Health and Safety Policy

1. Introduction

The Lord Rama Krishna Cultural Centre is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all committee members, volunteers, members, and visitors. This Health and Safety Policy outlines our approach to creating a safe and healthy environment for everyone involved with the Centre.

2. Statement of Intent

We are dedicated to:

• Ensuring the safety, health, and welfare of all committee members, volunteers, members, and visitors.
• Complying with all relevant health and safety legislation, regulations, and codes of practice.
• Identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing appropriate control measures to prevent accidents and incidents.
• Providing appropriate training, information, and supervision to ensure all individuals understand their health and safety responsibilities.
• Regularly reviewing and updating our health and safety procedures to reflect changes in legislation or operations.

3. Responsibilities

• Committee Members: The committee members are responsible for implementing this Health and Safety Policy, ensuring adequate resources are available, and reviewing the policy regularly.
• Health and Safety Officer: A designated Health and Safety Officer will be appointed from among the committee or volunteers to monitor compliance with this policy, conduct risk assessments, and ensure that all necessary health and safety measures are in place.
• Volunteers and Members: All volunteers and members must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others. They must follow the safety procedures and report any hazards or unsafe practices to the Health and Safety Officer.

4. Risk Assessment

We will conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential hazards associated with the Centre’s activities, premises, and events. Control measures will be implemented to mitigate identified risks, and assessments will be reviewed annually or when significant changes occur.

5. First Aid

Appropriate first aid equipment will be maintained on the premises, and a trained First Aider will be available during all events and activities. All injuries and incidents must be reported to the Health and Safety Officer and recorded in the Accident Book.

6. Fire Safety

• Fire risk assessments will be conducted regularly.
• Fire extinguishers and alarms will be installed and maintained in accordance with legal requirements.
• Clear evacuation procedures will be established, and fire drills will be conducted regularly.

• All exits will be clearly marked and kept unobstructed at all times.

7. Electrical Safety

• All electrical equipment will be regularly tested and maintained to prevent electrical hazards.
• Only qualified personnel will be permitted to carry out electrical work on the premises.
• Any faulty equipment must be reported immediately and taken out of use until repaired or replaced.

8. Hygiene and Cleanliness

• The Centre will be kept clean and hygienic at all times.
• Sanitation facilities, including hand washing stations, will be provided and maintained.
• Regular cleaning schedules will be followed, particularly in high-traffic areas.

9. Safeguarding Vulnerable Individuals

We are committed to safeguarding vulnerable individuals, including children, the elderly, and those with disabilities. All activities will be designed with their safety and well-being in mind.

10. Visitors and Contractors

All visitors and contractors will be informed of relevant health and safety procedures. Contractors must follow the Centre’s health and safety requirements and provide evidence of their own safety policies where applicable.

11. Reporting and Monitoring

All incidents, accidents, and near-misses must be reported to the Health and Safety Officer immediately. These will be recorded and reviewed to prevent future occurrences. Regular monitoring will ensure the effectiveness of health and safety measures.

12. Training

All committee members, volunteers, and regular members will receive appropriate health and safety training. This training will be updated periodically to ensure compliance with current standards and regulations.

13. Review of Policy

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed annually or following any significant incident, change in legislation, or operational change at the Centre. Any updates will be communicated to all relevant individuals.