Manor Junior School Health and Safety Policy

The school recognises the need to promote health and safety in order to achieve improved standards and safe methods of work.

It is the school’s policy to take all steps within its powers to prevent personal injury, health hazards and damage to property. It is also the school’s responsibility, as far is reasonably practicable, to extend this protection to pupils, staff and members of the general public from foreseeable risks.

In conjunction with Barking and Dagenham’s Policy Statement and in liaison with the appropriate Safety Representative, it is recognised that all problems and hazards associated with the following must be brought to the attention of the LEA and Governors of the school.

1. Plant, equipment and systems of work.
2. The handling and storage or transportation of articles and substances.
3. The supply of adequate information, instruction, training or supervision to either staff or pupils.
4. The place of work or access to it.
5. The provision of protective clothing/equipment for the safe use and handling of machinery and substances.
6. The working environment.
7. Welfare facilities.

Without detracting from the principle responsibility of persons in charge of particular work activities, the school recognises that the LEA will provide competent technical advice on health and safety matters, where necessary to assist line management in its task.

It is important that all staff within the school and other persons who may visit or use any area of the school adopt the following standards of working in accordance with the Act:

1. To work safely and efficiently;
2. Not to misuse any machine or substance;
3. To use the approved protective clothing and equipment;
4. To report any defect in any machine, accessory or electric cabling;
5. To comply with all instructions used for the safety and to adhere to correct procedures including the use of safety equipment and protective clothing;
6. To take reasonable care for the health and safety of other persons who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work.

ORGANISATION
The school recognises the need to identify organisational methods for implementing and controlling the health and safety of all persons who work within the school.

A summary of the individual responsibilities and hence the organisation and accountability are as follows:

1. The Head must be aware of all contractors or third parties entering the school premises to undertake maintenance work or work contracts. In his absence the Person in charge should be informed.
2. The Head must ensure that staff and pupils are not endangered by the acts of the contractors. It is necessary therefore to discuss safety with contractors in order to alleviate risk and plan necessary safety measures for the duration of the works (i.e. carry out a Risk Assessment).

The Head must be aware of the procedures to be followed in the event of the contractor or third party acting in a manner likely to endanger staff or pupils.

GOVERNORS
The Governing Body has the responsibility to ensure that all reasonable steps have been taken to reduce the possibility of accident or injury to both staff and pupils, although it should be emphasised that individual responsibility cannot fall on individual members of the Governing Body, nor can the Head of the school or employees avoid responsibility by referring urgent matters to that Body for information and for decision. The Governors will be kept informed of all developments relating to Health and Safety matters and Clerks to the Governors will include such matters on the Agenda for termly meetings.

EMPLOYEES
The Head must ensure that the school’s policy for Health, Safety and Welfare is effectively implemented and understood at all levels. The policy must be regularly monitored and revised as necessary and effectively controlled. There is a legal obligation to ensure that the school safety policy is implemented at all levels.

SCHOOL STAFF

All staff must conform with responsibility as specified. They must ensure that, where conditions apply, all pupils 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.

All employees have responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act and are asked to report any possible hazards/defects to the Headteacher.

All employees will be given access to the school’s Health and Safety document and are asked to make themselves familiar with all documents relating to Health and Safety within the school.

The Caretaker should also carry out duties in accordance with the specific safety policy.

KITCHEN MANAGER

The cook in charge must familiarise herself with the school’s Safety Policy and what it means to their work activities.

She must make reference to the safety document issued by the School Meals Service and the contractor.

She will ensure that all kitchen staff are instructed and informed to work in accordance with this document.

The cook must inform the Head of the school of any potential hazard or defects.

She should also be familiar with the Food Safety Act 1990 and the implications as far as the school is concerned. (In the event of this Act being superseded then the most recent guidelines and statute are applicable).

HEALTH AND SAFETY EXECUTIVE

Health and Safety Executive Officers have the right to visit the school and have sight of all relevant regulations, documents etc.

During their inspection they are likely to request the presence of the school Safety Representative.

On completion of inspection they will inform the Head of their findings and subsequently forward a written copy of their findings to the teacher and Safety Representative. Any such report received should be discussed at Governors meetings.

FIRE AND EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

The school recognises its obligations to identify arrangements designed to make its safety policy effective.

All staff should be aware of the following requirements:

1. At a fixed time each week the alarm will be tested to ensure that it is effective. Points from different zones should be used to trigger the alarm to ensure that all break glass or other points are in working order.
2. Fire drills carried out at least once per term to enable everyone to become familiar with the evacuation procedure. In each room there is a diagram showing exits and line up points.
3. On sounding the alarm, the fire brigade must be summoned and all staff, pupils and visitors must leave the building immediately, closing doors behind them if possible.
4. Line up points have been designated and a diagram displaying them is in each room.
5. If there is no risk to personal injury attempts may be made to tackle the fire using a suitable extinguisher, also switching off power supplies from the mains.
6. At all times fire exit doors must be unobstructed.
7. During School sessions exit doors to be left unlocked. After school sessions at lease two fire exit doors must be unlocked whilst there are people in the building. Car park exit and Stratton Drive Exit.
8. Classroom doors must not be locked with people inside.
9. Exits must be clearly identified and marked.
10. The use of display material must be controlled in fire exit routes.
11. All visitors spending a length of time in the school should be made aware of arrangements in the case of fire.

IF YOU DISCOVER A FIRE: OPERATE NEAREST ALARM CARRY OUT ANY PREVIOUSLY ARRANGED DUTIES TO BE DONE IN THE EVENT OF FIRE OR GO TO NEAREST LINE UP POINT.

ACTION ON HEARING THE FIRE ALARM

Teacher or responsible adult will supervise children leaving the building by the nearest appropriate exit, closing the door when the last person is out. Instructions are displayed in each room.

The controlled evacuation of the building is the priority and then roll call.

The fire brigade will be called. If the authorised person is not available then you must proceed – Dial 999. (Senior person on the staff)

(NB priority is evacuation and roll call).

In the event of an evacuation during play or lunchtime then Senior female staff clear Upper floor and Upper hall female toilet side of building. Senior male staff clear Upper floor and Lower School male toilet side of building.

• SSA’s in Year 6 suite check small rooms and staff toilets.
• SSA’s in Year 5 check staff room and cloakrooms by exits at front sides of building.
• SSA’s in years 3 & 4 check respective side rooms and toilets near their bases.#

At assembly points register is called and information re: missing children passed to Secretary. Secretary should not have to ask for it.

• Proceed to line up point at agreed assembly point.
• Everyone should walk quickly but do not run.
• Keep quiet.
• Do not stop or return for any clothing, belongings or books.
• Registers will be taken by the Secretary and distributed to teachers for roll call.
• The fire brigade will be called. If the authorised person is not available then you must proceed – Dial 999.
• Access must be clear for the fire brigade. A nominated member of staff to direct Emergency Services.

(Registers must be sent to school office when marked at the beginning of each session).

On completion of calling registers staff return document to Secretaries informing them of any missing pupils. Headteacher informed immediately if persons unaccounted for. Deputies check staffing presence.

LETTINGS

Details of fire procedures will be given to hirers.

Precautions must be taken for large gatherings, e.g. meetings and concerts.

An adequate number of emergency exits must be unlocked.

Telephone must be available for emergency calls.

The Caretaker must inspect premises after their evening use and check for possible fires.

If the Caretaker discovers a fire when the school is unoccupied, he must sound the alarm and call the fire brigade.

The Headteacher must be informed immediately.

RUBBISH AND COMBUSTIBLE WASTE
T his should not be left in escape routes or in the passageways.

Such materials should be put in metal or non-combustible containers and properly disposed of as soon as possible and waste paper bins emptied daily.

DISPLAYS AND DECORATIONS
Decorations and displays must not be placed near temporary heaters or suspended from light fittings.

SMOKING
Manor Junior School is a non-smoking school.

BOILER ROOM
Combustible items must not be stored in the boiler room.
The boilers must be inspected annually.

FIRST AID ARRANGEMENTS

1. The appointed person with responsibilities is Mr. J. E. Clark. However, other members of staff have attended Inset for first Aid and will take responsibility if necessary.
2. 2. Mrs. P. Brooks, Mrs. J. Ludlow and Mrs. L. Griffin have the most recent qualifications for First Aid in the School.
3. Mrs. L. Griffin is the First Aid attendant during lunch break.
4. All teaching staff act in loco parentis during the time that the school is open for children.
5. A First Aid cupboard is kept in the Medical Room.
6. 6. Portable First Aid kit is in Medical Room.

Responsibilities of the Appointed Person.are:

1. To take charge in the situation where personal injury or illness has occurred and where further medical help is needed.
2. To ensure that a First Aid Box is provided and stocked with designated items ONLY – Mrs. L. Griffin to oversee.

In cases of serious injury, responsibility of the Appointed Person ends when the patient is handed over to medical care or parent/guardian.

All injuries, whether staff, pupil or visitor must be entered in the Accident Book.

Accident Books as well as Health and Safety/Hazard Forms are kept in the School Office.

All serious injuries should be transported to hospital by ambulance as the patient’s condition could worsen.

No attempt to move an injured person should be made until appropriate examination and assessment has been completed.

INJURIES MAY BE WORSENED BY PREMATURE HANDLING

If a sporting activity has to be ended or postponed, this will have to be accepted.

Minor injuries may be treated on a self-help basis or by any members of staff in loco parentis.

This policy will be reviewed annually and amended as appropriate.

MEDICINES

Non-prescription

Treatments/medicines must not be given, including aspirin/paracetamol.

Prescription

No child may carry prescribed medicines in school.

Exceptions will be when a child suffers from conditions which require on-going medication or completion of a course of treatment during the school day.

The Headteacher will be responsible for administering such medicines.

Asthma Inhalers may be used and may be kept in the school office clearly marked with the child’s name. The child may keep an inhaler under a trust agreement that it is never to be used by a third party. (Permission slip from parent needed and only when Parent’s emergency details updated).

EPILEPSY

1. If a known epileptic suffers a short seizure and shows rapid signs of recovery, then it is appropriate to sit the child quietly and to closely monitor his/her condition.

If the person suffers an injury during the seizure, then immediate first aid should be given.

2. If the fit is violent and/or prolonged, medical help should be sought, or ambulance called as well as contacting parents, or partners in the case of adults.
3. All staff are to be informed of children who are epileptic and are to be aware of action to be taken.
4. If a child with no past history of epilepsy has a seizure, parents should be contacted immediately and medical advice sought.

HIV/AIDS

There are publications available regarding the care of children and adults who suffer with HIV/AIDS.

ACCIDENTS

Head Injuries

It is the School Policy that parents are informed when a head injury occurs in any scale higher than a trivial "tap." Parents have the option of coming to school to see for themselves or making special arrangements for meeting children after school. A "Head letter" will also accompany the child. [The "Head letter" does not stop efforts to contact parents].

Similarly with scratches, particularly to the face, parents should be informed.

The school must act in the interests of the child and have a duty to inform parents of any serious bumps and scratches. (Parents deserve to know about such things rather than stumble across them when they see their child at the end of the day).

ACCIDENTS INVOLVING EXTERNAL BLEEDING

1. Normal first aid procedures should be followed. First Aiders washing hands before and after administering first aid, wearing disposable gloves if at all possible.
2. When bleeding has stopped, blood should be washed off surrounding skin with plenty of water without disturbing the wound.
3. Splashes of blood into the eyes or mouth of another person should be washed out immediately with plenty of water.
4. Contaminated surfaces should be washed thoroughly.
5. In the case of small cuts, whenever feasible, person should wash the affected area themselves with soap and water and cover the wound with a dressing provided.

REPORTING PROCEDURES

1. All accidents must be reported to the Headteacher and entered in the Accident Book(s) in the school office. School Secretary informed to check for further form filling re:- injury. (Follow LEA guidelines).

The Headteacher will make enquiries as to appropriate supervision and organisation or use of materials.

2. FATAL or MAJOR INJURIES must be reported immediately by telephone to Health and Safety Section And to the Chair of Governors. (Consult LEA guidelines).
3. Dangerous occurrences must also be reported immediately. Accident Forms must be completed and sent to the Education Department.
4. In the event of a fatal or serious injury, nothing at the site of the accident must be moved, except for helping the injured, until an examination has been carried out.
5. Safety Representative must also be informed of injuries and dangerous occurrences.

IMMEDIATE ACTION

1. Necessary medical attention must be given as first priority and the safety of all ensured.
2. Parents/guardians or next of kin must be contacted as soon as possible. If parents cannot be contacted or are unable to cope, where possible the school will provide and escort.

An ambulance should be called for anyone requiring hospital treatment.

Staff should not use their own cars unless their insurance policy specifically permits this use. An additional minder must go with the injured party.

PARENTAL CONSENT

AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITY – PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Staff are reminded that a note of consent must be received from the parent/guardian before a child may take part in after school activities.

1. If a parent has put a restriction on a child’s activity on medical grounds, it is the PARENT ALONE WHO CAN REMOVE IT.
2. If a child taking part in an unaccustomed physical activity is known to be disabled, or have an ongoing medical complaint i.e. asthma, epilepsy, cystic fibrosis, rigorous supervision should be maintained.

CANCELLATION OF ACTIVITIES
Parents/guardians must be notified in advance if after school activities have to be cancelled. Where this has not been possible, children must be supervised in school until the time they would normally leave at the end of the activity.

The written approval of parents must be obtained when there is a significant risk of injury before children participate in any activity. This will also be required for any outings, trips, off the school site. Educational trips permission slips available from the office.

CRAFT/DESIGN/TECHNOLOGY
Members of staff should ensure that:

• Children are well supervised at all times
• Protective clothing is worn when appropriate
• Sharp edged tools are stored so that cutting edges cannot be accidentally touched.
• All tools are stored appropriately in storage units sited in resource area.
• Files and similar objects should have properly fitted handles.
• Hammer heads must be checked regularly.
• Tools must only be used for their intended purpose.
• Staff supervise the collecting and returning of equipment to the Technology resource area

GLUE GUNS

• Only low temperature glue guns must be used.
• Use guns over a piece of hardwood or mat to avoid damage to property.

COOKING

• Area should be uncluttered, passageway free for safe movement. Coats and bags must be kept outside area.
• The floor should be kept clean.
• All furniture and working surfaces should be of the same height. Specific tables should be kept solely for food use.
• Windows and ventilation should be properly controlled.
• Staff should note various means of exit from cookery area.
• There must be no displays of cards, pictures or pinboard near the cooker.

SAFETY

• Any electrical faults must be reported immediately.
• Safe and adequate working space is required around cookers, sewing machines and irons.
• No two or three-way adaptors should be used.
• Trailing leads must not be stapled.
• Trailing leads must not present a hazard in their own right.

HYGIENE

• Staff and pupils must wash their hands with warm, soapy water and use disposable towels before handling food.
• All foodstuff should be stored in suitable containers in clean cupboards out of the reach of vermin, flies etc.
• Food waste disposal bins must be emptied daily or immediately after cookery sessions.
• ‘Sell-by’ dates must be observed.

PUPIL PROTECTION

All pupils should:

• Wear clean apron
• Tie back long hair
• Remove rings (shouldn’t be on under school rules!)
• Be discouraged from wearing loose clothing.
• Pupils must walk in the area.
• No pupils may carry bowls of hot water.
• Frying is not allowed.
• Children should be closely supervised at all times.
• Plastic graters are to be used.

MATERIALS

Correcting Fluids

1. Only staff may use correcting fluids such as Tippex as such fluids are toxic.
2. Children are not allowed to bring their own correcting fluids to school. Staff are asked to watch for children who might do so.

Marker Pens

1. Pens which are mainly water based should be used.
2. When other pens are used, these should only be used by staff – and in a well ventilated area.
3. Staff should ensure that pens suit the board for which they are intended.

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

Any faults must be reported immediately.

Overhead Projector – Fire Risk

The OHP should be kept out of sunlight.

NOTE: OHP’s have been known to cause fire.

Kettles

1. Kettles are a serious potential hazard and may only be used by adults in the classroom in a closely controlled supervised area.
2. ‘Hot’ kettles should not be left in a position that is hazardous to others.
3. The carrying of hot kettles is to be avoided.

Installations

Only approved contractors will be used.

Extension Cables

Those with multi-sockets may be used for computers and Audio-Visual Aids equipment..

They may only be used elsewhere as a temporary measure.

Any defective equipment should be marked ‘UNSAFE – DO NOT USE’.

PRINTING AND REPROGRAPHICS

The relevant machines are:

Risograph

Photocopier

(Kept in the school office)

1. Fluids/solvents must be stored in suitable containers in a separate cupboard.
2. Any impregnated rags must be disposed of immediately.
3. Workrooms must be well ventilated.

SWIMMING SUPERVISION

There should be continuous supervision by at least one fully qualified lifeguard patrolling the pool at all times for each 50 bathers.

There should be adequate cover for this lifeguard should he/she leave the pool-side for any reason.

The instructor working with swimmers cannot be the lifeguard but may be used to provide cover if (s)he is adequately qualified.

In this case the instructor must stop teaching and the pupils must leave the water.

Minimum Life Saving Qualification is a minimum of either:

1. Bronze Medallion Award – enhanced by training in diving to a depth greater than 1.8 m and ability to resuscitate by means of cardiac compression

or, preferably,

2. Bronze Pool Medallion Award.

Teachers are instructed that they do not allow children into the pool unless the pool lifeguard is in attendance or if the individual teacher(s) posses the relevant qualifications.

ANIMALS IN SCHOOL

• It is felt that pupils can benefit from caring for and observing animals.
• Teachers should discuss with the Headteacher the possibility of keeping animals in school.
• Consideration must be given to asthma sufferers being in classrooms with feathers and fur.
• The animals must be among the approved kinds mentioned in the Dangerous Wild Animal Act 1976.

Pupils are not allowed to bring scheduled animals into school even for a day. This would be an offence. The animals included are:

• All canines, except domestic dogs
• All cats, other than the domestic cat
• Monkeys, apes, crocodile and alligator family
• Poisonous snakes, including adders.

PIANO

1. A Piano is situated in each hall.
2. Only adults should move it – not children.
3. There should be one person at each end and then it should be on a smooth, level surface.
4. Caretakers and Cleaners should take particular note.
5. Movers should stand at each end and should take care when moving piano backwards and forwards – as a falling piano will always fall backwards or forwards. It is therefore important to keep the area clear.
6. The piano must not be moved up or down steps. N.B. Children should keep clear when the piano is being moved.

COMPUTERS

1. Computer trolleys must be checked for stability before use.
2. Books, paper should not be stored on top of monitors.
3. Trailing cables must be clear of passage ways.
4. Hardware must only be moved by adults and power switched off.
5. In the IT Suite closing down procedures should be followed at the end of the day.

VIOLENCE TO STAFF

1. A policy statement and guidelines has recently been issued by Barking and Dagenham.
2. If any member of staff is subjected to any aggression on school premises they must inform the Headteacher immediately.
3. Staff are asked to keep written accounts of such episodes.
4. Appropriate steps will be taken by the Headteacher to deal with such situations.
5. 5. If necessary, the Governors and LEA will be informed and involve