Fire Safety Policy

The Harwell Village Hall Management Committee, as the body in control of the premises, is the ‘responsible person’.

A fire risk assessment has been done and necessary steps to reduce or remove the risk so that it is as low as possible have been taken.

The ‘competent persons’ who undertook the risk assessment and ensured that any preventative and protective measures required were carried out are:

  • Alison Fautley (Chair)
  • Claire Hackett (Treasurer)

The risk assessment will be reviewed on an annual basis by the competent persons.

The Committee will ensure that the hall and necessary fire protection equipment is maintained in an efficient state and in good working order and repair by a competent person and in accordance with any manufacturer’s instructions.

The competent persons will consult with and inform the committee about fire safety matters but in particular:

  • provide appropriate instruction in the use of equipment
  • ensure the committee are aware of any risks identified and the measures taken to reduce the risk
  • ensure the committee are aware of any proposals for improving fire precautions
  • the presence of dangerous substances and the risk to users of the premises
  • the agreed system for contacting the emergency services and evacuating the building if necessary
  • to ensure that the committee co-operate with each other to keep the hall safe from fire and its effects and do not do anything that places themselves, other people or the hall at risk.

Fire Safety Log Book

The Fire Safety log book detailing the Fire Risk Assessments, alarm tests, firefighting equipment checks etc, will be maintained by the Management Committee and is held in the Fire document holder situated on the wall in the kitchen.

Fire Detection and Alarm System

Harwell Village Hall has an automatic fire detection system that will cause the alarm to sound if a fire is detected. Smoke detection sensors are present in all hireable spaces in the hall as well as in storage areas, toilets, plant room and corridors.  Heat detection sensors are present in the kitchen and in the plant room.

There are also Fire Alarm break-glass units around the building, at the fire exits and in the main foyer.  A plan is provided with fire exits and break glass units marked on it.

A fire alarm test is carried out weekly following and results recorded in the log book. The fire alarm system is maintained yearly by a recognised contractor.

Firefighting equipment

Firefighting equipment will be provided in appropriate places within the Village Hall, according to the particular fire risk posed (e.g. Fire Blanket within the kitchen).

All firefighting equipment will be visually checked at least on a monthly basis by the caretaker and will be serviced and maintained on an annual basis by a recognised contractor, and the results recorded.

Any extinguisher that has been discharged / damaged will be replaced immediately by the recognised contractor.

Emergency lighting

Harwell Village Hall has emergency lighting throughout the building which is automatically triggered in the event of the failure of the standard lighting system.  This lighting is visually tested on a monthly basis by the hall caretaker.  A long test is carried out annually.

Escape routes

All Village Hall escape routes and exits are clearly signed and will be kept free from obstruction at all times, to ensure safe evacuation from the building.

Electrical system and appliances

The Village Hall’s electrical wiring installation will be inspected every 5 years by a recognised contractor, and the results recorded.

All electrical appliances will be PAT tested annually by a recognised contractor, and the results recorded.  They will be serviced every 5 years by a recognised contractor, and the results recorded.

Fire and Emergency Evacuation

All users of the Village Hall will be required to familiarise themselves with the ‘Fire Safety Guidance and Emergency Plan for Hirers’ document which is also displayed on the Hall’s Notice Board within the Main Foyer entrance lobby.

The Management Committee will recommend that all regular Hirer’s of the Hall should conduct formal fire evacuation drills for their event attendees.

Hall layout with emergency exits, alarm break glass units and fire extinguisher locations (click for larger image)

end

Revision History
27/05/26 Feb 2026 version uploaded to website