Frequently Asked Questions

How much do you charge?

Every premises is different, so we don't publish a one-size-fits-all price list. To give you a rough idea, a Risk Assessment for a small single-use building (such as a small church hall or village meeting room) typically starts from around £150. Larger buildings, multi-use premises, care homes and schools will be priced higher to reflect the additional time and complexity involved. Fire Risk Assessments are priced similarly.

What we always promise: a fixed price will be agreed with you before we start any work — there are no hidden costs, no extras, and no invoice surprises. We are also happy to provide a free, no-obligation quote before you commit to anything. Contact us and we'll get straight back to you.

Exactly what can you do for us?

We will attend your business or place of worship and complete a Risk Assessment. We'll then go through the findings with you, compile a written report and send it to you within 7 days. We can return at a convenient time (if required) after you have received the report to check the changes before signing off the paperwork. Every building is different — layouts, congregation sizes, age ranges and usage all vary — which is why no two assessments are exactly the same.

Do Places of Worship need to do anything about Health and Safety?

Yes. There are a number of reasons why Health and Safety is so important, not least that regulations apply and you could personally be taken to court. Health and Safety is basically about preventing harm to people — and you owe a duty of care to each and every person that enters your premises. Don't forget that you might be personally liable!

Do any regulations apply if we are all volunteers?

It does not matter whether you are all paid employees or volunteers — the same basic requirements apply. Complying with regulations is only part of what Health and Safety is about, as you owe a "Duty of Care" to everyone who uses your building. It is also a myth that you need more than five employees for Health and Safety to apply.

How do the Building Regulations fit into Health and Safety?

The Building Regulations only cover new buildings and major alterations to existing buildings. However, they do provide useful guidance — if that is what new buildings need to achieve, it is a good benchmark for existing premises. The onus is on you to show that you are doing enough in your building.

Our building is old — are we exempt?

The age of the building does not matter. In fact, it might be even more important to look into Health and Safety because older buildings may not have the same facilities as newer ones — such as a fire alarm system or modern electrical wiring. If the building is listed, contact your local planning department before making any changes.

It hasn't happened in the past — doesn't this mean it won't in the future?

If this is the case, you are very lucky — but this gives no guarantee for the future. Many people forget about accidents. Even if there has not been one recorded in an accident book, how do you know there haven't been any? Past safety is not an indicator of future safety without proper management.

Who is responsible for Health and Safety?

The person in overall control of the building or organisation is usually considered to have overall responsibility. This is typically the minister, religious leader, owner or MD — but could also be the management committee chairman or a manager. In any case, this must be clearly defined in a Health and Safety Policy. Everyone still has a responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others.

We are part of a large organisation — do I still need to do anything?

Yes. The requirements are the same whether you are part of a large group or an independent organisation. You still need your own Risk Assessments, your own Health and Safety Policy, and to carry out your own fire alarm tests. There might be someone in your organisation you can call for help, but the responsibility remains with you locally.

What is the most important part of Health and Safety?

The most important thing is to be aware of Health and Safety issues in and around your premises. The first stage is Risk Assessment, but from then on you need to be vigilant and look out for safety hazards on an ongoing basis.

We have a first aid kit — is this enough?

It is certainly a good start, but you also need things like fire extinguishers and exit signs. You also need to carry out Risk Assessments to work out what things could cause harm and take steps to reduce those risks. Health and Safety is quite broad and is not limited to the equipment you have.

Do we need exit signs?

Under the current fire regulations, yes. However, in some situations it may not be advisable to affix signs on walls or doors of historic importance — some careful consideration must be given to exactly where signs are installed. Note also that signs must include the "moving person" symbol (signs without any symbols are not legal).

How much will it cost?

It depends on the building, but for many Places of Worship many things can be done for free or at very little cost at all. The larger the building, the more equipment you are likely to need, such as fire extinguishers and exit signs.

What is Risk Assessment about?

Risk Assessment is about looking around the building to work out the things that are most likely to cause someone harm. It is designed to make you think about your building and decide what you need to do to reduce those risks. See our full Risk Assessments page for more detail.

We don't employ anyone — do we need to do Risk Assessments?

In most cases, yes. Even organisations with no paid employees — including churches, charities and volunteer-led groups — need to assess the risks their premises and activities create for staff, volunteers and anyone else who uses their building. You only need to record the significant findings in writing if you employ five or more people, but we always recommend keeping a written record regardless — it protects you if anything ever goes wrong.

Can I use generic Risk Assessments I've found online?

These can be used as a guide, but they are not an acceptable substitute for your own assessment. They are often based on wide and sweeping generalisations. You are required under regulations to make suitable and sufficient Risk Assessments that are specific to your premises. Remember — your Church or place of work is unique!

Who enforces Health and Safety regulations?

In Places of Worship, general Health and Safety issues are enforced by your local District or Borough Council. Fire safety is enforced by your local Fire and Rescue Service.

Should we be inspected regularly?

In most Places of Worship, an inspector will not normally visit unless required (for example, after a major accident). However, an inspector can call at any reasonable time and you cannot refuse entry. Premises with food preparation kitchens may receive routine checks.

Where can I get more advice and information?