Health & Safety Guidance

Transcription

1 St Bartholomew & All Saints Parochial Church Council Health & Safety Guidance Appendix C.01/A Fire Safety Management St Bartholomew s Church Guidance No: SBC.03/A Issue No: 01 Issue Date: March 2008 Review Date: March 2011 Page 1 of 15

2 Appendix C.01/A Fire Safety St Bartholomew s Church 1. Introduction Thankfully, fires in churches are relatively infrequent and when they do occur it is usually the result of carelessness/poor practices during refurbishment/repair work or malicious arson. St Bartholomew & All Saints Parish Church recognises and accepts it s obligation to take reasonable steps to reduce the risk from fire and make sure people can safely escape if there is a fire. Good management of fire safety is essential to ensure that fires are unlikely to occur; that if they do occur they are likely to be controlled or contained quickly, effectively and safely; or that, if a fire does occur and grow, everyone on the premises is able to escape to a place of safety easily and quickly. This document identifies good practice and details the measures to be taken to implement an effective fire prevention programme designed to: minimise the probability of a fire starting avoid, so far as is possible, the likelihood of a fire causing death or injury to employees, volunteers, visitors or members of the public minimise the likely damage to the building and equipment The document has been prepared by the Health & Safety Committee of the Parochial Church Council. The fire prevention measures detailed are based on the results of a Fire Safety Risk Assessment carried out in accordance with the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order For the purposes of the Order, the Responsible Person is the Church Warden. Whilst the principle objective of the measures is to fulfil the obligation to exercise a duty of care, they remain sensitive to the liturgical significance and importance of the use of candles and reflect the fact that in some instances the level of risk is dependent upon the number of persons present. 2. Electrical Equipment All mains operated electrical equipment intended for connection to any church electrical circuit shall be subject to a current Portable Appliance Test (PAT) certificate. 3. Candles The use of candles is a very important part of worship but it should be recognised that they can be the cause of major fires and serious injury if not used correctly. The fire safety risk assessment has identified candles as the single largest potential source of Page 2 of 15

3 ignition and the following preventative measures are intended to ensure candles can be used safely: a. Choice of candles ~ good quality slow-burning candles should always be used. Cheaper, catering-quality candles will burn down quickly and the flame may get dangerously close to foliage, decorations or other flammable materials. b. Hand-held candles ~ Great care needs to be taken when people are given candles to hold, especially where large numbers are involved. Apart from the risk of igniting flammable materials, molten wax can cause damage to clothing and is very hot. Purpose-made candles are available and should be used with proper slide-on card drip-trays. Where children are involved even greater care is necessary. should be properly supervised and care taken to ensure that they do not stand too close together, and in particular, not too close behind one another as there is a risk of both clothing and hair being set alight. Processions while holding candles should be avoided. No hand-held candles should be issued to unsupervised children. c. Placing of candles ~ Candles must be kept clear of all combustible materials including flammable decorations, foliage and electrical equipment. Wherever possible, candles should be placed in metal holders on non-combustible surfaces such as stone or brick. Candles used at the altars should be positioned to minimise the risk of contact with the robes of the clergy etc. d. Floor-standing candles ~ Large floor-standing candles should be placed in stable holders to reduce the risk of toppling. e. Grouping of candles ~ When large groups of candles are used in connection with observance of certain festivals a safe distance should be maintained between individual candles which should be placed in proper holders on noncombustible bases. f. Fire blanket ~ A fire blanket is the most appropriate method for dealing with certain fire situations and is particularly suitable for dealing with burning clothing. 4. Fire extinguishers Fire extinguishers must always be readily available, particularly where candles are being used. Stewards must know where they are located and how to use them. Training in their use should be provided if necessary. Page 3 of 15

4 5. Means of Escape To ensure that in the event of a fire the building can be evacuated quickly and safely, all escape routes shall be kept clear and free from obstruction at all times, especially when large numbers of people are present. This requirement can be achieved by ensuring: a. Final exit doors ~ All final exit doors must be unlocked and be capable of being opened quickly in the event of an emergency. Anti-draught curtains should be drawn back to provide unrestricted access to the door. b. Exit routes ~ All aisles designated as exit routes (as indicated on the markedup plan of the church) should be kept clear and free of obstruction (including chairs, pushchairs, prams etc) at all times. In particular no additional chairs should be placed in the areas designated as exit routes irrespective of the size of the congregation. 6. Stewards When the size of the congregation justifies, a team of stewards should be appointed and each steward should be allocated specific duties in accordance with a written procedure. The duties should include the following: a. Final exit doors ~ A specific steward should be responsible for each final exit door and should ensure that it opens easily before the service starts. b. Fire extinguishers ~ Fire extinguishers should be allocated to specific stewards, who must know where they are located and how to use them. c. Lighting ~ When all or part of a service takes place during the hours of darkness, each steward should be provided with a suitable torch to enable any minor problems to be dealt with without the need to turn on the main lights. In the event of a fire or other serious emergency the main lights must be turned on immediately. 7. Announcements Large congregations will inevitably include a large number of people who are not familiar with the premises and therefore will not know how people will be warned if there is a fire or how an evacuation of the premises will be carried out. Prior to commencement of the service the person presiding should make an announcement regarding the arrangements for fire safety management. The person leading the service should be aware of the fire risk, and if notified of an emergency should make the appropriate announcement and instruct everyone to leave in an orderly manner following the directions of the stewards. Page 4 of 15

5 8. Other Considerations In addition to the above, the following factors should be taken into consideration: a. Large congregations ~ The presence of a large congregation generally means that it will include a very significant number of individuals who are unfamiliar with the building and the proceedings. This may well influence their behaviour in the event of an emergency and the measures in place should reflect this possibility. b. Unaccompanied children ~ Individuals in this group are at particular risk in the event of an emergency and careful consideration should be given to their location within the congregation. c. Persons with disabilities ~ As with children, individuals with impaired vision, hearing or mobility are at particular risk and careful consideration should be given to their location within the congregation. d. Memorial services ~ For many individuals a memorial service can be a particularly difficult occasion and it should be recognised that a heightened emotional condition may have an unexpected impact on behaviour. 9. Third-Party Use of Church Third-party hirers/users of the premises are legally responsible for conducting their activities in a way safe from fire. There is a need to ensure such persons are aware of the fire precautions to be heeded and what to do if a fire occurs. All third-party hirers/users of the premises will be required to appoint a Temporary Responsible Person for each individual unique, occasional or separate event. It is crucial that the Temporary Responsible Person understands their duties for the duration of the event or function. For all third-party hire/use of the premises, a formal booking agreement that sets out the conditions of the hire/use should be prepared and signed. The fire safety responsibilities of those organising the separate function should be established as part of the formal booking agreement. The responsible person for each individual unique, occasional or separate event will need to be clearly established and documented, and their legal duties made clear to them. In particular, and where necessary, the responsible person will need to take account of their own lack of familiarity with the layout of the premises and the fire safety provisions. Page 5 of 15

6 Sacristy Main Body of Church Lady Chapel Stalls High Altar Appendix C.01/A St Bartholomew s Church Fire Safety Management Issue 1 Fire Safety Risk Assessment Step 1 Identify Fire Hazards area sources of ignition sources of fuel sources of oxygen Candles Altar frontals Natural ventilation High concentration of candles on special occasions Flower arrangements Electrical socket outlets Candles Paper Natural ventilation Electrical socket outlets Flower arrangements stall lights Robes Candles Curtains to rear of altar Natural ventilation Electrical socket outlets Curtains across door Flower arrangements Altar frontals Robes Candles by Rood Loft stairs Prayer board at rear of votive candles Natural ventilation Votive candles Curtains across main (south) door Draughts from doors Large (Paschal) candle Curtains across north door Candles at Parish Altar Notice boards Candles in body of church Banners and flags Grand piano cover Straw in crib scene Gas lighter Candles Natural ventilation Candles Gowns Disposal of oiled cotton waste Curtains Waste bin Paper Knitted figures Page 6 of 15

7 Vestry Sacristy Cont d Appendix C.01/A St Bartholomew s Church Fire Safety Management Issue 1 Fire Safety Risk Assessment Step 1 Identify Fire Hazards (continued) area sources of ignition sources of fuel sources of oxygen Palm crosses Candle oil Cleaning fluid Altar runners Natural ventilation Candles Gowns Natural ventilation Matches Curtains Paper Cardboard Corner Toys Posters Standards Natural ventilation Page 7 of 15

8 's Corner Vestry Main Body of Church Lady Chapel Stalls High Altar Appendix C.01/A St Bartholomew s Church Fire Safety Management Issue 1 Fire Safety Risk Assessment Step 2 - Identify People at Risk area people at risk influencing factors Sacristy Clergy Servers etc Organist Augmented choir General public Clergy Servers Congregation General public Clergy Servers Congregation General public Clergy Servers Augmented choir Congregation General public Clergy Servers Church Office holders Able bodied Young persons Able bodied Young persons Disabled (sight/hearing/mobility) Able bodied Young persons Lack of familiarity Disabled (sight/hearing/mobility) Able bodied Young persons Lack of familiarity Disabled (sight/hearing/mobility) Able bodied Young persons Lack of familiarity Disabled (sight/hearing/mobility) Able bodied Young persons Lack of familiarity Disabled (sight/hearing/mobility) Able bodied Young persons Page 8 of 15

9 Main Body Stalls High Altar Appendix C.01/A St Bartholomew s Church Fire Safety Management Issue 1 Fire Safety Risk Assessment Step 3 Evaluate Risk of Fire area people at risk influencing factors Lady Chapel Vestry Corner Sacristy Low - Medium Low - High Low - High Low - High Low Low - High Medium - High Risk low under normal circumstances. Risk increases to medium when large number of densely packed candles used. Risk low under normal circumstances. Risk increases to high when hand-held candles used. Possible risk of arson. Risk low under normal circumstances. Risk increases to high when hand-held candles used. Possible risk of arson. Risk low under normal circumstances. Risk increases to high when hand-held candles used. Possible risk of arson. Risk of arson low as choir vestry kept locked when not in use. Risk low under normal circumstances. Risk increases to high when hand-held candles used. Possible risk of arson. Risk level attributable to nature of items stored in Sacristy and some of current practices. Risk of arson low as area locked when not in use. Page 9 of 15

10 Fire Safety Risk Assessment Step 3A Remove, Reduce and Protect from Risk area High Altar measure remove/reduce source of ignition remove/reduce source of fuel remove/reduce risk to people Maintain safe distance between candles. Altar frontals to be fire-retardant. Maintain safe distance from candles. Place candles in proper holders on noncombustible bases. Restrict access to authorised persons only. Place large floor-standing candles in stable holders to avoid toppling. Keep candles positioned at floor level at safe distance from altar frontals. Stalls Reduce or eliminate need to process with lighted candles when holding papers e.g. music Ensure awareness of potential risks of papers and robes in presence of lighted candles. Maintain clear exit routes at all times. Lady Chapel Maintain safe distance between candles. Altar frontals to be fire-retardant. Maintain safe distance from candles. Place candles in proper holders on noncombustible bases. Curtains at rear of altar to be fireretardant. Restrict access to authorised persons only. Place large floor-standing candles in stable holders to avoid toppling. Curtains at south door to be fireretardant. Unlock and maintain access to south door when large congregations present Keep candles positioned at floor level at safe distance from altar frontals. Properly briefed fire marshals to be posted when large congregations present Fire marshals to be equipped with torches during hours of darkness. Location of persons with impaired vision, hearing or mobility. Location of unaccompanied children. Page 10 of 15

11 Main Body of Church Appendix C.01/A St Bartholomew s Church Fire Safety Management Issue 1 Fire Safety Risk Assessment Step 3A Remove, Reduce and Protect from Risk (continued) area measure remove/reduce source of ignition remove/reduce source of fuel remove/reduce risk to people Maintain safe distance between candles. Altar frontals to be fire-retardant. Unlock and maintain access to north door Place candles in proper holders on noncombustible Curtains at north and south doors to be when large congregations present bases. fire retardant. Properly briefed fire marshals to be No candles to unaccompanied children. Votive candle stand not to be placed in posted when large congregations present Maintain safe distance from unstable front of Prayer board. Fire marshals to be equipped with Paschal candle. Votive candles not to be placed in close torches during hours of darkness. Extinguish Votive candles when large congregation present. proximity to notice boards. Thoroughfares and exit routes to be kept clear of obstructions at all times. Rationalise number and position of No chairs to be placed in centre aisle. Maintain safe distance between people carrying lighted candles. notice boards. Remove time expired notices from notice boards on a regular basis Location of persons with impaired vision, hearing or mobility. Limit number of people processing with candles and carrying papers e.g. music. Location of unaccompanied children. Instructions on action to be taken in the event of fire to be given at beginning of service. Awareness of impact on behaviour of heightened emotions (memorial service) Vestry Remove matches. Ensure sheet music is returned to metal filing cabinets. Keep cupboards closed. Remove candles. Avoid use of area for general storage or as dumping ground for unwanted materials. Ensure guest choristers are made aware of fire procedure. Practice good housekeeping. Page 11 of 15

12 s Corner Appendix C.01/A St Bartholomew s Church Fire Safety Management Issue 1 Fire Safety Risk Assessment Step 3A Remove, Reduce and Protect from Risk (continued) area measure remove/reduce source of ignition remove/reduce source of fuel remove/reduce risk to people No votive candles to be placed immediately below or in close proximity to laid up standards. No votive candles to be placed in close proximity to display board. No hand-held candles to be permitted within area. Awareness of presence of children. No unaccompanied children to use area when large congregations present. using area to remain responsibility of accompanying adult(s). Sacristy Avoid lighting candles within confines of Sacristy. Adopt safe practice for lighting incense burner within confines of Sacristy. Adopt safe practice for burning oiled cotton waste within confines of Sacristy Review practice of storing highly flammable palm crosses. Consider opportunities for reducing apparently large quantities of candles held in stock. Consider opportunities for storing candles in metal cupboard/filing cabinet in preference to cardboard boxes. Review storage arrangements for candle oil. Review storage arrangements for cleaning fluid. Practice good housekeeping. Thoroughfares and exit routes to be kept free of obstruction at all times. Ensure awareness by people using area of potential risks. Restrict access to authorised persons only. General All mains operated electrical equipment intended for connection to any church electrical circuit to be subject to a current PAT (portable Appliance Testing) certificate. Page 12 of 15

13 Fire Safety Management Emergency Plan 1) On becoming aware of a fire the fire marshals will immediately notify the person leading the service. 2) The person leading the service will immediately suspend proceedings and make the appropriate announcement, using the public address system, and instruct everyone to leave in an orderly manner following the directions of the marshals. 3) The appropriate assembly point is determined by final exit route as follows: a) North door ~ grassed area in north-east corner of churchyard. b) South doors ~ pavement immediately outside High Street entrance gate. 4) The marshals will immediately open each of the following final exit route doors ensuring they are clear of all obstructions: a) Main body of church ~ South door b) Main body of church ~ North door c) Lady Chapel ~ South door 5) The marshals will direct members of the congregation to the appropriate (nearest available) final exit route ensuring they do not stop to collect personal belongings. 6) The marshals will assist where necessary and as appropriate, with the safe evacuation of people identified as being especially at risk and who may experience difficulty leaving the building quickly, including elderly, disabled, pregnant women, parents with children or unaccompanied children. 7) The person leading the service will immediately notify the emergency services using a mobile telephone, quoting the following post code: SN4 7AA This person should remain at the High Street entrance in readiness to meet the emergency services on their arrival 8) Upon completion of the evacuation the marshals should undertake a check of the building to ensure nobody remains inside only if safe to do so and without risk to themselves. 9) Following evacuation of the building the marshals will use the appropriate fire extinguishers to fight the fire only if safe to do so and without risk to themselves. 10) Training, appropriate to their duties within the Emergency Plan, regarding their roles and responsibilities will be provided for the following: a) Fire Marshals b) Sides Persons c) Clergy d) Churchwardens Page 13 of 15

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15 1. Introduction Fire Safety Management Guidance for Third-Party Users of Church In accordance with the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the Parochial Church Council has undertaken a Fire Safety Risk Assessment for the church building and for the activities for which they are responsible. However, these risk assessments do not take into consideration the specific fire safety implications arising from third-party hire/use of church premises. Third-party hirers/users of the church are legally responsible for conducting their activities in a way safe from fire. There is a need to ensure such persons are aware of the fire precautions to be heeded and what to do if a fire occurs. This guidance has been prepared to assist third-party hirers/users in fulfilling their legal obligations. 2. Requirements The hirer/user is required to undertake a Risk Assessment reflecting the specific nature of the event to ensure compliance with all relevant Health & Safety legislation. In particular the hirer/user is reminded of their legal responsibility for conducting their activities in a way safe from fire. The hirer/user has legal duties with regard to the safety of those persons assisting or attending the event and in accordance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 is require to appoint a Temporary Responsible Person and prepare an Emergency Plan for each individual unique, occasional or separate event. The Emergency Plan should include, but is not limited to, the following information: who is supervising and how to identify them location of exits and escape routes the location of assembly points the emergency warning signal the arrangements for fighting fire the arrangements for means of escape for disabled persons the duties & identity of individuals who have specific responsibilities if there is a fire the arrangements for the safe evacuation of persons identified as being especially at risk, including those with disabilities, children and members of the public who will be responsible for calling the fire and rescue service who will meet the fire and rescue service on their arrival plans to deal with people once they have left the premises, especially children arrangements for ensuring escape routes and exits do not become blocked arrangements for limiting or controlling the number of persons in the premises, where necessary Page 15 of 15