Fire Safety Policy
General
- Hill Cliffe Baptist Church (HCBC) is committed to providing appropriate fire safety measures for all who use the church building and who may be in the building in a fire situation.
- To meet this commitment the following policy has been put into effect.
Equipment
- The church building is equipped with an appropriate fire alarm system. This is not connected to the emergency services.
In the event of a fire the emergency services must be connected directly using the 999 UK emergency number stating the location of the Church – Red Lane Appleton Warrington WA4 5AL
- The fire alarm system is serviced and maintained with a contract with an appropriate service company.
- Fire extinguishers are positioned at appropriate locations throughout the building. They are clearly marked according to type and usage. They are regularly checked and maintained.
- Records of the maintenance checks and reports are kept by the church office.
Escape Routes
- Escape routes must be kept clear at all times.
- Signs point to exit routes and these are illuminated independently of the electrical supply.
- Fire exit doors must be kept clear and regularly checked.
Attention ALL event Organisers/Group Leaders
- It is the responsibility of the event organiser / group leader to appoint one or more “Responsible Person(s)”.
- For larger events the “responsible person” will appoint stewards who will help conduct the safe evacuation in the event of a fire.
- Where small groups meet away from the main body of the church there should be at least one “Responsible Person” present (Usually Sunday School teacher, helper or group leader) to ensure safe evacuation in the event of fire.
- In the event no one is appointed, it will be assumed that the key holder is the responsible person.
- The Responsible Person(s)/Stewards will bear the following duties in the event of a fire:
1. Ensuring the fire alarm is sounded
2. Ensuring the immediate and correct evacuation of the premises
3. Contacting the emergency services (dial 999)
- The whole group should be made aware of who is the “Responsible Person(s)”
Responsibilities of the “Responsible Person”
1. Be familiar with the HCBC Fire Safety Policy.
2. Ensure there are sufficient stewards present to conduct a safe evacuation.
3. Be familiar with the location of fire alarm points and emergency exits.
4. Be familiar with the location of fire extinguishers. Fire extinguishers should only be used in accordance with their instructions and when its safe to do so.
5. Consider how any people present with disabilities will be evacuated in the event of a fire.
6. Ensure all exits are clear and unlocked.
Responsibilities of Stewards
1. Be familiar with the HCBC Fire Safety Policy
2. Be familiar with the location of fire alarm points and emergency exits
3. Be familiar with the location of fire extinguishers. Fire extinguishers should only be used in accordance with their instructions and when its safe to do so.
4. Consider how any people present with disabilities will be evacuated in the event of a fire.
In the event of a fire:
- On discovering a fire EVERY SECOND COUNTS. The nearest fire alarm must be sounded immediately and a proper and complete evacuation of the premises must begin.
- The “Responsible Person(s)” must ensure the emergency services are contacted as soon as possible by dialing 999.
- The “Responsible Person(s)” must, with reasonable regard for their own safety and the safety of other group members, ensure that everyone has evacuated the premises and be congregated at the fire point which is located at the TOP OF THE FIELD. Persons who are unable to be evacuated to this point must be evacuated to as far away from the building as is practicable.
- The “Responsible Person(s)” must liase with the emergency services on arrival and provide any assistance as required by them.
- The “Responsible Person(s)” should contact the Church Secretary, the Pastor or one of the Deacons to advise them of the situation.
Hill Cliffe Baptist Church Fire Safety Policy
November 2023