Abbots Langley Methodist Church
Magazine
September 2007

FINANCE AND PROPERTY

from Tony Manning

Last month the premises received their Quinquennial (five yearly) Inspection by a qualified surveyor supplied by the Circuit. Pleasingly he passed everything with only minor recommendations, so we can claim that the buildings are in excellent condition.

September is the month when we welcome back our “User Groups” who lease our premises for their activities. Our usual “Welcome Back” letter to the organisers this year covered safety aspects, including procedures for evacuation of the buildings should it be necessary, and these are summarised below.

As a result of the recent fire and safety risk assessment, we have fitted key boxes with glass windows to three doors. The two main doors are often locked for security when the premises are occupied, hence the extra keys. There are of course three doors to the rear of the premises, which open onto the passage leading to the High Street, but in an emergency those not familiar with the premises may not recall this. The other key is on the cleaning cupboard door, and gives access to the main gas valve and electrical supply switches, which may need to be turned off in an emergency. The rear passage and the hall porch are lit at night, and the premises get “borrowed light” from the street lighting. In the event that power is cut off in the area there is also an emergency torch for the leader to use in guiding their members to safety. Leaders of user groups and our own stewards have been asked to familiarise themselves with the fire safety equipment. This includes water extinguishers, a carbon dioxide extinguisher for electrical or oil fires, and a fire blanket in the kitchen.

Regular inspections, covering the exits and passageways and operating condition of the safety equipment including smoke alarms, are now carried out, and the results recorded and assessed. With the above precautions in place and annual inspections of gas, electrical and fire equipment by professionals, our premises can be considered as a safe environment for the occupants.