BLH Health and Safety statement and Fire Safety Policy

The Hall is situated at Vernons Lane, Appledore, EX39 1QU.

 Letting policy 

We want our building to be used for the benefit of our community. Our letting policy does not discriminate against any party. The Hall may be hired by any person or group who agrees to pay the published fee and abide by the Conditions of Hire.

 General Safety policy

As an Appledore organisation, we strive to maintain our buildings and keep them in good condition and in accordance with current laws and regulations. While we take the safety of people using our building very seriously, we also make it clear that every user has an obligation to act sensibly when in the building and not to put other users in jeopardy by their actions. 

 Disabled Access

Disabled access is available through the side door at 2 Vernons Lane. There is an adapted toilet for the disabled.  Access is on a single level throughout.

 Third party insurance liability

We have insurance in place for public liability with Zurich Insurance plc, to the extent of £6,000,000.

 Fire Safety Policy

The Hall has modern heat & smoke detection sensors strategically situated throughout the building. In the event of a fire, an alarm will sound and emergency lighting will be activated.  All exit doors will be clearly lit and will be unobstructed. The fire assembly point is on the Quay at the end of Quayside.

 Fire extinguishers are situated in the Toilet/Kitchen Lobby and in the main Hall, and a fire blanket is sited in the Kitchen. There is also a fire extinguisher situated on the upper floor. These are serviced annually by a professional fire prevention company.

  Electrical and Gas Safety policy

All small electrical items are PAT tested every year in accordance with current electrical safety practice.  Similarly, our gas boilers and cooker are serviced annually to ensure they are maintained to the highest standard.

 Food Safety policy

Preparation of food for sale to the public requires the presence of a person holding a current food hygiene certificate. It is the responsibility of any person or organisation so engaged to ensure appropriate compliance. The Kitchen area of the Hall is cleaned weekly by Hall staff.

 Cleaning policy

Our building is cleaned weekly by an employee, in accordance with a schedule of duties. In addition, we ask users to leave the premises in a clean and tidy condition.

 Toilet facilities

Toilets are located adjacent to the main Hall and have full hand washing and drying facilities. There is a baby-change unit situated in the disability-adapted toilet cubicle.

 First Aid

Because of the nature of our lettings policy, we do not provide a qualified first aider when our building is let for community purposes. If a first aider is required, it will be the responsibility of the hirer to provide such cover.

We do however have a first aid kit which may be used. This is located in the kitchen, along with an Accident Book.

 Contacts

 In the event of any problem or incident one of the following Management Committee Members should be contacted:

• Wendy Butcher 

        01237 423957 

• Richard Back

01237 476965

07851 728065

Name:  Wendy Butcher

             Secretary to the Blue Lights Hall

Date:  15th Nov 2020

FIRE SAFETY POLICY

Name and Address of premises:

Blue Lights Hall,

2, Vernon’s Lane,

Appledore, EX39 1QU

Use of Premises:

The Community Hall is available for the use of the inhabitants of the local area for meetings, classes and other forms of recreation and leisure time occupation.

Number of floors:

The main hall is single story. Stairs from the kitchen provide access to a small first floor storage area.

Supervision:

The Hirer shall be at least 18 years of age, and during the period of the hiring must be present, and responsible for supervision and safety of the fabric and contents of the premises and the behaviour of all persons present.

The Hirer shall be responsible for ensuring that fire doors are kept shut except in an emergency and that all safety procedures are completed before the Hall is properly locked and secured.

Occupancy:

The number of people using the Hall shall not exceed 50 at any one time.

Date Policy last reviewed and updated:

12 June 2025

POLICY STATEMENT

The purpose of the Fire Safety Policy is to ensure the safety of all people in or in the vicinity of the Hall in the event of a fire. The Blue Lights Hall Committee is committed to taking all reasonably practical measures to prevent or minimise the risk of fire and has undertaken a fire safety risk assessment to identify hazards and ensure appropriate controls are in place in line with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

Whilst fire can never be prevented completely, the Blue Lights Hall Committee has put in place suitable systems to alert people to fire, raise the alarm and escape safely. However, it should be noted that as this is an unstaffed Community Hall, responsibility for fire safety lies with the Hirer at all times.

FIRE SAFETY HAZARDS

HAZARD

The Committee takes all necessary precautions to minimise the risk of fire hazards.

·         Smoking is not permitted.

·         The gas boiler is serviced annually.

·         All portable electrical equipment is subject to annual PAT testing and all electrical systems are checked every 5 years as required by the HSE Electricity At Work Regulations.

·         The chairs are compliant with the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations

·         There are no curtains or other soft furnishings.

FIRE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

What the fire responsibilities are and who is responsible

Responsibility for fire safety lies with the Hirer of the Hall. The Hirer should make themselves familiar with the safety precautions below, including the location of fire exits, extinguishers, fire blanket and gas valve.

Details of Fire detection and alarm systems

Hard wired smoke detectors are fitted in the main hall, the corridor by the toilets, kitchen and upstairs.

Locations of fire exits, fire doors, evacuation routes, emergency lighting, fire exit signage etc.

The main exit from the building is via the front door in the main hall.

A fire exit from the kitchen provides level access to the street.

There is a fire door between the main hall and the corridor to the toilets, kitchen and upstairs.

The hatch between the main hall and the kitchen has fireproof doors.

Emergency lighting is provided.

The gas valve is located in the main hall near the notice boards. It is in the cupboard with the gas meter, which is clearly labelled.

Locations and types of fire fighting equipment

Fire extinguishers are located in the main hall, two in the corridor by the toilets, and two upstairs.

A fire blanket is located in the kitchen.

Fire Assembly Point

The Assembly Point is Appledore Quay.

Provision of personal evacuation procedures (PEEPS)

For any occasion which includes an attendee in need of special assistance, the Hirer is responsible for making all necessary arrangements for safe evacuation.

Names and responsibilities of nominated Fire Representatives

Rob Gibbs and Mike Deaton

Regular testing and maintenance of fire emergency systems and equipment.

FIRE SAFETY EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

How people should respond when they hear the alarm

Confirm with the Hirer that the evacuation procedure should begin.

Fire evacuation procedure

In the event of a fire, the Hirer must immediately start evacuation of the Hall to the assembly point on Appledore Quay and ask members of the group to call 999 and, if necessary, alert neighbours to the danger.

The Hirer must ensure the internal fire door and hatch doors are closed and turn off the gas valve near the notice boards, then close the external doors and proceed to the assembly point on Appledore Quay.

The Hirer must check all members of the group are present, meet the Fire Services and give them the key to the Hall.

Responsibilities

The Hirer is responsible for implementation of fire safety emergency procedures.

Responsible Person:

Guy Langton, Northam Town Council

Policy written by:

Name:         Gill Newbold

Position:     Committee member

Date:           12/06/2025