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Pru  
#1 Posted : 31 May 2012 14:59:56(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
Pru

My organisation owns and manages an office building which houses 23 different charities. In the course of their work several of the charities have children and/or vulnerable adults visiting their offices. My organisation is putting together a policy regarding the safety of these vulnerable visitors whilst they are in the public or common areas of the building. Apart from obvious things like children having to be accompanied by responsible adults can anyone help me with ideas or their own experiences? I would greatly appreciate some help!
Ron Hunter  
#2 Posted : 31 May 2012 16:41:54(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Ron Hunter

Please make sure that the gaps in stair railings, landing barriers and bannisters etc are close enough so that small children cannot fall through. There was a recent death of a toddler in an Edinburgh workplace in just such circumstance.
Guitarman1  
#3 Posted : 31 May 2012 20:30:37(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Guitarman1

Good one Ron, I think the distance has to be 9cm or less
Ron Hunter  
#4 Posted : 31 May 2012 22:18:20(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Ron Hunter

Not forgetting anti-ligature devices on blind cords, scalding risks from hot taps, compliant glazing etc. - in other words, you need to reassess the premises for this new risk group. Findings of that assessment should determine whether you allow younger visitors or not.
Invictus  
#5 Posted : 01 June 2012 06:53:35(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Invictus

You will also need to revisit your Fire R/A, looking at levels of supervision, understanding of what to do in a fire, roles of fire marshals, etc. Access for people with prams storage of such items. Supervision of the children/vunerable people etc. External doors to prevent them wondering off into the street. Car parking procedures and awareness. Hygiene if you are having toys etc, how they are stored. COSHH assessments and storage of cleaning and other chemicals. Safety of doors looking at door closers to prevent fingers being trapped. Electrical safety, prevention of people walking around with hot drinks, hot drinks being knocked over etc.
walker  
#6 Posted : 01 June 2012 08:52:06(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
walker

I was reading the other day that blind cords kill more kids under the age of 5, than RTAs
son of skywalker  
#7 Posted : 01 June 2012 10:16:39(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
son of skywalker

Might I also suggest that you speak to the charities within the building and take best practice from them to help inform your decisions etc
Pru  
#8 Posted : 04 June 2012 10:16:06(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
Pru

Thank you all for your comments. They have been very helpful and I appreciate you all taking the time. Useful site isn't it?
Tomkins26432  
#9 Posted : 04 June 2012 11:46:48(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Tomkins26432

We had a child caught their fingers in the hinge of the loo doors a couple of years ago - quite nasty - look at hinge guards as well.
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