Health and Safety Policy
March 2013
Author
Carol Grothusen / Steve Shaw
Reviewed by:
Steve Shaw
Review date:
March 2013
Next Review Date
March 2014
Approved by Governors
Layton Primary School – Policy Documents
Contents
Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 3
School Health and Safety Policy Statement
6
Section 2 - Organisation of Health and Safety Matters ................................................................. 6
2.1 Governors ................................................................................................................................... 6
2.2 Headteacher ............................................................................................................................... 6
2.3 Employees ................................................................................................................................... 7
2.4 Staff ............................................................................................................................................. 7
2.5 Pupils........................................................................................................................................... 8
2.6 Health & Safety Team ................................................................................................................. 8
Section 3 - Health and Safety Arrangements ................................................................................. 9
3.1 Reporting of Accidents and Incidents ......................................................................................... 9
3.2 Reporting of Health and Safety Concerns ................................................................................... 9
3.3 First Aid ....................................................................................................................................... 9
3.4 Fire Safety ................................................................................................................................... 9
3.5 Electrical Equipment ................................................................................................................. 10
3.6 PE Equipment ............................................................................................................................ 10
3.6 Play Equipment ......................................................................................................................... 10
3.7 Chemicals Safety ....................................................................................................................... 10
3.8 Risk Assessments ...................................................................................................................... 10
3.9 Lettings ..................................................................................................................................... 10
3.10 Contractors on Site ................................................................................................................. 10
3.11 Visitors on Site ........................................................................................................................ 11
3.12 No smoking Policy ................................................................................................................... 11
3.13 School Visits ............................................................................................................................ 11
3.14 Medical Needs ........................................................................................................................ 11
3.15 Infectious Diseases .................................................................................................................. 11
3.16 Manual Handling ..................................................................................................................... 11
3.17 Security ................................................................................................................................... 11
3.18 Well Being ............................................................................................................................... 12
Monitoring of Health and Safety and Review Arrangements ..................................................... 12
APPENDIX 1 – Fire Evacuation Plan ............................................................................................ 13
Layton Primary School Health and Safety Policy
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Layton Primary School – Policy Documents
Introduction
Although the Local Authority retains primary responsibility as the employer under health and
safety legislation, the Governing Body of individual schools has a statutory duty to comply with
the Local Authorities safety policy which requires it to prepare a written safety policy for its
own establishment.
This is the Health and Safety Policy for Layton Primary School and consists of four main
sections:•
Health and Safety Policy Statement
•
Section 2 - Organisation
o
o
o
o
•
Section 3 - Health & Safety Arrangements
o
o
•
Governors o Headteacher
Employees
Site staff and cleaners o Pupils
Health & Safety Team
Reporting of Accidents and Incidents o
Reporting of Health and Safety Concerns
o First Aid o Fire Safety o Electrical
Equipment o PE Equipment o Play
Equipment o Chemicals Safety o Risk
Assessments o Lettings o Contractors on
Site o Visitors on Site o No smoking Policy
o School Visits o Medical Needs o
Infectious Diseases o Manual Handling o
Security
Well Being
Section 4 - Monitoring and reviewing arrangements
This policy makes reference to many other school policies and documents, these are;
•
First Aid Policy
•
Accident Reporting Book
•
Managing Medical Conditions Policy
•
Local Authority Near Miss Incident Form
•
Health & Safety Near Miss Yellow Form
Layton Primary School Health and Safety Policy
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Layton Primary School – Policy Documents
•
Parent Communication Forms
•
Fire Safety Log
•
Fire and Evacuation Procedures
•
Risk Assessments
•
Lettings Policy
•
Other Adults on Site policy
•
Visitors on Site Policy
•
Off Site and Outdoor Education Activities Policy
•
Sickness Absence Policy
The School’s Health and Safety team consists of;
School Bursar – Mrs Carol Grothusen
Non teaching member of staff – Mrs Maggie Barton
School Governor – Mr Stephen Shaw
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Section 1 - The School’s Health and Safety Policy
Statement
Layton Primary School recognises its responsibility to promote a culture where Health & Safety
issues are discussed in an open and positive way to achieve improved standards and safe
methods of work.
Without prejudice to the generality of the above the school will ensure, so far as is reasonably
practicable, that;
•
Plant equipment and systems of work are safe and without risks to health;
•
The handling and storage of articles and substances will be safe and without risk to
health;
•
Appropriate information, instruction, training and supervision will be available to assist
all employees, pupils and visitors to avoid hazards and contribute positively to their
own health and safety whilst on school premises;
•
The site is maintained in a safe condition and without risks to health;
•
A safe work place and safe access is provided;
•
A healthy working environment is provided;
•
Adequate welfare facilities and suitable protective clothing and equipment are available
to all;
•
Arrangements for the safe introduction of new plant, machinery, substances and
procedures are made;
•
There are adequate arrangements for staff welfare at work and the welfare of pupils
and visitors;
The school acknowledges that no policy can be completely effective without the full cooperation of all concerned with the safe operation of the school.
It will therefore strive to gain this degree of commitment from the staff through participation,
encouragement and support.
Signed _______________________________________
Chair of Governors
Signed _______________________________________
Layton Primary School Health and Safety Policy
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__________________
Date
__________________
Layton Primary School – Policy Documents
Headteacher
Date
Section 2 - Organisation of Health and Safety Matters
This section of the policy outlines the duties and responsibilities of individuals/groups within
the school.
2.1 Governors
The School Governors will ensure that:a) The Local Authorities Health & Safety Policy and Codes of Practice are fully
implemented.
b) The Headteacher produces a Health & Safety Policy for approval by the governing
body and that the policy is reviewed annually.
c) Risk Assessments of work activities are undertaken and a written record of the
assessments is kept.
d) All Staff with delegated responsibility for carrying out the arrangements for health and
safety are fully aware of their role.
e) Regular Health & Safety inspections and monitoring is undertaken and reports
compiled and presented to the Governing Body.
f)
A positive Health & Safety culture is established and maintained, with staff training
taking high priority.
2.2 Headteacher
The Headteacher is responsible, as far as is reasonably practicable, for;
a) Ensuring Health and Safety is an integral part of the management of the school. This
will include setting of objectives as part of a planned approach to full legislative
compliance. Producing and updating, as necessary, a school health and safety policy
document which details arrangements with respect to implementing local policies and
procedures in school.
b) Risk Assessments of work activities are undertaken and a written record of the
assessments is kept and reviewed regularly to ensure they remain valid.
c) Ensuring staff who have been nominated for Health & Safety are fully aware of their
responsibility for such delegated tasks and have been provided with the necessary
training.
d) Ensure that adequate arrangements exist for the reporting of accidents and potential
hazards, and that such reports are forwarded to the Local Authority.
e) Reporting all known hazards immediately to the Health and Safety Representatives
and stop any practices or the use of any plant, tools, equipment, machinery etc. they
consider to be unsafe until satisfied as to their safety.
f)
Ensure arrangements for inspection of the school premises, places of work and
working practices on a regular basis.
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g) Maintaining appropriate safety documents and records.
h) Reviewing from time to time e.g. annually;
•
•
i)
the provision of first aid in school.
the emergency regulations and make recommendations for improving the
procedures laid down and for the training of personnel.
Ensuring that all purchases have been assessed for suitability and compliance with the
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.
2.3 Employees
All employees must;
a) Take reasonable care for their Health & Safety at work and that of other persons who
might be affected by their acts
b) Adhere to and comply with statutory regulations and agreed procedures for safe
working, observe any safety rules or instructions relevant to particular work or locations
and to use protective clothing and safety equipment that is provided.
c) Exercise effective supervision of the pupils and to know the emergency procedures in
respect of fire, bomb scare, first aid and to carry them out.
d) Report immediately or as soon as practicable, any defects with equipment machinery
or the workplace in general.
e) Report any near misses or Health & Safety concerns to the School Bursar
f)
Not misuse anything provided for Health & Safety purposes.
g) Cooperate fully with management in respect of complying with Health & Safety
requirements.
h) Be responsible for completing risk assessments which are specific to their classrooms
or activities that they may undertake. Examples are classroom risk assessments or
specific sporting lessons.
i)
Establish and maintain safe working procedures including arrangements for ensuring,
so far as is reasonable practicable, safety and absence of risks to health in connection
with the use, handling, storage and transport of articles and substances.
2.4 Staff
In addition to the section entitled employees the Premises staff will;
a) Assist the Headteacher and Health & Safety Team in undertaking Health & Safety
monitoring and recording the findings as necessary.
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b) Report any concerns about Health & Safety matters directly to a member of the Health
& Safety Team.
c) Ensure that suitable footwear is worn in addition to the schools protective uniforms that
are provided. The school will not accept responsibility for staff who wear inappropriate
footwear, which include;
•
•
•
•
Flip flops
Wedges
High heels
Open toe shoes
d) Ensure that they are aware of all school risk assessments and that each activity will be
carried out under the direction of the controls in place.
2.5 Pupils
All pupils are expected to;
a) Comply with the school rules relating to behaviour.
b) Comply with all information that is provided both verbally and written relating to Health
& Safety matters.
c) Not misuse anything provided for Health & Safety reasons.
d) In the case of an emergency, listen to and obey instructions given by staff.
e) Ensure that suitable footwear is worn. The school will not accept responsibility for
pupils who wear inappropriate footwear, which include;
•
•
•
•
Flip flops
Wedges
High heels
Open toe shoes
2.6 Health & Safety Team
The Health & safety team will;
a) Be responsible for the collation of all first aid and near miss / health & safety concern
data. In conjunction with the findings the team will look at actions and provisions to
eliminate risks/accidents.
b) Scrutinise and approve every school hazard, activity or location risk assessment.
c) Approve all Health & Safety policy documents which will be promoted within school
and amongst staff, pupils, governors and visitors.
d) Support the Headteacher on the effective implementation of the Health & Safety
legislation.
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Section 3 - Health and Safety Arrangements
This section of the policy outlines the procedures adopted to ensure the safety of all
employees, pupils, visitors and tradesmen while engaged in activities on-site and the safety
of employees and pupils when engaged in school business off-site.
3.1 Reporting of Accidents and Incidents
All accidents to pupils and staff involving injury are recorded in the schools accident book.
These are then stored centrally within the school office. If communication is required with a
pupils parent/carer this should also be recorded on a school ‘Parent Communication Form’
and then attached to the first aid form.
In addition to completing a first aid form a separate Near Miss Incident Form should be
completed if the injury resulted in an ambulance being summoned or if the injury was a near
miss adventure. These forms are then forwarded to the Local Authorities Health & Safety
department where the information is reported to RIDDOR.
3.2 Reporting of Health and Safety Concerns
School has a system in place for reporting Health & Safety concerns and near misses. Not to
be confused with the Local Authorities Near Miss Accident Form, this form is more commonly
known as the ‘Yellow Form’. All Safety Concerns or Health & Safety near misses are recorded
on this form and forwarded to the School Bursar, who will action accordingly. Once the issue
has been resolved the form is signed off and countersigned by the Assistant Head.
Regularly analysis of these forms takes place with hot spots often being identified and
preventative measures often implemented.
3.3 First Aid
The school has always given high priority to staff training in First Aid. For further information
please refer to the school’s ‘First Aid Policy’.
3.4 Fire Safety
The Headteacher will ensure that a Fire Risk assessment takes place at least once a year. All
staff will be made aware of:i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
The location of the fire alarm exits
The location of the fire assembly points
The location, type and procedures for using fire extinguishers
Fire and Evacuation procedures.
The school has several members of staff as trained fire wardens who will sweep the immediate
area when a fire alarm is sounded. A fire evacuation practice will be carried out once a term
and a log will be kept of the outcome in the fire log book. The School Bursar will ensure that
fire extinguishers are regularly maintained following advice from the Local Authorities Health
and Safety section and the Fire Service.
Fire Evacuation Plans are attached in Appendix 1
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3.5 Electrical Equipment
There has always been a requirement to satisfy Health & Safety legislation. In 1989 The
Electricity at Work Regulations came into force, which clarifies the need to maintain electrical
systems safely. School undertakes PAT Testing annually.
3.6 PE Equipment
All PE equipment will be checked regularly by an approved contractor and all recommendations
regarding the repair/replacement of equipment will be followed. In addition each member of
staff will carry out a visual inspection prior to use. If defects are noticed then the PE Coordinator
will assess whether the equipment can remain in use or whether it needs to be taken out of
use pending repair.
3.6 Play Equipment
All play equipment is approved for use by Lancashire County Council. In addition each member
of staff will carry out a visual inspection prior to use. If defects are noticed then the School
Bursar will assess whether the equipment can remain in use or whether it needs to be taken
out of use pending repair. Members of staff are to undertake a visual risk assessment of the
play pods before use, 10 children only are permitted within each pod at any one time.
3.7 Chemicals Safety
The school will follow COSHH procedures to ensure the careful selection, use, storage and
transport of all potentially harmful substances. All COSHH advice sheets will be readily
available, stored with each substance.
The cleaners in charge, under the supervision of the Headteacher, will be responsible for these
matters.
3.8 Risk Assessments
The schools risk assessment process is on-going. The risk assessments are based on the
Model School Risk Assessments provided by the Local Authority, with each risk assessment
being personalised to school. Risk Assessments are undertaken for hazards, activities and
locations. All staff have access to these and are reminded on a regularly basis to make
themselves familiar with them.
All risk assessment are completed and then approved by the Health & Safety team before being
approved and implemented.
3.9 Lettings
The school constantly strives to make best use of its facilities and promotes the use of lettings.
Please refer to the schools Lettings Policy for more information.
3.10 Contractors on Site
There are two distinct types of contractors on site; these are approved contractors that have
been through an application process with the school and other contractors. For accidents on
site please refer to 3.1 Reporting of accidents and incidents. For further information please
also refer to the schools ‘Other Adults on Site Policy’.
3.11 Visitors on Site
For accidents on site please refer to 3.1 Reporting of Accidents and incidents. For further
information please also refer to the schools ‘Visitors on Site Policy’.
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3.12 No smoking Policy
The school has a non-smoking policy which applies to visitors, contractors as well as staff and
voluntary helpers. This applies to the whole site - both inside and outside areas of the school.
For further information please refer to the schools ‘No Smoking Policy’.
3.13 School Visits
During the planning of off-site visits, staff are encouraged to give high priority to Health and
Safety issues, and pre-visits are expected, wherever possible. Generous pupil/teacher ratios
are expected to reflect the age of the children and the nature of the trip.
A qualified First Aider accompanies all trips and first aid equipment is available at all times. The
teacher-in-charge will carry the school’s mobile telephone on the Risk Assessment. A risk
assessment should be completed by the lead teacher and be approved by the EVC and then
the Head Teacher and recorded in Evolve on Moodle.
Wherever possible only transport using individual safety harnesses will be used. For further
information please refer to the schools ‘Off Site and Outdoor Education Activities Policy’
3.14 Medical Needs
For more information on managing medical needs please refer to the ‘Managing Medical Conditions
in School Policy’ and ‘Administration of Medicines Policy’
The names of children likely to suffer from Anaphylactic shock will be kept in the staffroom and
office. All Staff who have received training in the use of the Epipen and what to do in the case
of an asthma attack should be made aware of whom these children are.
3.15 Infectious Diseases
For more information on Infectious Diseases please refer to the ‘Blackpool Borough Councils
Infectious Disease Policy’
3.16 Manual Handling
Manual handling legislation requires that any manual handling operation that is likely to cause
a significant injury needs to be assessed. All staff will undertake an element of manual handling
training.
3.17 Security
The premises of Layton Primary School and the equipment within it are protected as far as is
reasonably practicable. In addition the premises should be kept in a well-maintained condition,
be attractive in appearance and kept free of graffiti, litter and other disfigurements.
All electrical equipment is security tagged and details are held within the Assets Register Database.
The school premises has limited car parking space, which staff and visitors are given access
to. The car park is covered by limited CCTV however cars parked there are done so at the
owners own risk.
3.18 Well Being
The well being of staff is seen as an integral part of the school Health & Safety responsibility.
All staff have the right to a reasonable work life balance and to expect the appropriate support
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or intervention when they experience health or personal difficulties. An ethos of mutual respect
and support is promoted amongst all staff.
Staff are encouraged to raise any concerns with the Headteacher or Line manager but also
have access to a confidential counselling service. All sickness absence will be managed under
the school ‘Sickness Absence Policy’.
Monitoring of Health and Safety and Review Arrangements
Health and Safety inspections will be carried out once a term and a report will be given to the
Governors.
A Fire risk assessment will take place once a year as well as at any time that issues are raised
by members of staff. A report will be given to the Governors by the Health and Safety governor.
The school’s Health and Safety policy will be reviewed annually. This will normally take place at
the first meeting of the Finance and Resources committee in the school year.
Also at this meeting, consideration will be given to the training needs of individuals to enable them
to successfully carry out their Health and Safety responsibilities.
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The school will continue to give high priority to Health and
Safety issues.
APPENDIX 1 – Fire Evacuation Plan
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