FIRE SAFETY POLICY

Village Hall, Edington Committee aim to take very seriously the safety of all who use our hall or are in the vicinity of the hall, particularly with the safety from fire and its effects.

Fire hazards can occur in multiple ways and we expect all our committee members and users to be alert to fire hazards and familiarise themselves with the fire safety policy.

Ensure that you are not the cause of any fire hazard by:

• Not leaving any appliances plugged in when not in use, including kettles, toasters, lamps and fans.

• By ensuring all kitchen equipment is turned off after use.

• By turning off computer equipment and disconnecting laptop chargers from the mains when not in use.

• Check appliances for damaged cords or faulty wires. Ensure PAT tests are completed annually.

• No use of candles or smoking within the building.

• No barbeques within the vicinity of the building unless permission given (after assessment) by the committee (and then never unattended).

• Ensure all fire exists are kept clear and free from any blockages.

• Handling of chemicals in accordance to the instructions and only by designated members or by maintenance people who have undergone fire safety rules.

• No tampering with the fire equipment.

• Only use equipment for what it was meant for.

• Check emergency lighting monthly and position of horn weekly and keep records (maintenance records).

Report (to the Hall Manager or Booking Manager) any:

• Damaged or faulty equipment.

• Any fire equipment or fire blankets that are missing.

• Breaches of the fire regulations. If they are not known familiarise yourself.

A responsible person should be nominated for each event, (risk assessment form).

They should make themselves known at the beginning of the event, informing all those present of fire exits, key escape routes, the warning signal (horn). Information is in the users file found in the kitchen by the first aid box.

Check with your group that any disabled people have someone with them who shall be responsible for them if the building needs to be evacuated.

What the responsible person should do if they discover fire:

• Sound the alarm by sounding the horn, found near the front door in a red box.

• If a small kitchen fire use fire blanket if safe to do so.

• Evacuate the building.

• Call 999 and state the address: Quarry Ground, Broadway, Edington, TA7 9LD

Or use ‘what3words’: downs, curls, acre

• Close any inside doors that are open or wedged.

• Fire extinguishers – use only of safe to do so.

• Meet the fire brigade when they arrive, to give them first hand information.

• Assemble outside across from the front door under the trees. Let the fire brigade (when they arrive) check all exits for anyone who may be left behind.

• Only take valuables at hand, leaving all other belongings to be collected when the all clear is given.