SIR GRAHAM BALFOUR SCHOOL HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY

Transcription

1 SIR GRAHAM BALFOUR SCHOOL HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY learning working succeeding

2 CHANGE CONTROL Date Issue Details of change Replaces existing H &S Policy Document Replaces existing H &S Policy Document a To Replace existing H &S Policy Document b Updated following review by Resources Issue etc. updated following Governor approval AUTHORISATION Approved at full Governors Meeting on 25 th November 2013 Signed: Chair of Governors Date Page 2 of 29

3 Sir Graham Balfour School Health and Safety Policy Schools are required to have a Health, Safety and Welfare Policy in place. It is recommended that the School s Health, Safety and Welfare Policy should be developed by the Governing Body in conjunction with the Headteacher and members of the School Leadership Group (LG). The organisation and arrangements which support the Health & Safety ( H&S) Policy (day to day management of Health & Safety) are the responsibility of the Headteacher and the Senior Leadership Team (supported by the Governing Body). The policy has 3 parts; Part 1 - The Health and Safety Policy Statement Part 2 - Information on organising for health and safety and the responsibilities of key people within the school. Part 3 - The detailed arrangements & procedures in place for Health, Safety and Welfare The School s Health and Safety Policy should make reference to, and be complemented by, the County Council (CC) Policy on Health Safety and Welfare which can be found on the Staffordshire Learning net (SLN) at; Page 3 of 29

4 Part 1 Sir Graham Balfour School Health and Safety Policy Statement This policy statement complements (and should be read in conjunction with) the Staffordshire County Council Health, Safety and Welfare Policy, it records Sir Graham Balfour (SGB) local organisation and arrangements for implementing the County Policy. The requirement to provide a safe and healthy working environment for all employees is acknowledged and the Governing Body and those in control of SGB recognise and take responsibility for compliance with the statutory duties under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act In compliance with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act, SGB Governing Body will ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that: - all places and premises where staff and pupils are required to work and engage in school activities are maintained in a condition which is safe and without risk to health. (This includes the health and safety of persons on school premises or taking part in school activities elsewhere.) - all plant and equipment is safe to use and that arrangements exist for the safe use, handling and storage of articles and substances at work. - appropriate safe systems of work exist and are maintained. - sufficient information, instruction, training and supervision is available and provided to ensure that staff and pupils can avoid hazards and contribute in a positive manner towards their own health and safety and others. - a healthy working environment is maintained including adequate welfare facilities. 4. In addition to the above SGB will ensure that, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of non-employees is not adversely affected by SGB activities. 5. Employee involvement is an important part of managing safely, and consultation on health and safety with employees and employee representatives forms part of this policy. 6. This policy statement and the accompanying organisational arrangements supersede any previously issued. Signature Signature Chair of Governors Headteacher Page 4 of 29

5 Date Date Page 5 of 29

6 Part 2 Health, Safety and Welfare Policy Organisation and Responsibility Overall responsibility for health and safety in schools rests with the employer. In SGB the employer is Staffordshire County Council. Governors of SGB have an obligation to ensure that the County Council health and safety policy is implemented. Governors of SGB have health and safety responsibility as the occupier of the premises. Headteachers must make arrangements for ensuring the implementation of the health and safety policies of their employer and/or any Governing Body arrangements arising out of their health and safety responsibilities. The County Council s delegation scheme includes provision to ensure that schools meet their health and safety responsibilities and that necessary work is carried out. Organisation and Responsibilities for Health, Safety and Welfare Duties and responsibilities for health and safety have been assigned to Staff and Governors based on the following roles outlined in the County Council s Health, Safety and Welfare Policy Policy-makers Devise and produce policy on health, safety and welfare at a strategic level. Preserve, develop, promote and maintain SGB and the Council s health and safety management system. Ensure that health and safety matters are taken into account when organisational decisions are made. Planners Implementers Assisters Employees Develop the local plans to achieve corporate/school health & safety objectives. Develop management arrangements for the identification of hazards and control of risks within their area. Ensure that workplace precautions and safe systems of work are developed to identify hazards and control risks. Ensure all the systems are working effectively. Have the authority, independence and competence to advise managers and employees (or their representatives). They may also be technical or specialist employees who have achieved a certain level of health and safety competency within their specialised field. Irrespective of their position within the SGB structure, everyone is regarded as an employee and therefore the employee duties within this Policy apply to them. Page 6 of 29

7 Who are the Policy-makers, Planners, Implementers, Assisters and Employees in schools? School Governors Policy-makers Planners Implementers Assisters Employees Headteacher School Leadership Team Deputy/Assistant Headteacher Health and Safety Coordinator Heads of Dept Teachers Managers Premises Managers (Pell Frischmann) Teaching and Classroom Assistants Learning Support Staff Admin Staff Site Supervisor or Caretaker Council Health and Safety Policy Group Health and Safety Adviser County Council Officers e.g. C&LL Directorate Staff Occupational Health Staff Specialist Technical staff HR Adviser Page 7 of 29

8 The responsibilities of Policy Makers, Planners, Implementers, Assisters and Employees within the Policy Policy-makers School Governors Headteacher CC H&S Policy Group H&S Advisers Devise and produce policy on health, safety and welfare at a strategic level. Preserve, develop, promote and maintain the School s and the Council s health and safety management system. Ensure that health and safety matters are taken into account when organisational decisions are made. The Policy makers; Will be familiar with the overall responsibilities laid down for Policy Makers in the County Council Health, Safety and Welfare Policy. Must ensure that the school has a structure in place to manage health and safety which includes planning, implementation of plans, monitoring, reviewing and auditing. This must be integrated into general day to day management. Will ensure that plans for continuous improvement in health and safety management are developed and reviewed regularly. Must ensure that all school activities are organised and have sufficient arrangements and resources to ensure that health and safety can be managed effectively. As Policy Makers the Governing Body; Must ensure that those who have been assigned specific responsibilities in school for H&S have been identified, this has been communicated, and adequate training or instruction has been given. Must ensure that sufficient competent persons are in place to advise the school on H&S issues. Will set H&S targets (with Planners) to improve H&S performance. Is required to monitor that the H&S targets are being met and the school is meeting health and safety obligations by checking that policies and procedures are implemented in accordance with requirements, and by reviewing Key Performance Indicators (KPI) of health and safety performance on a regular basis. - Whilst some annual KPIs are required by the County Council, the Governing Body may also identify other indicators they wish to monitor. - The H&S Coordinator may be delegated the responsibility to collate these KPI s on the Headteachers behalf (see Assisters below). Will seek advice from and receive reports from the County Council H&S Advisers and SGB H&S Coordinator as appropriate and take actions as necessary. Will ensure that the auditing of H&S takes place and that action plans are developed as a result of audit. Will ensure that all their decisions reflect the commitment of this policy and promote a positive culture towards health, safety and welfare issues. Will inform C&LL Directorate of any issue which has significant health and safety implications which cannot be resolved satisfactorily without their support and involvement. Page 8 of 29

9 Planners Headteacher Members of the School Leadership Team School Governors Deputy/Assistant Headteacher Health and Safety Coordinator Heads of Dept Managers Premises Manager (Pell Frischmann) SIR GRAHAM BALFOUR POLICIES Develop the local AND plans PROCEDURES to achieve corporate/school health & safety objectives. Develop management arrangements for the identification of hazards and control of risks within their area The Planners will; Be familiar with the overall responsibilities laid down for Planners in the County Council Health, Safety and Welfare Policy. Take overall responsibility for the day to day health and safety management of the school and school activities taking place outside school premises. Determine the resources and arrangements needed to manage health and safety effectively as part of the school planning process. Delegate to other members of staff any or all of the duties associated with the management of health and safety. (It is clearly understood by everyone concerned that the delegation of certain duties will not relieve the Headteacher from the overall day to day responsibilities for health and safety within SGB.). Identify a member of staff who can act as a Health and Safety Coordinator (see Assisters below). Ensure that these staff receive appropriate H&S training. Ensure that all staff within the school are aware of their responsibilities with regard to Health and Safety issues. Where staff have specific duties in health and safety matters (e.g. First Aid/Fire Marshal), this should be identified clearly to everyone in the premises. Keep up to date with changes or updates in health and safety management by using the County Council or other resources and communications. Ensure that suitable and sufficient training, instruction and information is provided when required. Set health and safety objectives as part of the school planning process. Include health and safety in staff objectives where appropriate and assess their performance against these objectives regularly. Advise Governors of the resources and arrangements needed to manage health and safety effectively as part of the school planning process. Communicate any health and safety actions outlined in the school planning process to relevant staff and governors. Develop management arrangements for the identification of hazards and control of risks (risk assessments), ensure these take place and that results are communicated to staff. Develop local policies and procedures as necessary for health and safety and ensure they reflect the overall CC Policy. Seek help from the CC H&S Adviser or other specialist to ensure that H&S Policy can be implemented effectively and advise the Governors and/or the County Council where issues arise which cannot be managed at a local level or need additional resources or require external support. Page 9 of 29

10 Ensure that an annual H&S Evaluation (inspection) of the premises is carried out, in line with the County Council Audit arrangements. (This duty may be delegated to other members of school staff). Ensure that an Annual Self Audit of the management of H&S is carried out, in line with the County Council Audit arrangements. (This duty may be shared with other staff such as LG, SMC or Premises Manager). Draw up any Action Plans required from the results of the Premises H&S Evaluation and Annual Self Audit and monitor these regularly. Take part in and cooperate with any Internal Health and Safety Audit which may be carried out by the C&LL H&S Team. Advise the Governors and others of the results of any H&S monitoring (including KPI information) which takes place and of any actions required as a result of this. Consult with staff as necessary on matters of health and safety which may affect them at work. Health and Safety Committee The school has established a Health and Safety Committee which meets termly to consider health and safety planning and organisation, the implementation of policies and to review and monitor performance. An annual report to the Governing Body outlining achievements against the H&S plan and annual KPI s should be considered by Planners and Implementers.. As a minimum, the report will contain a summary of accident and ill health statistics for the current year and will suggest health and safety targets and priorities for the forthcoming year. Implementers Headteacher (also Policymaker, planner) School Leadership Group (also planners) Heads of Department (who may also be planners) Teaching Staff [Including supply teachers] Managers Premises Managers (Pell Frischmann) Teaching Assistants Learning Support Staff Admin Staff Site Supervisor/Caretaker Ensure that workplace precautions and safe systems of work are developed in order to identify hazards and control risks. Ensure all the systems are working effectively The Implementers will; Maintain an understanding of the Health and Safety Policies of the County Council and those developed within school. Demonstrate commitment to the management of health and safety by: - Setting a good example to others. - Promoting good practice. - Identifying H&S problems and rectifying them if possible. - Challenging poor H&S performance or attitudes. - Communicating regularly about H&S. Be responsible for and take the lead on implementation of health and safety policies and any arrangements which have been developed by the Policy makers and Planners. Page 10 of 29

11 Understand and own the plans in place for H&S as part of the overall school planning process, monitor progress in these areas and advise planners of the results or any deficiencies. Ensure than any personal targets set by Planners are achieved and feedback any issues identified in this process. Ensure that individuals have health and safety objectives as part of their annual review process (these may reflect the overall H&S plans). Encourage participation in H&S and ensure that communication about H&S issues takes place. Assess new and existing work activities for hazards, ensuring that risk assessments are in place, control measures implemented (safe methods of work/personal Protective Equipment etc) and the results of risk assessments communicated. Ensure that, where responsibilities for health and safety have been delegated to staff members, these roles are properly assigned and understood by employees in their teams/areas, and ensure that these staff have received appropriate training. Ensure that there is sufficient information, instruction and training, and resources available for staff in order for them to do their job. Consult with staff as necessary on matters of health and safety which may affect them at work and receive health and safety reports from Health and Safety Representatives, responding as necessary. Supervise work adequately to ensure that good health and safety standards are maintained. Ensure that adequate monitoring of H&S takes place eg by taking part in Premises H&S Evaluations and carrying out inspections of work areas. Carry out any reactive monitoring required such as investigation of accidents, near misses and occupational illness and ensure the information gained is used to improve H&S in the future. Avoid allocating blame to individuals who report accidents, illness or near misses, and ensure that all reports of this nature are managed effectively. Monitor H&S standards at the local level by retaining statistics to identify patterns and trends in events. Seek advice from the CC H&S Adviser or other specialist as required. Make use of other resources provided by the County Council to promote H&S at work (eg intranet/newsletters). Arranging for the regular testing and maintenance of electrical equipment. Ensuring adequate first aid requirements for the premises are formally assessed and adequate provision is made. In addition to the above, Teaching staff are responsible for the health and safety of all pupils under their control whilst involved in organised work activities both on site eg classrooms, laboratories, workshops etc., and off site eg school trips. Page 11 of 29

12 Premises Managers (Pell Frischmann) In addition to the responsibilities above Premises Managers (Pell Frischmann) have specific duties laid down in the County Council Health, Safety and Welfare policy. These are reproduced here; To maintain an understanding of County Council and Pell Frischmann health and safety policy arrangements and the premise manager responsibilities detailed within them, and an awareness of relevant premise related health and safety legislation, issues and procedures and operating within these requirements. To control contractors working on the premises, and ensure that hazard information has been exchanged and suitable risk control measures implemented. Ensuring adequate security arrangements are maintained. Ensuring the general cleanliness of the premises and that adequate welfare facilities are provided. Arranging for regular inspection of the areas of the premises for which they are responsible to monitor that workplace health and safety standards are in effective working order and that a safe means of access and egress is maintained. Ensuring that adequate fire safety arrangements and emergency procedures are implemented and maintained. Ensuring that plant and equipment is adequately maintained. Maintaining records of plant and equipment maintenance and tests, and, with SGB, fire evacuation drills, fire officer inspections and fire extinguisher maintenance. Ensuring that all premise related hazards are adequately identified, assessed and suitable and sufficient control measures implemented and monitored. Undertaking thorough investigation of all premise related accidents/incidents. Ensure the availability of an accident book at each premise. Ensuring the adequate provision of health and safety notices and warning signs are prominently displayed and comply with the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations. Ensuring that a copy of the Health and Safety Law Poster is displayed in an accessible location and the information on the poster is kept up to date. Maintaining a health and safety file on the premises in relation to any construction work covered by the Construction (Design and Maintenance) Regulations and make this available to contractors upon requests. Ensuring that adequate systems are in place for the management of asbestos and control of legionella and excessive water temperatures. To respond promptly to D1 Notifications - that is notification of a defect that could affect the health and safety of building occupants/visitors. Page 12 of 29

13 Assisters Health and Safety Coordinators Health and Safety Advisors Occupational Health Professionals Specialist Technical Staff Have the authority, independence and competence to advise managers and employees (or their representatives). They may also be technical or specialist employees who have achieved a certain level of health and safety competency within their specialised field Assisters act in a supportive role to managers and may use their authority, independence and competence to advise when required to do so. The Health and Safety Coordinator; Is familiar with the responsibilities of Assisters laid down in the County Council Health, Safety and Welfare Policy. Has the core duty to ensure that there is a system established for the management of health and safety this planning and organisation must take place with the Planner(s) and Policy makers as necessary. Will keep up to date with Health and Safety issues and changes by making use of resources provided by the County Council to promote H&S at work (eg intranet and/or Newsletters). May take on certain functions such as communication, collation of statistics, coordination of H&S Evaluation/Audits as directed, but the overall responsibility rests with the Headteacher. May collate and produce an annual report on Health and Safety performance for Governors to view as part of their monitoring process. A template is available for this on the SLN/Health and safety Intranet site at; Page 13 of 29

14 Employees Irrespective of their position within the County Councils structure, everyone is regarded as an employee and therefore the employee duties within the H&S Policy apply to them. Employees [including temporary & volunteers] Irrespective of their position within the County Council s structure, all staff are employees and therefore all the employee responsibilities within the County Council Health, Safety and Welfare Policy apply to everyone. All employees in SGB are aware of the responsibilities of Employees laid down in the County Council Health, Safety and Welfare Policy. All employees have general health and safety responsibilities both under criminal and civil law. Staff must be aware that, whilst at work, they are obliged to take care of their own safety and health along with that of others who may be affected by their actions. Employees must also co-operate with the governing body and senior management of SGB so that they may fulfil any legal requirements placed on them as employers and/or persons in control of premises. Pupils/students [This section should be drawn to attention of all pupils] All pupils must be encouraged to follow all safe working practices and observe all school safety rules. All pupils will: Follow all instructions issued by any member of staff in the case of an emergency. Ensure that they do not intentionally or recklessly interfere with equipment provided for safety purposes eg fire extinguishers etc. Inform any member of staff of any situation which may affect their safety. Staff Safety Representatives Health and safety at work law provides for the appointment of trade union appointed safety representatives from amongst the employees. Where the governing body is notified in writing of such an appointment, the safety representative shall have the following functions: To investigate potential hazards and to examine the causes of accidents in the workplace. To investigate complaints by any employee he/she represents relating to that employee s health and safety or welfare at work. To make representations to the Headteacher via the Deputy Headteacher on general matters affecting the health, safety and welfare of employees. To carry out workplace health, safety and welfare inspections. To attend any safety committee meetings. To co-operate with employers in promoting health and safety at work. Page 14 of 29

15 None of the above functions given to a safety representative impose any legal duty or liability whatsoever on that person. A safety representative is in no way obliged to carry out any or all of the above functions. Page 15 of 29

16 Part 3 Arrangements & Procedures for Health, Safety and Welfare Sir Graham Balfour School The following procedures and arrangements have been established within SGB to eliminate or reduce health and safety risks to an acceptable level and to comply with minimum legal requirements: 1. Accident Reporting, Recording & Investigation All accidents and incidents, actual and potential, are to be investigated. The depth or thoroughness of any investigation will vary depending on the immediate findings of the investigation and the severity, or potential severity, of the outcome. All accidents or incidents have a direct affect on risk assessment, eg if an original risk assessment had determined that a particular risk had a low likelihood of occurrence, the moment it has manifested itself in the form of an accident, the risk is now immediately elevated to a level of certainty of occurrence. It is important to note that incidents that may or may not have resulted in an injury (termed a near miss ) should be reported and investigated in the same way as accidents. Near misses are early warning signals of potential accidents and should therefore be treated very seriously and any lessons for the future should be learned. On investigation, the cause of an accident may be very clear and obvious, resulting in an equally obvious solution to prevent a recurrence. However, as well as immediate causes, investigations should also determine any underlying causes or indeed root causes of accidents. It is essential that all staff enter all types of accidents and incidents in the accident book. At SGB, accident books are held in the main office (for use by all SGB staff) and in the Pell Frischmann office (for use by Pell Frischmann staff and visiting contractors). This accident reporting is for the benefit of the individual who is making the report, as well as for the benefit of all their fellow workers. The accident book must be regularly monitored to identify any accident trends or marked deviations from accepted good practice. Preliminary investigations should be carried out by the line manager responsible for the area or activity. Investigations should also involve the affected workforce, focussing initially on those within the area concerned. If necessary, investigations may need to ultimately involve others outside the department or area, or indeed outside SGB, depending on the seriousness of the accident or incident. Page 16 of 29

17 The following forms are enclosed at Annex A to this document: Form HSF 40 Accident Investigation Repor Form (To enable the basic accident or incident information to be recorded and to enable a simple summary of the findings of the investigation to be recorded.) 2. Contractors All responsibility for contractors on site rests with the Facilities Managements company Pell Frischmann, to whom all queries should be forwarded. A copy of contractor safety forms, HR58 and HSF46) are enclosed at Annex B to this document. 3. Visits Safety All staff who intend to undertake or plan out of school trips or activities are to complete the application via the Evolve website. This must be completed and returned in sufficient time for the risk assessment to be carried out if necessary, and permission for the visit to be obtained from governors and/or the County Visits authority as required. If required, risk assessment forms EVC1 (high risk) and EVC 2 (residential), copies of which are shown at Annex C, can be obtained from the Visits Co-ordinator. 4. Drugs & Medications Any drugs or medication, prescribed for students by a doctor, are to be securely held in the main office. Students requiring any drugs or medication so held are to visit Reception where arrangements will be made for the drugs to be administered. It should be clearly understood that there is no specific legal requirement for SGB staff to administer medication to pupils, nor will there be any contractual requirement to do so. Similarly, there is no requirement to administer medication to employees, visitor or contractors etc. There is, however, a legal duty of care to the health (and safety) of pupils while they are in SGB. In certain specific instances this could mean administering medicines, and in all instances the duty includes taking some action in the event of an emergency. This action itself may require the administering of a medicine such as adrenalin in the event of a severe allergic reaction. Any parents or carers who wish the school to take responsibility for administering medication to pupils should be asked to complete Form 3B (Parental agreement for School to Administer Medication), a copy of which is at Annex D. Page 17 of 29

18 5. Electrical Equipment [fixed & portable] All persons working on electrical equipment, cabling, testing etc are to be competent to do so and safe working practices and systems must be in place, including adequate records to show testing, servicing, maintenance and installation of electrical systems and installed equipment. In SGB this is the responsibility of Pell Frischmann. Portable appliances vary greatly in the risks to the user that they present, being dependant on such variables as frequency of use, age, design and operational environment. All portable electrical equipment is to be regularly inspected, visually, by users who are to report any possible defects to the Bursar without delay. High risk and/or high usage equipment is to be subject to testing by independent outside contractors annually, or less frequently if circumstances so dictate, and a full report is to be forwarded to SGB and retained by the Bursar. Other electrical equipment may be tested every 2 years, or less frequently if circumstances so dictate. Staff members who bring their own electrical equipment into SGB are personally responsible for its electrical safety. The following forms are included at Annex E to this document: Form HSF60 Formal Visual Inspection of Electrical Equipment Log (To determine the current status of electrical integrity by gathering information and carrying out visible surveys of all areas of the premises.) Form HSF 59 Electrical appliance inventory (To record all electrical equipment on site) 6. Fire Precautions & Procedures [and other emergencies incl. bomb threats] Responsibility for undertaking and reviewing fire risk assessments is shared between SGB and Pell Frischmann. Fire Drills are to be carried out at least termly. Timing and frequency of such drills is the responsibility of SGB who will liaise with Pell Frischmann on alarm sounding and advising Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service of all such drills. All staff are advised of the detailed procedures for fire drills and evacuations by means of red coloured notices displayed in every room. Fire exits and escape routes are to be clearly marked on site plans. All first aid fire appliances are to be maintained by Chubb Fire, or such other company contracted to Staffordshire County Council for that purpose, and are to be situated at strategic points around SGB. Responsibility for calling Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service rests with either Pell Frischmann or SGB, depending on the time of day and who discovers the fire. The fire alarm is to be tested at least weekly by Pell Frischmann. Emergency lighting is to be tested at least termly by Pell Frischmann. Page 18 of 29

19 7. First Aid Details of trained First Aiders and Appointed Persons are to be published termly on the SGB website. First Aid boxes are located in: Main Office First Aid Room Science Prep Room SGB Office Manager is responsible for checking and restocking first aid boxes. If a student, staff member or visitor is injured or becomes ill while on site, the Receptionist is to call for an ambulance if necessary. In the case of a student being taken to hospital, the Receptionist is to identify a member of staff to accompany the student and to remain with him/her until relieved by a parent or carer or discharged from hospital to SGB. 8. Glass & Glazing All glass in doors, windows, side panels etc within SGB is to be safety glass. 9. Hazardous Substances (COSHH) Information about hazardous substances, including their safe use and general support for practical work, is provided by the Consortium of Local Education Authorities for the Provision of Science Services (CLEAPSS). Publications available from CLEAPSS are: General Publications Hazards Laboratory Handbook and computer disk (updated annually) Recipe cards Managing ionising Radiations and radioactive substances In addition, the Association for Science Education (ASE) provides help and advice on all aspects of Health and Safety in a school science department. Safety data sheets for all chemicals are held in the science Prep Room. Documentation on radioactive sources is held in the science Prep Room, and all sources are to be signed in and out. The Radiation Protection Officer is the Head of Science. 10. Health and Safety Advice SGB will subscribe to the County Council Health and Safety service and will be guided by their advice. Page 19 of 29

20 11. Housekeeping, cleaning & waste disposal Pell Frischmann have responsibility for maintaining the premises and grounds in a clean and tidy condition and for ensuring that rubbish does not accumulate in any areas. All external and internal waste bins are to be emptied at least daily and bulk rubbish is to be kept in purpose-made bins and secured in a locked bin store. Accumulations of snow/ice are to be cleared by Pell Frischmann in the order shown on the plan which forms part of the contract between the County Council and the Facilities Management company. Floor cleaning of hard surfaces is to be carried out by Pell Frischmann in such a way as to minimise the risk of any person slipping on wet surfaces. 12. Handling & Lifting Manual handling is the transporting or supporting of a load by hand or bodily force and includes any lifting, putting down, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving. Regulations require a preliminary manual handling risk assessment to identify those tasks where there is a possibility of injury from a manual handling operation. Where a potential problem is identified, a detailed risk assessment should be carried out to establish whether the activity needs to be carried out and, if so, how it can be done safely and efficiently. Copies of these risk assessment forms, GRA027 and GRA030 are enclosed at Annex F to this document. All staff are encouraged to submit suggestions for improvements in manual handling as part of the ongoing HSW review, forms for which are held in all departments. 13. Jewellery [This should be repeated in school prospectus] Students are permitted to wear only the following items of jewellery: A watch One stud in each ear Wearing expensive watches is actively discouraged. This information is included in the student planner issued to each student. 14. Lettings/shared use of premises SGB is a PFI school. As a consequence, all lettings of school premises are organised by Pell Frischmann who are wholly responsible for staffing, first aid provision, fire and emergency arrangements and cleaning. By arrangement with Pell Frischmann, SGB may use the buildings/grounds for meetings of governors, parents evenings, school shows, revision sessions, Parents Association fund raising events etc, after school and/or at weekends. In such cases, the organiser of the event is solely responsible for carrying out and then acting upon any necessary risk assessments, arranging necessary licences, securing the school etc. Page 20 of 29

21 15. Lone Working There is no legal requirement to prevent lone working, however risks are to be assessed and lone working, when necessary, is to be taken into account. When lone working is unavoidable, communications and rapid response systems are vital. In SGB, lone working is very seldom undertaken but, whenever it may be thought necessary, a Working Alone form GRA058 should be completed as a preliminary risk assessment. A copy of this form is at Annex G to this document. 16. Maintenance / Inspection of Equipment (including selection of equipment) Equipment at SGB can be split into: Machinery (ie power driven) Other equipment (eg ladders) Ownership can also be sub-divided into: SGB owned/managed Pell Frischmann owned/managed Machinery includes all power saws, planers/thicknesser, drills, CadCam equipment, cookers (including microwaves), washing machines, refrigerators, freezers, sewing machines, tumble driers, ceramic kilns, computers (including file servers), reprographics machinery, power vacuum cleaners (indoor and outdoor), floor scrubbers/polishers, whiteboards, multimedia projectors, printers, panic alarm equipment, portable electrical appliances, recording equipment, televisions and other audio visual equipment, fume cupboards, dust/fume extraction, telephony equipment, autoclaves, pressure cookers, portable air conditioning equipment, sound/lighting desks, electronic pianos etc, fire alarm and smoke detection equipment, all CCTV equipment, the lift, school minibus etc. All of this machinery is subject to regular inspection and testing, results of which are retained by SGB/Pell Frischmann as appropriate. Other equipment includes ladders, scaffold tower, step ladders, waste bins (internal and external). Whenever any machinery or other equipment is purchased (new or used), a checklist is completed to ensure that all appropriate hazards are considered before new equipment is obtained. Similarly, this checklist is available for use in carrying out risk assessments on any current machinery or equipment. A Copy of this document is at Annex H. 17. Monitoring the Policy and results The bi-annual Health & Safety checklist is carried out jointly by SGB and Pell Frischmann, depending on their areas of responsibility. Accident reports are notified to the Governing Body through the governor with special Page 21 of 29

22 responsibility for Health and Safety. SGB Health and Safety Committee reviews all complaints/trends at their termly meetings. Page 22 of 29

23 18. Poster on Health and Safety Law A current poster setting out all relevant aspects of Health and Safety law is displayed in Reception. 20. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) PPE is defined as all equipment which is intended to be worn or held by a person at work and which protects him/her against one or more risks to his/her health and safety. In general, PPE is considered to be: Head protection Eye protection Foot protection Hand and arm protection Protective clothing for the body More specific (complex) types of PPE are for: Ear protection Respiratory protection PPE is worn by SGB staff in the following areas: Science (lab coats/goggles) Resistant materials (lab coat/goggles) Food Technology (lab coat) PPE is worn by students in practical lessons in Science and Resistant materials under the supervision of the classroom teacher. The requirement for staff and students to wear PPE will arise from a risk assessment, the results of which should be recorded on Form GRA035, a copy of which is at Annex J to this document. PPE should be regularly checked to ensure its fitness for purpose and, when required, it should be replaced without delay. 21. Reporting Defects All staff at SGB are encouraged to report real or potential health and safety hazards, including defects in any equipment. Appropriate forms are available in all departments and reports should be forwarded without delay to any member of SGB Health, Safety and Welfare Committee. Committee members should immediately pass on concerns received by them to the SGB Health and Safety Co-ordinator who is responsible for taking any necessary remedial action, including taking equipment out of service while awaiting repair or replacement. Page 23 of 29

24 22. Risk Assessments Risk assessments are to be undertaken as part of the preparation for every school visit and they are to encompass the risks of the visit itself plus any accommodation requirements and travel to/from (and between) locations as appropriate. All required forms to record risk assessment for visits are available from SGB Visits Co-ordinator who will advise on detailed requirements. Specific risk assessments may be required in the case of female members of staff who are pregnant or for any staff member returning to work following a period of absence due to illness or injury. These risk assessments should be carried out by appropriate line managers who should take advice from SGB Health and Safety Co-ordinator. Examples of types of risk assessment forms that may be used in these circumstances are at Annex K 23. School Trips/ Off-Site Activities Staff who organise any school trips or off-site activities should contact the SGB Visits Co-ordinator who will advise on any necessary paperwork, timescales, authorisation required etc. When planning school trips it is important to ensure that staff/pupil ratios are adhered to and that an emergency contact is nominated to remain in school (or in UK for overseas trips) and who is contactable at all times. Full details of all requirements are available from SGB Visits Co-ordinator. 24. School Owned Transport SGB has leased a 16 seat minibus through County Fleet. All minibus drivers are required to have regular medical checks and minibus tests at periods not exceeding 5 years. The responsibility for organising these checks and tests lies with the individual. SGB minibus is serviced regularly by County Fleet, but all drivers are personally responsible for carrying out daily safety checks whenever they take out the minibus. These daily checks should include: Sufficient fuel Oil level Tyre wear Tyre pressures Tyre damage Windscreen wash level Windscreen wash operation Handbrake operation Footbrake operation Damage to windscreen or other windows The driver of the minibus is not to supervise pupils travelling in the bus. There is to be separate, adult supervision of passengers to ensure the driver is not distracted from his task. Page 24 of 29

25 25. Smoking SGB is a no-smoking site. This includes all buildings and grounds. No smoking notices are prominently displayed throughout SGB. 26. Staff Consultation and Communication SGB Health, Safety and Welfare Committee (HSW) has been constituted and consists of: Headteacher (or representative) 2 Governors Representatives from following departments: o Science o Design & Technology o Expressive Arts o Physical Education o Support Staff Representatives of trades unions for teaching and non-teaching staff Facilities Manager Catering Manager HSW meetings are held termly and minutes taken which are circulated to all committee members, governors and members of the Leadership Group, as well as being displayed on the staff room notice board. All staff members have been issued with a synopsis of their responsibilities for health and safety which outlines: General responsibilities Accident reporting Fire safety Work with hazardous substances Electrical safety at work First aid Manual handling Work equipment All staff are encouraged to report any health or safety concerns to any member of the HSW committee on a form designed for this purpose, stocks of which are held in each department. A copy of this policy document is available from SGB office and on-line via SGB website. 27. Stress and Staff Well-Being All staff know that their work/life balance is important and is taken seriously at SGB. Regular questionnaires are circulated to all staff inviting their views on any/all matters that affect their well-being. In addition, staff are free to make their views known via the Grumble Box and the Happy Box, both of Page 25 of 29

26 which are in the Staff Room. Concerns raised in this way are addressed termly by Leadership Group. Page 26 of 29

27 28. Supervision [including out of school learning activity/study support] Pupils in SGB, while on school premises, are to be properly supervised at all times, including during lessons and before school, at morning break, at lunch time and after school. Levels of supervision vary during these periods with on-duty staff responsible for maintaining a presence both in and out of the building during break and lunch. SGB adopts the County policy on staff/pupil ratios on school trips (1:10) and all staff, including those who are not SGB employees but who regularly come into contact with pupils, are required to have an enhanced CRB disclosure. Details of CRB clearances are included in the single staff safeguarding record, prepared and held by the Office Manager. 29. Swimming Pool Operating Procedures (where applicable) Not applicable. 30. Training and Development All staff are issued with a brief HSW summary (see para 26 above), and details are included in the Staff Handbook. Prior to appointment, staff competencies in areas for which they will be responsible (eg hazardous substances, work at height, use of VDUs etc) are tested by interview and/or references. Ongoing training is organised for staff with specific responsibilities, eg Health & Safety Co-ordinator, Science/D&T Technician. The Facilities Management company is responsible for all appropriate training for premises and/or cleaning staff. 31. Use of VDU s / Display Screens Staff who regularly use VDUs or other display screen equipment are regularly reminded by line managers of the necessary safety precautions they must employ. Category 2 lighting is fitted as standard at SGB and daylight tubes are fitted where reflection/glare from screens may be an issue. Screen filters, foot rests, mouse mats and wrist supports are all made available to affected users as a matter of course. All staff know how and to whom reports of health concerns should be made and regular eye tests are paid for from public funds if required. 32. Vehicles on Site The general rule is that vehicle and pedestrian movements on SGB site should be segregated. This is achieved by appropriate signage and necessary fencing, including round the bus park. All pedestrians are encouraged to use marked crossings to cross roads. Deliveries by vehicles are planned to take place during the school day, ideally when pupils are in lessons. When this is not possible, drivers are invited to take particular care when manoeuvring on site. Page 27 of 29

28 33. Violence to Staff / School Security Violence to staff, whilst possible, is extremely rare. Vehicle access to the site is limited to the main drive from North Avenue to SGB main buildings. Pedestrian access is possible via the main drive or through the Oaks gate or through the Parkside gate. In all cases, normal entry to and exit from the building is via the main entrance only, at the front of the school, through Reception. All pupils, staff and visitors are required to enter and leave the building via Reception where all visitors are recorded and issued with an easily identifiable visitors badge on a bright red lanyard. All staff wear photo badges on a royal blue SGB lanyard. There should be no exceptions to this rule which then allows instant identification of anyone in SGB who may not be authorised. All staff are advised (Staff Handbook) of the need to report all incidents of verbal and/or physical violence. 34. Working at Height There should be no need for staff to use steps or other ladders on a regular basis. Loft ladders are fitted to all access doors to SGB loft spaces. These are solely for use by Pell Frischmann staff who have all had the necessary training. 35. Water Hygiene The safety of hot and cold water at SGB is the responsibility of Pell Frischmann who are responsible for ensuring that their staff receive appropriate training for this task. 36. Work Experience SGB employs a part time member of staff who is responsible for coordinating all aspects of Work Experience placements for Y10 students. This includes verifying insurance requirements are met, appropriate safeguarding checks are carried out, suitable mid-term visits are made and final reports are prepared. Page 28 of 29

29 Annexes Annex Form No Detail A HSF 40 Accident Investigation Report Form B HR58 HSF46 Contractors Health & Safety Competency Checklist (Pell Frischmann) Contractors Hazard Exchange Form C EVC1 EVC2 External Visit Application Form External Visit Application Form (Residential) D Form 3B Parental Consent for School to Administer Medication E HSF 59 HSF 60 Electrical Appliance Inventory Formal Visual Inspection of Electrical Equipment Log F GRA027 Risk Assessment Lifting Equipment GRA030 Risk Assessment Manual Handling G GRA058 Working Alone H Appendix 1 Machinery Checklist J GRA035 Personal Protective Equipment K GRA039 HSF 19 Risk Assessment ( Pregnant Workers) Risk Assessment Staff well Being Form HSF 19 Page 29 of 29