Health and Safety Policy

Statement of intent

Tower Block Radio aims to provide safe environments for people involved in our radio, workshop, event, volunteer and community activity. We will take reasonable steps to identify risks, reduce hazards and protect participants, volunteers, DJs, staff, contractors, visitors and partners.

Scope

This policy applies to:

• Workshops.
• Events.
• Studio sessions.
• Live broadcasts.
• Volunteer activity.
• Archive days.
• Community outreach.
• Equipment use.
• Partner venues where Tower Block Radio is responsible for activity.

Responsibilities

Tower Block Radio leadership will:

• Maintain health and safety arrangements.
• Make sure activities are risk assessed.
• Provide guidance to volunteers and contributors.
• Review incidents and near misses.
• Make sure equipment is used safely.
• Work with venues and partners on safety requirements.

Volunteers, DJs, contractors and participants must:

• Take reasonable care of themselves and others.
• Follow instructions.
• Report hazards.
• Use equipment safely.
• Not attend activity under the influence of alcohol or drugs where this creates risk.
• Report accidents or near misses.

Risk assessments

Risk assessments should be completed before:

• Public events.
• Workshops.
• Youth activity.
• Studio sessions involving visitors.
• Equipment heavy activity.
• Outdoor broadcasts.
• Archive collection days.
• Any unusual or higher risk activity.

Common risks

Risks may include:

• Slips, trips and falls.
• Electrical equipment.
• Loud music and hearing damage.
• Manual handling.
• Cables and trip hazards.
• Fire safety.
• Crowd management.
• Lone working.
• Travel.
• Safeguarding concerns.
• Stress or conflict.
• Online safety.
• Venue accessibility.
• Food and drink hygiene where relevant.

Equipment

Equipment must be:

• Suitable for the activity.
• Set up safely.
• Kept away from unsafe liquids where possible.
• Checked for obvious damage.
• Used only by people with suitable knowledge or supervision.
• Packed and transported safely.

Loud music and hearing

Tower Block Radio will encourage safe listening levels where possible. DJs, hosts and participants should avoid unnecessary exposure to excessive volume. Workshops should include guidance on safe headphone and monitor levels.

Accidents and incidents

Accidents, injuries, near misses and safety concerns should be recorded and reported to the Operations Lead. Serious incidents may need external reporting depending on the circumstances.

First aid

For workshops and events, Tower Block Radio will consider first aid arrangements as part of the risk assessment. Larger or higher risk activity may require a trained first aider or venue provided first aid cover.

Fire safety

For venue based activity, Tower Block Radio will check basic fire safety information, including exits, alarms, capacity and evacuation procedures.

Lone working

Lone working should be avoided where possible for higher risk activity. If someone must work alone, there should be a check in process.

Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or after any serious incident.