Health & Safety

Updated May 2026. For review 2029.

It is the policy of Bridgwater Foodbank (BFB) to promote the health and safety of all its volunteer staff and others connected with our operations.
This policy does not form part of the contract for work or service.
The implementation of this policy will fulfil all and any legislative requirements to which BFB are subject to ensuring:

• That all reasonable and practical steps and measures are taken to safeguard the health and safety of its volunteer staff members.
• The safety and health of any member of public who might visit our site so far as it is practicable,
• That sufficient measures are implemented by BFB to prevent accidents and work related ill health by managing the health and Safety risk in the workplace.
• Provision of clear and adequate information and training as necessary to all volunteers so they are competent to carry out their work in a responsible and safe manner
• Implementation of emergency procedure in case of significant events such as fire etc – which threatens the health and safety of volunteers and others.
• BFB will ensure safe storage and handling of any and all substances which may cause harm to volunteers, who are required to use them during the course of their work.

Health and Safety Information

Health and Safety Officer: person to have overall responsibility for overseeing Health and Safety at BFB

• Risk Assessments – relevant risk assessments to be completed- and action arising out of these assessments implemented where necessary, with regular review of assessments – The responsibility of Foodbank Manager Philip Jarman
• Training of Volunteers – The responsibility of Ann Barnard in main building/ David Young (Warehouse Manager) in Warehouse
• Fire Safety The responsibility of Foodbank Manager Philip Jarman
• Safety Policy and Procedures up to date – the responsibility of the Trustees/Chair of Trustees Judith Ballard
• Policy and Procedures on display – The responsibility of Foodbank Manager Philip Jarman and Chair of Trustees Judith Ballard
• Safety Signage + Fire equipment – The responsibility of Philip Jarman, Ann Barnard
• First Aid Accidents: Reporting of Injury, Disease, Dangerous substances regulation RIDDOR 2013

Accident Books located at 1 in the Kitchen and 1 in the Warehouse.
First Aid Boxes located at 1 in the kitchen and 1 in the Warehouse.
Signing in and out sheets – should be used by all staff and visitors as a record of who is on the premises should an emergency arise. They are situated in the kitchen.

Notice Boards located in both building.

First Aid arrangements are the responsibility of Liz Turner.

Public Health
Staff members are reminded of the importance of regular hand washing and maintaining a good standard of hygiene to minimise the spread of infectious disease. Staff should not attend BFB if they have any infectious diseases or are unwell, and should inform the Foodbank Manager in advance of non-attendance.

In the event of a health emergency BFB will adjust working procedures by consulting government advice. (An example of this was the Covid Pandemic 2020/21.)

Clothing and Protective equipment
All BFB staff and volunteers should dress appropriately for the work undertaken. In the warehouse appropriate shoes which protect the whole foot including the toes should be worn at all times. Tabards and/or polo shirts will be provided for any staff or volunteer who wants one. In addition, fleeces are available for Warehouse team to wear during cold weather. For certain jobs PPE may be provided on request.

Fire Safety
Fire extinguishers and alarms are checked regularly and dates of checks are recorded. Appropriate fire risk assessments are undertaken. Fire evacuation procedures are clearly displayed and all staff and volunteers are made aware of them. These procedures will take into account the needs of anyone who is disabled or has limited mobility. A signing in and out procedure is in place to aid evacuation in the event of an emergency.

Procedure in the event of a fire:

• any person discovering a fire should raise the alarm by shouting “fire, fire, fire!”, activating the nearest alarm and calling 999
• the fire should only be tackled if it is safe to do so without putting yourself or others in danger , and if the team member has been trained to use fire extinguishers.
• all personnel should evacuate by the nearest exit, without stopping to gather personal items. Doors and windows should only be closed if it is safe to do so. Personnel should gather at the designated assembly point.
• the fire officer or other team member should retrieve the signing in log and ensure everyone is safely out of the building. Any missing team members should be reported to the fire brigade on arrival. DO NOT re-enter the building until it is confirmed safe to do so. Remain at the assembly point until released by Manager or Fire Brigade.
• the fire assembly point is at the far side of the front car park.Fire evacuation drills/practices will take place at least once a year. They will be timed so that as many people as possible get the opportunity to experience a trial evacuation.

Spills, Slips and Trips
All staff and volunteers should have their break in the kitchen – no drinks are allowed in the Warehouse. Any spills should be cleaned up immediately, by the person who made the spill or other appropriate team member. Walkways should be kept clear, and cables should not be allowed to trail.

Computers
Anyone using a computer for regular or prolonged periods should take regular breaks, and should receive training and information to reduce risk caused by regular screen work.
Issues of Screen & Computer advice – the responsibility of Philip Jarman

Public Facilities
BFB will ensure all public facilities are maintained and safe to use. This is the responsibility of Philip Jarman, and all Trustees and Volunteers.

Equipment and Machinery
Inspection and testing (PAT testing yearly) – the responsibility of Philip Jarman, Kevin Rossiter

Lone Working
If possible, no member of staff or volunteer should be alone in the building. Where this is unavoidable, procedures should be in place to ensure personal safety. Each person should:

• have access to a phone to summon help if needed
• be able to lock themselves in, so that no-one else can access the building unexpectedly
• make sure that someone is aware that they are working alone

Violence, Aggressive Behaviour, Harassment and Bullying (See also Safeguarding Policy.)
Work related violence is defined by HSE as “any incident in which a person is abused, threatened or assaulted in circumstances relating to their work.” Procedures are in place to ensure that:

• risks are reduced through careful planning of the building and events within it
• staff and volunteers are trained appropriately
• any incidents are reported and assessed to avoid recurrence
• there is an up to date complaints procedure

Smoking and Vaping
BFB operates a No Smoking/Vaping Policy throughout the premises.

Alcohol and Substance Abuse
BFB has a zero-tolerance approach to any member of staff or volunteer whose behaviour is adversely affected by the consumption of alcohol or drugs. This is especially important because some clients may have issues in this area.

Manual Handling, Lifting and Working at Height
Crates of food can be very heavy, and should only be moved by those who are strong enough to do so. If necessary, two people should lift full crates, or items should be decanted to make the weight less. This applies to loading and unloading vehicles, stacking shelves, storage of equipment and manoeuvring food parcels. Staff and volunteers should make management aware if they are unable to lift heavy weights. Crates must be stored appropriately on shelves so that they are safe, and shelves should not be loaded with more weight than they are designed for.

When working at height appropriate equipment should be used, such as a step ladder or a step stool. Each user should ensure items are correctly placed and assembled prior to use. Management should ensure equipment is well maintained. Appropriate risk assessments should take place prior to work being undertaken.

Use of vehicles
The BFB van should only be driven by suitably qualified and appropriately trained team members. Log books should be completed for each journey. Particular training should be given for driving the van into the warehouse, as well as ensuring it is safe to do so, and that other team members are not in the way. The vehicle has all the necessary insurance and is well maintained. Vehicle safety and maintenance is the responsibility of Phil Jarman

Emergency Food
Food collected by BFB is for the provision of emergency food for people in crisis. It is vital that the food collected, stored and distributed is in a condition fit for consumption by the public. To this end:

• Each item of food collected is to be checked to ensure it is undamaged and within its use by date prior to storage.
• Procedures are in place to ensure damaged or out-of-date food is not given out.
• Food must be stored appropriately in a temperate, dry and rodent and pest-free environment.
• The warehouse is to be kept clean and tidy.
• Food which is not suitable for consumption is disposed of appropriately and regularly.
• Team members should have appropriate training in the levels of hygiene suitable for handling food products.

COSHH – Control of Substances Hazardous to Health
In the Foodbank environment this will usually relate to cleaning materials such as bleach or other items that can irritate skin or cause harm if ingested. These items should be:

• kept in a safe and secure place, well away from food stuffs.
• used appropriately and for the task for which they are designed.

Any incidents involving these items should be treated immediately. Incidents involving COSHH substances should be reported to the Manager and recorded.

Duties of Volunteers

• Follow procedures to ensure own safety and the safety of others.
• Use equipment safely according to instruction
• Report accidents, injury, faults and potential dangers to the appropriate person.

Health and Safety Poster and policy should be displayed at 2 points, on the notice -board in both building
Updated 2025 and reviewed annually.

Signature: Judith Ballard
Chair of Trustees
Date: 18 May 2026

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