For the attention of everyone hiring the Downswood community centre.

Fire safety at the Downswood community centre.

Who is responsible for fire safety?

Everyone who enters the Downswood community centre – hirers, employees, customers, all groups, group members, contractors and visitors - should ensure fire safety. An emergency document is posted on the wall of the foyer and in the notice board outside the main entrance, to assist you.

We now have a legally-designated ‘Responsible person’ who must arrange for regular risk assessments, identify any possible fire risks and deal with them. This ‘Responsible person’ is Vanessa, (the DCA Vice Chairman). All individuals & groups who enter the Downswood community centre are expected to  co-operate with the ‘Responsible person’ and comply with the regulations.

All supervisors, representatives or group leaders of centre user groups should be aware that they are responsible for carrying out regular training, briefing, fire dills and evacuation procedures for their individual groups, during the time they occupy the Downswood community centre. Briefings should include the location of all fire exits, all fire fighting equipment and the assembly point in the centre car park. Additional consideration and emergency arrangements should be made by groups that include disabled, elderly or very young persons.

If any groups require a full fire drill with use of the fire alarm, or training in the use of fire fighting equipment, they should contact me and I shall make the necessary arrangements for this to be carried out. (A charge may be required for training as this will be carried out by specialised personnel).

Please do not use the fire alarm unless it is in an emergency. The Kent fire service will attend all reported fire alarm activations!

Many thanks for your assistance, Vanessa - (Responsible fire person). Sept. 2009.