Health & Safety Policy

Edinburgh Hindu Mandir & Cultural Centre (EHMCC)

Health & Safety Policy

1. Policy Statement

Edinburgh Hindu Mandir & Cultural Centre (EHMCC) is committed to providing a safe, healthy, and welcoming environment for all devotees, visitors, volunteers, priests, contractors, and staff. We recognise our legal and moral responsibility to prevent accidents, injuries, and risks to health as far as reasonably practicable.

We aim to comply fully with relevant UK and Scottish health and safety legislation, including the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, and all associated guidance for places of worship and public venues.

The Committee is responsible for ensuring appropriate measures, risk controls, and safe systems are in place throughout the Mandir and Cultural Centre.

2. Responsibilities

2.1 Management Committee

The Committee will:

  • Ensure this policy is implemented and reviewed annually.
  • Provide resources for maintaining safe premises and equipment.
  • Approve and monitor risk assessments.
  • Ensure volunteers and priests receive necessary information and safety guidance.
  • Appoint a competent person (Health & Safety Lead) to coordinate safety matters.

2.2 Health & Safety Lead

The appointed Health & Safety Lead will:

  • Conduct and maintain risk assessments (fire, electrical, slips/trips, kitchen, events).
  • Oversee incident reporting and investigation.
  • Ensure safety checks and maintenance schedules are followed.
  • Liaise with external authorities (Fire Service, Council, insurers).

2.3 Priests, Volunteers, Staff

All individuals working in the building must:

  • Follow safety instructions and training provided.
  • Report hazards, unsafe conditions, or incidents immediately.
  • Cooperate in maintaining safe practices, especially during events and religious functions.

2.4 Visitors & Devotees

Visitors are expected to:

  • Follow Mandir safety signage and instructions.
  • Act responsibly and report any hazards to volunteers or staff.

3. Risk Assessment

EHMCC will carry out regular risk assessments covering:

  • Fire safety and evacuation
  • Electrical equipment and wiring
  • Kitchen operations and food hygiene
  • Slips, trips, and falls
  • Accessibility and crowd management
  • Puja area hazards (open flames, lamps, incense)
  • Storage and handling of materials
  • Use of community hall for events and functions

All assessments will be reviewed annually or after significant change.

4. Fire Safety

EHMCC will:

  • Maintain a full Fire Risk Assessment.
  • Ensure working fire alarms, extinguishers, detectors, and emergency lighting.
  • Keep evacuation routes clear at all times.
  • Display fire assembly point signage.
  • Train volunteers in basic fire awareness and evacuation procedures.
  • Conduct at least one evacuation drill per year (for large events).

Open flames used in puja ceremonies must be supervised at all times.

5. First Aid & Accident Reporting

  • A fully stocked First Aid kit will be available in clearly identified locations.
  • At least one trained First Aider will be present during large gatherings or events.
  • All accidents, incidents, and near misses must be recorded in the Accident Logbook.
  • Where necessary, incidents will be reported under RIDDOR.

6. Electrical & Equipment Safety

  • All electrical equipment will be PAT-tested annually.
  • Faulty equipment must be removed from use immediately.
  • Only authorised persons may operate heating, lighting, and sound systems.
  • Gas appliances (if any) will be checked annually by qualified engineers.

7. Building & Premises Safety

EHMCC will ensure:

  • Regular inspections of the building for leaks, structural issues, damp, or damage.
  • Safe and clean toilet facilities.
  • Adequate lighting inside and outside the premises.
  • Secure entrances/exits for safe flow of devotees.
  • Proper waste management and hygiene practices.

8. Kitchen & Food Safety

When food is prepared or served:

  • Basic food hygiene rules must be followed.
  • Temperature control, cleanliness, and safe storage must be maintained.
  • Volunteers must wash hands and use clean utensils.
  • Gas stoves and electrical equipment must be operated safely.

9. Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults

EHMCC will:

  • Ensure safe supervision of children attending events.
  • Have at least one PVG-checked volunteer present during children’s activities.
  • Prevent unauthorised people from accessing restricted areas.

(Safeguarding Policy is separate but linked to overall safety.)

10. Events & Crowd Management

For large gatherings such as festivals, Mata Ki Chowki, Navratri, weddings, and community functions:

  • Additional risk assessments will be carried out.
  • Extra volunteers will be assigned for crowd control and emergency oversight.
  • Maximum capacity limits must be respected.
  • Parking and traffic management will be coordinated where required.

11. Cleaning & Hygiene

  • Regular cleaning schedules will be maintained.
  • Spills must be cleaned promptly to avoid slips.
  • Toilets will be checked during busy periods.
  • Waste must be disposed of safely.

12. Communication & Training

  • Volunteers and priests will receive necessary safety briefings.
  • Safety notices will be displayed in key areas.
  • Emergency contact numbers will be clearly visible.

13. Review of Policy

This policy will be reviewed:

  • Annually,
  • After any accident or incident,
  • After any significant change in activities, structure, or building use.

Approved by the Management Committee of Edinburgh Hindu Mandir & Cultural Centre.

Date : 16/11/2025