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Many Churches and Places of Worship have grounds, which can have many Safety problems. These each need to be considered, and the first stage is a Risk Assessment so that you can find out what things could cause a hazard to people, including members of the public.
Paths and access
It is important that the access and paths around the grounds are safe. Paths need to be as level as possible and free from trip hazards like raised metal manholes and so on. Sloping inclines and ramps should have hand rails for people to hold onto and steps should be avoided for disabled access.
Paths, access routes and car parking areas must be adequately lit at night. It is possible to use lighting with movement sensors at help improve security too. In extreme weather conditions, it might be necessary to use salt-grit on paths to prevent people slipping.
Fences and gates need to be kept in a good state of repair. Damaged metal is sharp and can easily injure somebody. Should there be something that is unsafe in the grounds, it should be moved, made safe or removed as soon as possible. It might be adequate to rope off areas temporarily until this work can be done.
Memorial stones
Many Churches have graveyards that have been in use for a long period of time. Over the years, the memorial stones and monuments would have been affected by the weather and could be unsafe and cause serious injury.
The responsibility for the grave is that of the family of the deceased, but if they cannot be traced, the Church might be liable for the upkeep and for any injury. The first step is to inspect each stone annually (and this can be done by any competent person).
Each stone or monument needs to be stable and sound in its mounting, and must be free from any dangerous edges or sections that could break off or injure. As frost affects the stones, parts that are partially loose could cause a hazard in the future, and might need to be made safe, possibly by laying the memorial stone on the ground (although the family should be contacted where possible).
Similarly, any seating or benches provided for the use of visitors needs to be well maintained.
Open graves
Open graves can pose a high risk to visitors and the people who dig them. Open graves need to be marked using suitable signs which are visible from all sides. The area must also be suitable fenced off to prevent people falling in.
Any excavation that is deeper than 1.2 metres needs to have sloping sides or the sides must be supported in some way to prevent collapse. It is also very important not to dig close to any services in the area, like water pipes, drainage systems and electrical wiring.
Trees
Many Church grounds have a number of trees, and these could have loose or damaged branches which could fall and injure. Trees should be inspected by a competent person, like a tree surgeon. Any works that need to be done to make the tree safe should be done as soon as possible.
The roots of trees could affect buildings, monuments and drainage systems. Careful examination might be needed if this is considered to be a problem. Signs of this might be cracked masonry, unstable monuments and poor drainage. In the case of a drainage problem, a camera survey might help identify the problem.
Note that some trees could be covered by a Tree Preservation Order, and the Local Authority must be contacted before any work is carried out on the tree.
Equipment
The equipment that is used to maintain and keep the grounds could be a hazards to those who use it. All equipment needs to be inspected from time to time to make sure that it is safe, and equipment must be kept in a good state of repair.
People who use equipment must be trained in its safe use, and any special precautions that they must do. These precautions might include the use of personal protective equipment, like gloves, eye-protection or ear defenders.
All equipment must be used as per the instruction manual, and some equipment might need specialist training certificated (for example, chain saws). People under the age of 16 must not be allowed to use any equipment.
Record keeping
It is important that you keep a record of inspection of your grounds, especially the memorial stones and trees. This record needs to log any problems you have found and the actions that are needed to correct them.
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