Health and Safety Policy

The Trustees are committed to a healthy and safe environment within the Gallery complex. This document provides guidance about health and safety arrangements at the Rye Art Gallery (RAG) which is an independent Gallery providing exhibitions, contemporary art sales, lectures and workshops involving the Public.

Health and safety

This document is the RAG health and safety policy. Staff are briefed on mandatory health and safety training issues. The Trustees organise periodic independent audits to ensure that health and safety standards are maintained.

Risk

A formal risk assessment has been completed by the Trustees. Exhibitions and activities are designed with full consideration of risk control measures.RAG is assessed by the Trustees as a “low risk” organisation, with fewer than 50 staff.Any hazards are reviewed in a periodic monitoring programme, organised by the Chair or Trustees. They are isolated or rectified immediately

Staff

For this purpose, “Staff” includes all paid and voluntary staff, who contribute to the programme of activities. RAG complies with the national guidance on the clearance of staff, which is that full “Enhanced Disclosure” is desirable but not essential. But so that the Trustees can be reassured that basic rules are being applied, RAG applies the minimum policy for staff as below.

• Those involved with RAG activities are either known by Trustees or their details are revealed by the submission to the trustees of a short CV showing addresses, work experience and qualifications);
• RAG applies the guidance for young peoples’ activities : not less that two staff present at one time; students are recorded in an attendance book showing name, address, age and attendance details.
• Staff have access to the telephone and are aware of the procedure for calling for assistance in the event of an incident. Health and safety advice for staff is below.

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Health and Safety Legislation

" workers have a right to work in places where risks
to their health and safety are properly controlled. Health
and safety is about stopping you getting hurt at work or
ill through work. Your employer is responsible for health
and safety, but employers must:

1 Decide what could harm you in your job and the precautions to stop it. This is part of risk assessment.
2 In a way you can understand, explain how risks will be controlled and tell you who is responsible for this.
3 Consult and work with you and your health and safety representatives in protecting everyone from harm in the workplace.
4 Free of charge, give you the health and safety training you need to do your job.
5 Free of charge, provide you with any equipment and protective clothing you need, and ensure it is properly looked after.
6 Provide toilets, washing facilities and drinking water.
7 Provide adequate first-aid facilities.
8 Report injuries, diseases and dangerous incidents at work to our Incident Contact Centre: 0845 300 9923
9 Have insurance that covers you in case you get hurt at work or ill through work.
Display a hard copy or electronic copy of the current insurance certificate where staff can easily read it.
10 Work with any other employers or contractors sharing the workplace or providing employees (such as agency workers), so that everyone’s health and safety is protected.

What the staff must do:

1 Follow the training you have received when using any work items your employer has given you.
2 Take reasonable care of your own and other people’s health and safety.
3 Co-operate with your employer on health and safety.
4 Tell someone (your employer, supervisor, or health and safety representative) if you think the work or inadequate precautions are putting anyone’s health and
safety at serious risk."

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Visitors

RAG welcomes all members of the Public, but expects them to behave in an acceptable and orderly manner when on RAG property. Teachers and group organisers are responsible for the behaviour and general health and safety of individuals in visiting groups, for which the RAG Trustees have set a separate policy, which is available from Trustees. If the behaviour of any visitors is regarded by Staff or the Trustees to adversely affect the safety or enjoyment of other visitors, or causes damage to exhibits, individuals may be asked to leave.

Emergencies

In the event of an emergency, Staff will
evacuate the buildings ( RV in East Street). All staff are briefed in the evacuation process during their induction and all staff must attend Fire Awareness briefing. RAG is fully compliant with the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations. The Gallery’s fire-fighting equipment conforms to current regulations and is maintained on an annual basis by an outside licensed contractor.

First aid

RAG complies with First Aid Health and Safety Executive requirements for small (low-risk) organizations, which “suggests” that there is a first-aider, but this not a legal requirement. RAG has staff who are able to provide basic first aid treatment; basic first aid kits and a procedure for summoning assistance. All injuries, no matter how small, are to be recorded in the Injuries Book, which is held at reception. The nearest Accident & Emergency Department is at the Conquest Hospital in Hastings.

The Trustees have directed that the Workshop students’ form a declaration about dependence on any vital medication, along with a short warning that RAG reserves the right to reject applicants with particularly demanding requirements, unless of course a guardian or relative is prepared to assist during the event. The Trustees do not expect the Workshop Staff to administer injections or any other medication.

Accident reporting and investigation

A member of the RAG Staff who is called upon to handle an accident involving visitors or staff, including any incident when first aid is applied, then a brief Accident and First Aid Report detailing the circumstances of the incident and any injuries sustained must be completed in the day book or log book. In addition, accidents are recorded in the RAG Accident Book. Subsequently, a Trustee nominated by the Chair will be responsible for investigating any serious accident involving visitors and if appropriate, making a report to the Health & Safety Executive.

As a small organization, Gallery staff are not required to be vetted under the National Identification Service (NIS), but no member of staff is allowed to work within the Gallery until all their references have been checked thoroughly and authorized by the Trustees. Museum staff wear badges to enable them to be recognised by visitors. Staff working with pupils in the galleries or delivering educational events have relevant experience and/or training to ensure competent and professional interaction with visitors.

Risk assessments and hazard identification

RAG is insured for Public and Product liability. The limit on these policies is £2,000,000.

Security

The inside of the Gallery is covered by a network of CCTV cameras. Images are monitored and recorded to help ensure the safety of visitors and exhibits. Unattended bags should be reported to a member of staff. Please do not touch them.

Disability Discrimination Act

The Trustees are working to meet the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).

Advice

The Manager or any Trustee can provide telephone advice to teachers wanting to plan or book a visit, or make changes to a visit itinerary. For further information about health and safety relating to school visits that is not covered by this document, or to make comments about this document, please contact:

Chair Trustees,
Rye Art Gallery Trust
107 High Street
Rye. Tel: 01797-222433.

Nov 09