ALL SAINTS RC SCHOOL, YORK Diocese of Middlesbrough HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY, notes for guidance The Health and Safety Policy schedules the standards and principles that govern steps taken to prevent personal injury, health hazards and damage to property at All Saints School. These notes provide specific advice on the roles and responsibilities of staff. Organisation The Governors recognise the need to identify organisational arrangements in the school for implementing, monitoring and controlling Health and Safety matters. The Governors must also ensure that the school budgets reflect the finance necessary to implement Health and Safety matters. A summary of the individual duties including reporting arrangements and hence the organisation and accountability are as follows: 1. The Headteacher The Headteacher is responsible and accountable to the Governors for implementing the school safety policy and for all matters relating to health, safety and welfare within the establishment. 1. The overall strategic planning of Health and Safety is delegated to the school s (Assistant Head (H&S) and the Buildings Manager and Business Manager).. 2. The day-to-day management of Health and Safety matters (NB duties not responsibility) is delegated to the Buildings Manager,.Assistant Head (Upper Site) and Assistant Head (Lower Site). 3. The Head must be aware of all contracts and/or third parties entering the school to undertake maintenance, service, or works contracts. This duty will be delegated to School Business Manager.and Buildings Manager. 4. When building or plant maintenance work is carried out by contractors, it is the employer s responsibility to ensure that a competent contractor is employed and to oversee the planning and safe execution of the work. 5. The Headteacher must ensure that the schools safety policy is effectively implemented at all levels. The policy must be regularly monitored, effectively controlled and revised as necessary. 6. The Head is responsible for ensuring that all new, amended or updated material regarding health and safety matters is brought to the attention of the relevant personnel immediately upon receipt, from The City of York Council, Directorate of Educational Services. 7. The Head must ensure that the agreed procedure for reporting all defects, hazards and problems regarding Health and Safety matters functions efficiently and effectively. 8. The Head and Assistant Head (H&S) and the Buildings Manager)School Business Manager will be members of the Health, Safety & Premises Committee School Safety Committee?, arranging meetings as necessary to resolve uncertain areas of responsibility, considering problems or recommendations and referrals to the Governing Body.
9. The Head will seek advice, when appropriate from The City of York Council, Directorate of Educational Services. 10. The Head shall have the right to stop what is considered unsafe practices, or the use of any plant tools equipment, machinery etc., which they consider to be unsafe. 11. The Head shall make arrangements for improvement to premises and (with appropriate member of staff) plant tools and equipment which are the establishments responsibility. 12. The Head with the Safety Committee? H, S & P Committee shall review from time to time: a. the provision of First Aid in school b. fire and evacuation procedures c. Accident /Incident reporting d. Advice received from The City of York Council on Safety Legislation which may apply to the school and/or staff. 13. The Head will monitor and inform the Governing Body that appropriate training has been or will be given to staff to enable them to fulfil their responsibilities. This must include new appointments and transfer of staff within the premises to other functions. 14. The Head will ensure that in all schemes of work for students, including work experience arrangements are in place regarding the adequate information, instruction, training and supervision for health and safety matters. 15. The Head will consult with approved trade union representatives on all health, safety and welfare matters and co-operate with them in the execution of their duties. 2. Assistant Head (H&S) and Buildings Manager and School Business Manager Responsibilities 1. To be responsible for co-ordinating all contractual work and maintenance carried out on school premises. To liaise with Subject Leaders and to ensure safety procedures and policy agreements are adhered to. 2. To ensure that strict procedures are laid down for building work such as roofing, excavation and drainage, alterations to building structures, refurbishments and renovations or remodelling schemes. 3. To ensure good communication exists within the school so that information is available on Health and Safety as per paragraph 3.4 of The City of York Council, Directorate of Educational Services, Health and Safety Policy Statement. 4. To be responsible for Health and Safety matters regarding "Grounds Maintenance Service Contracts". 5. To be responsible for compiling a school "Building Register" identifying known hazardous substances and materials (e.g. asbestos, lead, flammable etc.). 6. To be responsible for emergency procedures and bomb warnings evacuation of school premises. 7. To be responsible for ensuring that where showers have not been used for 7 days, flushing is carried out in accordance with procedures detailed by The City of York Council, ACE Directorate. They should also be aware of the HSE Guideline HS(G)70 "The Control of Legionellosis" and of the need to carry out risk assessment of the premises. 8. To be responsible for liaising with The City of York Council so that competent person(s) or specialists are consulted as necessary; to advise on Health and Safety matters. Areas of concern are likely to be technical issues, sampling monitoring and auditing requirements.
9. To be responsible for ensuring that a property survey of the school buildings is carried out by The City of York Council staff and that regular termly inspections are completed with defects reported accordingly. 3. Assistant Head SLT Responsible for Site 1. To carry out regular Health and Safety inspections of their respective site and report their findings back to the School Business Manager Buildings Manager and the Health, Safety and Premises Committee 4. Subject Leader Responsibilities 1. Subject Leaders are responsible and accountable to the Head for all matters relating to health, safety and welfare within their departments. Pastoral Leaders are similarly responsible and accountable in respect of areas that are designated "pastoral" areas as opposed to being "departmental" areas. 2. In the exercise of this responsibility Subject Leaders must ensure that: a. all staff under their control receive instruction in their duties, regarding Health and Safety matters b. all staff under their control are adequately trained to carry out their duties efficiently and effectively c. they are aware of regulations, codes of practice and guidance notes appropriate to their specialist areas d. they are responsible for producing their own departmental safety policy, defining safe working arrangements and bringing it to the attention of members of staff including new entrants, supply teachers etc. e. they are responsible for ensuring all statutory notices, placards, regulations and safety signs are displayed as appropriate to their workplace. This will include arrangements for facilities such as first aid equipment, protective clothing/equipment, registers, log books etc. 3. Under Section 6 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act, Subject Leaders are responsible for ensuring that everything received from suppliers - machinery, equipment, substances etc. - is accompanied by adequate information and instruction prior to use (NB "Use of Manufacturers Data Sheets"). 4. Subject Leaders must report to the Business Manager, Assistant Head (H&S) and Buildings Manager all problems, defects and hazards. 5. Subject Leaders and Pastoral Leaders must ensure that a copy of the Fire Drill regulations and assembly point are prominently displayed in all rooms and areas for which they are responsible. 6. Subject Leaders must carry out regular safety inspections of the department. Priorities must be given to plant, machinery, equipment, electrical appliances, VDU work stations, manual handling and risk assessment made on substances and equipment as detailed in Section 9 of The City of York Council, Directorate of Educational Services, Health and Safety Manual. 7. Report and if appropriate make recommendations to the Local Manager or his/her representative on any practices, premises, equipment etc., which give rise to risks to Health and Safety. 5. Teachers/Technicians Responsibilities 1. Teaching staff and Technicians are responsible and accountable to their Subject Leader for the implementation of the school safety policy in the performance of their duties.
2. They must be familiar with the schools safety policy, the implications of that policy and equally any procedures, arrangements and practices relating to their department. 3. They must conform to responsibilities as laid down in their own departmental policy and safe working arrangements. 4. They must ensure that where conditions apply, all students or persons under their control receive instruction and are provided with on-the-job training to enable them to operate in a safe and efficient manner. 5. They must report to their Subject Leaders, using the agreed procedure, all problems, defects and hazards that are brought to their notice. 6. Supply Teachers must be made aware of the school Health and Safety Policy and of any special arrangements, procedures, relating to their work area before commencing work. 6. Facilities Manager 71. The Facilities Manager is responsible and accountable to the Business Manager and Buildings Manager for any matters relating to Health, Safety and Welfare involving the Cleaning Team 72. The Facilities Manager must ensure that they are familiar with the school s Safety Policy and that all cleaning staff are equally aware of any implications of the policy as it affects their work activities (e.g. storage arrangements, materials, equipment, substances etc) 73. The Facilities Manager is responsible for ensuring that all equipment and resources used by the Cleaning Team are safe to use; used in the correct way and used with the correct dilutions where applicable 74. In the case of direct labour, the Facilities Manager is responsible for ensuring that staff under their control are adequately informed, instructed and trained in using all such items before actual use. 75. The Facilities Manager should also be familiar with Section 9 of The City of York Council, Directorate of Educational Services, Health and Safety Manual, and when necessary to be able to carry out risk assessments. 7. Site Manager Responsibilities 1. The Site Manager is responsible and accountable to the Buildings Manager Business Manager for all matters relating to health, safety and welfare within the sphere of their his activity. 2. The Site Manager must ensure that they are familiar with the school s Safety Policy 3. The Site Manager must report to the Business Manager using the schools procedure when reporting defects, hazards that are brought to his notice. 4. Under Section 6 of HASAW etc. Act the Site Manager is responsible for ensuring that everything received from suppliers (for direct school use), machinery, equipment, substances etc. is accompanied by adequate information and instruction prior to use. (NB Use of Manufacturers Data Sheets). 5. In the case of direct labour, the Site Manager is responsible for ensuring that staff under their control are adequately informed, instructed and trained in using all such items before actual use. 6. The Site Manager must inform the Business Manager Buildings Manager whenever contractors are due to enter the school to undertake maintenance, service or works contracts. 7. The Site Manager should also be familiar with Section 9 of The City of York Council, Directorate of Educational Services, Health and Safety Manual, and when necessary to be able to carry out risk assessments.
8. Kitchen Manager Responsibilities 1. Must familiarise themselves with the schools Safety Policy and what it means to their work activities. 2. They must work in conjunction with any Policy Statement, Health and Safety rules and guidance issued by the employing body. 3. They will ensure that all kitchen staff are instructed and informed to work in accordance with this document. 4. They should be familiar with the Food Safety Act 1990 and the implications as far as the school is concerned. 5. The Kitchen Manager must inform the Business Manager Buildings Manager of the school of any potential hazard or defects. 6. It is extremely important that new entrants/employees or part-time assistants are aware of Health and Safety practices and procedures in the kitchen. 9. Safety Representative(s) Roles 1. The Safety Representative will be encouraged by the Head to fulfil his/her duties as well as being released for any appropriate training. The Head will also consult regularly with the Safety Representative on Health and Safety matters. 2. They will be entitled to inspect the school in accordance with the agreed Trade Union procedures/agreement. 3. The timescales for such inspection, monitoring and auditing procedures will be defined and arranged through the school Safety Committee.H, S & P Committee 4. The Safety Representative has the right to receive any subsequent reports regarding accidents, injuries and any inspections carried out by the HSE or other authoritative bodies. 10. School Staff/Employees Responsibilities 1. All staff must be made aware of what is expected of them and in particular in relation to the department in which they work. Departmental procedures and practices must be clearly defined, with adequate instruction and training provided as necessary. 11. General Matters 12. Accident Reporting/Investigation The reporting procedure will be in accordance with the policy as laid down by The City of York Council. There will be an Accident Reporting Book on each site and no other means of reporting will be adopted or arranged. This procedure must be brought to the attention of all staff and forms must be filled in correctly, so that Council Officers can decide if the accident or incident requires action under legislation and if enforcing agencies need to be informed. This is necessary for the school to meet legal requirements and applies to accidents/incidents to visitors as well as students and staff. 13. First Aid Provision
The arrangements for first aid in school will be in accordance with Section 8 of The City of York Council, ACE Directorate, Health and Safety Manual, with first-aid boxes located in high risk areas Science, D & T, Sports and PE, Kitchens etc). 14. Fire Precautions The arrangements for general fire safety will be in accordance with Section 8 of The City of York Council, ACE Directorate, Health and Safety Manual. The school "Fire Log Book" will be used to record tests, drills, training, visits by the Fire Brigade etc. Visits Book held by site managers on both sites. 15. Housekeeping (Cleaning Arrangements) Subject Leaders will make regular checks of their departments maintaining tidy work areas, adequate storage and cleaning arrangements which conform to Good Housekeeping which is an important part of the Health and Safety at Work Act. 16. Training Arrangements Training must always be viewed as a constant requirement, based on the ability to recognise who requires it and when. New employees/entrants and supply staff will require either a level of awareness relevant to their task or a more in-depth training programme. New technology, legislation, regulations and standards are all factors which determine a fresh approach to training requirements and indeed a re-training programme for existing staff. There are various categories of training requirements in school. They can be defined as induction training, informative/awareness training and specific "handson" training 17. Induction Training This will apply to new members or transfer of employees to another department. They will need to be shown over the department, made aware of policies and procedures, fire precautions, first aid and welfare arrangements. 18. Informative/Awareness Training A more in-depth approach, in-house training, showing staff what they must and must not do. Providing supervision until they gain an understanding of what is required. Making them aware of their tasks, providing written procedures and arrangements. 19. Specific Training This is a "hands-on" training approach where it is recognised by the Governors that employees will require an accepted level of competence to perform their tasks. 1. D & T - Employees who have recourse to use, instruct and operate dangerous machinery/equipment i.e. woodwork, metalwork, heat treatment, will be required to hold an approved, accredited certificate. 2. Science, Microbiology - Employees will be required to be trained in biological hazards and also in accordance with COSHH regulations. 3. Radiology - Employees will require training to be competent in the use of radioactive sources. This will be in accordance with "Ionising Radiation Regulations 1985" and the DES AM 1/92. The Subject Leader for Science will act as Radiation Protection Supervisor for the school.
4. First Aid - The school will aim to have at least a total of 5 staff certificated in first aid. 20. Statutory Requirements 21. COSHH (Control of Substance Hazardous to Health) 1. The Governors recognise the need for the school to carry out risk assessment of all areas in accordance with the regulations. 2. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992 made under the EC Directive and which came into force in January 1993 require risk assessments with chemicals and even operations involving mechanical and electrical hazards. Subject Leaders (or appointed "assessor(s)") will be required to make provision for this in their departmental safety policy. 3. Working in conjunction with the school chemical register and the COSHH package, Subject Leaders will ensure assessments have been carried out and that further monitoring is in place as required. 4. Review of practice and procedure must take place in the department. 5. Subject Leaders are advised to follow the information in The City of York Council, Directorate of Educational Services, Health and Safety Manual. 6. The Governors recognise there will be occasions to refer to outside specialists for air monitoring and the checking of ventilation systems already installed for the removal of dusts, vapours, gases etc. (e.g. fume cupboards, woodwork extraction, heat treatment, soldering etc.). 7. Provisions will be made to ensure this takes place every 14 months. A register of all such tests will be kept by the Business Manager Subject Leader for Science, Assistant Head (H&S) and Buildings Manager. 22. Checking Portable Electrical Equipment 1. The existing procedure now established will continue to operate until any changes are made by The City of York Council. 2. The school has appointed an outside contractor to ensure all portable electrical equipment is checked once per annum. 3. A second choice would be to require a member of staff to be trained in order to meet this requirement. Subject Leaders will be required to maintain a register of all equipment, in an inventory within their department as described in the City of York Council, ACE Directorate, Health and Safety Manual. 23. Plant Machinery/Equipment 1. The Governors recognise that initially it may be required to seek specialist advice in determining the safety requirements for: a. Adequate and correct guarding of machinery b. General inspection of plant, equipment and machinery c. Storage and transportation of toxic substances, gases etc. d. Disposal of toxic and other waste substances and materials. 2. The Subject Leader will be responsible for carrying out periodical checks within their department. 3. A thorough inspection of departments will take place each term in the presence of the Safety Representative and other designated person(s) as defined by the school Safety Committee. 4. It is also recognised that certain items of machinery/equipment require to be checked and certified in accordance with safety legislation.
5. No new machinery/equipment or substances must be brought into the premises unless it has been cleared through the delegated people (the School Business Manager and/or a competent Site Manager),Buildings Manager including second hand equipment. 6. Subject Leaders will be responsible for defining safe systems of work for cleaning and maintaining plant machinery/equipment. 7. They will also be required to select and provide suitable protective clothing/equipment and of the correct type. They should refer to Section 9 and 11 of The City of York Council, Directorate of Educational Services, Health and Safety Manual. 24. Contractors on Site 1. All contractors entering or working on school premises will be the responsibility of the Business Manager. Assistant Head (H&S) and Buildings Manager. 2. It must be conveyed to all known contractors by letter, the point of contact at the school, the safe working arrangements and a copy of the school safety policy. 3. The said person will also be responsible for setting out safe systems for maintaining the fabric of the buildings and making the Governors aware of any specific problems, through the Headteacher. 25. Arrangements for Safety Representatives 1. The arrangements for Safety Representatives will be fully implemented. The school recognises that Safety Representatives are recognised by the Health and Safety at Work Act 1994 and are also covered by the safety representative and Safety Committee regulations 1977. 2. Subject Leaders will liaise and communicate to Safety Representatives problems, hazards, defects pertaining to their sphere of activity. Problems other than sources of imminent danger will be discussed at the Safety Committee Meeting H,S, & P Committee. 3. Any specific requirements which require immediate action will be taken after consultation with the Business Manager and.buildings Manager. 26. Field Trips 1. Procedures for field trips and extra-curricular activities will continue without change until advised by The City of York Council, ACE Directorate 2. Activities which fall outside the scope of this document will be discussed inhouse with written instructions and arrangements conveyed to all interested parties. 27. Emergency Procedures 1. In the event of accidents, fires, explosions and spillages, the Headteacher (or delegated person) or Site Managers must be informed immediately. 2. Dependent on the type of incident, the appropriate authorities or outside contractor will be contacted. 28. Work Experience The Head of Careers is directed to the Health and Safety (Young persons) Regulations. 29. Use of School premises outside School time See the Lettings Policy.
30. Security to prevent unauthorised access The Governors, Headteacher and all staff are aware of the need to make the school secure and will seek and implement advice from The City of York Council on how this can be achieved. 31. Noise and Vibration The Governors recognise there may be several problems experienced with noise and vibration. Subject Leaders will report all such cases, when if required necessary specialist advice will be sought to monitor the hazard, and if necessary hearing protection will be worn Ear Protection Zones established. 32. Communicating Information to Employees 1. The Head will be responsible for ensuring that any regulations, information, guidance notes etc., received are passed immediately to staff that have a direct interest. 2. As this will normally relate to a department's activities the information will have to be passed on or highlighted in that department's safety policy or safe working arrangements. 33. Reference Material 1. Subject Leaders are reminded that further reading material and guidance notes are given in the appropriate sections of The City of York Council, ACE Directorate, Health and Safety Manual relating to their department. 2. The requirements for safety signs are changing due to recent regulations which require icons to replace words. Advice is awaited from The City of York Council, ACE Directorate. Existing notices, placards etc., will continue to be used until further advice is received. 34. Monitoring the School Health and Safety Performance 1. There will be an Annual Review and Report to Governors by Subject Leaders who will complete and submit an annual Health and Safety Inspection of their department. Accidents etc, will be reported at all Health, Safety and Premises committee meetings. 2. The H,S & P Sub-committee will produce a key report to the Full Governing Body annually, summarising the work the committee and an update of training 3. The Governors will also require in the annual report an audit on Health and Safety matters, providing an objective assessment. 4. The audit should provide an examination of records (e.g.) Accidents are being recorded and investigated but: are all reported accidents being included? are investigators trained? have we taken preventative measures? are accident statistics being compiled (Department)? Other areas of concern for auditing will be: the policy - is it working, how effective and at what levels? the organisation - does it function properly, does it plan and implement and does it monitor and control? Inspection Procedures - by whom, what standards, what training and so on. 5. In conclusion the Governors may wish to employ outside auditors to carry out the annual check on Health and Safety management and provide a report.
Organisation Chart Headteacher Accountable to the Governors Responsible for implementation and delegation of duties Member of the Health, Safety and Premises Committee Assistant Head (H&S) and Buildings Manager Accountable to the Headteacher Responsible for the Strategic Planning of Health and Safety Including monitoring, advising and supporting all staff Member of the Health, Safety and Premises Committee SLT Accountable to the Headteacher Responsible for the day-to-day management of Health and Safety matters on each site Members of the Health, Safety and Premises Committee Middle Leaders Accountable to the Headteacher Responsible for annual Health and Safety Inspection of their Department Reporting annually to Health, Safety and Premises Committee Union Representatives To support the school s Health and Safety aims All Staff Accountable to the Headteacher Responsible for reporting Hazards, Problems and Defects to the Business Manager as these relate to Health and Safety matters Responsible for own Health and Safety and that of the students in their care