responsibility of the relevant Leader(s); it is expected that common sense should prevail.
 
Fire Extinguishers
Six fire extinguishers are located in the building.
Three are in the main chapel 
• a 2-kg CO2 one is next to the sound desk
• a 9-Litre Water one is in the piano alcove
• a 9-Litre Water one is by the door leading to the Upper Room or stairs
 
A 9-Litre Water one is downstairs on the side of the archway between the two rooms
 
A 2-kg CO2 one is in the kitchen
 
A 9-Litre Water one is near the Upper Room’s exit door 
Fire blankets are available in both kitchens; use of the blanket will be the primary method of dealing with Class F fires.
The three most likely classes of fire to be encountered at Martin Top are:
· Class A fires, involving solid materials such as wood, paper or textiles.
· Class E fires, involving live electrical apparatus.
· Class F, fires involving cooking oils such as in deep-fat fryers.
 
Water Extinguishers
Water extinguishers are often used to fight Class A fires, those fuelled by solid materials such as paper, wood and textiles.
They must never be used on fires involving electrical equipment because of the risk of electric shock.
Please watch the short YouTube presentation at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWLCtKr-Tb0 
Important note: be aware that, even when the fire has been extinguished, ‘hot spots’ may remain; keep vigilant for any possible flare up.
 
CO2 Extinguishers
CO2 extinguishers are usually ideal for dealing with Class E fires, involving live electrical apparatus, working by smothering the fire and cutting off the supply of air.
Please watch the short YouTube presentation at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPhbJ95VGe0 
 Important note: CO2 is ice cold when it is released from the fire extinguisher; that means the user must be extremely careful as it is possible to get serious cold burns if skin comes into contact with the fire extinguisher horn.
 
Dry Powder Extinguishers
Important note: most websites suggest/recommend that this type of extinguisher should not be used in an enclosed space. 
This is primarily because the powder can be easily inhaled; in addition, it is often very difficult to clean up after the fire has been extinguished.
These are commonly known as ABC extinguishers as they can be utilised in the event of a class A, B or C fire scenario. 
Dry powder extinguishers can be used for Class E fires involving electronic equipment up to 1000v; however, it is worth noting that these extinguishers leave a residue that may be harmful to sensitive electronics.. 
Dry powder extinguishers should never be used on Class F fires. 
Please watch the short YouTube presentation at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAaalWAUOZI 
 
 
 
 
 
APPENDIX G – The duty to manage asbestos
Legislation
The Health and Safety Executive’s website states that the duty to manage asbestos is directed at those who manage non-domestic premises: in our case, this is the Trustees, in particular the Responsible Persons.
The revised ACOP L143 'Managing and working with asbestos' document contains updated information about the requirements to manage asbestos under Regulation 4 of CAR 2012. The information was previously available in the ACOP L127 'The management of asbestos in non-domestic premises' which has now been withdrawn.
What is the duty?
. The duty to manage asbestos is contained in Regulation 4 of the ‘Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012’. It requires the person who has the duty (ie the 'dutyholder') to: BS5306 stipulates that a fire extinguisher should be serviced once each year by a qualified professional.  
a) take reasonable steps to find out if there are materials containing asbestos in non-domestic premises, and if so, its amount, where it is and what condition it is in
b) presume materials contain asbestos unless there is strong evidence that they do not
c) make, and keep up-to-date, a record of the location and condition of the asbestos-containing materials - or materials which are presumed to contain asbestos
d) assess the risk of anyone being exposed to fibres from the materials identified
e) prepare a plan that sets out in detail how the risks from these materials will be managed
f) take the necessary steps to put the plan into action
g) periodically review and monitor the plan and the arrangements to act on it so that the plan remains relevant and up-to-date
h) provide information on the location and condition of the materials to anyone who is liable to work on or disturb them
 
Who has the duty?
The dutyholder is the owner of the non-domestic premises or the person or organisation that has clear responsibility for the maintenance or repair of non-domestic premises, for example through an explicit agreement such as a tenancy agreement or contract.
The extent of the duty will depend on the nature of that agreement. In our case, the tenancy agreement for the Manse assigns that duty to the Trustees
Our current situation
An asbestos survey was completed on 7 May 2021, and all instances of possible asbestos were identified as inert, meaning that we currently do not have to maintain an asbestos register or have a plan to manage such materials.
The report satisfies items (a), (b), and (c) in the list above. Items (d), (e), (f) and (g) are currently not relevant.
With regard to item (h), it is important that, though no asbestos was found, not all areas were able to be accessed and so anyone carrying out work on the building should have the report made available to them for reference.
Authors of the Report
 CMC Asbestos Surveys Limited
1, Woodside, Wheatley Lane Road. Fence, BB12 9EP
APPENDIX H – Accessibility Audit for the Chapel
 
The term ‘the Chapel’ at Martin Top refers to two linked structures – the main chapel building and the connected schoolroom (also known as the Upper Room).
 
Access to the main chapel building is via a gated flat courtyard; the building has two wide doors, both of which lead to twin swing doors; when required, the swing doors are able to be fastened open.
 
Inside the building, the pews are tiered, so one is almost immediately faced with stepped levels up by the pews. For people who use walking aids, the stepped levels have enough space to be negotiated, but possibly with some difficulty, depending on the aid being used.. 
 
Realistically, however, the tiering means that wheelchair access is almost impossible to achieve. If a circumstance occurs where wheelchair access is of importance, and advance warning can be given, it may be possible for it to be arranged for the front pews to be closed and for the wheelchair to be located in front of them; this would, however, still necessitate the wheelchair being lifted up one small step. 
 
Access to the Upper Room, however, provides adequate access for wheelchair users and people with severe walking difficulties. The approach is via gates at the side of the small parking area about 50 yards up Long Lover Lane. As well as stepped access to the path, there is a ramp which may be used for wheelchair or other access.
 
The services are transmitted to the Upper Room, with sound and vision. 
 
There is also access from the Upper Room to the main chapel building, but this requires the downward use of a short (four steps) staircase.