Member’s Handbook
The Silvers’ Workshop
Registered Charity No. 1159283
Member’s Handbook
Version 2
May 2018
Contents
Page
The Silvers’ Workshop Mission Statement
The Silvers’ Workshop Health and Safety General Policy Statement
1 Conduct of members
2 Members’ Health and Welfare
3 Workshop opening days and times
4 Projects and activities
5 Policy on tools, equipment and donated items
6 Health and Safety
7 Drugs and alcohol policy
8 Refreshments, toilet and washing facilities
9 Car parking
10 Attendance at external events
11 Breaches of The Silvers’ Workshop Member’s Handbook
12 Other Related Procedures and Documents
The Silvers’ Workshop Emergency Exit Route
The Silvers’ Workshop: Trustee/Management Team structure
2
Our Mission: To combat loneliness and social isolation arising as a result of age and/or
disability among older men by the provision of a workshop where all can meet and engage in
practical and social activities.
Our Values:
Social
To provide an inclusive, safe and friendly environment for all members
through engagement.
Integrity
To pursue the aims and objectives of the Workshop in an open, honest and
transparent manner.
Learning
To acquire new skills and knowledge through sharing the abilities of fellow
members.
Values
To hold all members in esteem, appreciate each and everyone’s input,
however small, and value their judgment and opinions.
Embrace
To embrace Inclusivity, Diversity, Ethnicity, Disability and Equality.
Respect
To treat all members as equal, respect their views and be considerate and
polite at all times.
Support
To promote, foster and encourage the ethos of friendship and companionship
through socialising, listening, mentoring and helping one another.
Our Vision: To assist in the elimination of loneliness and social isolation, among older
men within the Reading area, by engagement, support and the promotion of
well -being through active participation in the Workshop.
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THE SILVERS’ WORKSHOP HEALTH AND SAFETY
GENERAL POLICY STATEMENT
Our statement of general policy is:
•
To apply to all Silvers’ Workshop activities: members are responsible
for their own health and safety when working away from the workshop.
•
To only undertake activities in the workshop when at least one other
member is present, one of whom must be either the Duty Manager or a
member of the Management Team.
•
To provide adequate control of health and safety risks arising from our
activities.
•
To consult with Management Team/group members, as necessary, on
matters affecting their health and safety.
•
To provide and maintain machinery and equipment in a safe condition.
•
To ensure safe handling and use of potentially harmful substances.
•
To provide information, instruction and supervision to new members.
•
To ensure all members are competent to use tools and equipment and
to provide any necessary training.
•
To prevent accidents and cases of ill health caused as a result of the
group’s activities.
•
To maintain safe and healthy working conditions.
•
To wear appropriate clothing and use necessary safety equipment.
•
To review and revise this policy at regular intervals.
Signed………………………………….Chairman/Trustee
Date:1st May 2018
Signed…………… …………………….Safety Officer/Trustee Date: 1st May 2018
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1
1.1
In order to comply with the requirements of The Silvers’ Workshop (TSW) Fire
Safety Risk Assessment and insurance policy, members attending the workshop
must:
•
On arrival, print their full name in the attendance book and tick ‘in’/’out’ as
necessary during that day’s session.
•
Comply with the requirements of the Member’s Handbook.
•
Comply with guidance and instruction that may be given by the Duty Manager.
•
Wear their name badges at all times.
1.2
Members must also:
•
Behave with respect and civility towards fellow members and visitors.
•
Wear clothing appropriate for a workshop environment. NB: it is
recommended that the aprons issued upon joining (or an appropriate
alternative) are worn.
•
Note that it is TSW policy to use the personal protective equipment (PPE)
provided, including disposable facemasks. It is also recommended that
members obtain and use their own safety footwear and their own, higher
integrity, face masks. Note: the need for PPE may be due to the activity of
other members.
•
Undertake their activities with regard to the safety and welfare of fellow
members. Where the creation of uncomfortable or excessive levels of noise or
dust is likely, or occurs, such as when routing or sanding, work should be
undertaken outside in the yard area.
•
Be prepared to mention, either directly or to the Duty Manager, any concerns
they may have about another member’s use of tools or machines.
•
Ensure that bench tops, work and floor areas are cleaned and tidied after use
and at latest by the end of the work session.
•
Return tools and equipment to their correct location after use in a clean, safe
and usable condition. If in doubt check with the Duty Manager
•
Report any concerns about the workshop, including work spaces, tools and
equipment, to the Duty Manager.
•
Maintain responsibility for their valuables and personal items. The Silvers’
Workshop cannot be held responsible for any losses or damage in this regard.
NOTE: Our Values, shown on page 3, highlight the importance of “listening” as an
essential element of the Workshop. If a member feels certain things could be done
better, more safely or if they have an idea to improve the environment within the
Workshop, they are encouraged to voice their suggestions. Alternatively, they can
make their suggestion on paper and place it in the Suggestion Box situated by the
signing-in book. All suggestions will be tabled at the monthly meeting of the
Management Team.
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2
2.1
The Silvers’ Workshop Trustees value and respect all members and have
equal regard for their health and welfare. While the Trustees also respect the right of
members to their privacy, it would be helpful to be advised of reasons why members
may, from time to time, be absent. Keeping in touch this way can avoid unnecessary
calls or awkwardness in deciding when it would otherwise be prudent to enquire after
members, especially after a prolonged period without word on their behalf.
2.2
With this in mind, members are encouraged to call the main workshop on
0118 959 9971 or email contact@thesilversworkshop.org.uk . Alternatively, to
advise a fellow member who can then inform others as necessary.
2.3
Members in need are also encouraged to ask for help or support. The
Trustees welcome this and they – and other members – will help where they can!
3
WORKSHOP OPENING DAYS AND TIMES
3.1
The workshop will be open on designated days, and at designated times, that
will be made clear to members and also shown on the TSW website.
3.2
Any variations to normal opening days, such as Bank Holidays or
training/assessment days, will be made clear beforehand. Note: the workshop may
be used for Team or other meetings on days when it is normally closed.
3.3
The Duty Manager may, at his discretion, curtail a workshop session if, for
example, all other members have signed out before the normal closing time or
unforeseen circumstances have arisen.
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4.1
Members may provide their own material to undertake a personal project or
activity.
4.2
Members may use materials that have been donated to, or are otherwise the
property of, TSW, but will be expected to make a suitable monetary donation where
hardwoods, in particular, are used.
4.3
Members wishing to undertake projects that are particularly complex, unusual
or may require considerable resource or help from other members, should discuss
beforehand with the Duty Manager or a member of the Management Team. Where
necessary, a project management process will be triggered and, if approved, a
resulting plan will need to be developed.
4.4
TSW does not knowingly permit or endorse any activity that takes work from,
or otherwise deprives, Tradesmen of their source of income. The Duty Manager or
Management Team may therefore reject requests to undertake certain projects or
activity.
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4.5
Members are not permitted to make and sell items solely for commercial gain.
4.6
Members are responsible for taking care of their materials/projects when left
at the workshop. They should attach a label with their name/date and store them
accordingly, such as in a container beneath a workbench. If in doubt, ask!
4.7
Projects and materials that appear to have remained untouched for an
unreasonable period of time, nominal y six months, and are occupying space that
active projects could otherwise use, may be removed without notice. They may be
subsequently scrapped or the materials used elsewhere. Labelling is important!
4.8
No working is permitted in the upstairs area without first informing the Duty
Manager, who needs to know in the event of the need to evacuate in an emergency.
4.9
Members are expected, from time to time, to contribute to workshop activities
and community projects, including preparing for – and attending – external events.
See also Section 10.
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POLICY ON TOOLS, EQUIPMENT AND DONATED ITEMS. See also 6.1
5.1
Tools or equipment may be loaned to members and the details recorded in
the Loans Book. The loan period must be agreed beforehand with the Duty Manager
but should not normally exceed seven days and not involve items essential for the
normal running of the workshop.
5.2
TSW will not be responsible for the condition or performance of tools or
equipment once they have left the workshop on loan to members. Items must be
returned in good and safe working order and/or any defects reported to the Duty
Manager, who will follow up any matters of concern.
5.3
Personally donated items are, in principle, grateful y accepted. However,
members are asked to discuss beforehand with the Duty Manager or a member of
the Management Team as there may be occasional good reason to decline such
offers.
5.4
Members wishing to purchase tools, equipment or other items that may be
declared as surplus to the needs of TSW, should consult the Duty Manager with
whom they can agree a price.
5.5
Members may not be permitted to buy items intended for public sale if it is
likely to deprive TSW of income.
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6
The following are relevant extracts from the TSW Health & Safety Manual, some
parts of which may be repeated elsewhere in this Handbook.
6.1
RESPONSIBILITIES OF MEMBERS
All members must:
•
Co-operate with the persons responsible for health and safety matters.
•
Not work with any tools, machinery or equipment unless at least two members
are present on the premises, one of whom must be either the Duty Manager
or a member of the Management Team.
•
Not use designated powered tools and machines unless undergoing
training/supervision or until assessed as competent to do so. A record of
assessments will be displayed in the Messroom.
•
Where necessary, ask another member (who is competent) to use a particular
tool or machine on their behalf. If this is not possible the machine in question
must not be used.
•
Not use any privately owned mains-powered tools or equipment at the
workshop without the agreement of the Duty Manager. Members granted use
of privately owned tools or equipment must ensure they are safe, in good
working order and used by themselves only. All such items must be removed
from the workshop at the end of the session.
•
Not bring any privately owned gas-powered equipment to the workshop.
•
Not interfere with anything provided to safeguard their and others’ health and
safety.
•
Report any problems found with tools, machinery or equipment to the Duty
Manager.
•
Note that it is TSW policy to use the personal protective equipment (PPE)
provided, including disposable facemasks. It is also recommended that
members obtain and use their own safety footwear and their own, higher
integrity, face masks. Note: the need for PPE may be due to the activity of
other members.
•
Be aware of the activities of others.
•
Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of fellow
members.
•
Help to maintain a safe, clean and tidy working environment.
•
Report anything that worries or concerns them to the Duty Manager.
6.2
STORAGE OF HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES
•
All hazardous substances must be in original, clearly labelled, manufacturers’
containers and stored in the marked cabinet in the yard.
•
No dangerous/high-risk substances, especially acids, are to be brought onto
TSW premises without the prior agreement of the Duty Manager. Any such
substances must have an accompanying COSHH (Control of Substances
Hazardous to Health) Data Sheet.
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6.3
ACCIDENTS AND FIRST AID – IF SERIOUS CALL 999
•
A list of members who have received training in the essentials of first aid is
displayed on the front of the first aid cabinet in the Messroom and also on the
inside of the final exit door to Hilcot Road.
•
First aid kit is kept in the first aid cabinet in the Messroom.
•
All accidents and cases of ill health – however minor – resulting from TSW
activities must be recorded in the Accident Book by the relevant Duty
Manager and/or person who has administered first aid. This book is kept
inside the first aid cabinet and is monitored by the Safety Officer.
•
The first aid box is checked and maintained by the Safety Officer.
6.4
INFORMATION, INSTRUCTION AND SUPERVISION
•
Induction of new members, including health and safety information and
supervision, will be carried out by the Duty Manager.
•
The Duty Manager will be aware of, and may take into account, any
disabilities or other limitations declared by the new member in his
membership application form. Note: All members must ensure that such
information about themselves, should it change, is advised promptly to the
Membership Secretary (and Duty Manager as necessary).
6.5
FIRE SAFETY HOUSEKEEPING. See also Fire Safety Risk Assessment
•
No hot working is allowed without prior agreement with the Duty Manager who
will decide on safe and suitable arrangements.
•
Combustible materials must not be stored in corridors, on access routes or on
the stairs.
•
All gas cylinders and canisters, when not in use, must be stored in the
designated lockable container in the yard.
•
Members should familiarise themselves with the location of the fire exit, fire
extinguishers and the Fire Assembly Point. New members will be instructed
on these points, including operation of the fire extinguishers, upon Induction.
•
Smoking is not allowed on any part of the premises.
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6.6 DISCOVERING A FIRE – WHAT YOU MUST DO:
•
RAISE THE ALARM – SHOUT “FIRE, FIRE, FIRE!” to warn everyone in the
building. Remember that smoke and fumes can be just as dangerous as fire.
•
CALL THE FIRE BRIGADE – DO NOT DELAY. Call from a place of safety,
such as a mobile phone from the road outside. The address is:
The Silvers’ Workshop, 37 Hilcot Road, Reading RG30 2SX
•
IF SAFE TO DO SO – FIGHT THE FIRE. Prompt use of a fire extinguisher
can be effective, however, only use extinguishers if safe to do so and you
have first identified your escape route.
6.7
EVACUATION PROCEDURE ON HEARING THE FIRE ALARM:
•
LEAVE THE BUILDING PROMPTLY – do not wait to be told and do not
attempt to collect personal belongings.
•
ASSIST those with mobility or hearing difficulties to exit the building.
•
CLOSE DOORS AND WINDOWS behind you if time permits.
•
SWITCH OFF all electrical equipment and power tools if possible.
•
MOVE AWAY from the building and keep the entrance clear for the fire
brigade.
•
PROCEED to the FIRE ASSEMBLY POINT and listen to instructions given by
the Duty Manager.
•
DO NOT GO BACK into the building until you are told to do so by the Duty
Manager.
6.8
FIRE ASSEMBLY POINT
•
The Fire Assembly Point is the far end of Hilcot Road at its junction with
Wilton Road.
6.9
EMERGENCY EXIT ROUTE – see diagram on page 13
7
7.1
No illegal drugs and no alcoholic beverages are allowed on TSW premises or
allowed to be consumed during a workshop session.
7.2
Any person considered to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be
refused entry or readmission to TSW premises and, if a member, will also be subject
to the application of Section 11 of the Member’s Handbook.
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8
REFRESHMENTS, TOILET AND WASHING FACILITIES
8.1
Tea and coffee making facilities, plus a microwave oven, are provided in the
Messroom.
8.2
The facilities may be used at any time a member wishes. However, members
are expected to cease project activity at midday and join with fellow members for a
communal lunch break. This is considered important to the harmony and friendship
ethos of The Silvers’ Workshop.
8.3
To supplement the cost of provision of these facilities and other consumable
items used at the workshop (such as ‘glue and screws’), a small charge will be made
for each session, or part thereof, attended. This charge will normally be collected by
the Duty Manager during the lunch break.
8.4
Members are expected to help maintain the Messroom, toilet and washing
facilities in a clean and hygienic condition and are responsible for keeping their
drinking mugs/cups/crockery clean.
8.5
Garments and footwear that appear to have remained unused for an
unreasonable period, nominally three months, and which occupy space in the
Messroom that denies use by other members, may be removed without notice. They
will be stored elsewhere for a further period and eventually discarded. Note:
i) dirty or contaminated garments may be removed at any time, without notice; and
ii ) lost, damaged or worn-out aprons can be replaced at cost price to members.
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9.1
Members who drive to TSW are requested to park either in Hilcot Road (or
adjacent roads) or the free car park at the nearby TESCO Extra. Note: members are
personally responsible for observing and complying with any parking restrictions.
TSW bears no responsibility for the actions of members in this respect.
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10.1 Members attending external events on behalf of The Silvers’ Workshop, or
taking part in social events away from the workshop, will be expected to behave in a
manner that upholds the good name of The Silvers’ Workshop.
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BREACHES OF THE SILVERS’ WORKSHOP MEMBER’S HANDBOOK
11.1 The Duty Manager may verbally warn or caution a member for a breach of the
rules contained in The Silvers’ Workshop Member’s Handbook, particularly in regard
to the misuse of tools and machines.
11.2 A second warning or caution may result, if approved by the Trustees, in a
written warning and/or removal of membership. The member will be informed of the
reasons for this action.
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11.3 The member will have 21 days clear notice, in writing, in which to make
representations to The Silvers’ Workshop Trustees as to why he should not be
removed from membership.
11.4 At a duly constituted meeting of The Silvers’ Workshop Trustees, they must
consider whether or not membership should be removed from the member for
breaching the Member’s Handbook.
11.5 Consideration, at this meeting, will be given to any representations which the
member makes as to why he should not be removed. He will be permitted to put his
reason in person or by way of a representative, if he so chooses, to the meeting.
11.6 If membership is terminated the member cannot re-apply for membership for
a period of at least six months.
11.7 If a member is issued with a written warning, or removed from membership,
he may, if not content with the decision, ask for a meeting with the Chairman to
discuss the reasons for such an outcome. The Chairman, along with another
Trustee, may, fol owing such a meeting, decide to independently review the decision.
12.
OTHER RELATED PROCEDURES AND DOCUMENTS
Health & Safety Manual –
located in ring binder in Messroom
Safeguarding Policy –
“ “ “ “ “ “
Asbestos Register –
“ “ “ “ “ “
Data Protection & Privacy Policies
“ “ “ “ “ “
Insurance Policy Certificate –
on H&S Notice Board in Messroom
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