Fire Safety Policy
The Management Committee of Low Bentham Victoria Institute recognises its duty under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety Order)2005.
We are committed to minimising the risk of fire,maintaining clear escape routes and ensuring that all building users,employees and volunteers can safely evacuate in an emergency.
Responsibilities
The Victoria Institute Manager is the designated responsible person.They will ensure annual fire risk assessments inside and outside the building are completed,statutory equipment is serviced and procedures are updated.Public Safety Officer is Alice Michelmore-Brown( 07464532887 ).
Fire Safety Policy
The Management Committee of Low Bentham Victoria Institute recognises its duty under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety Order)2005.
We are committed to minimising the risk of fire,maintaining clear escape routes and ensuring that all building users,employees and volunteers can safely evacuate in an emergency.
Responsibilities
The Victoria Institute Manager is the designated responsible person.They will ensure annual fire risk assessments inside and outside the building are completed,statutory equipment is serviced and procedures are updated.Public Safety Officer is Alice Michelmore-Brown( 07464532887 ).
Hirers and event organisers
During bookings the hirer assumes responsibility as the point of contact for safe evacuation.Hirers must brief their attendees on fire exits and the designated assembly
Point at the start of their event.
Staff and Volunteers
All staff must know the evacuation procedure,actively keep exits unobstructed and report hazards
Hazard prevention and housekeeping
Any smoking or vaping inside the building should be prohibited.
Escape routes
All fire exits corridors and doorways must be kept completely clear of chairs,tables and debris at all times.All fire exits are clearly labelled.
Electrical Safety
All portable electrical appliances(PAT) must be safe. High risk areas for example the kitchen area must be closely monitored. Fire doors are designed to contain smoke and fire and must never be propped open.
Emergency plan and evacuation procedures.
In the event of a fire or sounding of alarm
1.Sound the alarm.Operate nearest fire alarm point.Break glass.
2.Call 999 to summon the Fire and Rescue Service stating the exact centre,address and postcode.
Victoria Institute,Main Street,Low Bentham. LA 2 7BX.Phone no 015242 63162.
3.Evacuate:Instruct everyone to leave immediately via the nearest safe fire exit .Do not stop to collect personal belongings.
4.Assist: Provide assistance to elderly clients, those with mobility impairments to reach safety.
5.Assemble: Go directly to the assembly point in the car park at the rear of the building.
6.Roll call: All persons with authority will aid people outside to the fire point,conduct head counts and verify if anyone is missing,reporting this information to the fire brigade on arrival.
Maintenance and testing
The following checks will be recorded in the official fire logbook.
Each week escape routes will be checked and one fire alarm call point tested.
All emergency lighting serviced annually.
All fire extinguishers and the fire alarm serviced annually.
Conduct a formal review of the fire risk assessment of building exterior and interior.
Concluding statement
Our Community link cafe has paid employees,volunteers and elderly clients.
We have a cleaner but no caretaker on site.
It is mainly volunteer/ hirer run.
We have a fire log book kept next to the main fire alarm near the front main door and we have an existing floor plan,(there are 2 floors) to indicate exit routes.
Reviewed June 2026.
Next review June 2027.