Health and Safety Policy

Policy Statement

Millgate Arts Centre is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for everyone who uses our building or takes part in our activities. This includes volunteers, employees, freelance professionals, visiting companies, young people, audience members, contractors and visitors.

We recognise our responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and associated regulations and will take all reasonably practicable steps to ensure health, safety and welfare.

Scope

This policy applies to all activities at Millgate Arts Centre, including:

  • In‑house theatre productions run by volunteers
  • Youth Theatre (ages 14–18) run by a professional company
  • Film Society screenings
  • Concert Society events
  • Visiting professional pantomime
  • Visiting plays, concerts and other performances

Responsibilities

Management Committee / Board Trustees

The Management Committee has overall responsibility for health and safety and the Board are accountable and will:

  • Ensure this policy is implemented, monitored and reviewed
  • Ensure suitable risk assessments are carried out
  • Ensure adequate resources are available

Millgate Arts Centre Management Team  

Responsible for day‑to‑day health and safety, including:

  • Ensuring the premises are safe and maintained
  • Fire safety procedures and emergency arrangements
  • Briefing volunteers and visiting companies
  • Recording and reporting accidents and incidents

Staff, Volunteers and Freelancers

All staff, volunteers and freelancers must:

  • Take reasonable care of their own health and safety
  • Consider the safety of others
  • Follow agreed procedures and instructions
  • Report hazards, defects, accidents or near misses promptly

Visiting Companies and Hirers

Visiting professional companies and hirers must:

  • Comply with Millgate Arts Centre health and safety arrangements
  • Provide appropriate risk assessments where required
  • Ensure their own equipment and working practices are safe

Health and Safety Arrangements

Premises and Equipment

  • The building and equipment will be inspected and maintained regularly
  • Only trained or competent persons may operate technical equipment
  • Manual handling tasks will be assessed and minimised

Fire Safety

  • A fire risk assessment will be in place and reviewed regularly
  • Fire exits will be kept clear and clearly marked
  • Evacuation procedures will be communicated to staff and volunteers
  • Visiting companies will be briefed on fire procedures

Accidents and First Aid

  • All accidents, incidents and near misses will be recorded
  • First aid provision will be available on site
  • Serious incidents will be reported in line with legal requirements

Young People

The Centre works with young people as part of its Youth Theatre activities. There are school visits, Duke of Edinburgh community volunteers and students from Oldham College in the library. We will:

  • Provide appropriate supervision at all times
  • Maintain a safe environment suitable for young people
  • Follow safeguarding and child protection procedures alongside this policy

Information, Instruction and Training

Staff and volunteers will receive appropriate information and guidance to carry out their roles safely. Visiting companies will be provided with relevant safety information before or on arrival.

Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if there are changes to activities, premises, staffing or legislation.