Blackheath Primary School · Web viewI fully accept my obligations with regard to the health and...

Health and Safety Policy

Blackheath Primary School


Date of issue: June 2015

Review date: June 2016


General Statement for Chair of Governors

I fully accept my obligations with regard to the health and safety of Blackheath Primary School employees, contractors, clients, customers and pupils.

I am committed to matters of health and safety having an equal place alongside all education activities within the school.

I fully uphold the commitments laid down in the Children and Young Peoples Service and Corporate Health and Safety Policy.

I recognise that health and safety is a line management function. Those who are allocated duties and responsibilities under this policy shall receive such information, instruction and training so as to be able to discharge such duties and responsibilities.

I will ensure that all employees within the school have or achieve the appropriate levels of competence to carry out their duties, without significant risks to themselves or to others.

I will ensure that all members of staff are consulted on health and safety matters, so that a positive approach can be taken to address both the needs and concerns of employees and others.

Where required safe systems of work will be developed and become an integral part of the school ill-health prevention programme. Regular monitoring will be undertaken, with appropriate line management involvement. All monitoring will be reviewed for any system or organisational weakness and action taken to ensure continued development and improvement.

I will co-operate with auditing of health and safety management systems, and implement the recommendations of such audits.

This policy and the Young People and Children’s Services health and safety policy will be brought to the attention of all employees.

It is only by securing a total commitment to health and safety matters from those who work for, or on behalf of, Blackheath Primary School, that the high standards we set ourselves will be achieved.


Policy Objectives

These are the Blackheath Primary School objectives:

To work towards the prevention of occupational injury and will health to all members of staff and pupils.

To ensure that those using premises are not subjected to unacceptable risk as a result of activities of the school.

To develop and maintain a proactive health and safety culture and set standards to continuously improve in matters of health and safety.

To actively manage health and safety and to encourage constant awareness amongst all employees for the health and safety aspects of their work, and for the environment in which they work.

To ensure that contractors and agents of the school are aware of and work towards the standards set out in this policy.

To monitor and review the achievement of these objectives and to implement improvements where necessary to enable them to be met.

To co-operate fully in the appointment of Safety Representatives and to provide such facilities and assistance as they may reasonably require to fulfill their functions.

Introduction

The responsibility for the health and safety of children, staff and visitors belongs to everyone in the school community. Everyone should be mindful of their own safety, and that of people around them at all times. No-one should knowingly undertake a task, or ask anyone else to do so which is likely to cause harm to themselves or to others.

Duties and responsibilities of all employees

All staff will make themselves familiar with the requirements of the current Health and Safety at Work legislation, together with the appropriate guidelines and codes of practice.


They should take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of any others who may be affected by their acts or omissions in their area of work.They must co-operate with the Governing Body and the Headteacher to enable them to implement relevant statutory provisions, guidelines and codes of practice.

This includes the completion of Risk Assessment Sheets when required to do so by the Governing Body or the Headteacher.

Should any employee perceive a hazard, they should take the best opportunity of reducing or removing the risk if they can do so without putting him/herself or others in danger, and report the hazard, and any action s/he has taken immediately to the Business Manager.

Role of Governing Body

The governing body should: be familiar with the requirements of the current Health and Safety at

Work Act, and any other local or national codes of practice relating to health and safety at school, in particular, the current management of health and Safety at work Regulations.

ensure that there is an effective and enforceable policy for the provision of health and safety throughout the school

periodically assess the effectiveness of this policy and ensure that any necessary changes are made.

identify and evaluate all risks relating to o accidentso healtho school-sponsored activities

identify and evaluate risk control measures in order to select the most appropriate means of minimising risk to staff, pupils and others

ensure the development and monitoring of management structures.

Governors undertake to provide: a safe place for staff and pupils to work, including safe means of entry

and exit safe arrangements for the handling, storage and transport of articles and

substances safe and healthy working conditions which take account of all statutory

requirements, appropriate codes of practice, and statutory or advisory guidance


necessary safety and protective equipment/clothing together with appropriate guidance, instruction and supervision

adequate welfare facilities

Governors Health and Safety Representative

The School Health and Safety Representative is Mr. G. Chahal. Mr. G. Chahal works closely with the Business Manager to review the measures in place to ensure the health and safety at work of employees. A report is presented on a termly basis by the Business Manager to the Behaviour and Safety Committee

Training and instruction

Governors undertake to provide supervision, training and instruction so that all staff and pupils can perform their school related activities in a healthy and safe manner.All staff will be offered opportunities to receive health and safety training appropriate to their duties and responsibilities.

Where training is required by statute or considered necessary for the safety of staff, pupils and others, the Governors will ensure, within the financial resource available, that such training is provided. Pupils will receive such training as is considered appropriate to the school related activities which they are carrying out. Training will be updated appropriately.

So far as is reasonably practicable, the Governors will make arrangements for all staff, including those on temporary contracts, and for voluntary helpers to receive appropriate training and information in order that they may carry out their duties in a safe manner without placing themselves or others at risk.

Role of the Business Manager

The Business Manager is responsible for the day to day maintenance and development of safe working practices

and conditions for staff, pupils and others and will take all reasonably practicable steps to achieve this with the support of other colleagues as appropriate.

ensuring that the requirements of the relevant legislation, codes of practice and guidelines are met.

The Business Manager will undertake to be aware of the current Health and Safety at work act, and other

relevant legislation and codes of practice


ensure the health, safety and welfare of staff, pupils and others using the school, or taking part in school sponsored activities

ensure safe working practices and procedures throughout the school including those relating to the provision and use of machinery and other apparatus so that each task is carried out to the required standards and risks are controlled so far as is reasonably practical.

consult with staff, including the safety representative on health and safety issues

arrange systems of risk assessment to allow the prompt identification of potential hazards

carry out periodic reviews and safety audits identify the training needs of staff and pupils, offering appropriate

training within the available financial resources encourage staff, pupils and others to promote health and safety eg, by

encouraging employees and visitors to suggest ways and means of reducing risks

ensure that defects in premises, plant or facilities which relate to , or may affect the health and safety of staff, pupils and others are made safe as soon as possible, or taken out of use until they can be made safe.

collate accident and incident information, carrying out investigations as appropriate

monitor the standard of health and safety throughout the school, including all school initiated activities, taking appropriate steps to discipline employees who fail to consider their own well-being, or that of others

monitor first aid and welfare provision advise the governing body on the working of the health and safety

policy.

Role of other staff

All staff, whatever their status will make themselves familiar with the current health and safety at work act together with the relevant guidelines and codes of practice, and are directly responsible to the Headteacher for implementing the school's Health and Safety Policy as it is relevant to their role within the school community.

All staff will ensure that they use safe methods of working apply health and safety regulations, rules and procedures effectively,

including safe practise in PE and sport


instruct others working under their supervision in safe working practices, especially newly appointed staff

inspect their areas of work regularly, and inform the Head of any areas of concern

take immediate corrective action where necessary to ensure the health and safety of all staff, pupils and others, whether or not a perceived hazard occurs within their normal working area

plant, machinery and equipment used in their area of work is in good, safe working order

take all reasonably practical steps to prevent the unauthorised or improper use of all plant, machinery and equipment in their area of working.

use the appropriate protective clothing and equipment provided for their area of working, and that they make the Headteacher aware of any deficiency in these, or in the provision of first aid and fire appliances

Correctly use, store and label toxic, hazardous and/or highly inflammable substances.

monitor the standard of health and safety throughout the area in which they work, encourage staff, pupils and others to achieve the highest possible standards of health and safety.

report to the head those who consistently fail to consider their own well-being or that of others

use appropriate signs to meet statutory requirements report any health and safety concerns to the Business Manager, or to

the Headteacher. Refrain from using plant/equipment for which they have not been

trained Refrain from mis-using plant/equipment make use of the correct equipment and tools, together with any

protective or safety equipment which may be supplied be pro-active in promoting their own health and safety and that of

others

Contractors, Hirers and Other users

When the premises are in use by hirers, contractors or other groups not under the direction of the Headteacher, the person in charge of those activities will have responsibility for safe practices as indicated above.

When the school premises are used for school-sponsored activities "out of hours"then the organiser of that activity will be treated as "hirer" for the purposes of this policy, and should ensure that written risk assessments are carried out


prior to the use of the premises, ensuring the minimisation of risk as far as is reasonably practical.

When the premises are let to a third person hirers, the person in charge must produce a written risk assessment prior to their use of the premises.

In addition, third party hirers must seek permission from the Governing Body or from the Facilities Management company (Pell Frischmann) before undertaking any of the following;

1. introduce equipment for use on the school premises2. alter fixed equipment3. remove fire or safety notices or equipment4. take any actions which may create hazards for anyone using the

premises

All contractors who work on the premises are required to ensure safe working practices for their own employees, and may be required to present a written risk assessment to the facilities management company and Business Manager before any work is undertaken.

In the event of a contractor creating hazardous conditions, and his/her refusal/inability to eliminate such hazards the Business Manager and/or Facilities Manager will take such actions as are reasonably practical necessary to prevent risk of injury to any child, staff member or visitor on the premises. This may include a forced closure of the school to children and staff.

No user of premises shall intentionally, or recklessly interfere with/or misuse any item provided in the interests of health, safety and welfare of children, staff and visitors.

Defects

Any member of staff finding a defect in the building, furniture or equipment will take steps to remove the hazard or ensure that the risk is minimised and report the details immediately to the Headteacher or Business Manager.

The Business Manager, in consultation with the Headteacher, if necessary, will take steps to have the defect rectified, i.e. by notifying the Headteacher, contacting PFI.

Details of the defect will be reported in the Caretakers log book, signed and dated. The defect will also be detailed in the PFI monthy report.


Any member of staff discarding a faulty item or electrical item must also inform office staff to remove this item from the Electrical Appliance Register.

Accident reporting

All serious accidents that occur on the site should be recorded on a Sandwell MBC accident form and the details forwarded immediately or as soon as is possible.

All minor accidents should be reported in the first aid record book. Where necessary, parents/ guardians or other persons should be notified of the accident.

If the accident is serious, the Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher’s or Business Manager should be informed immediately and action taken to ensure the location of the accident is still safe to use.

Near miss reporting

Near misses should be reported to the Headteacher or Business Manager. Any near misses are then recorded in the near miss register. This is checked on a termly basis and any particular issues identified and acted upon. Electricity

Registers for testing electrical appliances are kept in the office itemising each appliance and details of tests carried out. Electrical items received or purchased by the school are recorded by the ICT Network and Media Manager. All defective items are removed or repaired.

Staff should be vigilant for:

Damage to plugs and switches Damage to leads Correctly fitted connectors Coloured insulation of the internal wires not showing at plug or

appliance Damage to outer case of equipment Signs of overheating Signs of liquid spillage or entry of foreign materials, ventilation ports

not blocked The appliance being used for the purpose it was designed for


COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health)

Our school is alert to the need to limit the use of any hazardous substance and use alternative substances where possible. All staff are reminded annually of COSHH materials, and a register kept in the Business Managers Office.

Access equipment

Staff are reminded that they should only use approved equipment to put up displays and access higher level shelving. Consideration should be given to the appropriate clothing and footwear necessary.

Manual handling

All members of staff should be aware of manual handling activities involved in their day-to-day activities i.e. the movement of bundles of paper, the reorganisation of classroom furniture, the carrying of books, the movement of audio/ visual equipment, ICT equipment and the movement of music equipment.

Children should not be required to move heavy objects and should only move awkward objects with appropriate supervision.

Staff are reminded annually about correct posture when lifting and carrying equipment. All staff should alert senior members of staff if they feel that an action they are involved with is having an effect on their physical health and well-being. Members who are supporting pupils with a disability which require manual handling will attend specific training for handling pupils.

Risk Assessments

In conjunction with the Business Manager and Facilities Manager, the Headteacher will ensure that a risk assessment survey of the premises, methods of work, and all school sponsored activities is conducted annually, e.g. for Sports Days or more frequently if necessary.

This survey will identify defects and deficiencies, together with the identification of remedial action or risk control measures to be implemented. The results of all such surveys will be reported to the Behaviour and Safety Committee of the governing body.

Display Screen Equipment


The School has a legal duty to provide safe and healthy conditions of work. The workstation you use must not cause health or safety problems. (eg vision problems, physical problems, problems of stress).

If you spend more than half of your working week at a workstation the School will analyse your display screen workstation and inform you of the results. Where any problems are found which may present a risk to your health or safety, the School will ensure measures are put into place to reduce or minimise. The audit will be kept as a record of your assessment and you may be asked to complete a new audit if there is a major change to software, hardware, furniture, any substantial increase in the time you spend at the workstation or any noticeable changes in your health.

Hot Drinks Hot drinks are not to be consumed outside of child free areas i.e the staff room unless they are held in an insulated/lidded cup

First Aid

The number of certificated first aiders will not be less than that required by law. All mid-day staff will be offered training in first aid, as are all permanent classroom support staff, to provide them with the basic minimum level of competence.

Within the Foundation Stage, at least one person, who has Paediatric First Aid Certificate, must be on the premises when children are present. There must be at least one person on off site visits who has a current first aid certificate.

Supplies of first aid material and equipment are held in a locked cupboard in on the ground floor of the main school building. The school’s first aid at work qualified staff (currently Brogan Barrett, Siobhan Smith and Natalie Bailey) will be responsible for checking the level of materials, and placing orders for replacements.

For the supervising of an out-of-school visit there is a full first aid kit available – staff must ensure that these are taken on all trips. Please also read the schools First Aid Policy

PROCEDURES

In case of concern about the health of an individual the following precautions should be followed:


Minor Injury

1. The child is sent to a qualified first aider. The injury/concern is checked and an assessment made of the level of treatment needed

2. Treatment is administered and a first aid slip completed and sent home with the child

Serious Injury/Suspicious Injury

1. The senior qualified first aider is called and the injury/concern is checked and an assessment made of the level of treatment needed

2. If deemed necessary parents and/or the emergency services are called by the senior qualified first aider and the emergency service assess whether the child should be sent to hospital.

3. A decision will be communicated to the class teacher and appropriate Senior Leader

4. A first aid report form is completed and given to the Business Manager, which is then sent to the Local Authority. If the injury is serious a written report maybe requested.

A record will be kept of each occasion when a child or adult receives first aid treatment, either on the premises or during off-site activities.

All injuries are recorded using a tear off register kept in the year 1 wet area.

Major accidents to children should be entered on the appropriate form available from the school office. Parents must be informed as soon as possible.

If parents are unavailable to take a child to hospital, and immediate medical attention is required an ambulance should be called, and school personnel will continue to try and contact the parent(s) or other suitable adult. For minor accidents a member of staff with business insurance may drive the child or adult to hospital or home following the current safeguarding procedures.

In all cases of major injury (broken bones, unconsciousness etc) the Health and Safety officer of the LA will be informed with the appropriate form sent as soon as possible. A written account of such accidents should be provided as soon as practical.

All accidents to staff or visitors should be notified to the LA in the same way, and an appropriate form filled in. A record of the accident should be kept in the same way as for children.


Off-site Activities/Educational Visits

No child is allowed to leave the school premises except in the care of his/her parent/carer, even for medical or dental appointments.

Should parents wish another adult to collect the child on a regular basis, written instruction to school must be provided, and school personnel must be able to identify the adult as that specified in the instruction.

Verbal notification will not be acceptable, except in an emergency, but in any case, no child will be allowed to leave the school with a minor - a person under the age of 16 except under exceptional circumstances.

Children in KS2 whose parents wish their child(ren) to go home unaccompanied at lunch time or after school, must give written permission for this at the beginning of each year. If in doubt, keep the child in school: better an angry parent than a missing child.

Educational visits – Please refer to EVC Policy

Off-site educational visits are an important part of school life. Children benefit enormously from the opportunity to experience residentials and ‘days out’ at selected venues. However, it is crucial that these visits are prepared well in advance, that risk-assessments where necessary are completed and that parents, LA and school staff are involved in the preparation.

Our EVC is Pearl Powell, Adele Reynolds and Natalie Bailey. Pearl Powell and Natalie Bailey will help support the planning process of a school visit and will advise. Necessary arrangements, information and preparation are to be completed by the class teacher responsible for the children experiencing the visit.

Pre-site visits are always recommended in order that staff can feel sure about potential risks involved and prepare alternative arrangements in the case of inclement weather. Staff should also consult with colleagues who have previous experience of the venue or children involved. All residential visits need approval from the LA and governing body.

Outdoor Play equipment

The equipment is inspected annually. The Business Manager is responsible for overseeing this inspection. The caretaker undertakes a weekly check of the equipment. A log of these checks is kept in the Business Managers Office.


A rota is in place for the use of the equipment. Staff should be particularly alert to the use of equipment with children. It may be necessary for additional TA support to be given where there are concerns.

Use of Playground

Pupils are allowed to use the playground for break times and lunches. The outdoor space can also be used for outdoor learning when appropriate. A risk assessment should be completed by class teachers if the activity could pose a risk. The class teacher on duty will make the decision on whether the playground is safe for the children to go on to.

Use of Hall/Community Room

Pupils use the hall regularly for PE, assemblies and other events. All staff are aware of the safety procedures in place in these spaces e.g. safe storage of tables, stacking of chairs, keep equipment clear of fire exits. Please refer to the policy and procedures for Safe Practise in PE and Sport (PESS) Policy for further details around Health and Safety in PE.

Fire

Please refer to separate fire policy

Tests and checks

These are carried out by the Caretaker, however the Headteacher is responsible for carrying out regular buildings and exit checks.

For all off-site activities, organising staff will be required to take into account the latest national or local guidelines, and to prepare either a written risk assessment or complete an offsite activities checklist before the activity takes place.

Lone working and personal security

The LA, as a responsible employer, does not expect any employee to go into a dangerous situation for which he/ she are not prepared. If you think you may be exposing yourself to danger in entering a building or site you should not do so. Also please refer to the school’s Home Visit Policy.

Staff working alone in the building


If you are working alone in the building or in an isolated situation, take the following precautions:

Tell somebody where you are and what time you will be home Ensure that entrances are secure. If you are the last member of staff to leave ensure that the door through

which you leave locks behind you If anyone suspicious attempts to enter the building or you see or hear

anything suspicious contact the police using the telephone in the main office or mobile phone

Always be alert when leaving the building

In the event of trespassers

Where a person is not immediately recognised as having legitimate reason to be on the school grounds they should be politely asked if they need any help. Assuming the person seems to have a valid reason they should be directed towards the office where they will be asked to sign in and out and be given a visitor’s badge. If it emerges that the person has no right to be on school premises then

They should be asked to leave by the nearest exit and observed until they do so

The most senior member of staff available should be informed

If an intruder refuses to leave becomes abusive or seems to present a threat to the safety of others the police should be called without delay.

If you feel in anyway threatened do not approach but find a safe place and call the police. Don’t try to physically remove trespassers from the site or engage in arguments with them. Make your point, withdraw and call the police.

In the event of a break in on site

Remember personal safety is far more important than the protection of property.

1. Ensure that if children are still on site any available barriers are put into operation

2. Alert colleagues who should call emergency services and seek assistance


In the event of an abusive parent/ adult

Make sure any meeting with any adult whom you suspect may turn abusive is conducted in a room that can easily be monitored and with members of staff within easy reach. It may be appropriate to request that an additional member of staff meets with the parent depending upon circumstances.

Should a parent/adult become abusive they should be asked to leave the premises in a calm and non-threatening way. It might be appropriate for a member of staff to alert the police should the adult refuse to leave or if their behaviour is causing concern in any way.

Head lice

Please refer to separate Head lice policy.

MEDICAL INFORMATION AND THE PROVISION OF MEDICATION IN SCHOOL

‘Your child's class teachers are there to help children and parents with any problems or concerns. The school secretaries and senior staff are also people you may wish to contact if you have any concerns.’

Kate Hill can help parents contact a number of agencies including the school nurse. She can give advice on a number of issues, and can visit the home if necessary. All minor cuts, bruises etc are treated in school, However, it is very important for the school to have accurate and up to date details of how to contact parents or carers in an emergency. If this information changes while your child is at the school, please make sure you let us know. In the case of an emergency, parents will be asked to come to school to take a child home, to a doctor or hospital. If contact cannot be made, the school reserves the right to take the child to hospital.

Generally speaking, medication will not be given by staff without written permission from parents or carers, and only when there is no alternative (eg where regular medication is required to prevent illness, or where emergency medication may be required, please also see the schools medical policy).

School will follow the Health Protection Agencies Guidance on infection control in school and other childcare settings.

Asthma Policy


Please refer to the Asthma Guideline for Mainstream Schools in Sandwell and the schools First Aid Policy.

First Aid

Please refer to the schools first aid policy.

Emergency Plan

Governing Bodies are expected to have a plan to deal with emergency or catastrophic events ( death of child, community emergency etc). This Emergency and Business Coninuity Plan should be agreed by the governing body and be rehearsed by the school. In the event of the school needing to be evacuated all staff and pupils will be escorted to Blackheath Methodist church. The plan was approved at Governors, Summer Term 2015.

This policy will be reviewed annually by the governing body and amended as required by local and national requirement

Signed ...........................................................Date...............................................Chair of Governo

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