Farnborough Village Hall Policies

---

FARNBOROUGH VILLAGE HALL: HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY

(INCORPORATING THE FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT)

The hall has a capacity of 120

Smoking and vaping is not permitted in the hall or either porch. Naked flames are only permitted on a child’s birthday cake candles. Otherwise it requires permission from the hall trustees.

There are 2 main exits to the hall, fitted with emergency exit push bars. The front door leads out onto the high street, the side door leads out onto the driveway by the paladin bin. A 3 rd exit does exist at the end of the passage behind the stage leading into a narrow slightly uneven side alleyway at the end of which is a gate which leads out onto the high street. The gate is secured by a waist height bolt, but not locked. This alleyway is illuminated by motion sensor lights. It should only be used in very exceptional circumstances ie both main exits being inaccessible, or by regular hirers familiar with the layout.

There are 6 fire extinguishers in the hall, 1 in the front porch, 1 front right of the stage, 2 in the side passage a C02 extinguisher and fire blanket in the kitchen and a CO2 extinguisher on the stage by the side entrance steps inside the door. In the event of any issues with the hall, contact as per the hire agreement.

In accordance with H&SE guidelines the hall electrics are inspected and tested every 5 years. The fridge, cooker and kettles, for hirer use, are tested by the committee as required. The emergency lighting which comes on in the event of a power failure is tested monthly. It will illuminate the main hall, stage,

passageways, back room, toilets and kitchen. The exit signs remain illuminated permanently. For heating control during hire, see hire agreement. The contracted hirer is responsible for ensuring that all electrical equipment used in the hall, and not hall property, is safe.

The contracted hirer has responsibility for the health, safety and well being of all persons in the hall during that period of hire. 

FVH does not provide a first aid kit. If hirers feel they need one they must provide their own. Hirers are advised for safety reasons not to allow children on the stage. FVH does not provide ladders and requests that hirers and guests do not climb on tables or chairs as this is unsafe and may damage the furniture.

The central heating systems and boilers are inspected and serviced annually. Hirers must not block any of the exits out of the hall into the passages or foyer and not block any of the exits leading outside the hall.

If the chairs are set out in audience format there must be a maximum of ten per row linked together with a maximum of eleven rows. There should either be an aisle down either side of just over a meter wide or a central aisle two meters wide. If using chairs and tables in other formats a clear access path to all exits must be available as above.

Robin S Walker (Chairman and Trustee)

(Farnborough Village Hall Management Committee: 2020)

---------------------------------------

FARNBOROUGH VILLAGE HALL (FVH) SAFEGUARDING POLICY

FVH is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation run by a volunteer management committee which includes the four trustees.

The objective of FVH is to maintain and hire out the premises at 65 High St, Farnborough, Kent, BR6 7BB for the use and enjoyment of regular and casual hirers residing in Farnborough and the surrounding area. Hirings are undertaken in accordance with the FVH constitution and associated hire agreements.

FVH does not have any staff or direct employees. Maintenance issues are resolved by engaging the services of external building contractors, plumbers and electricians as required. An external cleaning contractor is engaged to clean the hall on a regular basis. These contractors do not access the hall during periods of hire unless in an emergency.

FVH do not contract hire the hall out to persons under the age of 18.

The contracted hirer is responsible for the safety and well being of all adults and children present in the hall during the period of hire. In particular the contracted hirer is responsible for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, in accordance with published guidelines.

FVH complies with the Health and Safety Executive checklist issued in respect of village halls. Details of the FVH Fire Risk Assessment and Health and Safety Policy are posted adjacent to this information sheet on the FVH noticeboard.

Robin S Walker (Chairman and Trustee)

(Farnborough Village Hall Management Committee: 2019)