Health & Safety Policy | St Anne's Aigburth

Parochial Church Council of St Anne's Aigburth

Reviewed: September 2025

Contents

Note to all Employees, Voluntary Helpers and Contractors

SECTION A – GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY

SECTION B – ORGANISATION AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibility of the Parochial Church Council
Responsibility of the Churchwardens
Responsibility of Employees and Voluntary Workers

SECTION C – ARRANGEMENTS

Accidents and First Aid
General Fire Safety
Electrical Safety
Gas Safety
Chemicals
Equipment & Plant
Slips, Trips and Falls
Lighting
Working at Height
Food Hygiene
Manual Handling
Computer & Display Screen Equipment
Smoking
Legionella
Heating
Candles
Church Grounds / Graveyard
Child Protection
Lone Working
Risk Assessments/Activities
Contractors
Information and Enforcement
Health and Safety Law Leaflet

Note to All Employees, Voluntary Helpers and Contractors

The success of this policy will depend on your co-operation. It is therefore important that you read this document carefully and understand your role and the overall arrangements for health and safety.

Section A - 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 all our employees, casual labour and voluntary helpers, and to provide such information, training and supervision as they need for this purpose.

We will also endeavor to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of all members of the congregation, contractors, visitors and others who may visit the church and churchyard.

The allocation of duties for safety matters and the particular arrangements which 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, there will be a standing agenda item for Health & Safety at each normal meeting of the Parochial Church Council (PCC).

Signed:

Martin Lovgreen

PCC Secretary, on behalf of the PCC –24th September 2025

Section B - Organisation and Responsibilities

1. Responsibility of the Parochial Church Council

1.1 Overall responsibility for health and safety is that of the PCC and it will ensure that arrangements are in place to satisfy Health and Safety Regulations and appropriate Codes of Practice.
1.2 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
2.1 Responsibility to ensure that the arrangements outlined in this policy are carried out and updated as necessary, rests with the Churchwardens.

2.2 The Churchwardens have the responsibility for the day-to-day implementation of the arrangements outlined in this policy and will:

be familiar with Health and Safety Regulations as far as they concern church premises.
be familiar with the health and safety policy and arrangements and ensure they are observed.
ensure so far as is reasonably practicable, that safe systems of work are in place.
ensure the church is clean and tidy.
ensure the churchyard is properly maintained including the safety of monuments, tombstones and trees, and that grass is kept cut.
ensure that any safety equipment and clothing is provided and used by all personnel where this is required.
ensure that all plant, equipment and tools are properly maintained and in good condition and that all operators have received the appropriate training.
ensure that adequate access and egress is maintained.
ensure adequate firefighting equipment is available and maintained.
ensure that food hygiene regulations and procedures are observed.

3. Responsibility of Employees and Voluntary Workers
3.2 Employees and voluntary workers must therefore:
comply with safety rules, operating instructions and working procedures.

3.1 All employees and voluntary helpers 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.

use protective clothing and equipment when it is required.
report any fault or defect in equipment immediately to the appropriate person.
report all accidents (however minor), injuries, near misses or other potential safety hazards as soon as possible.
not misuse anything provided in the interests of health and safety.

Section C - Arrangements (Implementation of the Policy)

1. This section sets out our arrangements to minimise as far as is reasonably practicable risks to the health and safety of employees, voluntary workers, members of the congregation, visitors and contractors

1.1 First Aid and Accidents

First Aid boxes are located in the office and the two kitchens and are regularly checked by the Churchwardens to ensure that they are stocked, and all items remain in date.
Nominated First Aiders are appropriately trained, and a full list is held by the Churchwardens.
Outside organisations hiring or using the premises are informed that in the event of an accident, details must be reported to the Churchwardens.
Accident records are maintained and regularly reviewed.

1.2 RIDDOR Report of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations

1.2.1 These accidents will be reported by Ian Crowe.

1.2.2 Fatal accidents, major injuries and dangerous occurrences must be reported immediately by a responsible person by the quickest practicable means (normally the telephone) to the relevant enforcing authority (for churches this will most probably be the Local Authority Environmental Health Department) under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations. Following the initial notification, a written report on the approved form F2508 must be sent to the enforcing authority within 10 days of the accident or occurrence. If there is any doubt as to whether the accident is reportable, or to which authority it should be reported, the advice of the Health and Safety Executive should be obtained.

1.2.3 The following is a summary of the injuries or occurrences which must be reported (for further information, refer to the Regulations or contact the HSE or Environmental Health Officer):

any fatality to employees or non-employees including volunteers.
major injuries to employees (this includes fractures, amputations, dislocations, loss of sight, electric shock, exposure to harmful substances, any injury resulting admission to hospital for more than 24 hours and any accident that causes more than three consecutive days off work).
Injuries to non-employees which require the injured person to be taken straight to hospital for treatment.

2. General Fire Safety

2.1.1 Our policy is to fulfil our obligations under the Fire Safety (Regulatory Reform Order) 2005 (Note: There is currently no automated fire alarm system operating at the premises).

2.2.2 In order to achieve this, we undertake the following:

An assessment of the fire risks in the church and associated buildings, has been carried out and fire evacuation routes are posted at the entrance to the church.
For all services and concerts, the Churchwardens (or their deputies are responsible to ensure all exits are open and direct everyone from the building and to ensure the fire service are called.
Ensuring clear access for any emergency vehicles
Emergency lighting is provided and tested & records kept as detailed in the Wardens checklist.
User groups are advised on their responsibilities regarding fire safety.

3 Electrical Safety

3.1 Portable electrical appliances/ fix electrical installation

3.1.1 From time-to-time plugs, cables and sockets will be inspected by the wardens or their deputies to ensure that there are no loose connections, worn flexes or trailing leads. Any repairs needed will be undertaken.

3.1.2 From time to time a visual inspection will be carried out of the fixed electrical installation by the wardens or their deputies. Any defects will be rectified.

3.1.3 It is our policy not to sell any second-hand electrical goods unless they have been PAT tested.

3.1.4 Misuse and abuse of electricity is a significant cause of fires and injury. Faulty electrical equipment can kill. All employees and voluntary workers must observe the following:

i) Visually check all electrical equipment before use.

ii) Report all faults immediately to the churchwardens.

iii) Do not attempt to use or repair faulty equipment.

iv) No electrical equipment is to be brought onto the premises and used until it has been tested by the approved person and entered in the electrical equipment record.

v) Electrical equipment should be switched off and disconnected when not in use for long periods.

vi) Flexible cables should be so positioned and so protected that they do not constitute a tripping hazard and are not subject to mechanical damage.

3.2 PAT testing will be carried out every 2 years and the fixed electrical installation inspected every 5 years. Records will be kept by the church wardens.

4. Gas Safety

4.1 A new (2021) gas supply and boiler has been installed and will be subject to annual safety checks, records of this will be kept by the Churchwardens.

5. Chemicals

5.1 The Churchwardens or their deputies will maintain a list of all hazardous substances used in the church.

5.2 Where at all possible, we have eliminated the use of hazardous substances. Where this is not possible, our safety arrangements are as follows:

5.3 For all hazardous substances, which include substances marked as “Harmful, Irritant, Corrosive, Toxic, Very Toxic, Flammable, Highly Flammable, Extremely Flammable, Explosive, Oxidising or Dangerous for the Environment”, data sheets or product information provided by the manufacturers are used to determine the correct method of use, protective clothing needed, method of storage, and action to take in the event of an accident e.g.

Name of Substance: e.g., Liquid floor cleaner “Flash”

Detail all substances, noting in each case the name of substance, hazard type, method of storage, protective clothing required and procedure in the event of an accident.

5.4 Chemicals will not be mixed.

5.5 Chemicals will not be stored in unmarked containers.

6. Equipment and Plant

6.1 The Churchwardens or their deputies will maintain a list of all items of plant and machinery. The procedures for checking and rules for use are as follows:

Employees and voluntary workers must not operate plant or machinery that they are not trained and authorised to use.
Employees and voluntary workers must not ride on any parts of machinery not intended for that use.
Machinery must be switched off before any adjustments are made.
After carrying out maintenance and adjustments, all guards must be replaced before the machinery is used.
Before using any item of plant or machinery, a check must be made to ensure it is in a safe working condition, correctly adjusted, and there are no loose nuts, bolts, or other defects.
The appropriate personal protective equipment detailed below must be worn when operating any item of plant or machinery.
Persons under the age of 18 may use hand tools only and are not permitted to operate any power-driven item of plant or machinery.
Ladders may only be used when they can be safely secured. This may necessitate the use of ladder ties or two-person operation.
Any defect and damage found to any item of plant or machinery must be reported to The Churchwardens.
All plant and machinery will be regularly maintained, and a schedule kept of maintenance requirements.

7. Slips, Trips and Falls

7.1 Condition of floors, steps and paths - In order to reduce as far as is reasonably practicable the risk of slips, trips and falls, an inspection will be made annually by the wardens or their deputies of all floors and stairs in the church, and all paths and steps in the churchyard. Particular note will be made of moss, algae and leaves on paths. Any defects will be reported to the PCC who will arrange for repairs or remedial measures to be carried out.

8. Lighting

8.1 In order to ensure that the church is adequately lit, an inspection will be made every week by the churchwardens to ensure that all lights in the church are working. Any bulbs which require replacing will be replaced and the safety procedures for the replacement of bulbs will be followed.

9. Working at Height

9.1 A separate risk assessment is required for those working at height.

10. Food Hygiene

10.1 The church is registered with the local authority under food hygiene regulations and ensures food hygiene training is provided for people who will be using the kitchen.

11. Manual handling – Lifting, Carrying and Moving of loads

11.1 There is movement of equipment within the church and therefore manual handling training will be offered to all who are involved in this work.

12. Computers and display screen equipment

12.1 The only equipment is a projection/CCTV/4 x TV type screen units and laptop for occasional use.

13. Smoking

13.1 There is no smoking allowed on the church premises.

14. Legionella

14.1 The cold water taps to the sink in the office, kitchen and WC all run at below 20 degrees C

14.2 The hot water taps to the sinks in the toilets, and Kitchens are fed by water boilers and run at above 60 degrees C, with the exception of the mixer tap in the disabled WC, this tap will require servicing from time to time.

15. Heating

15.1 The gas boiler will be serviced on an annual basis.

16. Candles

16.1 Candles are permitted in the church; however, they are not to be left unattended and must be extinguished 15 minutes before the church is vacated.

17. Church Grounds/ Graveyard

17.1 The safety of the headstones is checked by the wardens or their deputies on a regular basis, records are kept in the church file.

18. Child Protection

18.1 See separate policy on this matter.

18.2 A permanent record will be maintained of all accidents involving children.

19. Lone Working

19.1 So far is reasonably practical lone working in church will be avoided, "Office Time" on Tuesday evening will now be on appointment only basis, when required, one of the Churchwardens or Deputies will support office time.

20. Risk Assessments

20.1 Risk assessments will be carried out on all significant hazards within the church premises and all activities that carry a significant risk at regular intervals under the direction of one of the Church Wardens. In order to meet our obligations under The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

20.2 Identified hazards:

Changing light bulbs
Entering old boiler room
Access to clock room and tower

21. Contractors

21.1 Anyone entering church premises for the purposes of carrying out work, other than an employee or voluntary worker of the Church, will be regarded as a contractor. All contractors, including the self-employed, must abide by the following:

Have their own health and safety policy (were required by law) and be able to provide a copy of the same if requested.
Produce evidence that they have appropriate public and employers’ liability insurance in place. A record of this evidence will be maintained.
Comply with all the requirements of this health and safety policy and co-operate with the church officials in providing a safe place of work and a safe system of operation.
Where plant and machinery is brought onto the church premises by contractors, they must be able to show where necessary that the equipment has been inspected and tested to ensure its safe operation.
Contractors may only use sub-contractors or persons other than their own direct employees with the express permission of the church officials. However, responsibility will remain with the contractors.
All contractors will be given detailed instructions regarding the areas where they are permitted to work and the extent of the work they are authorised to undertake. This “permit to work” will also specify any safety precautions they must undertake.
Certain work to the church will be subject to The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. See separate section in health and safety file for guidance on construction work.

22. Information and enforcement

Environmental Health Service Information:

Liverpool City Council

Licencing and Public Protection

Cunard Building

Water Street

Liverpool

L3 1AH

Tel: 0151 233 3055

Health and Safety Executive

Redgrave Court,

Merton Road,

Bootle,

Merseyside,

L20 7HS

Employment Medical Advisory Service Information:

Address: HSE Office, Bootle

23. Health and safety and the law information

23.1 A copy of the HSE leaflet “Health and Safety Law – What you should know” is available in the health and safety file held in the church office.