Health & Safety Policy

1. Introduction

   • Every User of Central Hall must be fully conversant with restrictions on use, safety procedures and
     general rules and regulations laid down by the Central Hall Management Committee, the Local
     Authority, the Police and the Fire Service to ensure that the Hall complies with the requirements of
     the Premises Licence, Insurance and Health & Safety Executive.
     The term “User” applies to all regular hirers, occasional hirers, members of the public within
     Central Hall trustees and staff (including bar staff).
     The hirer shall ensure that on each use of Central Hall, a designated person takes overall
     responsibility for activities and that this person applies all the requirements contained within this
     document, and others referenced from it. This person is referred to as the “Person in Charge”.
     For Public use of Central Hall, it is a requirement of the Premises Licence that all hirers nominate in
     writing a “Person in Charge”. The Person in Charge is responsible for implementing the Health &
     Safety Requirements and the Emergency Action Procedure.
     All hirers shall be required to state that they are conversant with these requirements and shall apply
     them by signing a copy of the Booking Form. Without this they shall not be given access to the
     facilities.
     
     

2. Fire Safety

   • Emergency Action Procedures are displayed in the lobby of Central Hall. When the public are to be
     admitted then the hirer, attendants and any other responsible persons must be conversant with the
     Emergency Action Procedures which are issued to all hirers and will be issued with the Booking
     Form. Many of the requirements below also support the prevention of fire and other emergencies
     
     

3. Building Capacity

   • The numbers of people in the building at any one time are strictly limited to the following:
     • a) Main hall:
       • a. When used for dancing 200
       • b. When used for functions utilising and eating at tables 144
       • c. When used for combining a) and b) 144
       • d. When used for closely seated audience (linked seating in rows) 200
     • b) Tiffey Room – 45;
       
       
   • The total shall include stewards, bar staff, entertainers, backstage staff.
   • At no time may these numbers be exceeded. Proof of numbers attending must be made available to
     any inspecting authority for all functions, eg by the use of numbered tickets.
     
     

4. Attendants:

   • During all activities open to the public, a minimum of two attendants shall be appointed and be
     made aware of their duties in the event of a fire or other emergency. Their primary role is to ensure
     safe conditions are maintained in the premises and to achieve this they should:
     1. Ensure that no overcrowding occurs in any part of the premises,
     2. Keep all gangways and exits clear at all times
     3. Prevent standing on seats or furniture
     4. Be aware of any special requirements needed to ensure the safe evacuation of the
        audience/patrons.
        
        
   • These attendants shall not be less than 18 years of age and they must make themselves familiar
     with:-
     1. The location, type and operation of all fire extinguishers and call points
     2. The location and operation of all usable exits, including fire exits.
     3. The location and content of Emergency Action notices.
     4. The location of the First Aid box.
   • If a Front of House Manager or Stage Manager is appointed for the activity, then they too must be
     prepared to assume the same duties as the attendants.
   • The Person in Charge shall ensure that each of the attendants (or those acting as such) knows the
     portion of the premises that they are responsible for, and that all parts of the premises are covered.
     The duties of attendants and other supervisory persons in an emergency are given in the Emergency
     Action Procedure
     
     

5. Kitchen

   • It is a requirement that this be kept hygienically clean at all times. Any equipment/utensils used
     must be cleaned after use by the hirer. There are no facilities for storing food.
     
     

6. Use of the Bar

   • The Bar is the sole responsibility of the hirer.
   • Anyone under 18 years of age may not purchase or consume alcohol on the premises. Identification
     will be requested where age is in doubt.
     
     

7. Limit of Activities

   • Limit of activities, (eg entertainment) which are open to members of the public under the Premises
     Licence shall be from 08:30 to 23:30 every day. The Public must leave the premises no later than
     30 minutes after the latest times. No activity should be audible outside a 30 metre radius of the
     building.
     
     

8. The Building

   • There shall be no obstruction of any of the entrances while the building is in use.
   • The stage lighting and hall public address system must only be used with prior permission and then
     only by personnel designated by the hirer and agreed by Central Hall.
   • A strict “No Smoking” rule shall be observed throughout Central Hall. No scenery shall be allowed
     to be used which is flammable, unless it is treated with Flambar or a similar flame retardant
     treatment. Cotton wool shall never be used for scenery or decorations.
   • If the main hall is used for performances where a theatre type seating is required, the seats must be
     linked. A free passage, minimum width 2 metres, must be maintained across the seating adjacent to
     the main doors from the lobby into the main hall. A centre gangway at least 1.5m wide must be free
     to run the length of the Hall. Rows of seats must be at least 30cm apart
   • The use of ladders must be strictly controlled. It shall be the responsibility of individual hirers to
     ensure that, when the building is under their stewardship, the use of ladders by competent persons is
     monitored.
   • Any problems arising from accidents shall be the responsibility of the hirer at the time. It shall also
     be the responsibility of the hirer at the time to ensure that use of tools and all lifting and carrying is
     done in a safe manner.
   • The heating system is set to reflect the general requirements of the building. It must not be adjusted
     or tampered with by any hirer or member of the public.
     
     

9. Electrical Safety

   • All portable electrical equipment brought onto the premises should carry an in-date PAT sticker.
     This applies to personal electrical equipment, band and disco equipment. Where this is not possible
     and the equipment is to be removed immediately after use then it may be used as long as the plug,
     lead and equipment are visually inspected to confirm no damage and then used with a tested RCD.
     It is the hirer’s responsibility to ensure that performers and DJs are made aware of this requirement
     before equipment is brought into the building.
     
     

10. Decorating the Hall etc.

    • Fire exits must not be obstructed in any way. Flammable material must not be used for wall
      hangings or ceiling drapes unless it has been treated with an approved fire-retardant
      
      

11. Private Hirer

    1. • Copies of these rules, Fire Action Notices and where necessary Risk Assessment Sheets will be
         issued with all Booking Forms. Private bookings must be stewarded by the hirer, in accordance
         with Section 4 above, who shall ensure that all safety requirements and statutory legislation are met.
         The hall’s Management Committee has the right to close-down any event or activity which does not
         comply with the conditions of the Premises Licence, Fire Regulations or Health and Safety
         legislation.

       • Particular attention must be paid to:

       • a) Music

         • Central Hall is situated in a residential area and maintaining good relations with neighbours is
           important. It is a condition of our Premises Licence that no activity, and this includes music, will be
           audible outside a 30 metre radius of the building. In order to contain any noise we advise that all
           doors and windows are kept closed when music is being played.
    • • • b) Occupancy
          • The hours of occupancy required by the hirer are given on the Booking Form. The end time on the
            booking form is the time building must be completely vacated by the hirer, including the removal of
            all equipment unless agreed beforehand with the Management Committee. The User is responsible
            for the conduct and behaviour of guests whilst on the premises and in the vicinity of the building.

             

11 Applicability

A member of the Central Hall Management Team has the right to be present during any functions
open to the public. He/she has the authority to intervene should the hirer be deemed not to be
complying with these or any other requirements for use of the facilities.

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