Health and Safety Policy
Policy Statement
It is Mexborough & Swinton Astronomical Society's policy, so far as is reasonably practicable:
- To provide and maintain premises and equipment that are safe and without risks to health;
- To make arrangements for ensuring safety and absence of risks to health in connection with the use, handling, storage and transport of equipment;
- To provide such information, instruction, training and supervision as is necessary to ensure the health and safety of members and visitors.
- To provide such protective equipment as is necessary for the health and safety of members and visitors;
- To monitor the effectiveness of health and safety provisions within the Society;
- To keep the Health and Safety Policy under regular review and to duly publish any amendments.
Responsibility
Responsibility for Health and Safety is shared between the Secretary and Curator of Instruments and Observatory in the first instance. These officers have a duty to report to the Executive Committee on matters of health and safety and maintain records of Health & Safety audits and any incidents of injury, ill health or "near misses".
It is equally a duty for everyone engaged in Society activities to exercise responsibility and care in the prevention of injury and ill health to themselves and to others who may be affected by their acts and omissions.
No person shall intentionally interfere with, or misuse anything provided by the Society in the interests of health, safety or welfare.
Members of the Society must:
- Report any incident of accident or injury to the Secretary, Curator or the Executive Committee.
- Report any concerns relating to the safety of equipment or premises to the Secretary, Curator or the Executive Committee.
- Not attempt to service or repair equipment unless they are qualified to do so.
- Not permit access to premises or use of equipment by the public if they have any doubts regarding its safety.
- Seek advice if they have any doubts as to how to operate equipment safely.
- Not smoke on Society premises.
The Executive Committee must:
- Not permit access to premises or use of equipment by the public if they have any doubts regarding its safety.
- Publish guidelines, rules and advice relating to the safe use of equipment and premises and draw member's attention to such guidelines, rules and advice.
- Conduct a Health and Safety audit of all premises at least once per year.