Rank: Forum user 
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My mother has become part of a committee who is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of her local church hall and has asked me for some advice as to what they need to consider from a health and safety perspective. The hall is mainly used for church events but is also hired by local groups for sports/dance activities and also by individuals for private parties etc. Finance is obviously an issue as like all such organisations money is tight but they are aware that they still need to meet their health and safety obligations. To the best of my knowledge there is very little if anything at all already in place.
I've never been involved in anything like this and was wondering if there was anyone out there who could provide some advice as to what their priorities should be?
Any advice would be much appreciated.
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Rank: Forum user
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Hi fsc, the Church needs to ensure that the premises remains safe and any health risks are controlled, just the same as any other organisation with responsibility for premises, although it could be argued that the care needed is greater due to the nature of the people potentially exposed: babies, toddlers, youngsters, older people and vulnerable people.
Things to be considered are (not an exhaustive list): the structure itself, the infrastructure e.g. electric, water, gas, furnishings, lighting, heating, the activities e.g. catering, the environment e.g. vehicle/pedestrian interface and not least people management in normal times and emergencies.
That should keep your mum busy for a while. And when she's done all that, it really needs to be recorded and monitored. Oh, and some kind of policy document may be in order too, along with information, instructions & training to those that may need it.
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Rank: Forum user
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I remembered there was an eccesiastical insurance web site which covered all things health & safety for churches and google turned up this. https://www.ecclesiastic...althandsafety/index.aspxNot much on church halls specifically but they are included in the general advice
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Rank: Forum user
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Hi The first question to ask: Is the Committee an employer? If they pay a cleaner, say, then H&S legislation applies with all that goes with it. 5 or more employees then everything needs to be recorded - policies, risk assessments etc. If not, generally almost the same duties fall under Occupiers' Liability. The HSE recommend that you put in place policies and procedures, eg how to handle bookings, who's responsible for what and that these should be recorded so you can rely on them should there be litigation. They also have an example RA for village halls, which will have similar requirements: http://www.hse.gov.uk/ri...dies/pdf/villagehall.pdfThe diocese may be able to offer templates, as you won't be alone in this.
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Rank: Forum user
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Thanks to everyone for both the public posts and the private messages. As ever the information you have provided fits the bill perfectly and will very much give the committee food for thought.
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