Beech Village Hampshire

Beech Village in Hampshire England

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Fire Marshall

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Support our Social Events including:

  • Events at the village hall
  • Our annual Bonfire and Fireworks

Job role

  1. Ensure fire escapes are not blocked during an event
  2. Lead the evacuation of the hall in the event of a fire
  3. Know how to test the fire alarm system
  4. Undertake risk assesssments

 

What skills are required and how to get them?

Can we use candles?

As per our ‘Terms and Conditions’ :

No naked lights, including candles, are permitted without prior consent of the Bookings
Manager.

We recommend the use of flameless LED candles as we discourage the use of candles due to:

  1. The increased risk of fire from naked flames
  2. The probability that the smoke from the flames may trigger our smoke detectors and fire alarm which in turn will potentially disrupt the event

Our consent to the use of candles would be based on your plan for the appropriate management of the risks.

How to reduce the risk of candle flames starting fires?

  • Always put candles on a heat resistant surface. Be especially careful with night lights and tea lights, which get hot enough to melt plastic.
  • Put them in a proper holder. Candles need to be held firmly upright by the holder so they won’t fall over. The holder needs to be stable too, so it won’t fall over either
  • The holder edge should be higher than the height of the candle flame
  • Position them away from curtains. Don’t put candles near curtains or other fabrics – or furniture. And keep them out of draughts
  • Keep clothes and hair away. If there’s any chance you could lean across a candle and forget it’s there, put it somewhere else. You don’t want to set fire to your clothes or your hair
  • Keep children and pets away. Candles should be out of reach of children and pets
  • Keep candles apart. Leave at least four inches (10cm) between two burning candles
  • Take care with votive or scented candles. These kinds of candles turn to liquid to release their fragrance, so put them in a glass or metal holder
  • Don’t move them when they’re burning. Extinguish candles before moving them. Also, don’t let anything fall into the hot wax like match sticks
  • Don’t leave them burning. Extinguish candles before you leave a room. Never go to sleep with a candle still burning. And never leave a burning candle or oil burner in a child’s bedroom
  • Use a snuffer or a spoon to put them out. It’s safer than blowing them, which can send sparks and hot wax flying
  • Double check they’re out. Candles that have been put out can go on smouldering and start a fire. Make sure they’re completely out.

How to reduce the risk of candles setting off fire alarms

  • Keep candles away from fire alarms and smoke detectors. The smoke from a candle can easily travel to a smoke detector and set it off. Place candles at least 3 feet away from smoke detectors.
  • Keep candles in a well-ventilated area. A well-ventilated area will help to disperse the smoke from a candle, making it less likely to set off a smoke alarm.
  • Don’t leave candles unattended. Always keep an eye on candles when they are burning. If you need to leave the room, blow out the candles.
  • Trim wicks to millimetres or 1/4 of an inch. Long wicks can produce more smoke, which can increase the risk of setting off a smoke alarm.
  • Clean your smoke detectors regularly. A dirty smoke detector may not be able to detect smoke properly, which could increase the risk of a fire.
  • Plant-based wax candles: Finally, using candles that are designed to burn cleanly and produce less smoke, such as soy wax or rapeseed wax candles, can also reduce the risk of triggering a smoke alarm.

Hall User Guide

To help you prepare to use our Hall we have prepared our User Guide.

This document is essential reading to help you plan for a successful event! It’s structured into the following sections:

  1. Planning for success
  2. Preparing for the worst
  3. In the event of fire
  4. When your arrive
  5. During your event
  6. Before you leave
  7. As you leave
  8. After your event

How to use our equipment:

Can I bring a USB stick to upload my file?

No, we only accept files transferred electronically.

  • Our digital signs are run by a system called Yodeck which allows us to schedule different content to run on each screen.
  • Any content has to be uploaded to the Yodeck system and then scheduled to play.

Can I use a projector?

We have projectors to hire in our:

  • Main Hall (plus a large drop down screen)
  • Annexe meeting room

When you make you booking request please let us know if you would also like to hire the projector.

Connection to the projectors is via VGA or HDMI.

 

How do I send my file to you?

Please send a single file no larger than 100Mb.

Most email clients limit the size of attachments to no more than 20 or 25Mb.

You can email small files to:

[email protected]

For larger file you will need to use a tool like WeTransfer or a file sharing tools like Microsoft OneDrive, Googledrive.

Please allow plenty of time to send the file to us.

How to control the Annexe Heater?

The annexe meeting room has a wifi controlled electric heater. The heater is scheduled to heat the room when the room is being used.

To overide the temperature settings you can use Alexa voice control in the room.

To change the temperature say:
 Effect
Alexa set heater to XX degrees
 Changes the set temperature to XX degrees C
Alexa increase heater temperature
 Increases the set temperature by 1 degree C
Alexa raise heater temperature
Alexa make heater armer
Alexa decrease heater temperature
 Decreases the set temperature by 1 degree C
Alexa lower heater temperature
Alexa make heater cooler

If all else fails, here is the link to download the instruction manual for the Ecostrad IQ ceramic heater

How to use the big screen in the entrance hall to share my pictures?

If you have booked one of our packages you are welcome to use our digital signage system. The system includes:

  1. The large TV screen in the main corridor
  2. A smaller monitor in the lounge bar area
  3. Software to schedule the dispaly

For example, you might want to show a static welcome page, a table plan or a scrolling selection of family photographs.

You will need to provide us with the material one week in advance.

You will need to provide us with:

  1. A Powerpoint, pdf or .mov file containing the material you wish to show, at least 7 days in advance of the hire date.
  2. By default, we will schedule your material so that it appears on the screen during the hours you have booked the Hall. If you only want it to show for a specific period of time, let us know.
  3. If you provide a multi page PDF or PPT file, each page will appear for 5 seconds by default. This can be adjusted if you let us know how long you want each page to appear for.

Please note:

  1. The TV screen is managed remotely by us and you will not be able to make any changes onsite.
  2. There is no provision for sound on this system.
  3. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the appropriate approvals to use the material you send us. This may include copyright or a licence for images, and permission from people appearing in the pictures (or, where applicable, their parents or guardians).
  4. To deliver this service, we will upload the file you provide onto the platform of our service provider, Yodeck. We will delete all your materials from the platform shortly after your event

 

How to use the DIshwasher in the kitchen?

The dishwasher is a ‘commercial’ dishwasher. Unlike a home dishwasher, the system is reliant on pre heating the water to enable a rapid cycle time. This works well if you follow a few simple instructions

  1. Allow 20-40 minutes for the machine to pre-heat
  2. Always rinse food debris off the plates before washing
  3. Always remember to follow the draining down instructions at the end of the event

To operate the dishwasher please use the buttons on the front of the machine:

 

  1. On/Off button
  2. Cycle button
  3. Cycle indicator
  4. Heating indicator

Turning on the machine

To turn on the machine ensure the door is closed and press the On/Off button (1) on the keypad of the machine, the display will illuminate, the machine will start to fill automatically as long as the door is closed.

Once the wash tank is filled and both tanks are up to the required temperatures the heating indicator will illuminate green to indicate the machine is ready to run a cycle.

  1. This will take approximately 20-40 minutes.
  2. During the fill stage the heating indicator (4) will flash amber.

Loading a basket

Before loading a basket rinse off any food waste:

  • Always remove excess food/debris from any dishes/glasses to be washed. DO NOT use the machine as a waste disposal unit.

Long cutlery, such as ladles and long knives etc., must be placed horizontally on the open basket this will avoid possible collision with wash/rinse arms.

Starting a cycle

To start a cycle, follow the instructions below.

  1. Open the door
  2. Load the full basket, ensuring that bottom and top arms rotate freely.
  3. Close the door
  4. Press the cycle button (2).
    1. The cycle will start once the machine has achieved its correct water levels and temperatures.
    2. During the cycle the blue cycle indicator (3) will be illuminated blue.
    3. The cycle will run for approximately 3 minutes.
  5. At the end of the cycle, once the cycle indicator (3) has gone out. Open the door and remove the basket
  6. Reload the machine and repeat as required.

Please note:

  1. Do NOT open the door during a cycle
  2. The machine has a heat interlock to ensure that the rinse is in accordance with environmental health requirements. This will extend the wash cycle if the rinse boiler has not achieved the required temperature.
  3. If the cycle button is pressed before the machine has reached the required levels the cycle indicator (3) will illuminate blue to indicate that a cycle has been selected, the heating indicator (4) will flash amber and the machine will automatically start when the requirements have been met.

items in the basket may be wet and will dry in a short time due to evaporation.

Be aware: Items may be hot when removed from machine

 

 

Draining down the machine

It is very important the machine is drained down at the end of each working day. To fully drain down the machine follow these instructions:

  1. Close the door to the machine
  2. Press the On/Off button (1) to turn off the machine.
  3. Press the cycle button (2)
  4. The cycle indicator (3) will flash blue.
  5. The machine will drain down the wash tank.
  6. The machine will do a self-rinse.
  7. When the cycle indicator (3) goes out the drain cycle is complete.

 

How to use the Glasswasher (in the lounge/bar area)?

  1. Prepare dishwasher
    1. Open door, and put water plug in base of washing area, under tray.
    2. Replace tray, close door, and push in left hand power button.
  2. Washer should now fill, and heat the water – heating light will glow.
    1. When water is hot the orange light by right hand button will go out.
    2. It is now ready to use.
  3. To wash glasses:
    1. Fill glass tray, and when ready,
    2. Close door, then
    3. Push-and-hold right hand button in for a second or two.
    4. Washing cycle will now start – and end after around 3 minutes.
  4. Glasses will now be hot, and clean.
    1. Either leave to air or dry with towel and replace on shelf
  5. At end of evening:
    1. Remove water plug, rest it in the tray, and close door.
    2. Water will now pump out automatically.
    3. Check inside that it is empty.
    4. Press power switch and see power light go out.
    5. Close door.
  6. Any problems, ask a Committee member near you!

How to use the sound system?

The easiest way to use our sound system is via a Bluetooth connection.

  • You need to be in the far right corner of the main hall to connect
  • You should connect your phone/laptop to the device named ‘Adastra’
  • You will then be able to play music from your phone/laptop and also control the volume level.

Please note:

  • Connect to our wifi first to improve streaming
  • You will need to keep your bluetooth device within range of our amplifier

Alternatively, you can connect by cable:

We have male jack plus that you can plug into a computer or mixing desk. Please contact us so we can help you set this up.

Is there a limit on the volume of music?

As we are located in a quiet and peaceful village with close neighbours we specify a maximum noise level in our terms and conditions.

  1. We ask that windows and external doors are closed when loud music is being played inside the hall.
  2. We prohibit the playing of music outside of the hall without our express permission.

We have a number of system to help monitor and control noise levels:

  1. A sound decibel meter to enable hirers to understand the noise level in real time
  2. A noise monitoring service provided by Minut that records the noise level in the hall. Please note that we do not record conversations. Please use this link for the Minut privacy policy
  3. A noise limiting system. The noise limiter has two parts”:
    1. A ‘traffic light’ display in the main hall. The light flash orange as the noise level nears the limit and red when the limit is exceeded
    2. A power cutout to the main hall when the noise limit is exceeded for more than 10 seconds.

What format of digital file do you require to use the screen in the entrance hall?

For the large screen in the entrance hall you shoud create a single digital file:

  • Landscape format with an aspect ratio of 1920 x 1080 (16:9)

For the small screen in the lounge/bar area:

  • Portrait format with an aspect ratio of 1920 x 1080

We can process most file formats eg PPT, MOV, JPG and PDF.

We request you limit the size of the file to a maximum of 100Mb.

We hope this covers everything you need to plan and prepare for a successful event. We also have our Frequently Asked Questions page and should you have any problems our Problem Reporting page

For further information, please e-mail us or call 07501 187496 (office hours only).

 

How to hire the Marquee?

We have a large Marquee measuring 6m x 12m and this can be placed on our village green outside the hall. The Marquee has side panels but does not have a floor.

 

The Marquee is available for hire where the hirer commits to set up and take down the Marquee.

  • Setting up and taking down the Marquee requires a team of 10 people for 2-3 hours
  • The video below steps through the process for a similar marquee.

 

How to keep us all safe?

In signing up to support our community we ask our volunteers to understand and comply with our core values and beliefs as defined in these policies:

    1. Code of Conduct
    2. Health and Safety
    3. Safeguarding and Child protection
    4. Data Protection Policy

 

How to report a problem or incident?

Here the numbers to call for immediate help. After the incident please ensure the details are reported using this Problem reporting form or email [email protected]

In case of Accident, Injury or Safeguarding concern:

What

What/Where

Call

Emergency

 

999

Not sure what to do?

NHS 111 can help if you have an urgent medical problem

111

Defibrillator

Outside the front entrance on the right

(dial 999 for assistance)

First Aid kit

In the Village Hall kitchen

 

Hospital A&E

Basingstoke NHS Foundation Trust, Aldermaston Rd, Basingstoke, RG24 9NA

01256 473202

Doctors Surgery

Chawton Park Surgery, Chawton Park Road, Alton, GU34 1RJ

01420 542542

Out of hours:

0208 390 9991

Safeguarding

Emergency

999

Child or Adult in danger

101

Report a concern about a child

0300 555 1384

Report a concern about an adult

0300 555 1386

How to submit an expense claim?

To be reimbursed for expenses incurred in supporting our Charity please use this online form:

Expense claim

The form is primarily designed for submitting claims for baking and milk expenses for our Coffee shop but you can use it for other expenses:

  1. You will need to provide your bank details (if we dont already have them)
  2. Please remember to scan and attach a receipt
  3. Expense are normally paid monthly so please let us know if yours are urgent

How to test and reset the fire alarm points?

Test:

  1. Check that the light on the front flashes green every 40 seconds.
    1. This indicates it has power.
  2. Press the black spot and the white element will drop down exposing the yellow edge to show it is activated.
    1. The light will turn red and stay on continuously for 3 seconds and then continue to flash red (every 20 seconds) for 5 minutes indicating transmission of the alarm signal.
    2. After 5 minutes the alarm signal and the smoke alarms will stop.
      1. This prevents the batteries in the Manual Call Point and the alarm from being depleted).

 

Check:

  1. Alarm audible in each room.
  2. Kitchen smoke shutter lowered.

 

Reset:

  1. Use the plastic key by pushing the forked end (arrow side up) into the slots (see Figure 1)
  2. Pull the bottom housing down (see Figure 2)
  3. Remove the plastic key.
  4. Now push the bottom housing firmly against the back and slide upwards.
    1. This resets the switch.
    2. The yellow strip on the white element should now be hidden.
    3. If the Manual Call Point is not reset the light will flash red every 40 seconds to remind the user to reset it.
    4. If the light flashes amber every 9 seconds this indicates that the batteries are depleted

Reset kitchen smoke shutter using key from keysafe.

In the event of Fire

Who is responsible?

The Hirer or the Event organiser is deemed the “Responsible Person” and is designated the person in charge of the Hall/Room during the hire period or event.

Prior to your event you must make a plan of who and how you will manage the evacuation of your guests in the event of a fire. We detail how to do this in our User Guide and document below the summary.

Before the event

Appoint and brief your ‘Fire Marshalls’

In the event of a Fire you must have a plan to evacuate the building. You must:

  1. Appoint at least 1 Fire Marshall per 50 guests to OWN the plan.
  2. Ensure they understand their role and your plan based on the information below

When you arrive

Review the emergency procedures on the hall noticeboard

  • The action to be taken in event of fire
  • The location and use of fire equipment
  • Escape routes and the need to keep them clear.
  • That all fire exits are unlocked and you know how to open them,
  • The importance of closing fire doors in the event of a fire and that any fire doors are not wedged open.
  • That exit signs are clear.
  • Any potential fire hazards on the premises are supervised.

In the event of a fire

What to do when a fire is detected?
  1. Take charge!
  2. Trigger the Fire Alarm.
  3. Get everyone out of the building.
  4. Check everyone is out.
  5. Evaluate using the Fire Extinguishers.
  6. Call the Fire Brigade.
  7. Do not let anyone back into the hall until it is safe.
  8. After the incident report it to us.

How to trigger the Fire Alarm?

Use the Fire Alarm points in the Entrance or Main Hall as marked on the drawing below.

Should we use the fire extinguishers?

Attempts to extinguish the fire using the extinguishers should only be carried out if it is considered safe. If in any doubt, get out of the building.

Where are the Fire Extinguishers?

The Fire Extinguishers are marked on the drawing below.

Which type of fire extinguisher should we use?

How to use the Fire Extinguishers?
  1. Identify a clear escape route. If you cannot put out the fire, you’ll need a safe exit.
  2. Stand back between 6 and 8 feet. Face the fire and keep your back to exit.
  3. Discharge extinguisher:

P: Pull the pin on the fire extinguisher.

A: Aim the extinguisher nozzle toward the base of the fire.

S: Squeeze the handle or lever to discharge the extinguisher.

S: Sweep the nozzle back and forth, aiming at the base of the fiew.

How to evacuate from the building?

The Fire Exits are marked on the drawing below

Where to assemble?

The Fire Assembly Point is on the village green by the children’s play area.

How to check everyone is out of the building?
  1. Check each of the 3 toilets.
  2. Check the kitchen.
  3. Check the annexe meeting room and toilet (if being used).

How to call the Fire Brigade?

Call 999

And give the address:

Beech Village Hall. Wellhouse Road, Beech, Alton, Hampshire GU34 4AD.

After the fire

Please ensure you report any incident to us.

Problem reporting

or email