Useful Info

Safety Rules for Users of the Iron Room

It is the intention of the Iron Room Management Committee to comply with all health and safety legislation and to act positively where it can reasonably do so to prevent injury, ill health or any danger arising from its activities and operations.

Hearing Loop and Public Address System

There is a hearing loop fitted in the Hall, and a public address system is available if required.

Defibrillator and First Aid

A defibrillator is situated in the entrance hall, to the left of the door. A first aid box for treating minor injuries can be found on the kitchen shelf.

Responsibilities

Employees, hirers, and visitors will be expected to recognize that there is a duty on them to comply with the practices set out by the Committee, with all safety requirements set out in the hiring agreement and with safety notices on the premises and to accept responsibility to do everything they can to prevent injury to themselves or others.

Risk Assessments and Safety Practices

The Committee has carried out risk assessments. The following practices must be followed in order to minimize risks:

• Make sure that all emergency exit doors are clear and unlocked as soon as the Hall is to be used and throughout the hiring
• Do not operate or touch any electrical equipment where there are signs of damage, exposure of components or water penetration, etc.
• Do not work on steps, ladders or at height until they are properly secured and another person is present
• Do not leave portable electrical or gas appliances operating while unattended
• Do not bring onto the property any portable electrical appliances which have not been Portable Appliance Tested
• Do not attempt to move heavy or bulky items (e.g. stacked tables or chairs) - use the trolleys provided
• Do not stack more than five chairs except on the trolleys provided
• Do not attempt to carry or tip a water boiler when it contains hot water. Leave it to cool
• Do not allow children in the kitchen except under close supervision (e.g. for supervised cookery lessons or, in the case of older children, for supervised serving of food at functions). Avoid overcrowding in the kitchen and do not allow running
• Wear suitable protective clothing when handling cleaning or other toxic materials
• Report any evidence of damage or faults to equipment or the building’s facilities to the Booking Secretary, and record in the book in the lobby
• Record every accident in the Accident Book and report it to the Booking Secretary
• Be aware and seek to avoid the following risks:

• creating slipping hazards on stairs, polished or wet floors - mop spills immediately
• creating tripping hazards such as buggies, umbrellas, mops and other items left in halls and corridors
• use adequate lighting to avoid tripping in poorly lit areas
• risk to individuals while in sole occupancy of the building
• risks involved in handling kitchen equipment e.g. cooker, water heater, and knives
• creating toppling hazards by piling equipment e.g. in store cupboards

Hiring Terms and Conditions

Some important terms and conditions to be aware of when hiring the Iron Room include:

• The authorized Hirer must be over 18 years old.
• Cancellations will incur an administration fee equivalent to half of the booking fee.
• Corporate/commercial organizations must provide proof of Public Liability insurance for the duration of their hiring of the Iron Room, if requested.
• Smoking is prohibited, and alcohol sales require a license from Ashford Borough Council.
• There is no landline telephone on the premises, so the hirer must ensure that a charged mobile phone is available for use in case of emergency. The postcode is TN25 4HP.
• The hall, driveway, and car park must be cleared of litter and vacated by 11:30 pm.
• Noise levels must be tolerable to people both inside and outside the hall.
• Children must not be allowed in the kitchen unsupervised.
• Any damage or breakages must be recorded in the folder on the kitchen shelf and reported to the Booking Secretary.
• The Iron Room does not accept responsibility for any theft or damage to vehicles left in the car park.
• To comply with Health and Safety Regulations, any accident, injury, or incident, and any damage to the premises, must be recorded in the folder on the kitchen shelf.
• Keys can be collected by prior arrangement with the Booking Secretary at Cranford House, Faversham Road, Boughton Lees, TN25 4HJ (07986252558).