Keeping everyone safe
Welcome to the RSC Health and Safety Portal
Report a hazardSomething unsafe or brokenReport an incidentSomeone was hurt, or nearlyForms and checklistsFill in any other form
Emergency? Call 111 Then come back and tell us.More ways to help
Simple safety tips
Small habits that keep our church safe. Tap a card to read more.
Know the way outIf the alarm sounds, everyone leaves. Calmly, and together.
- Find the two nearest exits when you arrive, especially with children or someone who needs help to move.
- Keep exits and the paths to them clear: no stacked chairs, prams or boxes.
- Walk, don’t run, and go straight to the assembly point. Don’t go back inside for belongings.
- Never prop open a fire door, and never block an extinguisher or alarm point.
Slips, trips and fallsThe most common injuries in church buildings are also the easiest to prevent.
- Wipe up spills straight away and put a sign out until the floor is dry.
- Keep cables, bags and toys off walkways. Tape down any lead that has to cross a floor.
- Report loose carpet, cracked paths and broken steps. Don’t just step around them.
- Use a proper step ladder, never a chair, and have someone hold it.
Lifting and setting upSound systems, tables and stacks of chairs are heavier than they look.
- Test the weight first. If it’s too heavy, ask for help or use a trolley.
- Bend your knees, keep the load close and don’t twist as you lift.
- Stack chairs in low piles and put tables up and down in pairs.
- Plan the route before you carry. Check it is clear and the doors are open.
Kitchen and foodChurch meals feed many people, so care with food and heat matters.
- Wash your hands before handling food, and again after the toilet, rubbish or touching your face.
- Keep hot food hot (above 60°C) and cold food cold (below 5°C). Don’t leave it out for more than two hours.
- Tell people about common allergens (nuts, milk, eggs, gluten, shellfish) and label dishes at shared lunches.
- Keep children away from urns, hot pans and knives. Turn pot handles inwards.
Children and youthKeeping children safe is everyone’s responsibility, not only the team’s.
- Only people who have been through our safety checks work with children, and always in pairs or in view of others.
- Know who is collecting each child. Hand them over only to an authorised adult.
- Keep play areas, toys and equipment clean and in good repair, and check them before each use.
- If a child tells you something worrying, listen, stay calm, don’t promise to keep it secret, and tell the safeguarding contact the same day.
Car park and vehiclesA busy car park at the start and end of a service is a real risk, especially for children.
- Drive slowly and watch for children and people with walking aids.
- Use a spotter when reversing a van or trailer.
- Don’t let children run between cars. Agree a safe place to meet.
- Check the church van and trailer before each trip, using the QR check on the vehicle.
Electrical and equipmentMost electrical problems show warning signs first.
- Don’t use damaged leads, cracked plugs or anything that gets hot, smells or sparks. Tag it out and report it.
- Avoid overloading power boards and don’t run them in a chain.
- Keep drinks away from sound desks and power points.
- Only a licensed electrician should open or repair fixed wiring.
First aid and healthA little preparation makes a big difference in the first few minutes.
- Know where the first aid kit and the defibrillator (AED) are and who is trained.
- In an emergency call 111 first, then tell a church leader.
- Tell leaders about allergies, medication or health needs before camps, events and outings.
- Stay home if you have a stomach bug or a contagious illness, especially if you help with food or children.
Our policies and procedures
Browse by topicHow we keep people safe, and what to do when something goes wrong. Open any of them to read.
Annual H&S Review PlanGovernance and planningAudit ToolGovernance and planningBasic Finance Control PolicyFinanceBudgeting GuidelinesFinanceBuilding Safety ChecklistBuildings and equipmentChild Protection PolicyChildren and pastoral careCode of Conduct PolicyPeopleCommon Church HazardsHazards and riskCompetency Assessment FormPeople and inductionDonation Acceptance PolicyFinanceEmergency Plan (full template)Incidents and emergenciesEmergency Plan (short)Incidents and emergenciesExpense Reimbursement PolicyFinanceFirst Aid Kit ChecklistBuildings and equipmentFirst Aid Kit SuppliesBuildings and equipmentH&S Improvement PlanGovernance and planningH&S Meeting MinutesGovernance and planningHazard Checklist SheetsHazards and riskHazard Identification and Control FormHazards and riskHealth and Safety CharterGovernance and planningHealth and Safety Policy (full)Governance and planningHealth and Safety Policy StatementGovernance and planningIncident / Near Miss Investigation ReportIncidents and emergenciesIncident Reporting FormIncidents and emergenciesIncident Response ProcedureIncidents and emergenciesList of Generic HazardsHazards and riskPetty Cash PolicyFinanceRAMS Form (Risk Analysis Management System)Hazards and riskReserves PolicyFinanceRisk Register TemplateHazards and riskStaff and Volunteer Induction ChecklistPeople and inductionStaff Induction FormPeople and inductionTraining RecordPeople and inductionVolunteer PolicyPeopleVolunteer’s Application FormPeople and inductionWorkplace Inspection ReportBuildings and equipment
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