Tower tours

Accidents are uncommon, but they can cause serious injury. Careful planning, adequate precautions, and effective emergency arrangements can all help you manage the risks.

Depending on the circumstances at your church, you may need to consider:

• The adequacy of edge protection at high levels
• The suitability of the access route
• The condition of staircases, steps, and handrails
• The effectiveness of any lighting
• Precautions in areas where there are height limits or any other obstacles that could pose a hazard
• The maximum number of persons permitted on the tour
• The number of stewards required
• Emergency procedures that may be required
• Safety information required for visitors.

This list is not exhaustive.

In some situations, you may need to:

• If you are an employer, complete risk assessments to identify the precautions you need to take for employees.
• Provide information and training for any employees and volunteers on what they need to do.
• Make regular checks and inspections to ensure that your precautions remain adequate and that equipment is safe.
• Document your arrangements and responsibilities for managing safety during tower tours, perhaps as part of your health and safety policy.
• Keep records of what you have done.