FIRE POLICY and EVACUATION PROCEDURE

The Village Hall Management Committee is responsible for all fire safety at the hall in line with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

• The Committee conducts fire risk assessments and takes necessary steps to reduce the risk of fire to as low as possible.

• The Committee receives advice and support from companies who service and maintain the fire systems within the hall, and take all preventative measures required following assessments.

• We have a responsibility to ensure that all users and hirers of the hall are aware of the fire regulations and that each user ensures that someone is responsible for fire safety at each hire event. For larger events several people will need to be appointed to ensure that emergencies can be dealt with effectively.

• Written instructions are displayed in the kitchen and on the noticeboard in the hall for evacuating the premises in case of a fire.

• The Committee will ensure that all firefighting equipment is maintained and serviced and remains in position to be used if required.

• The fire alarm is tested weekly and annual risk assessments are completed, with findings documented and actions taken to rectify any issues raised.

• All Trustees and hall users are responsible for reporting any obstructions to the fire doors or fire evacuation points.

EVACUATION PROCEDURE

It is the responsibility of THE HIRER to ensure that their helpers are aware of the following:

• An announcement should be made at the beginning of each event pointing out the emergency exits and the evacuation procedure. THE HIRER identifies a responsible adult to check the building is clear, provided that it is safe to do so. 

• In the event of a fire, THE HIRER in charge of the Hall will instruct all persons to leave the building, using the nearest available exits and assemble by the top exit to the car park.

• CALL THE FIRE BRIGADE. DIAL 999 and give this address: CULLINGWORTH VILLAGE HALL, LODGE STREET, CULLINGWORTH, BD13 5HB

• Hall Users should ensure that, once the hall has been evacuated, members of the public do not re-enter the building to collect personal belongings etc.

• On the arrival of the Fire Brigade, THE HIRER should report to the Officer in Charge that all persons are safe, or should inform him/her of their last known position.

• Hall users should only attempt to extinguish the outbreak using the fire appliances provided if considered safe to do so.

• Red manual call points are situated at the side of each emergency exit.

Fire extinguishers are located:

• On the wall inside the main entrance to the Village Hall
• On the wall inside the door to the main hall
• At the side of the emergency exit in the main hall
• In the corner nearest the kitchen door in the small hall
• On the wall inside the plant room door

A fire blanket is situated in the kitchen

The instructions for use of the extinguishers are printed on each appliance.

• Attention should be drawn to the position of the fire exit at the far end of the main hall. In an emergency wheelchair users can exit the building through both the main doors and the fire exit.

• No tables or other obstruction are to be placed across the fire exits.

• In case of evacuation of the Hall the assembly point is at the car park exit. This is to enable the HIRER to check that all their helpers/guests are present.

• The HIRER must report the incident immediately to the member of the Management Committee whose number is given on your booking form.

This procedure is displayed on the main noticeboard in the entrance to the Village Hall and also on the kitchen hatch door.

Review date: March 2025