frequently asked questions related to kingdom halls frequently asked questions related to kingdom...
TRANSCRIPT
FAQ-E SR 11/2018
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS RELATED TO
KINGDOM HALLS
Contents
USE OF THIS DOCUMENT .............................................................................................................................. 2
GENERAL MATTERS REGARDING THE USE OF THE KINGDOM HALL .............................................................. 2
1. CAN THE PHYSICAL LIBRARY (PRINTED COPIES) OF THE KINGDOM HALL BE ELIMINATED? ............................................ 2
2. IS IT POSSIBLE TO ENTER THE MAIN AUDITORIUM WITH BABY CARRIAGES? ............................................................... 2
3. WHAT FIRST AID EQUIPMENT SHOULD THERE BE IN THE KINGDOM HALL? ............................................................... 2
4. WHO SHOULD ADDRESS ISSUES RELATED TO ACCESSIBILITY, AND HOW SHOULD THIS BE DONE? .................................... 3
5. WHAT PROCEDURE SHOULD BE FOLLOWED IF AN URGENT REPAIR IS NEEDED? ......................................................... 3
6. WHAT JOBS CAN BE UNDERTAKEN LOCALLY WITHOUT CONSULTING THE LDC? ......................................................... 3
7. WHAT JOBS NEED LDC AUTHORIZATION? ........................................................................................................ 3
8. CAN MATERIAL OR OBJECTS BE STORED BETWEEN THE SUSPENDED CEILING AND THE ROOF? ....................................... 3
DESIGN ......................................................................................................................................................... 4
9. CAN A MOTORIZED GATE BE INSTALLED AT THE ENTRANCE OF THE PROPERTY? ......................................................... 4
10. CAN A LARGE JW.ORG LOGO BE INSTALLED? ................................................................................................. 4
11. WHAT EQUIPMENT IS RECOMMENDED FOR THOSE WHO HAVE HEARING DIFFICULTIES? ......................................... 4
12. CAN A SHED BE BUILT OR INSTALLED ON THE KINGDOM HALL PROPERTY? ........................................................... 4
INSTALLATIONS ............................................................................................................................................ 4
13. IS IT MANDATORY TO CARRY OUT AN INSPECTION OF THE ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION ANNUALLY? ............................ 4
14. IS IT MANDATORY TO CONTRACT A CONTROL ORGANIZATION FOR THE INSPECTION OF THE ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION? 4
15. IS IT MANDATORY TO INSPECT FIRE EXTINGUISHERS ANNUALLY? ....................................................................... 5
16. HOW SHOULD WE SELECT A COMPUTER TO CONNECT TO THE KINDOM HALL SOUND SYSTEM?................................ 5
17. CAN A CAMERA BE CONNECTED TO THE COMPUTER TO TRANSMIT CONGREGATION MEETINGS? .............................. 5
18. CAN THE MAINTENANCE OF THE KINGDOM HALL BE CONTRACTED? .................................................................. 5
SAFETY ......................................................................................................................................................... 6
19. IS IT MANDATORY TO HAVE A PLAN OF EVACUATION ON DISPLAY AT THE KINGDOM HALL? ..................................... 6
20. IS IT NECESSARY TO SPECIFY A MEETING POINT IN CASE OF EVACUATION? ........................................................... 6
21. IS IT NECESSARY TO DO EVACUATION EXERCISES (SIMULATION DRILLS) WHEN SOME OF THE PUBLIC ARE PRESENT? ...... 6
22. CAN SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS BE INSTALLED TO PROTECT THE PROPERTY? .......................................................... 6
23. IS IT MANDATORY TO INSTALL AN ALARM CONNECTED TO AN ALARM CENTER? .................................................... 6
VOLUNTEERS ................................................................................................................................................ 7
24. CAN YOU PARTICIPATE IN A PROJECT WITHOUT SIGNING UP FOR THE BUILDER ASSISTANT PROGRAM? ...................... 7
25. SHOULD THE DC-50 APPLICATIONS OF APPROVED VOLUNTEERS BE UPDATED? .................................................... 7
26. HOW CAN TECHNICAL PROBLEMS OF THE BUILDER ASSISTANT (BA) PROGRAM BE SOLVED? ................................... 7
27. HOW ARE THE HOURS FOR PIONEERS CREDITED? ........................................................................................... 7
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS RELATED TO KINGDOM HALLS 2
USE OF THIS DOCUMENT Please consult this document before calling or writing to the Local Design and Construction Depart-
ment (LDC). It is possible that the same problem or situation has already been addressed. The LDC
updates this list as the matters included are implemented, letters are sent to the congregations and
reports are received from the LDC Field Representatives and Circuit Overseers.
GENERAL MATTERS REGARDING THE USE OF THE KINGDOM HALL
1. Can the physical library (printed copies) at the Kingdom Hall be eliminated?
Each auditorium in the Kingdom Hall should have a space for a library (od p. 61), which should
contain publications in each language group that uses that auditorium. The bodies of elders de-
cide whether it will include publications in printed or electronic format or both. When making
decisions about the Kingdom Hall library, elders should carefully consider the needs of many
publishers and interested persons who may not even use computers or have electronic devices,
especially before deciding to eliminate printed publications. If the publications are made availa-
ble in electronic format, either by means of a device with access to the Watchtower ONLINE LI-
BRARY or a computer with Watchtower Library, a printer should be available. At least one re-
sponsible brother should be assigned to keep the library up to date and in order. In the event
that the bodies of elders decide to eliminate printed publications from the library, they should
be careful not to discard items of historical value. The branch may wish to add such items to its
library or archive of historical material. (See letter of December 2, 2017, ¶47 and 48).
2. Is it possible to enter the main auditorium with baby carriages?
The regulations applying to evacuation routes in public places are very strict. Only a portable
baby chair that can be placed on a seat in the auditorium is allowed. Also, there must be no ob-
stacle in the evacuation routes, doors, exits, etc., that could hinder the quick and safe evacuation
of the premises. Wheelchairs should be placed in an area that does not interfere with the escape
routes. If necessary, a part of the auditorium will be adapted to locate one or more wheelchairs,
as needed. In newly constructed or refurbished Kingdom Halls, a specific area is reserved for
such chairs in harmony with the current regulations.
3. What First Aid equipment should there be in the Kingdom Hall?
The letter of October 20, 2010, regarding “First Aid kit in the Kingdom Hall” indicates that it
should be a simple, well designed First Aid kit, placed out of the reach of children. It must not
contain any medication available only by medical prescription. Nor should it contain commonly
used analgesics. It should only contain disinfectant, authorized antiseptics, sterile gauze, cotton
wool, bandages, tape, adhesive dressings, scissors, tweezers and disposable gloves. A brother
should be assigned to be responsible for it. Defibrillators are not mandatory in Kingdom Halls
and are not recommended, as their use and maintenance require a specific protocol. If an emer-
gency arises, notify public emergency services (112, ambulance, hospital, etc.) immediately.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS RELATED TO KINGDOM HALLS 3
4. Who should address issues related to access, and how should this be done?
The Branch handles everything related to the norms regulating access for people with disabili-
ties in Kingdom Halls and Assembly Halls. The LDC has established a schedule for the inspection
of Kingdom Halls to review compliance with regulations on access and the proper adaptation of
the Kingdom Hall, among other aspects. If the municipal authorities or other organisms contact
the congregation to request additional measures, please notify the LDC as soon as possible.
5. What procedure should be followed if an urgent repair is needed?
The LDC Maintenance Section should be contacted in writing or by telephone (depending on the
urgency), and they will notify one of the Maintenance Trainers and also specialized volunteers in
the area to address the problem.
6. What jobs can be handled locally without consulting the LDC?
The answer is found in the letter to the bodies of elders of December 2, 2017, ¶9-14 and 29-31.
The following three requirements should be met: 1) Only maintenance work and repair of exist-
ing elements. 2) Expected cost less than the amount that the congregations may have in their
account. 3) Within the capability of brothers and sisters who use that Kingdom Hall. However, if
the work includes tasks involving risk, such as working at height, working on the roof or on the
electrical installation, the Maintenance Trainer should be contacted. The LDC should be consult-
ed about any other situation.
7. What jobs need LDC authorization?
The following jobs, among others, must be approved:
Maintenance and repair work on existing elements involving a cost higher than that in-
dicated in the letter of December 2, 2017, ¶23, 24.
Adding new elements to the Kingdom Hall (that is, any modification of the Hall). For ex-
ample: Installing air conditioning (including a split system), modifying the roof, installing
or modifying doors, installing a shed on the property, installing video screens, modifying
the platform, modification of the electrical installation (even though minor), etc.
Replacing elements of importance or installations that have reached the end of their
useful life. For example: Replacing a gas boiler or an air conditioning system (of whatev-
er type), replacing the seats or chairs, renovating walls or floors, etc.
For these jobs, the body of elders should write to the LDC Maintenance Inbox. The LDC will de-
termine the best way to handle them, taking into account the need for the work proposed and
normally considering the recommendation of the LDC Representative in the area.
8. Can material or objects be stored between the suspended ceiling and the roof?
No. Any kind of storage in this space is prohibited. These structures are not designed to support
loads or for the storage of objects or materials. Any stored material must be placed in a place in-
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS RELATED TO KINGDOM HALLS 4
tended and prepared for such (if it exists). If there is no space planned and appropriate for stor-
age, materials should not be stored in the Kingdom Hall.
DESIGN
9. Can a motorized gate be installed at the entrance of the property?
In Kingdom Halls that have an outside area, a motorized gate is normally not installed. Regula-
tions require that such a gate in a place open to the public meet very specific rules as to installa-
tion, upkeep and maintenance. It is preferable to open and close these doors manually.
10. Can a large jw.org logo be installed?
Although large signs have been installed at Assembly Halls, unless an exception is approved by
the LDC, the standard dimensions for Kingdom Halls, namely 1.2x1.2 m, should be applied.
11. What equipment is recommended for those who have hearing difficulties?
Having analyzed all systems presently available (magnetic induction loop, infra-red earphones,
etc.), the use of classic UHF headphones is recommended. This is the best solution for the mo-
ment. To obtain such equipment, please consult the Supplier Arrangements tab on JW.
12. May a shed be built or installed on the Kingdom Hall property?
These structures are subject to specific regulations, municipal permits and the payment of taxes.
Also, they are often targets of thievery and vandalism and they require regular maintenance.
Therefore, before proposing such to the branch, it is preferable to carefully consider other solu-
tions and determine if a shed is really necessary.
INSTALLATIONS
13. Is it mandatory to carry out an inspection of the electrical installation annually?
It is not mandatory, except for those Kingdom Halls that have a ground installation. In such a
case, this installation should be inspected annually by technically qualified personnel at the time
of the year when the ground is drier. The resistance to earth must be measured and any defects
found must be repaired with urgency.
14. Is it mandatory to contract a control organization for the inspection of the electrical
installation?
Yes, it is mandatory to contract the services of an Organismo de Control Autorizado (OCA) or En-
titad de Control Autorizada (ECA) to inspect the electrical installation of the Kingdom Hall. It is
the responsibility of the bodies of elders to ensure that this is done. Inspection is mandatory
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS RELATED TO KINGDOM HALLS 5
every four or five years, depending on regional government regulations. Presently there is an
agreement with the ATISAE Company to carry out this inspection (see the Supplier Arrangements
section on JW).
15. Is it mandatory to inspect fire extinguishers annually?
Yes, these must be inspected every year. In addition, every 5 years it is necessary to make a
pressure test, properly stamping the data plate of the extinguisher. Both inspections must be
carried out by an officially approved company. Extinguishers have a lifespan of 20 years.
16. How should we select a computer to connect to the Kingdom Hall sound system?
In the Supplier Arrangements area on JW, in the Kingdom Hall Video Player Equipment and Play-
back section, the features necessary to connect a computer to the sound system are explained.
There are also specific recommendations on equipment to be purchased. The decision to install
a computer or to replace it pertains to the bodies of elders who use the Kingdom Hall. It is not
necessary to get authorization from the LDC, unless technical advice is needed.
17. Can a camera be connected to the computer to transmit congregation meetings?
The bodies of elders who use the Kingdom Hall decide which technical means to use to relay the
meetings to disabled brothers who cannot attend in person (see letter of May 25, 2015). Since
standardized solutions are now being worked out, it is recommended not to invest time and
money in the use or development of a complicated system, but rather to use what is available
on the market, such as Skype, Conference Call or other similar low-cost solutions.
18. Can the maintenance of the Kingdom Hall be contracted?
The book Organized to do Jehovah's will, chapter 11, page 109, paragraph 7, says: “All in the
congregation consider it a privilege to support the Kingdom Hall financially and to volunteer
their services in keeping it clean and well-maintained.” In harmony with this principle, a mainte-
nance training program has been established in each Kingdom Hall. The maintenance coordina-
tor (or the maintenance committee if there are several congregations) will make arrangements
for the congregations that use the Kingdom Hall to carry out necessary maintenance tasks in ac-
cord with the established maintenance program. It is expected that the greater part of mainte-
nance work can be handled without contracting it out, except in cases required by regulations.
Any exception should be authorized by the LDC. Therefore, if doubts arise about how to under-
take certain maintenance work, please write to the LDC. They will assign volunteers to provide
technical support and training, or authorize contracting a supplier if there are no volunteers
available at that moment.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS RELATED TO KINGDOM HALLS 6
SAFETY
19. Is it mandatory to have an evacuation plan on display at the Kingdom Hall?
No. The evacuation plan is only mandatory in venues with a much higher seating capacity than
that of our Kingdom Halls, such as Assembly Halls. However, each Kingdom Hall must have a visi-
ble notice near the First Aid kit showing the emergency telephone number, and the telephone
number and address of the nearest health center.
20. Is it necessary to specify a meeting point in case of evacuation?
It is not a legal requirement for most of our Kingdom Halls. However, in harmony with the in-
structions received by the organization for cases of emergency, it is appropriate to specify a
meeting point so as to ensure that everyone has left the building (see the letter of January 6,
2012, to the bodies of elders).
21. Is it necessary to do evacuation exercises (simulation drills) when some of the public
are present?
No, it is not appropriate to do this type of drill in the presence of the public. Each year, in a brief
meeting with the elders and ministerial servants, explanation will be given as to how to proceed
in case of emergency (see letter to the bodies of elders of January 6, 2012, and the outline “We
are prepared to deal with disasters”). During that meeting the procedures for evacuation of the
Kingdom Hall and how to use the extinguishers should be explained. Then, a drill can be carried
out only with the brothers present, without the attendance of the public.
22. Can surveillance cameras be installed to protect the property?
We place great importance on the safety of our places of worship. (Nehemiah 4:13) For this rea-
son, it is essential to keep the Kingdom Hall well protected, even after meeting hours. If neces-
sary, some brothers can be assigned during meeting times to guard the parking area within the
Kingdom Hall grounds, if there is such, and the entrances to the property (see Questions from
readers in Our Kingdom Ministry of December 1989, page 7). However, electronic surveillance
systems are subject to very restrictive regulations, especially if their are cameras. Therefore, if
local circumstances seem to justify installing surveillance cameras, the elders should request
permission from the LDC.
23. Is it mandatory to install an alarm connected to an alarm center?
This type of facility is not mandatory in Kingdom Halls. We place great importance on the safety
of our places of worship (Nehemiah 4:13). Therefore, it is essential to keep the Kingdom Hall
well protected. However, electronic surveillance systems are subject to very restrictive regula-
tions. Therefore, if local circumstances advise installing an alarm system, the elders should re-
quest permission from the LDC.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS RELATED TO KINGDOM HALLS 7
VOLUNTEERS
24. Can you participate in a project without signing up for the Builder Assistant program?
It is a requirement to use the Builder Assistant (BA) software application to invite volunteers to
participate in construction projects or the maintenance of Kingdom Halls and Assembly Halls.
Whoever wants to collaborate with the LDC must fill out application DC-50 or A-19. All who vol-
unteer should have an email and a user on jw.org linked to the congregation. Then, each one
will be registered in BA. This system provides assurance that only brothers who meet spiritual
requirements will be invited to participate in this special privilege of sacred service. However,
local brothers may work on projects in the Kingdom Hall of their own congregation or a nearby
one, if authorized by the Service Committee. In that case, they will provide the Construction
Group Overseer with the list of those approved as local volunteers for that project, even if they
have not filled out a DC-50 or A-19 application.
25. Should the DC-50 applications of approved volunteers be updated?
Yes. The instructions that appear at the beginning of the DC-50 form, in bold type, state: “Appli-
cations should be renewed every three years or when there is a change of circumstances that
would affect the answers on this application, including moving to a new congregation.” On the
other hand, it is important to inform the LDC immediately if a volunteer no longer meets the
spiritual requirements.
26. How can technical problems of the Builder Assistant (BA) program be solved?
The Congregation Service Committee processes the requests of the brothers who request it and
who qualify. This implies:
I. Make sure that the DC-50 form is correctly filled out, and that all questions are answered. The
original should be kept in the congregation files and an electronic copy sent to the “LDC - DC-50
Applications” Inbox.
II. Help volunteers to open an account on jw.org and add it to the domain of the congregation, us-
ing the security code that appears at the bottom of the volunteer user section in jw.org.
III. If after having taken the previous steps the user has any technical problem to access BA, they
will be instructed to use the link “I need additional help”, in the access screen of Builder Assis-
tant, or to write to [email protected] to explain the technical incident that confronts
them. Brothers who are experts will deal with the request and help solve the incident.
27. How are the hours for pioneers credited?
See letter of May 15, 2017. Paragraph 12 indicates that regular pioneers can receive credit for their
hours if the work they perform has been assigned by “the branch office, its representatives
overseeing construction or renovation projects, assembly overseers, and Convention Commit-
tees”. It adds: “Hour credit could also be extended to a regular pioneer when working on his
own Kingdom Hall if this is done at the request of the branch office or its representatives over-
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS RELATED TO KINGDOM HALLS 8
seeing the project.” These include the LDC Representative of the area, Construction Group Over-
seers, Maintenance Trainers, and Assembly Hall Overseers, among others.
How is the congregation secretary notified of this hour credit so that it can be shown on the
pioneer’s publisher record card? Paragraph 13 states that each pioneer will “keep a record of
the hours spent working on the project during the month. He will report this activity to the con-
gregation at the same time he reports his field service activity.”
How many hours can be credited as a maximum? Paragraph 14 indicates: “Those properly au-
thorized are given credit to the extent that the total number of hours actually spent in field ser-
vice plus time spent on special projects does not exceed the monthly goal of 70 hours.” Howev-
er, paragraphs 15 to 17 clarify how to proceed if a pioneer does not reach the goal of hours due
to participating in other theocratic activities. Note, for example, the following: “A pioneer would
not lose his privileges if he has worked extensively on theocratic projects. The elders, being
aware of the pioneer’s work to support Kingdom interests, will offer warm commendation [...]”.
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