Health and Safety Policy

Stryx Gallery

Policy Number	2
Title	Health & Safety
Area of Operations	Health, Safety & Wellbeing
Date implemented	September 2010
Date last reviewed	March 2022
Responsible Person (Signed)	Karolina Korupczynska

1	General Statement of Policy

1.1	It is the policy of Stryx to comply with the terms of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and subsequent legislation and to provide and maintain a healthy and safe working environment. Stryx's health and safety objective is to minimise the number of instances of occupational accidents, illnesses and incidents and ultimately to achieve an accident and incident free working environment. This includes protecting the mental and physical health of all individuals and the avoidance of any form or harassment, bullying or unfair, unjust or unlawful discrimination.

1.2	All employees, volunteers, studio holders and participants will be provided with such equipment, information, training and supervision as is necessary to implement the Policy and achieve the stated objective.

1.3	Stryx also recognises and accepts its duty to protect the health and safety of all visitors to Stryx, including contractors and temporary workers, as well as any members of the public who might be affected by Stryx’s operations.

1.4	While the management of Stryx will do all that is within its powers to ensure the health and safety of its employees, volunteers, studio holders and participants it is recognised that health and safety at work is the responsibility of each and every individual associated with Stryx. It is the duty of each employee, volunteer, studio holder and participant to take reasonable care of their own and other people's health, safety and welfare and to report any situation which may pose a threat to the well being of any other person.

1.5	The management of Stryx will provide every employee, volunteer and participant with the training necessary to carry out tasks safely. However if anyone is unsure how to perform a certain task or feels it would be dangerous to perform a specific task then it is their duty to report this to Stryx Directors / Health & Safety Lead Karolina Korupczynska. An effective health and safety programme requires continuous communication between everyone. Studio holders are independent entities, hiring work spaces from Stryx. Studio holders will be provided with general H&S and Fire induction regarding using Stryx for their own work purposes. However, each studio user should have their own insurance covering them for the work they undertake at Stryx and is responsible for their own equipment and training to safely carry out the tasks their work involves.

1.6	All accidents and injuries, however small, sustained by any person must be reported to the Directors / Health & Safety Lead. Accident records are crucial to the effective monitoring and revision of the policy and must therefore be up to date, accurate and comprehensive.

1.7	Stryx's Health and Safety Policy will be continually monitored and updated, particularly when changes in the scale and nature of the Stryx’s operations occur. The policy will be reviewed and updated annually. Audits will be undertaken at regular intervals within the year, with the outcome contributing to the review process.

1.8	The specific arrangements for the implementation of the policy and the personnel responsible are detailed in the following paragraphs. More detailed health and safety related policies, procedures, checklists and report forms can be accessed via the shared policy folder on Stryx Google drive.

1.9	Stryx is committed to the health and safety of participants and inducts new participants on the importance of health and safety and safe behaviour. It is essential that staff provide and promote a safe environment in the gallery.

2.	Safety Personnel

2.1	Overall and final responsibility for health and safety in Stryx lies with the Stryx Directors Body.

2.2	The person responsible for overseeing, implementing and monitoring the policy is the Director Karolina Korupczynska is the H&S Lead. The H&S Lead will deputise in case of his / her absence.

2.3	Each employee, volunteer and studio holder is responsible for health and safety in their particular areas and must report any concerns to the Health & Safety Lead or the other Director.

3.	Consultation

3.1	Communication between staff and volunteers at all levels is an essential part of effective health and safety management. Consultation will be facilitated by means of direct contact with the Health & Safety Lead and Stryx Directors Board.

4.	Communication

4.1	The management of Stryx will endeavour to communicate to employees, volunteers and studio holders their commitment to safety and to ensure that employees are familiar with the contents of the Health & Safety Policy and supporting documentation. Stryx communicates with its employees, volunteers, and studio holders in the form of directions and statements and in writing in the form of directives and this policy statement. All communication will be presented in a format suitable for the recipient.

5.	Co-operation and Care

5.1	Employees, volunteers, studio holders and participants are expected to co-operate and to accept their duties under this policy. Disciplinary action may be taken against any employee, volunteer or studio holder who violates safety rules, who fails to perform his or her duties under this policy or the Stryx’s commitment to equality and diversity.

5.2	Employees, volunteers, studio holders and participants have a duty to take all reasonable steps to preserve and protect the health and safety of themselves and all other people affected by the operations of the Stryx and to treat everyone with whom they come into contact with dignity and respect at all times.

6.	Safety Training

6.1	Safety training is regarded as an indispensable ingredient of an effective health and safety programme. It is essential that everyone in the organisation is trained to perform tasks safely. All staff and volunteers will receive comprehensive health and safety induction training immediately on joining the Stryx. Studio holders will receive general health and safety induction training when joining Stryx Studios but will be responsible for their own ongoing training allowing them to carry out their independent work safely.

6.2	Everyone will be trained in safe working practices and procedures prior to being allocated any new role. Training will include advice on the use and maintenance of personal protective equipment appropriate to the task concerned.

6.3	Staff and volunteer training records will be maintained by the Directors.

7.	Risk Assessments

7.1	Risk assessments will be undertaken on all activities presenting risk and documented on the standard reporting form. This will include the work activities of employees and use of studios for studio holders who have informed the Directors of illness or injury.

7.2	Only suitably trained staff or volunteers will undertake risk assessments. Frequency of risk assessment review is at least annually or at the sign of change of risk.

7.3	Directors should ensure that resources are made available to provide any additional control measures deemed necessary as a result of risk assessments.

8.	Workplace Inspections

8.1	It is the policy and responsibility of Stryx to comply with the Workplace (Health, Safety & Welfare) Regulations. An agreed workplace inspection regime is in place. Health and safety Lead will be responsible for ensuring that inspections are carried out at the agreed intervals and using the standard inspection checklist and reporting form. They will be responsible for ensuring that any identified non-compliances are addressed and rectified.

8.2	Workplace inspections will also provide an opportunity to review the continuing effectiveness of the Health and Safety Policy and to identify areas where revision of the policy may be necessary.

9.	Stryx Equipment

9.1	It is the policy and responsibility of Stryx to comply with the law as set out in the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 and the Lifting Equipment & Lifting Operations Regulations 1998. Stryx will ensure that all equipment used in at Stryx is safe and suitable for the purpose for which it is used. All contractors and studio holders are responsible for their own equipment and its safety.

9.2	Employees, volunteers, studio holders and participants will be provided with adequate information and training to enable them to use Stryx equipment safely. The use of any Stryx equipment which could pose a risk to the well being of persons in or around the workplace will be restricted to trained and authorised persons only.

9.3	All Stryx equipment will be maintained in good working order and repair. Appropriate records (where relevant) will be maintained by the Health & Safety Lead.

9.4 9.5	Employees, volunteers, studio holders and participants will be provided with personal protective equipment adequate to protect them from dangers occasioned by the use of Stryx equipment and as identified in risk assessments. All Stryx equipment will be clearly marked with health and safety warnings where appropriate. All contractors, independent artists hiring Stryx and studio holders are responsible for their own equipment and protective equipment when working at Stryx.

10.	Personal Protective Equipment

10.1	It is the policy and responsibility of Stryx to comply with the law as set out in the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 and as amended. Anyone who may be exposed to a risk to their health and safety while at Stryx will be provided with suitable, properly fitting and effective personal protective equipment as identified in risk assessments.

10.2	All personal protective equipment provided by Stryx will be properly assessed prior to its provision and maintained in good working order by the user. Anyone provided with personal protective equipment by Stryx will receive comprehensive training and information on the use, maintenance and purpose of the equipment. A log of PPE is held by the H&S Lead.

11.	Manual Handling Operations

11.1	It is the policy and responsibility of Stryx to comply with the law as set out in the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (as amended 2002). Manual handling operations will be avoided as far as is reasonably practicable where there is a risk of injury. Manual Handling training is provided where applicable to the role. Studio holders and contractors are responsible for their own Manual Handling training and following safety procedures and guidelines.

11.2	Minimal amount of manual handling is undertaken by a Stryx staff as part of their duties and an assessment of the situation will be made taking into account the task, the load, the working environment and the capability of the individual concerned. Responsibility for the assessment process should rest with the employee.

11.3	Stryx will take all possible steps to reduce the risk of injury to the lowest level possible.

12	Display Screen Equipment

12.1	It is the policy and responsibility of Stryx to comply with the law as set out in the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 and as amended. Stryx will conduct health and safety assessments of all workstations staffed by employees and volunteers who use DSE as part of their usual work and will ensure that all workstations meet the requirements set out in the Schedule to the Regulations.

12.2	The risks to DSE users will be reduced to the lowest extent reasonably practicable. All DSE users will be given appropriate and adequate training on the health and safety aspects of this type of work and will be given further training and information whenever the organisation of the workstation is substantially modified.

13.	Control of Hazardous Substances

13.1	It is the policy and responsibility of Stryx to comply with the law as set out in the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 and as amended (COSHH).

13.2	A risk assessment will be conducted of all tasks involving exposure to hazardous substances. The assessment will be based on manufacturers' and suppliers' health and safety guidance and Stryx managers’ own knowledge of the work process. Stryx will ensure that exposure to hazardous substances is eliminated where possible or, where this is not possible, minimised and adequately controlled. Stryx contractors and studio holders are responsible for their own COSHH Risk Assessment and Stryx will not be liable for safety of any substances that those listed above use on Stryx premises.

14.	Stress Management

14.1	Stryx takes seriously its responsibility to ensure the risks from work related stress are effectively managed and controlled. A supportive and sensitive approach is used with a Stress Risk Assessment tool to identify stressors as well as strategies and solutions for reducing stress. These could include: Signposting to external services Referral to GP Review of role and work environment

14.2	This approach, taken by Directors: demonstrates good practice through a step by step risk assessment approach; allows assessment of the current; promotes active discussion and working in partnership with employees to help decide on practical improvements that can be made; helps simplify risk assessment for work related stress by: identifying the main risk factors for work related stress; helping employers focus on the underlying causes and their prevention; and providing a yardstick by which to gauge organisational performance in tackling the key causes of stress

15.	Asbestos
15.1	The Landlord is responsible for a suitable and sufficient surveys and assessments for the control of asbestos will be undertaken on a regularised basis to ensure full legislative compliance.

15.2	An external specialist is used by the Landlord to undertake such tasks.

16	Electrical Safety

16.1	We aim for all power and lighting circuits to be tested every five years by a competent person.

16.2	We aim for all electrical portable appliances to be tested annually by a competent person. Residential students bringing their own portable electrical equipment on site must ensure that it is tested during their induction.

16.4	Full records of all electrical testing will be maintained by the Health and Safety Lead.

17.	Fire Safety

17.1	Stryx is a responsible employer which takes its fire safety duties seriously. For this reason the Stryx has formulated a separate Fire Safety Management Plan to help comply with its legal obligations to and visitors under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. These include the provision of a safe place of work where fire safety risks are minimised and reflects a high level of health well-being and organisational performance.

17.2	Stryx has a dedicated Fire Safety Plan and Evacuation policies on the shared google drive.

17.3	Employee and Volunteer duties All employees, studio holders, contractors and volunteers have a duty to take reasonable steps to ensure that they do not place themselves or others at risk of harm. They are also expected to co-operate fully in complying with any procedures that may be introduced as a measure to protect the safety and well-being of employees, studio holders, contractors and volunteers, participants and visitors.

17.4	Communications Employees, studio holders, contractors and volunteers will be kept informed of any changes that are made to the Stryx’s fire safety procedures and fire risk assessments. Stryx will also ensure that all visitors to Stryx premises are briefed on emergency procedures and not left alone unless they are aware of, and familiar with, all available escape routes. It is the responsibility of the Directors to ensure that all hires and visitors using Stryx facilities are made aware of emergency procedures.

17.5	Procedures Stryx has introduced the following procedures in order to maintain high standards of fire safety: a fire risk assessment is reviewed annually. However, more frequent reviews will be undertaken if there are any changes that will impact on its effectiveness. These may include alterations to the premises or new work processes. the Responsible Person (the Stryx Directors) are appropriately trained and updated the fire evacuation procedure will be discussed with studio holders annually training will be provided as necessary employees, studio holders, contractors and volunteers will be provided with induction training on how to raise the alarm and shown the available escape routes all escape routes will be clearly signed and kept free from obstruction at all times all fire-related equipment will be regularly serviced and maintained. If any employee or volunteer notices a defect or missing equipment, they must report it to a Director Landlord is responsible for regular alarm systems testing Landlord is responsible for any other safety system checks to ensure correct operation, e.g. emergency lighting.

17.6	Procedures in the event of a fire

17.6.1	On discovering a fire if you discover a fire raise the alarm immediately manually operating the nearest fire alarm, if you have been trained and feel that it is safe to do so, attempt to fight the fire using the equipment provided nearby. if this fails, evacuate immediately. Ensure that no one is left in the room and close the door behind you. Ensure that assistance is provided to anyone who needs assistance in evacuating the building ensure that you or a designated person has called the fire service by dialling 999 on mobile phones or 9999 on internal telephones play your part in any roll call so that you are accounted for.

17.6.2	If you hear the fire alarm

	operate any essential shut down devices e.g. machinery immediately leave using the nearest available fire exit and do not return for personal possessions. Do not panic and leave the building in an orderly manner do not use the lift when evacuating the building provide whatever help us necessary to others who need assistance report to the assembly point if you are with a visitor, ensure they accompany you to the assembly point.

17.6.3	Person in charge

	gather all information regarding the evacuation establish if it is a genuine fire or false alarm ensure that the fire service has been called liaise with the fire brigade on its arrival

17.6.4	Fire Detection Equipment

17.6.5	Smoke detectors and manually operated fire alarms are located at strategic points throughout the Stryx gallery and Minerva Works building. Employees, studio holders, contractors and volunteers should ensure that they are aware of the positions of the ‘alarm points’ within their areas. Awareness raising on this is carried out at induction training. Induction should be carried out for persons hiring Stryx gallery prior any independent work can be started.

17.6.6	Fire Fighting Equipment

17.6.7	Fire extinguishers are located at strategic points throughout the Stryx (generally by the exits). Only staff, studio holders and volunteers who are appropriately trained are to operate extinguishers.

17.6.8	Fire Doors

17.6.9	Fire doors designed to slow the spread of fire and smoke throughout the Stryx have been installed at strategic points. Fire doors are designed to close automatically after opening and must never be blocked, jammed or tied open.

17.6.10	Fire Exits

17.6.11	Fire exits are located at strategic points in Stryx gallery. Exit doors and corridors must never be locked, blocked or used as storage space.

17.6.12	Emergency lighting has been installed in some exit corridors, above emergency exit doors and throughout the Minerva Works building in case of power failure.

17.6.13	Emergency Evacuation Procedure

17.6.14	In the event of the fire alarm being activated, or in any other emergency situation (such as a bomb alert), everyone must leave the building by the nearest available exit and assemble at the designated assembly point. Lifts must not be used when evacuating. The designated assembly point for Stryx is at the car park by the bin shed.

17.7	Smoking Smoking is prohibited in all areas of the Stryx gallery and Minerva Works buildings other than the designated sites. Smoking areas should at all times be kept fire safe. Combustible materials must never be stored or allowed to accumulate in areas where smoking is permitted.

17.7.1	List of designated smoking areas:

17.7.2	Employees, studio holders, contractors and volunteers smoke outside at the side of the main building by the main entrance to the building.

17.7.3	Smoking is prohibited anywhere inside Minerva Works buildings.

18	Accident Investigation & Reporting

18.1	It is the policy and responsibility of Stryx to comply with the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR 95). Stryx sees accident investigation as a valuable tool in the prevention of future incidents. In the event of an accident resulting in injury a report will be drawn up by the person supervising. Accident records are kept centrally with the Directors: the circumstances of the accident the nature and severity of the injury sustained the identity of any eyewitnesses the time, date and location of the incident the date of the report use of body map

18.2	All eyewitness accounts will be collected as near to the time of the accident as is reasonably practicable. Any person required to give an official statement has the right to have a trade union representative or work colleague present.

18.3	The completed report will then be submitted to and analysed by Directors who will attempt to discover why the accident occurred and what action should be taken to avoid a recurrence of the problem. Studio holders are responsible for their own health and safety when carrying out their freelance work at Stryx and should have sufficient insurance in place to cover them against accidents at work.

18.4	A follow up report will be completed after a reasonable period of time examining the effectiveness of any new measures adopted.

18.5	The Directors are responsible for reporting cases of accident and disease to the relevant enforcing authority under the RIDDOR 95 Regulations where applicable.


18.7	Accident Procedure

18.7.1	First aid stations are located in areas where employees, studio holders, contractors and volunteers are concentrated in the Stryx. All first aid stations are clearly marked and are easily accessible by all staff and volunteers during all working hours.

18.7.2	Directors are responsible for the proper use and maintenance of each first aid station.

18.8	Qualified first aiders

18.8.1	A list of first aiders is available in the first aid boxes.

19	Safety Rules

19.1	General for Stryx employees and volunteers

	Everyone should be aware of, respect and adhere to the rules and procedures contained in this policy statement.
	All shall immediately report any unsafe practices or conditions.
	Any person under the influence of alcohol or any other intoxicating drug which might impair motor skills or judgement, whether prescribed or otherwise, shall not be allowed to remain on the premises.
	Horseplay, practical joking or any other acts which might jeopardise the health and safety of any other person are forbidden.
	Any person whose levels of alertness and / or ability are reduced due to illness or fatigue will not be allowed to undertake tasks that might jeopardise the health and safety of that person or any other person.
	No one shall adjust, move or otherwise tamper with any electrical equipment, machinery or air or water lines in a manner not within the scope of their duties and for which they are suitably trained.
	All waste materials must be disposed of carefully and in such a way that it does not constitute a hazard and is in line with legislation.
	No one should undertake a task which appears to be unsafe.
	No one should undertake a task until he or she has received adequate safety instruction and is authorised to carry out the task.
	All injuries must be reported to the Health and Safety Lead (Dave Holdaway) or Vice Principal-Corporate Services (Angela Litchfield)
	Everyone should take care to ensure that all protective guards and other safety devices are properly fitted and in good working order and shall immediately report any deficiencies to their supervisor.
	Tasks shall be well planned and supervised to avoid injuries in the handling of heavy materials and while using equipment.
	No one should use chemicals without the knowledge required to work with those chemicals safely.
	Suitable clothing and footwear will be worn at all appropriate times. Personal protective equipment shall be worn wherever appropriate. All team meetings are expected to include H&S concerns as part of their agendas.
	All studio holders and contractors should adhere to the guidance above but are overall responsible for their own safety and equipment. Stryx shall not take any responsibility for accidents or incidents occurring at Stryx gallery or studios where a studio holder or contractor was carrying out their own freelance work. Studio holders and contractors must carry out their own risk assessments for freelance work activities they carry out at Stryx. Studio holders must submit risk assessments for tasks and activities carried out in Stryx communal areas or galleries. It is not permitted for any studio holders to carry out activities in communal areas or Stryx gallery without the Directors acknowledgement and written approval of the submitted risk assessment.
19.2	Working Environment

	Work sites areas must be kept clean and tidy at all times.
	Any spillage must be cleaned up immediately.
	Waste materials and rubbish must be removed routinely.

19.3.	Walkways

	Walkways and passageways must be kept clear from obstructions at all times.
	If a walkway or passageway becomes wet it should be clearly marked with warning signs and / or covered with non-slip material.
	Trailing cables are a trip hazard and should not be left in any passageway.
	Any change in the floor elevation of any walkway or passageway must be clearly marked.
	Where objects are stored in or around a passageway, care must be taken to ensure that no long or sharp edges jut out into the passageway in such a way as to constitute a safety hazard.
	Where a passageway is being used by any vehicles, or other moving machinery, an alternative route should be used by pedestrians wherever possible. If no alternative route is possible the area should be clearly marked with warning signs.

19.4.	Tool and Equipment Maintenance

	Stryx machinery and tools are only to be used by qualified and authorised personnel. It is the responsibility of the Directors to determine who is authorised to use specific tools and equipment and to ensure that they are appropriately trained and competent.

	It is the responsibility of all to ensure that any tools or equipment they use are in a good and safe condition. Any tools or equipment which are in any way defective must be repaired or replaced.

	All tools must be properly and safely stored when not in use.

	No tool should be used without the manufacturers recommended shields, guards or attachments.

	Persons using machine tools must not wear clothing, jewellery or long hair in such a way as might pose a risk to their or any other person’s safety.

	Staff, studio holders, volunteers and contractors are prohibited from using any tool or piece of equipment for any purpose other than its intended purpose.

19.5	Manual Lifting and Moving of Objects

	Lifting and moving of objects should always be done by mechanical devices rather than manual handling wherever reasonably practicable. The equipment used should be appropriate for the task at hand.
	The load to be lifted or moved must be inspected for sharp edges, slivers and wet or greasy patches.
	When lifting or moving a load with sharp or splintered edges gloves must be worn. Gloves should be free from oil, grease or other agents which might impair grip.
	The route over which the load is to be lifted or moved should be inspected to ensure that it is free of obstructions or spillage which could cause tripping or falling.
	No one should attempt to lift or move a load which is too heavy to manage comfortably.
	Where team lifting or moving is necessary one person should act as co-ordinator, giving commands to lift, lower etc.
	When lifting an object off the ground employees should assume a squatting position, keeping the back straight. The load should be lifted by straightening the knees, not the back. These steps should be reversed for lowering an object to the ground.

	There is separate, comprehensive guidance and training for moving and handling people.

Asbestos

Employee and Volunteer duties

Communications

Procedures in the event of a fire