Hygiene Policy

Edinburgh Hindu Mandir & Cultural Centre (EHMCC)

Hygiene Policy

1. Policy Statement

Edinburgh Hindu Mandir & Cultural Centre (EHMCC) is committed to maintaining a clean, hygienic, and safe environment for all devotees, volunteers, priests, staff, and visitors. High standards of hygiene are essential to ensure the wellbeing of everyone who uses the Mandir and Cultural Centre facilities, including the prayer hall, kitchen, community hall, and washrooms.

This policy outlines the procedures and responsibilities for maintaining hygiene throughout the Mandir premises.

2. Responsibilities

2.1 Management Committee

The Committee will:

  • Ensure the Mandir has appropriate cleaning and hygiene procedures.
  • Provide adequate cleaning supplies, PPE, and equipment.
  • Approve hygiene standards for the kitchen and food preparation areas.
  • Review hygiene-related incidents or concerns.

2.2 Hygiene & Facilities Lead (if appointed)

Responsibilities include:

  • Overseeing regular cleaning schedules.
  • Ensuring kitchen hygiene compliance.
  • Monitoring stock of soap, sanitisers, tissue, and cleaning materials.
  • Reporting maintenance issues (leaks, blockages, pests).

2.3 Priests, Volunteers, and Staff

Everyone working in the Mandir must:

  • Maintain personal hygiene during duties.
  • Keep all areas tidy and clean after use.
  • Follow food hygiene guidelines.
  • Report any hygiene concerns immediately.

2.4 Devotees & Visitors

Visitors should:

  • Dispose of waste responsibly.
  • Follow signage in kitchen, prayer areas, and washrooms.
  • Avoid bringing contaminated or unclean items into the Mandir.

3. Cleaning Standards & Schedules

EHMCC will maintain a cleaning checklist covering daily, weekly, and event-based tasks.

3.1 Daily Cleaning

  • Cleaning Temple Hall

3.2 Weekly Cleaning

  • Deep cleaning of toilets and washrooms.
  • Dusting shelves, idols’ surroundings, and decorative areas.
  • Cleaning windows, doors, and high-touch surfaces.
  • Checking for signs of pests.
  • Sweeping and mopping all prayer halls, corridors, and entrances.
  • Cleaning and disinfecting toilets, sinks, and flooring.
  • Emptying all waste bins.
  • Ensuring kitchen surfaces are wiped and sanitised.
  • Checking and refilling hand soap and sanitiser dispensers.

3.3 Event-Based Cleaning (Before & After Events)

  • Additional cleaning before festivals, weddings, and community functions.
  • After-event cleaning of halls, kitchen, dining areas, and toilets.
  • Waste removal and recycling as required.

4. Personal Hygiene Requirements

Everyone involved in kitchen, food service, or prasad preparation must:

  • Wash hands thoroughly before handling food.
  • Tie hair back or wear a hair covering.
  • Wear clean clothing or an apron.
  • Avoid preparing food when ill or showing symptoms of infection.
  • Not wear jewellery (except simple rings) when preparing food.
  • Keep nails clean and trimmed.

Priests using items for puja (bhog/prasad) must ensure utensils are clean and stored in hygienic conditions.

5. Kitchen & Food Hygiene

The Mandir kitchen must comply with food hygiene standards for community kitchens.

5.1 Safe Food Handling

  • Wash fruit, vegetables, and raw ingredients thoroughly.
  • Use separate chopping boards for raw and cooked items.
  • Cook food thoroughly and maintain proper temperatures.
  • Store food in sealed containers.

5.2 Cleanliness of Kitchen Equipment

  • Clean all pots, pans, utensils, and surfaces after use.
  • Sanitize worktops before and after food preparation.
  • Ensure fridges and freezers are functioning and cleaned regularly.
  • Keep kitchen floors dry to prevent slips.

5.3 Prasad Hygiene

  • Prasad should be prepared in a clean environment.
  • Avoid excessive handling; use utensils where possible.
  • Distribution areas must be kept clean and organised.

6. Waste Management

EHMCC will:

  • Ensure bins are emptied weekly or as needed during events.
  • Arrange collection through licensed waste disposal services.

7. Washroom Hygiene

Toilets and washrooms must:

  • Be cleaned weekly and checked during busy events.
  • Have functioning taps, hand dryers, or paper towels.
  • Have soap and sanitiser available at all times.
  • Be well-ventilated.

Any issues (blockages, leaks, broken fixtures) must be reported immediately.

8. Pest Control

  • Regular visual checks for signs of pests (insects, rodents).
  • External pest control providers will be engaged as needed.
  • Food must be stored off the floor and in sealed containers.
  • Spills must be cleaned immediately.

9. Infection Prevention Measures

During flu season or high-risk periods:

  • Hand sanitisers will be available at entrances.
  • High-touch surfaces will be disinfected more frequently.
  • Volunteers handling food must wear gloves where appropriate.

10. Training & Communication

  • Volunteers working in the kitchen will receive basic food hygiene guidance.
  • Signage in kitchen and washrooms will remind users of hygiene rules.
  • Hygiene procedures will be highlighted during major events.

11. Review of Policy

This policy will be reviewed:

  • Annually,
  • After any hygiene-related incident,
  • After any change to facilities or kitchen operations.

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