Hypnotherapy Surrey
 
 
Our Policy for Equality and Diversity 
 
if you have a concern, please speak to 
 
James Golding 
 
Designated Officer for Safeguarding 
 
QUALITY COMPLIANCE DOCUMENTATION POLICIES 
 
Equality and Diversity Policy Context 
Equality Act came into force in 2010 and it forms the legal framework to help reduce discrimination in many parts of our lives including, but not limited to, the following: 
• in the workplace 
• in education 
• as consumers 
• when using or offer public services the SCCP is committed to promoting and embedding equality and diversity throughout the organisation. 
We believe that diversity within our team, our students and our partners is essential and contributes to our quality and strength as a provider. 
SCCP places equality and diversity at the centre of its business, from senior level strategic and planning to the simplest daily operational processes and procedures. 
We use our equality and diversity action plan to constantly evaluate, improve and develop the impact of our activities. 
This Policy will be available to our staff and can be downloaded from our website. 
Policy Statement 
We believe that every individual should be treated fairly, respectfully and with dignity and, to this end, we are determined to proactively tackle all forms of inequality. Our staff, students, partners and visitors to the SCCP are expected to share our vision and commitment. 
We ensure that all staff, students, visitors and other interested parties: 
• be healthy 
• stay safe 
• enjoy and achieve 
• make a positive contribution 
• achieve economic wellbeing 
 
 
It is crucial that colleagues understand our aims and that they are confident enough to challenge any evidence of discrimination. 
All staff are required to complete induction and ongoing training which covers a range of compulsory topics, including Equality and Diversity. 
Through this training they learn that The Equality Act 2010 means that all people are now protected from discrimination relating to their: 
• Age – young (but over 18) or old are protected at work and in work training 
• Disability or impairment – organisations must make ‘reasonable adjustments’ to accommodate staff, customers and visitors with disabilities 
• Gender – equal pay, training and opportunity for males and females 
• Gender reassignment – people changing from male to female, or female to male 
• Marriage or civil partnership – preventing discrimination at work or in work training on the grounds of being married or in a civil partnership 
• Pregnancy or maternity (including breastfeeding) – only reasons of safety are not covered – e.g. equality may not be possible for pregnant women in some circumstances if the activity could harm them or the baby 
• Race – wherever they were born, their parents’ and their own race, colour, ethnicity are protected 
• Religion or beliefs – any religion, lack of religion or personal belief is protected 
• Sexual orientation – heterosexual, gay, lesbian and bisexual people are covered. Under the Act, these are referred to as the protected characteristics. 
 
Organisational Responsibilities 
All staff representing the SCCP accept overall responsibility for Equality and Diversity and delegate specific responsibilities to individual members of staff as appropriate. 
Have ultimate responsibility for ensuring compliance with the Equality Act 2010 and its statutory codes of practice. They are also responsible for taking action against any breaches of the policy by staff, students, or partners. 
Other members of staff are delegated specific responsibilities as appropriate. All staff with delegated responsibilities will receive information, training, and support as necessary to carry out their roles. 
 
Implementation and Communication of the Policy 
The Principal and Equality and Diversity Lead (James Golding) is responsible for the co-ordination, implementation and monitoring of policies, processes and procedures that support compliance with the regulations outlined above. 
He does this by: 
• monitoring the key performance targets set out in our equality and diversity action plan 
• ensuring that the action plan remains up to date 
• ensuring that we are aware of best practice and developments in relevant legislation and guidance. Staff are made aware that equality is not about treating everyone in exactly the same way, it is about recognising the importance of treating each person as an individual and making sure their needs are met. 
We aim to provide an environment that is fair and respectful and that creates a culture where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential. 
The SCCP celebrates diversity by embracing differences in background, skills, race, religion, language, traditions and experience. Our commitment to British Values, which is embedded throughout the organisation, is further demonstration of this. 
 
Equality and Diversity Policy 
The SCCP is fully committed to the principles of Equality and Diversity and demonstrates this by: 
• taking positive action to ensure that our staff and students reflect the diverse local and regional communities in which we work. Our partnership working further demonstrates our knowledge of successful strategies that can be used to attract greater diversity 
• making sure that our staff and students are protected from discrimination, bullying, harassment and insults to personal dignity. Staff and students are encouraged to be vigilant for the signs and indicators of discrimination and are supported in challenging them 
• using documentation, marketing and promotional material that promotes equality of opportunity and reflects the diversity of our staff and students. 
• eliminating any barriers to applying for SCCP training that demonstrates unfair discrimination and by working to promote the SCCP’s provision to all members of the communities in which we work 
• ensuring that all students have equal access to the support and quality of service they need to enable them to achieve their full potential. This supports our aim to ensure that any achievement gap between groups is minimised 
• using quality assurance procedures that effectively monitor equality of opportunity across our provision Whilst our Equality Lead has specific responsibility for planning and achievement of our aims, all staff are expected to share our vision. 
• We ensure the presence of ongoing equality and diversity support and training for staff, monitor each other and students for breaches of this policy 
• Trainers treat each student fairly and with respect. Through the screening process they are able to identify whether an individual has specific needs, where support may be required to provide equality of opportunity 
• Trainers are responsible for ensuring further communication of the policy to students and employers through our induction process. Subsequently, they provide ongoing support to students and are alert to any concerns relating to equality and diversity We aim to attract, develop and promote people from diverse backgrounds. 
Training Delivery 
The overall wellbeing and development of our students is enhanced by our commitment to Equality and Diversity and is part of our wider commitment to Safeguarding. 
It is an essential thread in all our training provision and is demonstrated through: • student induction 
• compulsory training including, Equality and Diversity and British Values 
• Students are given the opportunity to disclose additional needs, and potential support requirements during the training process 
• our commitment to providing reasonable adjustments: flexibility around examination venues, format and time allowed, production of resources in different colours and fonts, changes to display screen settings, provision of a reader (this is not an exhaustive list) 
• student reviews 
Breach of the Policy and Complaints 
We will take any breach of this policy, or complaint in relation to it seriously, whether it be by a staff member, student, partner or visitor. 
Any instance will be investigated and appropriate action taken in a timely and sensitive manner. 
We have robust quality assurance procedures that include measures in relation to equality and diversity and we seek to assess the impact of this policy through these processes. 
Our Equality and Diversity Action Plan and targets are reviewed annually at the management meeting. The Policy is reviewed at least yearly and earlier in the event of significant changes to legislation/regulations. 
 
1975 Health and Safety at Work Act 
Statement of 
The Surrey College of Clinical Hypnotherapy & Psychotherapy 
SCCP 
Health and Safety Policy agreed on 
16 01 2020 
By 
James Golding 
Ed Francis 
Belinda Gardiner 
 
PART ONE 
General Statement of Policy, Duties & Responsibilities 
1.1 Policy Statement The SCCP recognises and accepts its health and safety duties for providing a safe and healthy working environment (as far as is reasonably practicable) for all its workers (paid or volunteer) and other visitors to its premises under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997, the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, other relevant legislation and common law duties of care. 
 
Throughout this Statement, terms such as “staff”, “workers”, “employees”, include both paid and volunteer workers. It is the policy of the SCCP to promote the health and safety of the committee members, volunteers, staff and of all visitors to the SCCP premises (“the Premises”) and to that intent to: 
 
• Take all reasonably practicable steps to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of all personnel on the premises. 
 
• Provide adequate working conditions with proper facilities to safeguard the health and safety of personnel and to ensure that any work which is undertaken produces no unnecessary risk to health or safety; 
 
• Encourage persons on the premises to co-operate with the SCCP in all safety matter, in the identification of hazards which may exist and in the reporting of any condition which may appear dangerous or unsatisfactory; • Ensure the provision and maintenance of plant, equipment and systems of work that are safe. 
 
• Maintain safe arrangements for the use, handling, storage and transport of articles and substances. 
 
• Provide sufficient information, instruction, training and supervision to enable everyone to avoid hazards and contribute to their own safety and health. 
 
• Provide specific information, instruction, training and supervision to personnel who have particular health and safety responsibilities (eg a person appointed as a Health and Safety Officer or Representative); 
 
• Make, as reasonably practicable, safe arrangements for protection against any risk to health and safety of the general public or other persons that may arise for the Groups/Organisation’s activities. 
 
• Make suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks to the health and safety of employees and of persons not in the employment of the Groups/Organisation arising out of or in connection with the Groups/Organisation’s activities; 
 
• Provide information to other employers of any risks to which those employer’s workers on the Groups/Organisation’s premises may be exposed. 
 
This policy statement and/or the procedures for its implementation may be altered at any time by the Groups/Organisation’s Management Committee (“James Golding, Ed Francis, Belinda Applin”). The statement and the procedures are to be reviewed in the (autumn) of each year by the Health and Safety Sub-committee or by other persons appointed by the Committee. A report on the review, with any other proposals for amendment to the statement of procedures, is to be made to the next following ordinary meeting of the Management Committee. 
 
1.2 Statutory Duty of the Group/Organisation 
The Group/Organisation will comply with its duty to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of its workers and of visitors to its premises and, in general, to: 
 
• Make workplaces safe and without risks to health; • Ensure plant and machinery are safe and that safe systems of work are set and followed; 
 
• Ensure articles and substances are moved, stored and used safely; 
 
• Give volunteers/ workers the information, instruction, training and supervision necessary for their health and safety. In particular, the Group/Organisation will: 
• Assess the risks to health and safety of its volunteers/workers; • Make arrangements for implementing the health and safety measures identified as necessary by this assessment; 
 
• Record the significant findings of the risk assessment and the arrangements for health and safety measures; 
 
• Draw up a health and safety policy statement; including the health and safety organisation and arrangements in force, and bring it to the attention of its workers; 
 
• Appoint someone competent to assist with health and safety responsibilities; 
 
• Set up emergency procedures; 
 
• Provide adequate First Aid facilities; 
 
• Make sure that the workplace satisfies health, safety and welfare requirements, eg for ventilation, temperature, lighting and for sanitary, washing and rest facilities; 
 
• Make sure that work equipment is suitable for its intended use as far as health and safety is concerned, and that it is properly maintained and used; 
 
• Prevent or adequately control exposure to substances that may damage health; 
 
• Take precautions against danger form flammable or explosive hazards, electrical equipment, noise or radiation; 
 
• Avoid hazardous manual handling operations and, where they cannot be avoided, reduce the risk of injury; 
 
• Provide health surveillance as appropriate; 
 
• Provide free any protective clothing or equipment, where risks are not adequately controlled by other means; 
• Ensure that appropriate safety signs are provided and maintained; 
 
• Report certain injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences to the appropriate health and safety enforcing authority. 
 
1.3 Statutory Duty of the Groups/Organisation’s 
 
Workers Employees also have legal duties, and the Organisation confidently requests non-employed (voluntary) workers also to observe these. They include the following: 
 
• To take reasonable care for their own health and safety, and that of other persons who may be affected by what they do or do not do; 
 
• To co-operate with the Group/Organisation on health and safety; 
 
• To use work items provided by the Group/Organisation correctly, including personal protective equipment, in accordance with training or instructions; 
 
• Not to interfere with or misuse anything provided for health, safety and welfare purposes; 
 
• To report at the earliest opportunity injuries, accidents or dangerous occurrences at work, including those involving the public and participants in activities organised by the Group/Organisation; 
 
• Health and Safety law applies not only to employees in the workplace, it also applies to organisations and people who occupy or use community buildings to which members of the public have access. 
 
1.4 Policy for Visitors and Contractors 
On arrival all visitors should be directed to the duty representative of the Management Committee, or a representative of the user/hirer of the building. This person is to take responsibility for the visitor(s) and assist in their evacuation from the building during an emergency or arrange help in the event of an accident. On arrival, all visitors, including contractors and/or their workers, must sign a record of the date and time of their arrival and, before leaving, should further record their time of departure. Contractors working in the building should report any concerns relating to their own safety or suspected unsafe working practices to the Duty representative of the Committee who will investigate and report to the Group/Organisation. 
 
 
PART TWO 
Organisation of Health and Safety 
 
2.1 Health and Safety Sub-committee The Management Committee will appoint a Health and Safety Sub-committee, including representation both of themselves and of staff (both paid and volunteer): 
 
• To have a broad overview of Health and Safety matters; 
 
• To keep the Organisation’s Health and Safety policy and procedures under review; • 
 
To conduct safety tours of the premises; 
 
• To ensure that risk assessments are carried out, including assessments regarding substances hazardous to health (COSSH Regulations); 
 
• To take such action as may be required to ensure that the Organisation’s responsibilities for Health and Safety are fulfilled; 
 
• To report to the Management Committee on their performance of these responsibilities. Contractors working in the building should report any concerns relating to their own safety or suspected unsafe working practices to the Duty representative of the Committee who will investigate and report to the Organisation. Safety Tours The Health and Safety Committee shall carry out 6-monthly tours and inspections of the premises and make a report to the next ordinary meeting of the Management Committee. All necessary actions as a result of the tour shall, where reasonable and practicable, be implemented. The tour shall include inspection of the Accident File. 
 
2.2 Health and Safety Rules 
All workers must exercise ordinary care to avoid accidents in their activities at work and comply with the following general rules and with any further rules which the Group/Organisation may publish from time to time. Accident Forms and Book The book must be kept in a locked drawer once completed. Any injury suffered by a worker or visitor in the course of employment or otherwise on the Groups/Organisation’s premises, however slight, must be recorded, together with such other particulars as are required by statutory regulations, on an accident form maintained by the Organisation. Fire Precautions All personnel must familiarise themselves with fire escape routes and procedures and follow the directions of the Group/Organisation in relation to fire. Equipment and Appliances No equipment or appliance may be used other than as provided by or specifically authorised by or on behalf of the Group/ Organisation and any directions for the use of such must be followed precisely. Safety Clearways Corridors and doorways must be kept free of obstructions and properly lit. Maintenance Defective equipment, furniture and structures must be reported as such without delay. Hygiene and Waste Disposal Facilities for the disposal of waste materials must be kept in a clean and hygienic condition. Waste must be disposed of in an appropriate manner and in accordance with any special instructions relating to the material concerned. Food Hygiene When handling or preparing food there are specific hygiene requirements: 
 
• Regularly wash hands before and during food preparation and especially after using the lavatory; 
 
• Tell your supervisor or representative of the Committee of any skin, nose, throat, or bowel problem; 
 
• Ensure cuts or sores are covered with correct waterproof dressings; 
 
• Keep yourself clean and wear clean clothing; 
 
• Remember that smoking in a food room is illegal; 
 
• Never cough or sneeze over food; 
 
• Clean as you go. Keep all equipment and surfaces clean; 
 
• Prepare raw and cooked food in separate areas. Keep perishable food covered and either refrigerated (less than 8”C) or piping hot (above 63”C); 
 
• Ensure waste food is disposed of properly. Keep the lid on rubbish bin and wash your hands after putting waste in it; 
 
• Avoid handling food as far as possible; 
 
• Tell your supervisor or representative of the Committee of any defects or concerns regarding the facilities – eg uncleanness, refrigeration malfunction, cracked food preparation surfaces. Display Screen Equipment The Group/Organisation recognises its responsibility to ensure the well-being of workers who habitually use display screen equipment for a significant part of their normal work. Volunteers/Workers are advised to ensure that they take a five minute break from the display screen equipment at least once an hour and are advised that, if they experience vision defects or other discomfort that they believe may be wholly or in part a consequence of their use of such equipment, they have the right to an eye-test at the Organisation’s expense. Alcohol, Drugs and Tobacco Smoking within the premises and the use of Drugs (except under medical supervision) on the premises are prohibited at all times. The use of intoxicants (alcohol) is prohibited during working hours, and no employee/volunteer may undertake his/her duties if under the influence of alcohol or drugs (except under medical supervision) 
 
PART THREE 
 
Arrangement and Procedures 
 
The Health and Safety Officer, nominated by the Management Committee, is responsible for ensuring that the safety policy is carried out and that responsibilities for safety, health and welfare are properly assigned and accepted at all levels. His/her details and contact number will be displayed – James Golding 07737 168443. 
 
3.1 First Aid and Accident Reporting 3.2 Fire Drills and Evacuation Procedures 3.1.1 First Aid 
 
• First Aid Boxes are provided at Reception 
 
3.1.2 Accidents • In the event of an injury or illness, call for a member of staff or ring for an ambulance directly. To call an ambulance – dial 999 and ask for “ambulance”; 
 
• All accidents must be reported to the Health and Safety Officer or another member of staff on duty immediately or as soon as practicable; 
 
• All accidents must be entered on an accident form, available from the reception desk. The procedures for “notifiable” accidents as shown in Appendix A below must be followed; 
 
• The Health and Safety Officer will investigate incidents and accidents, writing a detailed report for the Organisation’s Management Committee to consider the actions necessary to prevent recurrence. 3.3 Fire Drills and Evacuation Procedures 3.2.1 Fire Drills 
 
• All workers and volunteers must know the fire procedures, position of fire appliances and escape routes. 
 
• The fire alarm points, fire exits and emergency lighting system will be tested by The Fire Officer/Health and Safety Officer during the first week of each month and entered in the log book provided. 
 
• The Fire Officer will arrange for Fire Drills and Fire Prevention Checks (see Appendix C below) to be carried out at least once every three months and entered in the log book. In addition, these Drills will be carried out at different times and on different days, so that all users/hirers know the procedures. 
 
• The last person securing the premises will ensure Fire Prevention Close Down Checks are made of all parts of the premises at the end of a session (See Appendix C). 
 
3.2.2 in the event of Fire 
• Persons discovering a fire should sound the nearest alarm; 
 
• The first duty of all workers is to evacuate all people from the building by the nearest exit immediately the fire is discovered; 
• All persons must evacuate the building and, where possible without personal risk, leave all doors and windows closed; 
 
• The assembly point for the building is at the Reception 
 
• No-one should leave the assembly point without the permission of a member of staff; 
 
• If any fire occurs, however minor, the Fire Brigade must be called immediately by dialling 999 and asking for “Fire”; 
 
• When the Fire Brigade arrives advise whether all persons are accounted for and location of fire. 
 
3.2.3 Bomb Warnings 
• If you receive a warning try to find out from the caller: i) The approximate location of the bomb and likely time of detonation; ii) Whether the police and fire brigade have been notified; iii) Try to RECORD EXACTLY WHAT IS SAID: 
 
• Notify the Police immediately on 999; 
 
• DO NOT SOUND THE FIRE ALARM but evacuate the building taking into consideration any information form the bomb warning; 
 
• Assemble in the RECEPTION AREA unless the bomb warning implies otherwise.  
 
3.2.4 Theatre – and Public Entertainment – Licensed Events In addition to the general conditions of the licence(s): 
 
• Hirers/users must be aware of the Health and Safety Policy; 
 
• Emergency lights in the areas used must be kept illuminated; 
 
• Advise the representative of the Management Committee of any defects or concerns regarding the facilities, eg uncleanness, refrigeration operation, cracked food preparation surfaces. 
 
3.2.5 Cleaning Materials, General Machinery and High Risk Areas 
• All portable machinery must be switched off and unplugged when not in use; 
• Wandering cables are a hazard; use with caution and safety in mind; • Slippery floors and dangerous; use warning signs; 
• Use protective clothing and equipment provided and as instructed on machinery/equipment/material. It is the duty of a worker to report any loss of or defect in protective clothing or equipment. 3.2.6 General 
• All thoroughfares, exits and gates must be left clear at all times; 
• Corridors and fire exits must not be blocked by furniture or equipment; 
• Vehicles must not be parked near to the building so as to cause any obstruction or hazard; • Hazards or suspected hazards or other health and safety matters should be reported to the Health and Safety Officer or the staff member on duty immediately or as soon as practicable, so that action can be taken. If the hazard is of a serious nature, immediate action must be taken to protect or clear the area to prevent injury to staff or other users. 
 
PART FOUR 
Appendices APPENDIX A – ACCIDENT REPORTING 
1. Accidents All accidents which occur during work for the Group/Organisation and/or for the User/Hirer, or on premises under the control of the Group/Organisation must be recorded. 
2. Accidents to Workers or Contractor’s Staff a) 
For ALL Accidents Complete Accident Form and give to Health & Safety Officer 
b) For accidents reportable to the Health & Safety Executive (for contractors see 
c)) If accident results in incapacity for work for more than 3 calendar days then complete the online form F2508 with copies to the Chair of the Management Committee. 
If accident results in fatality, fracture, amputation or other specified injury (see section 4, below) then immediately notify: Health & Safety Executive on HSE’s Infoline Tel: 07737 168443 And the Chair of the Management Committee Follow up within seven days with completed online form F2508 with copies to the Chair of the Management Committee c) If a reportable accident involves a contractor’s employee and the premises are under the control of someone other than the contractor then the person in control of the premises is responsible for reporting the accident. If a contractor’s employee is at work on premises under the control of the contractor then it is the contractor or someone acting on his/her behalf who is responsible for reporting the accident. 
3. Accidents to Members of the Public 1. 
For ALL Accidents Complete Accident Form and give to Health & Safety Officer 
2. For accidents reportable to the Health & Safety Executive If an accident results in fatality, fracture, amputation or other specified injury (see section 4 below) 
then immediately notify: Health & Safety Executive, Management Committee Some injuries may not be fully identified until the casualty has been to hospital. It is therefore essential that, if it is known that an individual has gone to hospital as a result of an accident, follow up action is carried out. 
4. Definition of Specified Major Injuries or Conditions 
• Fracture of the skull, spine or pelvis; any bone in the arm or wrist, but not a bone in the hand; any bone in the leg or ankles, but not a bone in the foot. 
• Amputation of; a hand or foot, a finger, thumb or toe; any part thereof if the joint or bone is completely severed 
• Other specified injuries and conditions: 
The loss of sight of an eye; a penetrating injury to the eye, or a chemical or hot metal burn to an eye 
Injury (including burns) either requiring immediate medical treatment, or involving loss of consciousness, resulting (in either case) from electric shock from any electrical circuit or equipment, whether or not due to direct contact o Loss of consciousness resulting from lack of oxygen o Decompression sickness requiring medical treatment 
Either acute illness requiring treatment, or loss of consciousness, resulting (in either case) from absorption of any substance by inhalation, ingestion or through the skin 
Acute illness requiring medical treatment where there is reason to believe that this resulted from exposure to a pathogen or infected material o Any other injury which results in the person injured being admitted immediately into hospital for more than 24 hours IF IN DOUBT REPORT IT 
 
5. Dangerous Occurrences In the event of any of the following: 
• Collapse/Overturning of machinery • Explosion/collapse of closed vessel/boiler 
• Electrical explosion/fire Notify the following immediately: Health & Safety Executive, James Golding 07737 168443 And the Chair of the Management Committee 
6. Occupational Diseases, Poisoning 
Skim Diseases, Lung Diseases, Infections 
On receipt of a written diagnosis from a Doctor, report the disease using online form F2508A to: hse.infoline@natbrit.com And the Chair of the Management Committee Full details of Dangerous Occurrences and Occupational Diseases can be found in HSE RIDDOR Booklets 11 and 17. IF IN DOUBT REPORT IT Appendix B – CONTROL OF SUBSTANCES HAZARDOUS TO HEALTH (COSHH REGULATIONS) 
1. Assessment The assessment must be a systematic review 
What substances are present and in what form? o What harmful effects are possible? o Where and how are the substances actually used or handled? o What harmful effects are given off, etc.? o Who could be affected, to what extent and for how long? o Under what circumstances? o How likely is it that exposure will happen? o What precautions need to be taken to comply with the COSHH Regulations? o What procedures need to be put in place to comply with the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002? 2. Prevention or Control Employers have to ensure that the exposure of workers to hazardous substances is PREVENTED or, if this is not reasonably practicable ADEQUATELY CONTROLLED. 
 
On the basis of the assessment, the employer has to decide which control measures are appropriate to the work situation in order to deal effectively with any hazardous substances that my present. This may mean PREVENTING exposure by o Removing the hazardous substance by changing the process o Substituting with a safe or safer substance, or using a safer form Or, here this is not reasonably practicable, CONTROLLING exposure by o Totally enclosing the process o Using partial enclosure and extraction equipment o General ventilation o Using safe systems of work and handling procedures It is for the employer to choose the method of controlling the exposure and to examine and test control measures, if required. The Regulations limit the use of Personal Protective Equipment (e.g. dust masks, respirators, protective clothing) as the means of protection of those situations ONLY where other measures cannot adequately control exposure. Employers must provide any of their workers and, so far is reasonably practicable, other persons on site who may be exposed to substances hazardous to health, with suitable and sufficient information, instruction and training to that they know the risks they run and the precautions they must take. Employers must ensure that anyone who carries out any task in connection with their duties under COSHH has sufficient information, instruction and training to to the job properly. 
 
Appendix C – FIRE PREVENTION 1. Has the Fire brigade been consulted on: o The number and width of escape routes so as to provide a ready means of escape from all parts of the premises? o Emergency lighting and its maintenance? o The most suitable way of raising an alarm in the event of fire? o The contents of fire instruction notices? o The numbers and types of fire extinguishers or other fire-fighting appliances which should be provided? o Precautions to be taken with any activities involving the use of flammable liquids, naked flames or heating processes? o The desirability of battening or clipping seats together in sets of four where moveable seats are used for large audiences? o The maximum number of people who should be allowed on the premises at any one time? o Are seating and gangways in the hall/rooms so arranged as to allow free and easy access direct to fire exits? o Are exit doors always unlocked before the start of any session and kept unlocked until the last person leaves? o Are escape routes and exit doors clearly sign-posted and marked so that anyone not familiar with the building can quickly see the ways out? o Are escape routes and exit doors never allowed to become obstructed or hidden by chairs, stage props, curtains etc.? 2. Is Fire Equipment properly looked after? o Are fire extinguishers, hose reels and fire alarm systems (where provided) regularly maintained by specialist fire engineering firms? o Are staff/duty officers trained to use this equipment? o Is equipment kept in its proper position and always clearly visible and unobstructed? 3. Are thorough close-down checks made of all parts of the premises at the end of an evening or session? o No smouldering fires or cigarettes left burning? o Heater and cookers turned off? o Televisions and other electrical apparatus turned off and unplugged? o Lights off? o Internal doors closed? o Outside doors and windows closed and secured? 4. Are all reasonable steps taken to prevent fires? o Smoking not allowed in store rooms or backstage? o Substantial ashtrays provided in areas where smoking is permitted? o Heating appliances fitted with adequate and secure fire guards? o If portable heaters have to be used, are they securely fixed and kept away from combustible materials? o Precautions to ensure that convector type heaters are not covered with clothes and curtains? o Temporary extensions or additions to the electrical installation carried out and checked by a competent electrician? o Sufficient socket outlets provided to obviate the need for long trailing flexes? o Damaged leads replaced regularly? o Cooking operations supervised by a reliable person? o Scenery, decorations and costumes for stage performances treated to make them flame retardant? o All parts of the premises kept clear of waste and rubbish, particularly staircases, space under stairs, store rooms, attics and boiler rooms? Appendix D – HEALTH AND SAFETY INSPECTION 1. Inspection o A Health and Safety inspection of the building should be undertaken at least every six months. One of these inspections may be undertaken at the same time as the annual building maintenance check. o Appointed members of the Management Committee, or a sub-group, should arrange to meet and carry out the inspection o This inspection group will need to agree how each question needs to be answered o When the form is complete and has been signed, matters noted as not satisfactory, together with any other concerns raised by the inspection, should be reported to the Management Committee. o The inspection group should be authorised, where URGENT action is necessary, to make immediate reasonable response o The whole form should be made available to members of the Management Committee o The forms should be preserved in a file maintained for this purpose. As required action is taken, the responsible person should initial the form in the appropriate box 2. Risk Assessment o Risk assessments relate to activities within the premises or grounds o Risk assessments NEED to be carried out in relation to every activity undertaken, whether by groups or individuals and including the work of paid staff AND volunteers o Special attention should be paid to the circumstances of workers under the age of eighteen and to expectant mothers, women who have given birth within the past six months or who are breastfeeding o A risk assessment needs to be carried out whenever a new activity is envisaged o Assessments need to be repeated whenever circumstances change:  Changes in layout of equipment  Observing trends on the accident form  Changes in staff  Introduction of new procedures, processes or materials Appendix E – DISPLAY 
 
SCREEN EQUIPMENT 
1. Who is a Display Screen User? 
The regulations are for the protections of workers (including self-employed workers and volunteers) who habitually use display screen equipment for a significant part of their normal work. In some cases it will be clear that the use of Display Screen Equipment is more or less continuous on most days and the individual concerned should be regarded as users. Where use is less continuous, ‘user’ status would apply if most or all of the following criteria are met: o The individual depends on the use of display screen equipment to do the job, as alternative means are not readily available for achieving the same results. o The individual has no discretion as to the use or non-use of the display screen equipment o The individual needs significant training and/or particular skills in the use of display screen equipment to do the job o The individual uses display screen equipment in this way more or less daily o Fast transfer of information between the user and the screen is an important requirement of the job o The performance requirements of the system demand high levels of attention and concentration by the user; for example where the consequences of error may be critical. 
 
2. Workers’ Entitlement 
2.1 Eye Test Any worker covered by the Regulations is entitled to request an eye and eyesight test which will be paid for by the employer. Workers should inform their line manager, who will provide them with the forms to take to an option of the worker’s choice. A worker may request a test if he/she: o Is already a user for a significant part of his/her work o Is about to start using display screen equipment for a significant part of his/her work o Is experiencing visual difficulties which may reasonably be considered to be related to display screen work o It is recommended by an option at the time of an eye examination that the worker should have eye tests at regular intervals 
 
2.2 Spectacles If as a result of the eye test a worker requires spectacles solely for use with display screen equipment, he/she is entitled to reimbursement of the cost of a basic pair. If the worker wishes to choose more costly spectacles (e.g. a more expensive frame), the employer is not obliged to pay the full cost of these. In this event the worker will only be reimbursed for the cost of basic spectacles. If as a result of the tests spectacles are required for normal use, e.g. reading or distance vision, but which may also include display screen equipment use, under the Regulations the employer is not required to make reimbursement beyond the cost of the eyesight test and the report. 
 
2.3 Who pays the Optician? The worker pays the option and then obtains the reimbursement, attaching the receipt(s) and any report to the form DSE1, and gives these to his/her Line Manager who will arrange reimbursement. -o-o-o-o-o-o 
 
We request that our Staff, Volunteers, Member and Visitors respect this Policy, a copy of which will be available on demand. -o-o-o-o-o-oApproved by the Management Committee 
 
Signed James Golding Date 16 01 2020