Bell ringing

• Safe means of escape from the bell tower by ringers, or visitors, including young people and children.
• Evacuation of an injured person.
• Safe heating.
• Firefighting equipment.
• Emergency lighting.
• Ensure that when accessing the bell ringing room, it is free from clutter and there are no electrical issues or leaks.
• If you have to climb stairs to access the bell, ensure that there is a handrail fitted to prevent falls.
• Ensure the maintenance of the ropes so that they are less likely to break.
• Is accessing the bell chamber/ringing room easily accessible? If not a risk assessment may need to be carried out.

Having considered all this, you need to inform your regular and existing bell ringers about your safety procedures by providing notices in the tower, signage to assist escape and training on fire safety.

Consideration should also be given to noise, it would be best practice to keep bell ringing practice to an agreed schedule at a set time, thereby becoming routine for local residents.

For more information please visit the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers website www.cccbr.org.uk