List of Generic Hazards

Appendix 5 – List of Generic Hazards

[ Church name ] church

Generic hazards identification list

Purpose: This list provides examples of common hazards found in church environments. Use it as a starting point for your hazard identification process. Add specific hazards relevant to your church.

Physical hazards

Slips, Trips and Falls

• • Wet floors (cleaning, spills, weather)
  • Uneven surfaces and steps
  • Loose or damaged flooring/carpets
  • Trailing electrical cords
  • Cluttered walkways and exits
  • Poor lighting in corridors and stairs
  • Missing or damaged handrails
  • Objects left on floors
  • Polished floors when wet
  • Ice on external walkways

Working at Heights

• • Ladders (portable and fixed)
  • Step stools and chairs used as ladders
  • Accessing roof areas
  • Changing light bulbs in high fixtures
  • Decorating at height
  • Cleaning windows
  • Tree maintenance
  • Scaffolding use

Manual Handling

• • Lifting heavy objects (tables, chairs, equipment)
  • Moving sound equipment
  • Carrying boxes and supplies
  • Setting up/packing away furniture
  • Loading/unloading vehicles
  • Repetitive lifting activities
  • Awkward lifting positions
  • Team lifting coordination

Struck by Objects

• • Falling objects from height
  • Swinging doors
  • Moving equipment
  • Sports equipment
  • Tools and maintenance equipment
  • Unstable stacked items

Electrical hazards

Electrical Equipment

• • Faulty wiring and equipment
  • Overloaded power points
  • Damaged electrical cords
  • Water near electrical equipment
  • Incorrect use of extension cords
  • Equipment not tested and tagged
  • DIY electrical work
  • Outdoor electrical equipment

Lighting and Sound Systems

• • Heavy lighting equipment overhead
  • Hot lighting equipment
  • Electrical cables across walkways
  • Sound equipment and amplifiers
  • Microphone feedback
  • Portable electrical equipment

Fire hazards

Ignition Sources

• • Faulty electrical equipment
  • Candles and open flames
  • Kitchen equipment
  • Heating systems
  • Smoking materials
  • Hot work (welding, cutting)

Fuel Sources

• • Paper and fabric materials
  • Cleaning chemicals
  • Flammable decorations
  • Stored materials
  • Cooking oils and fats
  • Gas cylinders

Fire Spread

• • Blocked fire exits
  • Propped open fire doors
  • Combustible storage near exits
  • Lack of fire separation

Chemical hazards

Cleaning Chemicals

• • Toilet and bathroom cleaners
  • Floor cleaning products
  • Window cleaning solutions
  • Disinfectants and sanitisers
  • Carpet cleaning chemicals
  • Oven and kitchen cleaners

Maintenance Chemicals

• • Paints and solvents
  • Adhesives and glues
  • Pest control chemicals
  • Garden chemicals and fertilisers
  • Fuel and oils
  • Battery acids

Biological hazards

Infectious Diseases

• • Airborne diseases (colds, flu, COVID-19)
  • Bloodborne pathogens
  • Food poisoning bacteria
  • Mould and fungi
  • Contaminated water
  • Waste materials

Allergens

• • Food allergens in the kitchen
  • Cleaning product allergens
  • Plant pollens and spores
  • Dust and dust mites
  • Animal allergens (if pets allowed)

Ergonomic hazards

Repetitive Tasks

• • Computer work
  • Repetitive lifting
  • Musical instrument playing
  • Cleaning activities
  • Food preparation

Poor Posture

• • Uncomfortable seating
  • Poor workstation setup
  • Prolonged standing
  • Awkward working positions

Psychosocial hazards

Workplace Stress

• • High workload demands
  • Time pressures
  • Conflict situations
  • Dealing with difficult people
  • Emotional demands of pastoral care
  • Volunteer management stress

Violence and Aggression

• • Disruptive behaviour
  • Domestic violence situations
  • Mental health crises
  • Theft and security threats
  • Workplace bullying

Environmental hazards

Weather Related

• • Extreme heat and cold
  • UV radiation exposure
  • Storm damage risks
  • Flooding
  • High winds
  • Lightning strikes

Noise

• • Loud music and sound systems
  • Construction noise
  • Traffic noise
  • Equipment noise

Vehicle and transport hazards

Car Parks and Driveways

• • Vehicle-pedestrian conflicts
  • Reversing vehicles
  • Poor visibility
  • Inadequate lighting
  • Traffic flow issues
  • Parking on slopes

Church Vehicles

• • Driver fatigue
  • Vehicle maintenance issues
  • Passenger safety
  • Loading and unloading
  • Driver competency

Specific activity hazards

Children’s Activities

• • Playground equipment
  • Choking hazards (small toys)
  • Supervision ratios
  • Allergic reactions
  • Behavioral issues
  • Stranger danger

Youth Activities

• • Sports injuries
  • Adventure activities
  • Camps and excursions
  • Water activities
  • High-risk behaviors

Kitchen Operations

• • Hot surfaces and liquids
  • Sharp knives and equipment
  • Food safety and hygiene
  • Gas equipment
  • Slippery floors
  • Burns and cuts

Events and Functions

• • Crowd control
  • Temporary structures
  • Catering hazards
  • Entertainment equipment
  • Alcohol service (if applicable)
  • Emergency access

Maintenance Activities

• • Power tools
  • Hazardous substances
  • Working alone
  • Confined spaces
  • Asbestos (older buildings)
  • Lead paint

Contractor hazards

Construction Work

• • Excavation work
  • Structural modifications
  • Roofing work
  • Electrical installations
  • Plumbing work

Service Contractors

• • Cleaning contractors
  • Security services
  • Catering services
  • Equipment servicing
  • Grounds maintenance

Building and infrastructure

Structural Issues

• • Earthquake damage
  • Settlement and cracking
  • Roof leaks
  • Drainage problems
  • Ventilation issues

Security Issues

• • Unauthorized access
  • Theft and vandalism
  • Personal safety
  • Cash handling
  • Key management

Special considerations

Vulnerable Populations

• • Elderly congregation members
  • People with disabilities
  • Pregnant women
  • Young children
  • People with medical conditions

Large Gatherings

• • Emergency evacuation
  • Crowd behavior
  • Medical emergencies
  • Communication systems
  • Traffic management

HAZARD IDENTIFICATION PROCESS

Regular Sources for Hazard Identification:

1. Workplace inspections

2. Incident and near-miss reports

3. Staff and volunteer feedback

4. Risk assessments

5. Contractor reports

6. Insurance company recommendations

7. Industry guidance 8. Regulatory updates

Documentation: - Record all identified hazards - Assess risks and implement controls - Review and update regularly - Communicate to all relevant people

Note: This list is not exhaustive. Each church should conduct its own comprehensive hazard identification process considering its specific activities, facilities, and circumstances.