Information Folder

Health & Safety Information

Whilst we have taken reasonable steps to ensure your stay is as safe as possible we would draw your attention to the following potential hazards:

Outside

Natural stone paving can be a little uneven and / or slippery when wet. Please take care when using the stone paths to the front and rear of the property.
Access to the rear garden is via narrow stone steps. Please use the handrail.
Unprotected drops are present in the back garden and it is therefore unsuitable for children. Please take care next to the unprotected walls.
BBQs should only be used outdoors in well ventilated areas and should not be left unattended. Do not empty ash or move indoors until completely cold as warm coals can continue to emit carbon monoxide fumes which are invisible, odourless and lethal. In the event the fire gets out of control replace the lid to help reduce the flames. A fire extinguisher is located in the kitchen.

Inside

Shower: HOT Water – Please check the temperature before entering the shower. Please do not force the temperature dial and press the button to turn the handle beyond the safety position and return after use.
Radiators can get hot. Please do not place anything on top of or too close to the radiators or the portable radiator.
Cleaning products are located in the kitchen cupboard under the sink. Please ensure children do not access this cupboard.
Stairs – please note that there are no stair gates for young children. Therefore, please do not leave children unattended.

Fire Safety

Managing Fire Risk

The property is NO SMOKING (inc. E-Cigarettes or Vaping) and NO NAKED FLAMES (inc. Candles or Tealights)

The cottage is fitted with various fire safety measures comprising:

Smoke or Heat alarms throughout
Emergency lighting on all escape routes
Fire extinguishers in the kitchen and landing
Fire blanket in the Kitchen
Fire doors to both bedrooms and the lounge
All external doors are fitted with thumb turn locks
Spark Guard to open fire in the lounge
Ash Box to transfer ash from the open fire

Please do not remove or tamper with any fire safety equipment which is provided for your safety.

Please use the Spark Guard at all times when using the open fire.

Please use the Ash Box for transporting ash and ensure it is completely cold before placing in waste bin.

If the ash box is used to transport hot ash please do NOT place on any flammable surface (Note: ash may need more than 24 hours to completely cool).

Before going to sleep please ensure all the fire doors are closed (lounge and both bedrooms).

In case of Fire

Alert everyone: Make sure everyone in the house knows about the fire – shout and get everyone together.

Get everyone out: Escape routes to the front garden are available via:

Lounge / porch external door
Dining room front external door

As you escape, remember:

don’t delay to save valuables or look for pets
don’t investigate the fire
crawl on the floor if there’s smoke where the air is cleaner (remember, smoke is toxic and can kill you)
as you go out, only open the doors you need to and close any open doors you can to slow the fire spread
feel doors with the back of your hand before you open them, if they’re warm, don’t open them – the fire is on the other side

When you can’t get out via the escape route: If your escape route is blocked:

go out of a window – throw bedding or cushions onto the ground outside to break your fall
if you can’t open the window, use a heavy object to break it - cover any jagged edges
lower children as far as possible before letting them drop – get an adult to break their fall if you can
lower yourself by your arms from the window ledge before dropping

If you can’t get out, get everyone into one room:

choose a room with a window, if you can
put cushions, wet towels or bedding at the bottom of the door to block smoke
open the window and call for help

Call 999: Once you’re out and safe, phone the emergency services - 999 calls are free.

The nearest public phone box (red) is next door – 50 yards towards Masham

When you speak to the operator:

give your whole address: Rowan Cottage, Healey, Ripon, HG4 4LH
tell them what is on fire, eg 'a two-storey house'
explain if anyone is trapped and what room they’re in - give as much information as you can so they can help

Alert any neighbouring properties.

Don’t go back in

You should find somewhere safe to wait near the building. If there's someone still inside, wait for the fire and rescue service to arrive. You can tell them about the person and they will be able to find them quicker than you.

If you go back into the building, you will slow down the firefighters' efforts to rescue anyone else missing - and put your own life in danger.

How to operate the open fire

Warnings

Keep matches out of reach of children.
Always beware of fire, it is very dangerous.
Beware when removing the ashes and cinders from old fires, they can stay very hot for 12 hours or more. For this reason, always use the metal ash box to remove them from the fireplace.
Do not place hot ashes or cinders in the rubbish bin/trash can.
Always use a fire-guard, which should be kept in front of the fire at all times.
Never use lighter fluid or any other combustible liquid to assist in lighting the fire, it is too dangerous to use in an enclosed area.

Key safety considerations

Although the fire is confined to a fireplace, it still can present a fire hazard. Some key safety considerations:

Keep furniture and furnishings a safe distance from the fireplace.
Use the fire-guard provided around the fireplace at all times to prevent embers from sparking.
Fire-guards are very important when young children are around.
Avoid using flammable materials or chemicals near to the fire
Avoid throwing things in the fire, as they can burn and or explode and possibly set the house on fire.

Making a fire

Clear out the ashes and cinders from the last fire and empty into the metal ash box provided, leaving a light layer of cinders on the grate.
Place two firelighters near the front of the cinders.
Roll up tightly a newspaper page, then bend it in half, and twist it tight around itself again until it is about 8 or 9 inches in length.
Repeat this with a total of 5 or 6 pages, and then place them over the firelighters in a pyramid pattern.
Place the kindling over the rolled-up newspaper, also in a star-shaped/pyramid pattern.
Place the pieces of coal around the outer edges of the fire, working inwards and towards the top of the pile.
Strike the match, and insert in the gaps at the front to light the firelighter. Once the firelighter ignites, the paper should light quickly, which will then light the sticks, and in turn will generate enough sustained heat to light the coal. Within 10 to 15 minutes, your fire should be blazing.
Add coal or wood periodically to maintain a suitable fire.

Fire Risk Assessment

Fire Risk Assessment

Fire Evacuation Plan

Fire Safety and Evacuation Procedures - Rowan Cottage

Smoking and the use of candles and naked flames within the property is strictly prohibited, except for the coal fire. Please ensure that all doors are kept closed to create a barrier in the event of fire. There is a fire blanket and water mist extinguisher in the kitchen and a further water mist extinguisher at the top of the stairs.

On discovering a fire or hearing the alarm, evacuate the premises using the nearest fire exit and contact the fire service.

The address is: Rowan Cottage, Healey, Ripon, HG4 4LH.

There is a public phone box 50m from the cottage should you be unable to get a mobile signal. If the fire is small attempt to use the firefighting equipment to extinguish the fire. The fire blanket can be used to cut off the air supply to a small fire. The water mist extinguisher can be used on a fire that is less contained. You may need to use the water mist extinguisher to reach a fire exit if you are on the first floor of the property. If all exits are inaccessible return to your bedroom and use wet towels to seal the bottom of the bedroom door and wait to be rescued. Ensure that the fire brigade is made aware that evacuation has not been possible and advise them of your precise location in the property.

Useful Information About the Property

Alarm – There is no burglar alarm in the cottage.

Breakages – please report all damage and breakages.

Cash Machines – the nearest cash machines are as follows:

Masham (COOP - inside, HSBC - near town hall)
Bedale (HSBC, Natwest & Barclays)
Ripon (COOP, Lloyds, Santander, Virgin Money and Natwest)

Cooking – an electric hob, oven and microwave are located in the kitchen. The hob has an extractor fan above (please use the extractor fan when using the hob for cooking). To operate the microware press “micro power” for high, medium or low power followed by the heating time and then press “start”. Full user instructions can be found in the Instruction Manual Folder below.

Kitchen under cupboard lighting - the switch is on the wall to the left of the hob.

Clothes Washer / Dryer Machine – wash and drying programmes are described on the front and full user instructions can be found in the Appliances section below.

Clothes Drying – in addition to the washer / dryer machine there is a washing line in the rear garden and a portable clothes airer is located next to the fridge. Clothes pegs are in the cupboard beneath the kitchen sink.

Departure – we would appreciate it if you could leave the cottage by 10:00 on the day of departure. We would also be grateful if you could leave the cottage in a tidy condition and place all waste in the black dustbin or recycling bin as appropriate.

Dining Table – Table mats and coasters are contained in the drawer in the table.

Electricity – the electricity outlets in the cottage are UK 3-pin 240v (50Hz), and the consumer unit is located in the lounge. In case of emergency there is a torch located in the kitchen cupboard under the sink. There is a shaver unit in the bathroom.

Emergency lighting – The cottage is fitted with emergency lighting in case of a power cut.

Entertainment – Bluetooth speaker, CD, radio, IPod dock and Smart TV are located in the lounge.

Fridge / Freezer – the fridge / freezer is located in the kitchen.

Garage – the garage is accessed from the dining room. The following amenities are located in the garage:

Vacuum cleaner
BBQ
Garden Furniture
Access to rear garden

Heating – Modern electric radiators are fitted throughout the cottage which are preset to come on at set times and turned off during the summer months. Please refer to the separate instructions. If you would like them turned on or adjusting please ask. A portable radiator is available which is located in the dining room. An open fire is also available in the lounge (please refer to Open Fire in this section for further details).

Hot Water / Shower– hot water is heated via an immersion heater which is on an automatic timer. Please refer to the separate instructions. Please check the shower temperature for comfort before entering.

Ironing – the ironing board is next to the fridge and the iron is located in the garage.

Outside Light – the switch for the outside floodlight on the side of the porch is the right hand switch in the lounge next to the porch door. Please leave this switch turned on. The outside floodlight is on a sensor which should turn on/off automatically.

Open Fire – metal ash box, firelighters, kindling, newspapers and coal are located in the garage. User instructions are available in this folder.

Refuse – the dustbin for non-recyclable waste is located in the garage.

Recycling – the recycling box is located in the garage. There is a leaflet in the garage which identifies what materials are accepted. Please place all black box or blue bag items in the recycling box / bag as appropriate.

Supermarkets – the nearest supermarket is in Masham (Coop). Other larger supermarkets are available in the surrounding area as follows:

Tesco (Catterick Garrison or Thirsk)
Sainsburys (Ripon)
Morrisons (Ripon)
Booths (Ripon)
Marks and Spencer (Ripon)

Telephone – the nearest public payphone is located next to the adjoining cottage (approximately 50 yards towards Masham).

Water – in an emergency the water stop tap is located in the garage next to the rear door.

WiFi – Wifi is available within the cottage and is provided on a fair usage basis to allow guests to check emails and normal internet browsing. (Please note it is not suitable for extensive downloading or streaming of video type services).

By connecting to the guest WiFi you agree that you will not use the premises broadband facilities for unlawful purposes. Please note that web-filtering may be in operation on this router, however, like all web-filtering tools it isn't perfect. Therefore, we would recommend that you monitor any websites that your children may visit and exercise caution when visiting sites requesting personal or financial information.

Connection details are located in the cottage.

Guidance on the use of the Bathroom

The bathroom has been re-fitted to a high standard.

If any of the fittings are unfamiliar the following guidance may be helpful.

1. The lights and fan are operated on a sensor and will come on when entering the bathroom (except in bright daylight). If the light goes out when there is no movement while someone is in the bathroom please move to reactivate the light. When leaving the bathroom please close the door and the lights will automatically turn off after a short period of time. Please note that the fan is both timer and humidity controlled, so when higher humidity is detected it may run for longer than normal. There should be no need to adjust the switches which are located next to the heater in the back bedroom. To increase ventilation please open the skylight using the long pole located in the bathroom. Should the fan run for excessive periods please turn it off at the switch in the back bedroom.

2. The towel rail is timer and temperature controlled automatically and the controller behind the bathroom door should not be changed. Please do not turn off the switch serving the bathroom which is located in the back bedroom as it resets the timer control. If it needs adjusting please ask.

3. The shower controls are as follows: - left side of the horizontal bar operates the fixed head or moveable head. The right hand side controls the temperature. To increase the temperature beyond the recommended 38degrees press the button and turn to the required level. Please supervise any children using the shower or bath to keep the water temperature at a suitable level. Please check the water temperature before entering the shower.

4. The bath tap and filler spout are fixed to the wall - lift the lever on the tap to turn the water on and move it left or right to adjust the temperature. Do not get in the bath when empty. To avoid any instability always fill the bath first. Please do not hang onto the filler spout when getting in or out of the bath, as any damage could lead to a major water leak.

5. Toilet - Large push button gives a long flush and the small one a short flush. Press and hold to flush.

6. The LED Mirror is not controlled by the sensor - The light is operated by passing your hand under the right hand side of the mirror, close to it. The demister switch is on the right of the mirror and the shaver/electric tooth brush socket is under a small flap on the left side of the mirror. Please turn off the mirror when not in use.

7. Hot water is provided by electric immersion heater and tank located in the loft which operates at various points throughout the day. There should be plenty of hot water, however, if for any reason it runs out please refer to the guide “How To Operate the Heating and Hot Water”.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY THE WATER STOP VALVE IS LOCATED IN THE GARAGE NEXT TO THE REAR DOOR AND TAP.

If you have any problems please contact the owner for advice.

Hospital, Doctor, Dentist & Vet Contact Details

Hospitals

Ripon (13 Miles) Minor Injury Unit (not 24 hours): Ripon & District Community Hospital, Firby Lane, Ripon, HG4 2PR 01765 602546
Harrogate (25 Miles) A&E: Harrogate District Hospital, Lancaster Park Road, Harrogate, HG2 7SX 01423 885959
Middlesborough (40 Miles) A&E: The James Cook University Hospital, Marton Road, Middlesbrough, TS4 3BW 01642 850850
York (42 miles) A&E: Wigginton Road, York, YO31 8HE 01904 631313

Doctors

Masham: The Surgery, Market Place, Masham, Ripon, HG4 4DZ 01765 689317

Dentist

Bedale (7 Miles) Bedale Dental Practice: 18 Sussex Street, Bedale, DL8 2AL 01677 422865

Vets

Bedale Forrest House Veterinary Ltd: 13 North End, Bedale, DL8 1AF 01677 422 124
Masham (High Burton) Linscott Vets: The Veterinary Surgery, High Burton, Masham, Ripon, HG4 4BS 01765 689422

Guest Information

Information Folder

Health & Safety Information

Fire Safety

How to operate the open fire

Fire Risk Assessment

Fire Evacuation Plan

Useful Information About the Property

Guidance on the use of the Bathroom

Hospital, Doctor, Dentist & Vet Contact Details

Instruction Manual Folder

TV Instructions

Appliances

Activities

Walks

Places to Visit