Health and Safety

 

Organisation Name: Heston Wellness Centre 

Date: 14 December 2025 

Review Date: Annually or following significant changes to activities

 

Part 1: General Statement of Intent

Our policy is to provide and maintain safe and healthy working conditions, equipment, and systems of work for all our staff, volunteers, and service users. We accept our responsibility for the health and safety of other people who may be affected by our activities.

The Board of Directors accepts overall responsibility for the health and safety of the charity.

Our commitments are:

  • To prevent accidents during our classes (specifically Yoga and Tai Chi).

  • To ensure the hired premises are safe and suitable before every session.

  • To provide clear instructions to instructors and volunteers.

  • To ensure all instructors hold relevant qualifications and insurance.

  • To consult with our service users on matters affecting their health and safety.

 

Part 2: Responsibilities for Health and Safety

1. Overall Responsibility Overall and final responsibility for health and safety lies with: The Board of Directors / Trustees

2. Day-to-Day Responsibility Day-to-day responsibility for ensuring this policy is put into practice is delegated to: Mr Sandeep Gupta (Health and Safety Officer)

3. Employee, Volunteer, and Instructor Responsibilities All staff and volunteers must:

  • Co-operate with Mr Gupta on health and safety matters.

  • Take reasonable care of their own health and safety.

  • Report all health and safety concerns to Mr Gupta immediately.

  • Ensure that the hall is left in a safe condition after use.

Part 3: Arrangements for Health and Safety

1. Risk Assessments

  • Risk assessments for the specific activities (Yoga/Tai Chi) and the venue will be undertaken by Mr Sandeep Gupta.

  • Assessments will be reviewed annually or if the venue/activity changes.

2. Hired Premises (The Hall)

  • Arrival Checks: Before any class begins, the lead instructor or Mr Gupta will check that:

    • Fire exits are unlocked and unblocked.

    • The floor is clean, dry, and free of trip hazards (essential for Tai Chi/Yoga).

    • The room temperature is suitable for exercise.

  • Defects: Any defects with the building (e.g., faulty lights, broken heating) must be reported to the Hall Owner/Landlord immediately.

3. Fire Safety

  • We will familiarise ourselves with the Hall’s specific fire evacuation procedures.

  • In the event of a fire, the instructor’s primary duty is to evacuate the class safely to the designated assembly point.

  • We will keep a register of attendees for each class to ensure everyone is accounted for in an emergency.

4. Safe Practice for Yoga and Tai Chi

  • Qualifications: All lead instructors must hold a current, recognised qualification in their discipline (e.g., British Wheel of Yoga, TCUGB).

  • Health Screening: New participants will be asked to complete a brief health questionnaire or verbal screening to disclose injuries or medical conditions before their first class.

  • Space Management: A minimum safe distance will be maintained between participants to prevent collision during movements.

5. First Aid and Accidents

  • First Aid Kit: A portable First Aid Kit will be brought to every session by Mr Sandeep Gupta (or the lead instructor).

  • Accident Reporting: All accidents (slips, trips, falls) must be recorded in the Accident Book, which is held by Mr Gupta.

6. Equipment

  • Sound Systems: Any portable electrical equipment (speakers, amps) brought into the hall by Heston Wellness Centre will be PAT tested annually.

  • Mats and Props: If the Centre provides mats or blocks, these will be cleaned regularly and checked for wear and tear.