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Listed below are some common safety issues in Churches and Places of Worship. Most of the tips are easy and free to put into place immediately. These items are not listed in any specific order.
Store items below shoulder height to prevent things falling onto people.
Chairs should not be stacked too high otherwise they might topple.
Take care that trailing cables are not a trip hazard. Use 'gaffer tape' or cable protectors.
Keep cleaning chemicals and other substances in a locked cupboard.
Certain equipment that you might have needs to be maintained and stored securely, such as lawnmowers, ladders and other maintenance tools.
Wet flooring can be slippery so display a sign when the floor is wet (such as the free standing ones used in supermarkets).
Ensure that lighting is adequate, which might need to include emergency lighting in some areas of the building.
Use candles carefully, making sure that the candle is stable, in a flameproof holder and is not too close to anything that could catch fire.
Don't store anything close to boilers, heaters or other heat-producing equipment.
Balconies and other high-up areas need suitable handrails or balustrades. Restricting hinges or locks should be fitted onto any window above ground level.
Take care when moving items not to try to carry too much at once and make sure that you lift and carry correctly.
Secure areas of the building where people should not be permitted (such as towers).
Always make sure that exits and fire exits are clear of obstructions.
Don't prop open self-closing fire doors. Don't use fire extinguishers to hold open any doors.
This is just a starting point and you are likely to find many other issues during your Risk Assessment and as you read other pages on this Website. You are likely to be aware of many different issues in your church already.
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