Oldbury‑on‑Severn Memorial Hall

Safety Policy

Version 1 — 2026

 

  1. Purpose of This Policy

The purpose of this Safety Policy is to ensure that Oldbury‑on‑Severn Memorial Hall provides a safe, well‑maintained and responsibly managed environment for all users, including hirers, visitors, volunteers, contractors and members of the public.

This policy outlines the Hall’s commitment to preventing accidents, reducing risks, and promoting safe working practices across all activities and events held on the premises.

 

  1. Our Commitment to Safety

Oldbury‑on‑Severn Memorial Hall is committed to:

  • Providing a safe and healthy environment for all users
  • Identifying, assessing and managing risks associated with the Hall and its activities
  • Complying with all relevant health and safety legislation
  • Ensuring equipment, facilities and services are maintained to a safe standard
  • Promoting a culture of safety awareness among trustees, volunteers, hirers and visitors
  • Responding promptly to hazards, incidents and safety concerns

We recognise our responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, and all associated legislation.

 

  1. Responsibilities

Trustees

The Trustees (Oldbury‑on‑Severn Parish Council) have overall responsibility for ensuring the Hall is operated safely and in accordance with legal requirements.

Executive Management Committee (EMC)

The EMC is responsible for:

  • Implementing this Safety Policy
  • Conducting and reviewing risk assessments
  • Ensuring statutory inspections are completed
  • Maintaining equipment and facilities
  • Keeping safety records and documentation
  • Reporting significant issues to the Trustees

Hirers

All hirers must:

  • Take reasonable care of their own safety and that of others
  • Follow the Hall’s safety procedures and guidance
  • Report hazards, defects or incidents immediately
  • Ensure activities are supervised and conducted safely
  • Leave the Hall in a clean and safe condition

Contractors

Contractors must:

  • Work safely and comply with relevant regulations
  • Provide evidence of competence and insurance
  • Report hazards or concerns to the EMC

 

  1. Safety Arrangements

4.1 Risk Assessments

  • Risk assessments are carried out for all Hall activities, equipment and facilities
  • Assessments are reviewed annually or following significant change
  • Hirers must conduct their own activity‑specific risk assessments

4.2 Statutory Inspections

The following inspections are carried out:

  • Electrical fixed wiring: every 5 years
  • Portable appliance testing (PAT): every 2 years
  • Fire risk assessment: annually
  • Firefighting equipment: annually
  • Ladders and access equipment: before use and annually

4.3 First Aid

  • A First Aid Box is provided and maintained
  • An Accident Book is available for recording incidents
  • Serious incidents must be reported to the EMC immediately

4.4 Fire Safety

  • Fire exits must remain clear at all times
  • Hirers must familiarise themselves with evacuation routes
  • Fire procedures must be followed in the event of an alarm
  • No smoking is permitted inside the Hall

4.5 Hazard Reporting

Any damaged, defective or unsafe item must be reported to the Booking Clerk or EMC as soon as possible.

4.6 Asbestos

  • Any asbestos present must be identified and recorded
  • It must be managed or removed safely in accordance with regulations

 

  1. Training and Awareness

The EMC will ensure that:

  • Committee members receive appropriate safety awareness training
  • Hirers are provided with relevant safety information
  • Contractors are briefed on site‑specific hazards

 

  1. Monitoring and Review
  • This policy will be reviewed annually
  • Risk assessments and safety procedures will be updated as required
  • Incident reports will be monitored to identify trends and improvements

 

  1. Contact for Safety Concerns

All safety concerns, hazards or incidents should be reported to:

Chairperson: Christopher Jennings
Email: cjlj@hotmail.com