🏛️ Building Checks SOP

This friendly guide helps volunteers and Duty Managers keep Plas Heli — The Welsh Sailing Academy, Event Centre and Community Enterprise — welcoming, safe, and ready for visitors, competitors, and community users.

There’s no need for formal inspections or detailed checks. Just being aware of a few simple things really helps us keep the building running smoothly.

Why Building Checks Matter

A few small actions make a big difference:

• helping the venue feel tidy and ready for the day
• spotting anything that might be a trip hazard or safety concern
• making sure visitors can move around easily
• letting the Duty Manager know if something needs attention

Volunteers are never expected to fix issues — just noticing and passing things on is perfect.

Friendly Things to Look Out For (Opening the Building)

If you’re helping at the start of the day, here are a few simple things that really help:

• Have a quick look around the entrances for anything on the ground.
• Notice if any doors seem stiff or not closing properly.
• Check that corridors and walkways look clear and easy to use.
• See if lights are working in the main areas.
• If anything looks unusual, just mention it to the Duty Manager.

No pressure — just do what feels comfortable.

Inside the Building

As you move around, it’s helpful if you:

• notice any spills or clutter that might cause someone to slip or trip
• see whether fire doors look clear and easy to use
• check that public areas feel tidy and welcoming
• let the Duty Manager know if anything seems out of place

You’re not expected to clean or fix things — simply passing on what you see is enough.

Toilets & Public Areas

It’s really helpful if volunteers:

• notice if toilets need a quick tidy or restock
• check that lights and hand dryers seem to be working
• mention any issues to the Duty Manager

Again, no need to fix anything — just letting someone know is perfect.

Lift Awareness

The lift is mainly looked after by the Duty Manager, but volunteers can help by:

• noticing if the lift doors seem slow or hesitant
• letting the Duty Manager know if anything seems unusual

You don’t need to operate or adjust the lift — just be aware.

Event Days

On busy event days, a few extra friendly checks help things run smoothly:

• notice if signage looks secure and easy to read
• help visitors find their way if they seem unsure
• keep an eye out for crowded areas
• pass on anything that needs attention

Volunteers are never responsible for managing crowds or making safety decisions.

End‑of‑Day Help

If you’re around at closing time, it’s really helpful if you:

• switch off lights in areas no longer in use
• check that windows look closed
• notice if any doors need locking
• mention anything unusual to the Duty Manager

The Duty Manager will handle alarms, locking up, and securing the building.

Hazards & Reporting

If you spot something that doesn’t look right, the best thing you can do is simply:

• tell the Duty Manager
• describe what you saw
• say where it is

You don’t need to write anything down or complete forms — the Duty Manager will take care of that.

Duty Manager Notes

Duty Managers lead on building safety. Volunteers simply support by:

• being aware of the building
• helping keep things tidy
• passing on anything that needs attention

Volunteers are never expected to carry out formal checks or make safety decisions.