Volunteer Guidelines and Safety Rules
Cooperation with the rules and guidelines that have been established will make your experience at the Houston Food Bank rewarding and safe. Failure to follow these rules could result in serious injury or termination from the Volunteer Services Program. All volunteers must enter and exit through the front door. Volunteers do not have to sign out for the fifteen minute break, but are expected to return to work promptly. Volunteers are allowed to tour the Houston Food Bank; however, a staff member must be present to facilitate the tour. Volunteers must stay in assigned work areas. Volunteers must be at least eight years old. Volunteers under the age of sixteen must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Eating, drinking, smoking, radios, headphones, purses, bags, and other personal items are not permitted in the warehouse. Smoking is permitted outside and 25 feet away from the main building. Under no circumstances will any person be allowed to work in the warehouse while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Although the Houston Food Bank is a warehouse environment, you must dress appropriately and modestly at all times. Please observe the following guidelines:
Wear close-toed shoes at all times. No sandals or flip-flops are allowed in the warehouse
No extremely loose clothing or dangling jewelry
Shorts are permitted, but must be midlength to the knees
No clothing with obscene or controversial messages
No muscle shirts on men or women.
No overly tight or sexually suggestive clothing
Please do not wear fanny packs or camera cases
All dock and warehouse floors, aisles, and sitting areas on the dock are to be continuously free of debris, clutter and spills. Empty pallets must lay flat on the ground – not on the side or upright. Only trained Houston Food Bank staff w ill be allowed to operate forklifts or other power equipment. All warehouse traffic signs, safety signs, and signals must be followed. All traffic lanes for pedestrians and forklifts must be observed. Be aware of forklift traffic and heed all horns.
Do not block emergency exits, fire extinguishers, or any equipment requiring immediate access.In case of a fire in the warehouse or fire drill, immediately stop what you are doing and proceed to the nearest fire exit. No horseplay is permitted in the warehouse. Riding on pallet jacks and climbing on equipment, machinery, racks, pallet stacks is prohibited. Volunteers must report all accidents and injuries or unsafe conditions or practices to your supervisor. Any pre-existing medical conditions that would restrict a person from performing any physical activities must be reported and on file before working in the warehouse. Use correct lifting techniques at all times. Do not attempt to lift over 50 pounds without assistance. Use proper protective gear provided for various jobs, such as goggles and gloves.Volunteers may use cell phones only in the front lobby. Due to safety and security, this is strictly enforced at all times.
MINOR LIABILITY WAIVER
MINORS (under the age of 18):
I, on behalf of the minor child, (full name of minor), his/her personal representatives, assigns, heirs, and next of kin, (full name of Parent or Legal Guardian), do hereby agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Houston Food Bank, its employees, volunteers or agents (the "Released Parties") from any and all claims or causes of action that may arise out of the performance of the minor child's assigned duties as a volunteer. I waive any right of action I have against the Released Parties in consideration of my participation as a volunteer for the Houston Food Bank.
IT IS MY EXPRESS INTENTION AND THE EXPRESS INTENTION OF THE RELEASED PARTIES THAT THE RELEASE PROVIDED FOR IN THIS AGREEMENT RELEASE THE RELEASED PARTIES FROM THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE ACTS OR OMISSIONS OF THE RELEASED PARTIES, INCLUDING ACTS OF NEGLIGENCE OR ALLEGED NEGLIGENCE, AND INCLUDING WHERE SAME ARE THE CONTRIBUTING CAUSE OF THE CLAIM.
The Houston Food Bank also has permission to use the above-reference minor's voice, name, likeness, photograph, or videotaped image in publicity about the Houston Food Bank and its activities.
I acknowledge that this waiver and release is being signed by me voluntarily, without coercion, duress, or undue influence and with full knowledge of its terms and effects. I have read the above waiver and release of liability and fully understand its contents.
I acknowledge that this waiver and release is being signed by me voluntarily, without coercion, duress, or undue influence and with full knowledge of its terms and effects. I am at least 18 years of age or older. I have read the above waiver and release of liability and fully understand its contents.
After clicking "Submit Form," on the next page please enter the minor's name for our records.