ORGANISATION (Roles & Responsibilities) The school recognises the need to identify organisational methods for implementing and controlling the health and safety of all persons who work within or visit the school.
The following is a summary of individual responsibilities, their consequent structure and accountability:-
Governors The Governing Body has the responsibility to ensure that all reasonable steps have been taken to reduce the possibility of accident or injury to both staff and pupils, although it should be emphasised that unnecessary responsibility cannot fall on individual members of the Governing Body, nor can the Head of the school or employees avoid responsibility by referring urgent matters to that body for information and decision. The Governors will be kept informed of all developments relating to health and safety matters and Clerks to Governors will include such matters on the Agenda for termly meetings.
Governors Must Ensure:
a) That in co-operation with the Headteacher, an individual school Health and Safety
Policy is produced, and this policy is regularly reviewed and revised as and when
necessary;
b) That risk assessments are undertaken of any activity that has significant associated hazards and that a written record of these assessments are kept and reviewed regularly;
c) That sufficient funding is allocated for health and safety issues e.g. training, provision of personal protective clothing etc;
d) That regular health and safety inspections of the premises are carried out on a termly basis;
e) That the Governing Body receives an annual audit of health and safety systems and standards of health and safety from the Headteacher;
f) That a positive health and safety culture is established and maintained.
Headteacher The Headteacher is responsible and accountable for the implementation of this policy and the compliance with all relevant legislation in every area and activity within the school. In order for this to be achieved, his/her operational duties include the following:
a) Ensuring that all members of staff (including new staff, supply staff, probationers and students, voluntary helpers etc) are aware of the contents of the school health and safety policy and all safe working practices.
b) If deemed necessary, appointing one or more members of staff (Premises Bursar, Site Supervisor), undertaking specific duties in relation to health and safety. Acting as co-ordinator for the school on health and safety matters affecting the school. (This post is not to be confused with union appointed safety reps. This is an extra role to enable the Governing Body/Headteacher to effectively manage health and safety.)
c) Ensuring that risk assessments are carried out on any activity that has significant associated hazards. North Somerset Council recommends that a group approach to risk assessment be executed, usually consisting of an individual who has received specific training in the theory of risk assessment, a teacher/head of department/ assistant who has the hands-on experience of tasks being assessed, and any safety representatives that school may have. Where significant risks are identified,
appropriate measures and/or safe working practices be introduced to reduce/eliminate such hazards.
d) Undertaking inspections of the school premise, plans, equipment and working practices on a termly basis. Where necessary implement any changes and improvements. Report health and safety issues separately from routine repairs and maintenance.
e) Provide regular reports/updates to the Governors of the school (Business Committee) regarding safety performance
f) Making recommendations to Governors where Health and Safety funding is required, and to advising on any safety policies that need to be introduced.
g) Ensuring that effective first aid provision and accident reporting procedures exist in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Education Health & Safety Officer (to allow North Somerset to comply with the Reporting of Injuries Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995). Deputy Head/Year Group Leaders/School Bursars/Cleaner in Charge/ Kitchen Manager: All of these posts carry line manager responsibilities and the post holders are responsible to the Headteacher for the health and safety of all staff, workplaces and activities under their control. To achieve this their duties include the following:-
a) Ensuring that all staff, students, casual employees, contractors and voluntary helpers are aware of the requirements of the Health and Safety Policy, and the safe working practices that apply to their area of activity.
b) Actively encouraging the participation in health and safety and welfare matters of all pupils.
c) Making known to the Headteacher any identified training needs.
d) Establishing and regularly reviewing safe working practices for activities under their control.
e) Taking effective action and/or immediately referring to the Premises Bursar or Headteacher any health and safety problems brought to their attention. This includes the stopping of any practices or the use of any tools, equipment etc. which are considered unsafe. This is to be enforced until safety levels are adequate.
f) Ensuring that all items of portable electrical equipment (including new purchases) are entered on the school inventory before use, and that visual inspections of all equipment take place on a termly basis. Defective or damaged equipment must be isolated and taken out of use until repaired or replaced, (repaired by a competent person only).
g) Checking the adequacy of fire precautions and procedures in liaison with the Headteacher.
h) If an accident/incident occurs, assisting in the accident investigation regarding any findings and recommendations to prevent a recurrence.
Teaching Staff (Including Supply Teachers)
Teachers have a duty of care under Health and Safety Legislation. In order to achieve this their duties include the following:
a) Ensuring that all students/probationers, supply teachers etc. assigned to help, are aware of the general health and safety requirements of the school and the detailed requirements for activities relevant to them.
b) Implementing the health, safety and welfare procedures for pupils at a level appropriate for their requirements. Ensuring that these procedures are explained in terms that they can readily understand.
c) Exercising effective supervision of pupils and maintain an awareness of emergency procedures in respect of fire, first aid, accident reporting etc. carrying them out as necessary.
d) Seeking information on any special safety measures to be adopted in their own teaching areas and ensure that they are adhered to.
e) Setting an example by personally following safe working practices.
f) Ensuring that where necessary, the appropriate protective clothing, guards etc. are available, in good condition and are used. All electrical equipment be visually checked before use.
g) Reporting to the Headteacher, Bursar or Year Group Leader any defects in equipment or identified inadequacies in procedures. (Where any defect renders the equipment potentially hazardous, it should be isolated and clearly labelled ‘awaiting repair’, ‘until repaired’ or ‘replaced’.)
h) Integrating all relevant aspects of health and safety into the teaching process and if necessary, giving special lessons. ( e.g. The use of equipment in technology lessons)
Non Teaching Staff All employees have legal responsibilities under The Health and Safety At Work Act. Those duties are to safeguard themselves, colleagues and others in the workplace. All employees should ask their line manager for clarification if unsure about safe practices and procedures.
Trade Union Safety Representative Any Trade Union Safety Representative will be encouraged by the Headteacher to fulfil his/her duties as well as being released for any appropriate training. The Headteacher will also consult regularly with the Safety Representative on Health & Safety matters. He/she will be entitled to inspect the school in accordance with the agreed Trade Union/Authority procedures..
Mrs Kate Skeen, Kathie Light and Jean Peach act as coordinators for all first aid matters and management of medication in school. Helen Hale is the appointed staff member and Kate Skeen is the appointed governor overseeing health and safety issues in school. They act as a point of reference for the headteacher and premises bursar in managing all health & safety issues.
H&S Advisor
Priory Community School Enterprises Ltd. have been contracted to provide an effective health and safety service, as published within the Service Level Agreement, for Ashcombe Primary School.
Jo Crickson, Health and Safety Manager and Guy Littlemore, Health and Safety Advisor are responsible for providing this service to the school.
A summary of the Service Level Agreement is to: -
a) Provide timely health and safety advice, support and training to the school and their staff. Ensure that all governors and staff are aware of their duties and responsibilities in relation to health and safety, in line with UK legislation and any forthcoming legislation, and how to implement those duties to full effect.
b) Undertake pro-active monitoring such as workplace inspections / audits and health checks, by applying the test of reasonableness. Explaining and offering constructive feedback of the findings of the audits to senior managers in a style that achieves legal compliance and ‘buy in’. The findings of audits and inspections, in part, will feed into the strategic health and safety plan for the school.
c) Advise on the risk assessment process and encourage the recording of risk assessments and control measures. Provide a review of risk assessments, or areas that could influence changes to policies guidance and working practices.
d) Manage and report all major accidents under the requirements of RIDDOR, (The Report of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995).
e) Assist and advise on investigation of all reportable accidents and changes to systems to prevent a re-occurrence. Identify trends and advise on concerns and training needs.
f) Liaise with any enforcing authority, the HSE, insurance organisations, or other agencies on the schools health and safety arrangements.
Health & Safety Executive The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) have many powers, including the right to visit the school and have sight of all relevant policies and documents.
They have the right to turn up for announced or unannounced visits, however they will usually visit in connection with an accident that has been reported to them.
Arrangements The school recognises its obligations to identify arrangements designed to make its safety policy effective.
All staff should be aware of the following arrangements:-
RISK ASSESSMENTS Risk assessment is a principle requirement of the management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999. Regulation 3 requires all employers and self-employed persons to undertake a systematic assessment of all risks (except the trivial) to workers and any others who may be affected by their work activities. The purpose of the risk assessment is to assist the employer to determine what measures to take in order to establish safe systems of work and to comply with health and safety legislation.
This school has completed risk assessments in the following areas: -
- Access/egress difficulties – specific
- Adventure activities
- After/before school activities
- Asbestos
- Caretaking
- General lifting and carrying
- Cleaning using equipment
- Use of hand/power tools
- Noise/vibration from equipment
- Use of electrical equipment
- Using chemicals e.g. paints, solvents etc
- Repair/maintenance
- Exposure to sharps
- Working at height
- Lone working – locking/unlocking buildings
- Lone working
- Responding to intruder alarm holiday periods/out of hours
- Cleaners/COSHH
- Contractors on site
- Design and technology
- Display screen equipment
- Driving
- Drugs/alcohol
- Electrical safety, fixed installations
- Electrical safety, portable equipment, extension leads, other
- Environmental – waste disposal
- Expectant mothers, including breast feeding
- Fire management
- First aid
- Food tech/prep/catering
- Gardening
- Gymnastics/indoor PE/dance
- Hygiene – general
- Infection
- Individual pupil risk assessments
- Leadership and management
- Long working hours
- Manual handling
- Medicines/allergies/medical conditions
- Money – collections and storage
- Offices
- Playground equipment and safety
- Physical restraint
- Ponds
- Safeguarding
- School premises
- School trips – local visits
- Security
- Snow and ice
- Swimming
- Sunsafety
- Travel – parents/staff vehicles
- Violence and threatening behaviour
- Working at height
- Space net/playground equipment
- Classroom – general
- Outdoor PE
The regulations talk about the need for a competent person to carry out risk assessments. Our competent person on the theory of risk assessments is Peter Turner who has many years experience in devising a range of risk assessments. Lisa Driscoll has also completed Risk Asssessment Master-Class training on 7th March 2012 and is beginning to take on more responsibility in this area.
We have a team approach to risk assessment which includes:
- Competent person in theory of risk assessment
- Relevant teacher
- Safety Rep/Union appointed Safety Rep.
- Individual carrying out duties
The approach allows for competency not only in the theory but also the practical and allows for discussion from a Health and Safety angle. This group fulfils the competency need.
FIRE AND EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
- Each week the alarm will be tested to ensure that it is effective. Points from different zones should be used to trigger the alarm to ensure that all break glass or other points are in working order. Details should be recorded in the Fire Log Book.
- Fire drills must be carried out at least once per term to enable everyone to become familiar with the evacuation procedure. Details should be recorded in the Fire Log Book.
- In each room there should be a diagram showing exit and line up points.
- The location of explosive substances such as gas and paints and all electrical and gas shut off points should be known and the Senior Fire Officer informed upon arrival. Details of this are held within the emergency grab bag which is sited in the main school office which is removed on evacuation of the building
- Temporary heaters are located in the site supervisors workshop. Other highly flammable/explosive substances are stored in locked wooden sheds away from the main school buildings with the exception of kitchen COSHH materials which are contained within the kitchen in a locked metal container
- Fire exits and fire exit routes should be free from obstruction. At all times all exit doors must be unlocked whilst there are people in the building.
- All fire exits must be clearly labelled and comply with legislation e.g. should be pictorial rather than just writing.
- The use of display materials must be controlled in fire exit corridors.
- All visitors spending any length of time in the school should be made aware of arrangements in case of fire.
- The fire log book is kept in the main school office. Full and detailed records are kept of evacuations, call point testing, alarm system servicing, fire fighting equipment checks etc.
If you discover a fire:-
- Operate the nearest alarm call point
- Go to the nearest telephone and dial 999
- Carry out any previously arranged duties to be done in the event of fire or go to the nearest line up point.
- On sounding the alarm the fire brigade will be summoned if necessary by senior management. All staff, pupils and visitors must leave the building immediately, closing doors behind them as necessary.
- Lining up points have been designated and a diagram displaying where they are is placed in each room.
- Only if there is no risk to personal injury should attempts be made to tackle a fire using a suitable fire extinguisher. In addition, if there is no risk of injury, mains services such as gas and electricity should be turned off.
Action on Hearing a Fire Alarm
- Teacher or responsible adult will supervise children leaving the building by appropriate exit, closing the door when the last person is out (diagrams located in each room).
- Proceed to the line up point on the designated playground
- Walk quickly do not run.
- Keep calm.
- Do not stop to collect any personal belongings or books.
- Registers will be taken to the line up points by one or both of the bursars or their representative and distributed to teachers for roll call. Teachers will be responsible for seeing all other adults under their line management have evacuated and assembled safety (ie parent volunteers, LSAs, students, … etc).
- If the fire brigade have been called there must be clear access to the site by emergency services. This will be ensured by one of the bursars or admin staff
LETTINGS
Ø Details of fire procedures will be given to hirers.
Ø Precautions must be taken for large gatherings (e.g. plays)
Ø All emergency exists must be unlocked.
Ø Access to a telephone is usually not possible, therefore hirers must make their own arrangements by mobile phone.
Ø The school’s first aid room (in main old school foyer) is left unlocked to enable use by any hirer.
Ø The hirer must inspect premises after their use and check for lights left on, open doors or windows and possible fires.
Ø The school’s “no smoking” policy must be communicated to the hirers.
Ø If the hirer discovers a fire when the school is unoccupied, he/she must sound the alarm and call the fire brigade. The headteacher must be informed immediately
CONTRACTORS ON SITE
Prior to any major building works commencing North Somerset Asset Management will be informed and where appropriate give consent for the works to be undertaken. Depending on the job type,size duration etc other regulations come into play that need to be followed such as The Construction Design and Management Regulations (CDM Regs ).
When Contractors arrive on site to commence work the following Safe Systems of Work will be followed…
1. All staff will be informed of the works being carried out and any areas that are likely to be affected. Also the duration and timing of the works will be discussed.
2. Ensure that any changes to the job are discussed with the Headteacher or representative, and any changes affecting timing, or health and Safety be looked at and action taken where necessary.
3. Ensure that any contractors working on site or sub contractors are familiar with our Health and Safety Policy and are aware of any local safety rules.
4. Monitor the contractor’s performance during the works and take appropriate action when necessary. If you believe there to be a detrimental effect on Health and Safety then the job should be stopped until you are satisfied with the Health and Safety practices.
5. They will provide data sheets to the Premises Bursar or headteacher for any COSHH materials used by contractors.
ASBESTOS
Prior to any building/modification works being carried out in the school a full repair and demolition survey will be carried out by OHS the North Somerset approved contractor. A full copy of the asbestos register will be made available to all contractors prior to any commencement of works. Details of the report are held with the premises bursar via the C365 online module.
FIRST AID
The appointed person(s) who holds the HSE approved qualification in paediatrics are:-
1) Jean Peach 2) Kathie Light 3) Lorraine Francis 4) Naome Macbeath
5) Kate Skeen (Lunchtime first aider) 6) Dawn Pipe
And emergency first aid at work are:
1) Kathie Light 2) Lisa Driscoll
These named persons are qualified to administer first aid to casualties. The responsibilities of appointed persons are:-
i) To take charge in the situation where personal injury or illness has occurred and where further medical help is needed.
ii) Lunchtime first aider to ensure that the first aid boxes/cupboards are fully stocked with designated items only.
In the case of serious injury, responsibility of the appointed person ends when the patient is handed over to medical care or parent/guardian.
The first aid boxes/cupboards in this school are located in:-
· The main first aid room (old school spare stock items in locked cupboard)
· The first aid room – new school
· Unisex toilet by admin wing
· School kitchens
· Shared area between two reception aged classes
The Headteacher will assume responsibilities of the appointed person in the absence of the appointed person. However, these instances should be very few and far between, as planned cover should be achieved and only in the case of unplanned absence will this situation occur.
All teaching staff act in loco parentis during the time that the school is open for children.
All injuries, whether to staff, pupils or visitors, must be recorded via the school accident book or for more serious injuries, on the accident report forms. North Somerset’s guidance for accident reporting should be followed at all times.
Any serious injuries should be transported to hospital by ambulance as the patient’s condition could worsen. Accidents of this type should be reported by telephone or fax in the first instance to the Corporate and Schools H&S Team on 01275 884755 and then followed by a written report/investigation using appropriate North Somerset paperwork.
No attempt to move an injured person should be made until a proper examination and assessment has been completed.
There is clear evidence that premature handling of the casualty has worsened injuries.
Minor injuries may be treated on a self-help basis or by any members of staff in loco parentis.
Medicines
Please refer to our separate medications policy attached to this document.
Epilepsy
Please refer to our separate epilepsy policy attached to this document
FATAL/SERIOUS INJURY
In the event of fatal or serious injury, nothing at the site of the accident must be moved, except for helping the injured, until a thorough examination has been carried out.
Trade Union Safety Representatives must also be informed of injuries and dangerous occurrences.
Parents/guardians or next of kin must be contacted as soon as possible.
CRAFT/DESIGN/TECHNOLOGY
Members of Staff should ensure that:-
Children are well supervised at all times.
Protective clothing is worn when appropriate.
Sharp edged tools are stored so that the cutting edge cannot be accidentally touched.
All tools are stored appropriately in commercially purchased storage units.
Files and similar objects have properly fitted handles.
Hammer heads must be checked regularly.
Tools must be used for their intended purpose.
Scissors must be handled correctly and be of the round edged type.
Glue Guns
Ø Hot melt glue guns should be trigger operated. If used by pupils, protective clothing and eye protection are required. They should NOT be used by children under 7 years of age.
Ø Only low temperature glue guns should be used.
Ø Glue guns should be located on stands ready for use.
Ø Electrical testing must be carried out annually.
Food Activities
Ø Housekeeping in this area needs to be good, passageways must be kept free for safe movement. Coats and bags must be stored outside this area.
Ø The floor should be kept clean, and ‘clean as you go’ practices should be adopted.
Ø Spillages must be cleared up immediately and the area dried with paper towels.
Ø All furniture and workbenches should be of the same height.
Ø Windows and ventilation should be properly controlled.
Ø Staff should note various means of exit from the cookery area.
Ø There must be no displays, pictures or pinboards near the cooker.
Ø Fire fighting equipment e.g. fire blanket extinguisher should be in close vicinity. These must NOT be sited over the cooker but near the exit to this area.
Ø There must be adequate and safe working practices drawn up for this area all pupils should:-
Ø Wear clean aprons
Ø Tie back long hair
Ø Remove jewellery e.g. rings
Ø Be discouraged from wearing loose clothing
Ø Must not carry hot substances
Ø Must not be allowed to do any frying
Ø Must use plastic graters only Etc.
SCHOOL KITCHEN
The resident kitchen manager is responsible for the daily management of safe practices within the kitchen. Suitable training and advice will be sought as and when required. Regular visits by Environmental Health Officers will always be followed by a written report, which will identify any outstanding issues which will be addressed by the school within the expected timescales.
The school will be responsible for the repair & maintenance of all equipment in the kitchen incl. Fire fighting and portable electrical equipment
EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS
Correction Fluids
Ø This should only be used by staff.
Ø Children should not bring their own correction fluids into schools.
Marker Pens
Ø Pens, which are mainly water based, should be used.
Ø If and when other marker pens are to be used, this must only be by staff in a well-ventilated area.
Rotary Trimmers
Ø Trimmer are kept in each classroom, the staffroom & school office. Care should be taken whilst carrying these, and they should be returned to the designated storage area after use.
N.B Guillotines should no longer be in use or be on school premises
Overhead Projector
OHP’s should be kept out of direct sunlight and stored in stock cupboards or away from windows when not in use.
Pen Tops
Pens supplied to children should be with ventilated tops. If children bring their own pens, they should be advised to check & puncture the tops if necessary. Staff need to be vigilant about this as there has been several accidents and subsequent deaths due to children putting pen tops into their mouths.
Kettles
Kettles should not be used in classes or activity areas unless very closely supervised for specific teaching purposes.
Installations
Only approved contractors will be used after consultation with Building Services.
Extension Cables
They must not be used permanently - only as a temporary measure.
Those with multi sockets may be used for computers.
Electrical Equipment
Ø All equipment should be regularly tested and labelled by the electrical technician undertaking the test.
Ø Any defective equipment must be isolated and labelled for repair.
Printing and Reprographics
Ø The machine in use within this school is Sharp AR 337
Ø Children must not use the photocopier.
Ø It has been sited in a well-ventilated area.
Gas
There must be access to the isolator at all times. Keys will be kept in the school office.
Mobile LPG Heaters: will not be used in the school.
P.E. and Swimming incl. other after School activities
Ø Staff are reminded that:-
1. If a parent has put a restriction on a child’s activity on medical grounds, it is the
PARENT ALONE WHO CAN REMOVE IT.
2. If a child taking part in an unaccustomed physical activity is known to be disabled, or have an ongoing medical complaint (e.g. asthma, epilepsy, cystic fibrosis, etc), rigorous supervision should be maintained.
If these two points are not followed, a serious situation could develop, which may result
in claims for damages should an incident occur.
Ø There is specific guidance available in the Baalpe Safe Practice in Physical Education, which we follow.
Ø A note of consent must be received from the parent/guardian before a child may take part in swimming and any after school activities.
Cancellation of Activities
Parents/guardians must be notified in advance if after school activities have to be cancelled. Where this is not possible, children must be kept in school until the time they would normally leave at the end of the activity.
P.E. Equipment
Any defects or damage should be reported immediately, and taken out of use awaiting repair if necessary.
Swimming Supervision
There should be continuous supervision by at least one fully qualified lifeguard patrolling the pool for each 50 bathers at all times.
There should also be adequate qualified cover for this lifeguard should he/she have to leave the poolside for any reason. The instructors working with swimmers cannot be the lifeguard but may be used to provide cover if they are adequately qualified. In this case the instructor must stop teaching and their pupils must leave the water.
Teachers are instructed that they do not allow children into the pool unless the pool lifeguard is in attendance or if the individual teacher(s) possess the relevant qualifications.
Animals in School
Ø It is felt that pupils can benefit from caring for, and observing animals.
Ø Teachers should discuss with the Headteacher the possibility of keeping animals in school.
Ø The animals must be among the approved kinds mentioned in the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976.
Ø Pupils are not allowed to bring scheduled animals into school even for a day. This would be an offence. The animals included on this schedule are:-
· All canines, except domestic dogs
· All cats, other than the domestic cat
· Monkeys, Apes, Crocodile and Alligator family
· Poisonous snakes, including adders
· Some birds
If in any doubt please check with Education Health & Safety Officer.
Piano
Ø The piano is sited in the main school hall.
Ø Only adults should move it.
Ø There should be one person at each end and then it should be on a smooth, level surface. Specific care should be taken when moving a piano backwards or forwards, as a falling piano will always fall backwards or forwards. It is therefore important to keep the area clear of obstructions and people.
Ø A visual check on castors should be made to check that they are adequate for the load.
Ø The piano must NOT be moved up or down stairs/steps.
Violence to Staff
Ø The Governors are concerned about the possibility of staff being subjected to violence of any kind whilst working in school.
Ø If any member of staff is subjected to any aggression on school premises they must inform the Headteacher immediately.
Staff are asked to keep written records of such episodes.
Ø An accident report form should be completed and sent to the Education Health & Safety Officer at the LEA.
Ø Appropriate steps will be taken by the Headteacher to deal with such a situation.
Ø If necessary, the Governors and LEA will be informed and involved.
School Trips
This school follows the guidance as laid down in the North Somerset ‘School Trips and Adventurous Outdoor Activities Manual’.
Accidents
Ø All accidents must be reported to the Headteacher and entered into accident book which is found in the first aid room.
Ø Fatal or Major Injuries must be reported immediately by telephone to Corporate and schools H&S Team (01275 884755) and also to the Chair of Governors. This must be followed up by the completion of an accident report form and sent to the Education Health and Safety Officer.
Ø Dangerous Occurrences must also be reported immediately by telephone to Corporate and schools H&S Team (01275 884755)
HIV/AIDS
There are publications available regarding the care of children and adults who suffer with HIV/AIDS. Also see Health & Safety Manual.
Infectious Diseases
A separate handbook dealing with this is available, entitled ‘Infectious Diseases Hand Book & Procedures’.
POLICY REVIEW
This policy shall be reviewed regularly and amended as necessary. It shall undergo a major review at least every two years overseen by the Premises and Wider Community committee of governors in consultation with all grades of staff.
