In the event of a fire, the three most important actions are, in chronological order, to:

Operate the nearest fire alarm call point (Red “break glass” box usually near to a fire exit).

Leave the building immediately by the nearest available exit and go to the assembly point.

Dial 999, to summon the emergency services

The preservation of life is more important than saving property. If a fire is discovered, the alarm shall be raised immediately however small the fire. All staff and volunteers are empowered to raise a fire alarm if they believe there is a fire.

Responsibility for summoning the fire brigade is down to the Service Manager or group leader, if you have discovered a fire inform the service manager after raising the alarm.

You should not attempt to extinguish a fire; trained staff may attempt to extinguish small fires if it is safe to do so. NEVER fight fires where highly flammable materials are held/involved (e.g. some aerosol cans).

Evacuation of the building must start as soon as the alarm sounds. All occupants must report to the fire assembly points located at: St James Church Grounds - Church Street. Assist visitors by bringing them with you to the fire assembly point. Do not re enter the building until the ‘all clear’ has been given by the fire brigade. If the brigade did not attend, the Service Manager (or group leader if no service manager present) may give the ‘all clear’.

Fire exit routes must be kept clear at all times. Combustible materials must be kept away from heat sources and fire doors kept closed - do not prop open. No smoking inside the building or near to the external bins.

First Aid boxes will be available for all events hosted by WWV. These are available in the Office, Kitchen, Storehouse Food Bank Cupboard, Chapel Hall.

Access to a telephone – fixed landlines are in the office and media area of the Sanctuary. Provision will be made for external events by appointed responsible persons.

Each Sunday service/event will have an appointed first aider overseeing. This can be noted through your Church Suite team rota for Sunday service and will be the same each week (unless they have swapped).

If you hurt yourself in any way or witness anyone being injured please notify your assigned first aider/service manager.

Never lift anything you consider to be too heavy.

2 people should carry heavy / bulky items.

When stacking boxes, ensure heavier boxes are placed between around waist height for easier lifting.

Use any manual handling equipment provided.

Avoid twisting and/or stooping and/or jerking.

Stack tables, chairs, shelving and items in storage cupboards carefully so they do not fall or collapse .

Please plan your manual handling task and carry out a dynamic risk assessment, using the TILE assessment method below:

T – Task ( What is it we need to move and to where? Is the route clear? Do you need help or to be able to use the trolley? Can you put the load down safely at the end of the task?)

I – Individual ( What is the individual's capability, may be reduced by pre existing condition etc)

L – Load ( Load Weight, Size, Centre of gravity, hot or cold, live load, condition of packaging {protruding staples, oily etc.});

E – Environment ( Trailing cables, wet floors, lighting, stairs, temperature, weather conditions)

We recommend that you do not assist people who may need extra help with their physical care, this is our duty of care towards us all. If you are ever in doubt please speak to your service manager/team leader about how to proceed. Specific plans can be made to help look after people as needed.

Keep all work and general areas clear and tidy. If you see a hazard please report it to the team leader.

Please report any defective equipment. It must be taken out of use immediately.

Keep liquids away from electrical equipment.

Do not bring in electrical equipment into the building unless it is PAT tested.

If you have a situation you are unsure about or you feel unsafe at any point please always find a service manager or team leader.

Only use equipment you have been trained to use. If you are unsure, check before you proceed.