Safety in the Meeting Place

Always carry out a Risk Assessment the first time you use a venue.

Always ask these questions:

• Where are the tables and chairs kept?
• Is safety glass used in doors and windows?
• Are you the only user of the building at the intended time?
• If not, who else will be on the premises?
• Who is using it immediately before and after you?
• Who do you contact if there is a problem?
• Does the owner have any special requests, e.g. the use of equipment, fire procedures?
• Does it matter what shoes are worn?
• Is there a telephone available, or a signal for your mobile?

Each week:

• Arrive before everyone else
• Look around the hall and in any other rooms
• Look for any hazards left by previous users, e.g. chairs stacked dangerously, wet floors, broken glass, etc. and rectify them/make them safe

Unit members can learn about safety by helping make the environment safe before you start the meeting.

Each term:

Consider any factors that may have changed since the previous term

• Numbers
• Age ranges
• Abilities
• Number and experience of adults, leaders and helpers
• Changes to facilities
• New/relocated furniture
• Refurbishment/development work
• Changes to other users of the venue
• Weather conditions and seasonal changes, e.g. diminishing light