How to Help: Keeping it Safe

Please make sure that everyone at your event, including spectators, are safe while having fun. The Mullany Fund cannot accept responsibility for accidents, so make sure that your event is safe for all concerned. You must comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and all other relevant subordinate legislation.

Public safety at the venue

Make sure that no-one is fundraising, working or spectating in an unsafe environment. Assess the risks involved and make sure that they are eliminated or minimised to an acceptable level, particularly in the case of children. Remember that the Health and Safety Act applies to volunteers as well as employees.

Access for people with special needs

Consider access and escape exits for wheelchair users, people with mobility problems, impaired vision or hearing. Consider having materials in large print for people with impaired vision.

Clothing

Make sure the people helping you run the event have the right clothes for the external conditions such as rainwear, a sun hat or high visibility jacket.

Cash

If you are going to be carrying money around take care with personal security. Always use a safe route and always be accompanied and/or carry a personal alarm. Two people should always be present when counting money.

Equipment

If you are planning on using equipment at your event for example a candy floss machine or a tea urn, make sure that people are given proper instructions on how to use the items safely.

Personal belongings

Event volunteers should only bring the minimum of personal belongings as The Mullany Fund cannot be held responsible for people’s property being lost, stolen or damaged.

Hazardous activities

The Mullany Fund does not encourage particularly hazardous activities including parachuting, base jumping (where people jump off buildings etc), bungee jumping, rock or building climbing or abseiling, handgliding, paragliding, light aircraft tricks flying, fire-eating, fire walking, travelling overseas in one or more countries where the trip is organised by the you and or friends (i.e. is not part of a trip organised by a third party travel operator) – if you are unsure please contact us.

First aid

Ensure you have a first aid kit and put someone in charge of first aid. Contact your local St. Johns Ambulance for advice or assistance.

Contractors

If contractors, sub contractors or external facilities are used, make sure they have the relevant experience and can demonstrate compliance with insurance and health and safety standards.

Food allergies

We recommend that you state that you cannot guarantee that food served is nut/nut derivative free.

Alcohol

Make sure bar staff know they cannot serve under 18s or adults who seem drunk already. It is best if bar staff and other people running your event remain sober so they can deal with any problems that arise. If you are selling alcohol at a venue that does not normally serve alcohol you will need a licence. Contact the Licensing Department at your local council. Alternatively you could hold your event on licensed premises.

Food hygiene

If you plan to sell food at your event, food safety laws apply. You need to be aware of these and follow food hygiene procedures e.g. Wash hands frequently and keep worktops, cloths and kitchen utensils clean. Never let raw meat touch other food (don’t use the same chopping board). Hot food should always be served piping hot and meat should never be served pink. Cold food should be served chilled. Further information can be obtained from you local authority environmental health department.

For more information on health and safety please refer to the Health and Safety Executive website.

Please also see our guidelines on keeping your funraising events legal.