Maintenance & Construction Safety

Normally the maintenance and development of church properties is delegated to a Fabric sub-committee whose convener is responsible for overseeing activities and reporting to vestry. When planning “building” works, there are a number legal and administrative matters that need to be considered to ensure safe working, whether the work is part of a regular maintenance programme, building improvement or development. The convener of the sub-committee should be aware of these requirements, an overview being provided in the document “Maintenance and Building Work for your Church – Some Practical Considerations”, dropdown below. It should be noted that even when an external contractor is employed, the vestry has a responsibility to ensure that the relevant legislation regarding safe working has been complied with.

A list of possible hazards associated with work carried out on buildings and associated land can be found below. Of particular concern in the church environment is the issue of working from height. By this is meant anywhere from which a fall would be likely to cause injury or death. It is recommended that working at height be avoided unless there is no alternative, in which case the person should be aware of the HSE guidance on Working at Height, button below. Churches should ensure that properly constructed steps are available when there is a need to reach objects down from high shelves and have a stepladder that complies with BS EN131.

Alterations to the structure, furniture and monuments of the church buildings are likely to require Canon 35 approval.

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• Equipment Safety Checks
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