Fire Safety & Evacuation Policy

Edinburgh Hindu Mandir & Cultural Centre (EHMCC)

Fire Safety & Evacuation Policy

1. Policy Statement

Edinburgh Hindu Mandir & Cultural Centre (EHMCC) is committed to ensuring the safety of all devotees, visitors, volunteers, priests, staff, and contractors. Fire safety is a shared responsibility, and EHMCC will take all reasonable steps to prevent fire, maintain safe systems, and ensure a safe and efficient evacuation in the event of an emergency.

This policy is aligned with the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005, Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006, and health and safety guidance for places of worship and public buildings.

2. Responsibilities

2.1 Management Committee

The Committee will:

  • Ensure an up-to-date Fire Risk Assessment is completed annually.
  • Provide resources for maintaining fire alarms, extinguishers, and emergency lighting.
  • Approve emergency procedures and evacuation plans.
  • Appoint a Fire Safety Officer (or Responsible Person).
  • Ensure all volunteers and priests receive adequate fire safety awareness.

2.2 Fire Safety Officer

The Fire Safety Officer is responsible for:

  • Conducting and updating fire risk assessments.
  • Overseeing the testing and maintenance of fire safety equipment.
  • Ensuring fire exits and escape routes remain clear.
  • Coordinating fire drills and staff/volunteer training.
  • Managing incident records and post-incident reviews.
  • Liaising with the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service during audits or emergencies.

2.3 Priests, Staff & Volunteers

All representatives of EHMCC must:

  • Follow fire safety procedures and evacuation instructions.
  • Know the location of fire exits, alarms, and extinguishers.
  • Keep doorways, stairways, and corridors unobstructed.
  • Report hazards (blocked exits, faulty alarms, exposed wires) immediately.
  • Supervise safe use of open flames during puja rituals.

2.4 Devotees & Visitors

Visitors must:

  • Follow all fire safety signage and instructions.
  • Evacuate immediately when the alarm sounds.
  • Not use lifts during evacuation.
  • Not re-enter the building until authorised.

3. Fire Risk Assessment

EHMCC will conduct a full Fire Risk Assessment covering:

  • Open flames (diya, arti lamps, incense)
  • Electrical equipment and wiring
  • Kitchen and catering activities
  • Storage areas (including flammable items)
  • Community hall use for large gatherings
  • Sleeping arrangements (if overnight stays occur)
  • Accessibility for people with disabilities

The assessment will be reviewed:

  • Annually
  • After any fire incident
  • After refurbishment or layout changes

4. Fire Prevention Measures

4.1 Electrical Safety

  • Annual PAT testing of all portable appliances.
  • Immediate removal of damaged or faulty equipment.
  • No overloading of extension leads.
  • Only authorised persons may operate sound systems, heaters, or lighting systems.

4.2 Puja & Ritual Flame Safety

  • Diyas, candles, and incense must be used only in designated areas.
  • Flames must be supervised at all times.
  • A fire-resistant tray or holder must be used for all open flames.
  • Ensure adequate ventilation but avoid strong breezes that may spread flames.

4.3 Kitchen Fire Safety

  • Gas and electrical appliances must be regularly maintained.
  • Oil, ghee, and cooking flames must be monitored continuously.
  • Fire blankets and extinguishers must be available in the kitchen.
  • No storage of flammable materials near cooking areas.

4.4 Storage & Housekeeping

  • Keep combustible materials away from heat sources.
  • Avoid clutter in corridors or near exits.
  • Waste bins must be emptied regularly.
  • Do not store items in plant rooms or electrical rooms.

5. Fire Detection & Equipment

EHMCC will install and maintain:

  • Fire alarms and smoke detectors
  • Emergency lighting
  • Fire extinguishers (CO₂, foam, water, and fire blanket where appropriate)
  • Clearly marked fire exit signs

Maintenance Schedule

  • Alarms tested weekly
  • Emergency lighting tested monthly
  • Extinguishers inspected annually by a qualified contractor
  • Full system service annually

Records will be kept in the Fire Safety Logbook.

6. Fire Evacuation Procedure

6.1 When the Alarm Sounds

  • Evacuate immediately in a calm and orderly manner.
  • Follow fire exit signs to the nearest safe exit.
  • Do NOT stop to collect personal belongings.
  • Do NOT use lifts.
  • Close doors behind you if safe to do so.

6.2 Fire Wardens / Volunteers Responsibilities

During events and busy periods, Fire Wardens will:

  • Direct people to the nearest exits.
  • Assist vulnerable individuals or those needing help.
  • Ensure all rooms (including kitchen, prayer hall, toilets) are cleared if safe.
  • Prevent re-entry into the building.

6.3 Assembly Point

The designated assembly point is:
➡ Outside the Mandir, in the open area by the main gates (or other approved location).

Volunteers must:

  • Take a headcount where possible.
  • Identify any missing persons and inform emergency services.

6.4 Contacting Emergency Services

Dial 999 and provide:

  • Name: Edinburgh Hindu Mandir & Cultural Centre
  • Address: [Insert full address]
  • Description of fire/emergency
  • Any known persons missing

6.5 Re-Entry

No one may re-enter the building until the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service declares it safe.

7. Fire Drills & Training

  • At least one full fire drill per year.
  • Additional drills before major festivals (Navratri, Diwali, Janmashtami) if needed.
  • Training for Fire Wardens & Volunteers to include:
    • Use of fire extinguishers
    • Evacuation roles
    • Location of equipment and exits

Record all drills in the Fire Safety Logbook.

8. Visitors with Disabilities

EHMCC will:

  • Provide assistance during evacuation.
  • Ensure ramps, handrails, and accessible exits are available.
  • Assign a volunteer to assist individuals with mobility impairments.

9. Post-Incident Procedure

After any fire alarm activation or evacuation:

  • Fire Safety Officer will conduct a debrief.
  • Hazards will be identified and addressed immediately.
  • Records will be stored securely in the Fire Safety Logbook.
  • The Management Committee will review whether changes are needed.

10. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed:

  • Annually, or
  • After any fire incident, or
  • Following changes to operations or building layout

Approved by the Management Committee of Edinburgh Hindu Mandir & Cultural Centre (EHMCC).
Date: 16/11/2025