This document is supplementary to the Village Halls usual annual Risk Assessment, which will need to be checked as to whether the current pandemic has changed any part of it.
It will be reviewed by selected members of the Charity Trustees (Committee) and provided to the main volunteer user groups, so that any points they raise can be taken on board before it is issued to them as a document to be observed as part of the Special Conditions of Hire that we are obliged to use during the pandemic. (Additional protocols may need to be agreed with particular user groups such as fitness classes.)
A key part of the Risk Assessment will be identifying ‘pinch points’ where people cannot maintain social distancing of 1-2 metres. Transient passing at a closer distance is less of a risk than remaining in a more confined space so, for example, a narrow corridor is less of a risk than a toilet area with limited circulation space between cubicles, basins and door, where people remain for longer. (For areas that present a problem, people may need to be asked to arrange a waiting system or adjust signage e.g. engaged/vacant where numbers increase.)
A new cleaning log is to be used, to provide assurance to the committee and users. The document should be updated in the light of government regulations or guidance, which are expected to change from time to time.
11th August 2020 Updated May 2021
RISK ASSESSMENT
Undertaken by: Chris McCall, Chairperson and Faye Gibson, Vice Chairperson 11.8.2020
Review: Monthly by Charity Trustees (Committee) and each time the UK Covid-19 risk level is changed by the Government.
Context: This Risk Assessment is being undertaken in preparation for re-opening the Village Hall, having been closed since 23rd March 2020 due to the Covid-19 Government restrictions.
| Area or People at Risk | Risk Identified | Actions to take to mitigate Risk | Notes |
All Trustees, Cleaner, Contractors & Volunteers – Identify activities that create a risk of infection when providing agreed services. | Cleaning surfaces infected by people carrying the virus. | Reduce Soft Furnishings that can hold virus for longer than hard surfaces and are harder to clean effectively. Stay at home guidance if unwell at Entrance and in Main Hall. Staff/volunteers provided with protective overalls and plastic or rubber gloves. Contractors provide their own. | Remove curtains and upholstered chairs that users may readily touch. Use plastic chairs rather than upholstered chairs whilst risk remains significant. |
| . | Disposing of rubbish containing tissues and cleaning cloths. Deep cleaning premises if someone falls ill with CV-19 on the premises. | Staff/volunteers advised to wash outer clothes after cleaning duties. Staff given PHE guidance and PPE for use in the event deep cleaning is required. No Entry Signs (unless emergency exit needed) on Rooms. | Remove curtains and upholstered chairs that users may readily touch. Use plastic chairs rather than upholstered chairs whilst risk remains significant. |
