We take health and safety seriously.
The Creaky Cauldron is a very atmospheric experience and may be frightening
for very young children, those with mobility issues and those afraid of the dark! The Creaky Cauldron is spread over three floors and the stairs between
the floors are steep and narrow with lighting levels that can change unexpectedly. Please use the guide
rails and ropes at all times whilst on the stairs.There are low beams and doorways on the top floor and uneven floor
levels throughout the building. Customers are reminded to be extremely careful as they go around
the building.
Health
and Safety General Policy Statement
We recognise
our duties under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and the accompanying protective legislation. we will endeavour
to meet the requirements of this legislation so as to ensure that we maintain a safe and healthy environment for customers
and staff alike.
Our staff are informed of their responsibilities
to ensure that they take all reasonable precautions, to ensure the safety, health and welfare of those that are likely to
be affected by this undertaking.
We recognise so far as is reasonably
practical the duty to ensure the following:
- To provide and maintain a safe environment for all visitors, safe systems of work, safe
equipment and installations and a healthy and safe working environment.
- To
ensure that hazards are identified and regular assessments of risks are undertaken.
- To
provide information, instruction and training as necessary to ensure our employees and others are assured of a safe and helthy
environment whilst on our premises.
- Promoting the awareness
of health and safety and encouraging health and safety best practice throughout our organisation.
- To ensure we are taking the appropriate protective and preventative measures.
- To ensure that we have access to competent advice and are able to secure compliance with
our statutory duties.
In order that we can achieve our objectives,
and ensure our employees recognise their duties under health and safety legislation whilst at work, we must ensure that we
inform them of their duty to take reasonable care of themselves and others that may be affected by their activities.
We ensure our employees are informed of their obligations to ensure they co-operate with management and adhere with our Safety
rules which are provided within the Employee Safety Handbook.
Risk Assessment
Use of premises
The building is used as a Museum, gift
shop, tea room and offices. The building is also used for educational groups and evening events.
Hazard identification
The building is over 450 years old and is Grade
2 listed with uneven floors and low beams and spread over three floors. There are two staircases and the room settings
are at different levels off the staircases. Some rooms you step down into and others you step up into. It has settings that
are dark, to create atmosphere and has narrow passageways. There are extensive electrical installations to control the exhibits
with light and sound effects.
Regular risk assessments are carried out along with fire
prevention and control evaluation.
Persons at risk
Staff and members of the public.
Existing
Precautions
Notices
are displayed at the entrance to the Museum drawing attention to the hazards. Verbal warnings are also given on admission.
Warning notices are also placed within the museum to draw attention to all hazards.The Management may exclude anyone whose behaviour may put themselves
or others at risk. The guides on duty throughout the day make regular checks of the premises.School groups or groups of children or vulnerable
adults must always be accompanied by responsible adults for the school or centre. At no time are children allowed alone on
the premises without adequate and appropriate supervision.
Smoking is prohibited on any part
of the property.
Fire extinguishers are placed through the building and luminous fire
exit signs are present. Regular checks are made of fire escape routes to ensure the are kept clear. All
staircases are lit with glow in the dark strips for increased visibility in the event of an emergency.
Smoke alarms with halogen emergency lighting are present.
Analysis
of existing precautions
The Health and
Safety aspects of the Museum are kept under regular review. Since the conception of the museum
there have been no incidents of note or any apparent increase in the risk.
We
receive regular visits from Enforcement Officers who continue to give us a clean bill of health.
