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.
