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● Provide and maintain a safe and healthy environment
● Establish and maintain safe working procedures amongst staff, pupils and all visitors to the school site
● Have robust procedures in place in case of emergencies
● Ensure that the premises and equipment are maintained safely, and are regularly inspected2. Legislation This policy is based on advice from the Department for Education on health and safety in schools and the following legislation: The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, which sets out the general duties employers have towards employees and duties relating to lettings The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations1992, which require employers to make an assessment of the risks to the health and safety of their employees
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations1999, which require employers to carry out risk assessments, make arrangements to implement necessary measures, and arrange for appropriate information and training
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations2002, which require employers to control substances that are hazardous to health
The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 2013, which state that some accidents must be reported to the Health and Safety Executive and set out the timeframe for this and how long records of such accidents must be kept The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment)Regulations 1992, which require employers to carry out digital screen equipment assessments and states users 'entitlement to an eyesight test
The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998,which require work on gas fittings to be carried out by someone on the Gas Safe Register The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which requires employers to take general fire precautions to ensure the safety of their staff The Work at Height Regulations 2005, which requires employers to protect their staff from falls from height The school follows national guidance published by Public Health England when responding to infection control issues. Sections of this policy are also based on the statutory framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage. Page 13. Roles and responsibilities3.1 The local authority and governing board London Borough of Newham has ultimate responsibility for health and safety matters in the school, but delegates responsibility for the strategic management of such matters to the school’s governing board.The governing board delegates operational matters and day-to-day tasks to the headteacher and staff members.3.2 Headteacher
The Head Teacher is responsible for health and safety day-to-day. This involves:
● Implementing the Health and Safety policy
● Ensuring there is enough staff to safely supervisepupils
● Ensuring that the school building and premises are safeand regularly inspected (in conjunction with Bellrock)
● Providing adequate training for school staff
● Reporting to the governing board on health and safetymatters
● Ensuring appropriate evacuation procedures are in placeand regular fire drills are held
● Ensuring that in their absence, health and safetyresponsibilities are delegated to another member of staff
● Ensuring all risk assessments are completed and reviewed(in conjunction with Bellrock)In the Head Teacher’s absence, the School BusinessManager assumes the above day-to-day health and safetyresponsibilities.3.3 Health and safety leadThe nominated health and safety lead is the SchoolBusiness Manager.3.4 StaffSchool staff have a duty to take care of pupils in thesame way that a prudent parent would do so.Staff will:
● Take reasonable care of their own health and safety andthat of others who may be affected by what they do at work
● Co-operate with the school on health and safety matters
● Work in accordance with training and instructions
● Inform the appropriate person of any work situationrepresenting a serious and immediate danger so thatremedial action can be taken
● Model safe and hygienic practice for pupils
● Understand emergency evacuation procedures and feelconfident in implementing them3.5 Pupils and parentsPupils and parents are responsible for following theschool’s health and safety advice, on-site and off-site, and forreporting any health and safety incidents to a member ofstaff.Page 23.6 ContractorsBellrock will ensure that contractors will agree healthand safety practices before starting work. Before workbegins the contractor will provide evidence that theyhave completed an adequate risk assessment of all theirplanned work.This includes monitoring cleaning contracts, and ensuringcleaners are appropriately trained and have access topersonal protective equipment, where necessary.4. Site securityBellrock is responsible for the security of the schoolsite in and out of school hours. They are responsible for visualinspections of the site, and for the intruder and firealarm systems.Bellrock are key holders and will respond to anemergency.5. FireEmergency exits, assembly points and assembly pointinstructions are clearly identified by safety signs and notices.Fire risk assessment of the premises will be reviewedregularly.Emergency evacuations are practised at least once a term.The fire alarm is a loud continuous bell.Bellrock will conduct regular fire alarm testing.New staff will be trained in fire safety and all staffand pupils will be made aware of any new fire risks.In the event of a fire:
● The alarm will be raised immediately by whoeverdiscovers the fire and emergency services contacted. Evacuation procedures willalso begin immediately
● Fire extinguishers may be used by staff only, and onlythen if staff are trained in how to operate them and are confident they can usethem without putting themselves or others at risk
● Staff and pupils will congregate at the assembly points.
● Class Teacher will take a register of pupils, which willthen be checked against the dinner register of that day
● The School Business Manager will take a register of allstaff
● Staff and pupils will remain outside the building untilthe emergency services say it is safe to re-enter
● The school will have special arrangements in place forthe evacuation of people with mobility needs andfire risk assessments will also pay particular attentionto those with disabilities.
● Please see the Emergency Evacuation Policy6. COSHHSchools are required to control hazardous substances,which can take many forms, including:
● Chemicals
● Products containing chemicals
● Fumes
● Dusts
● VapoursPage 3
● Mists
● Gases and asphyxiating gases
● Germs that cause diseases, such as leptospirosis orlegionnaires diseaseControl of substances hazardous to health (COSHH) riskassessments are completed by Belrock and circulated to allemployees who work with hazardous substances. Staff willalso be provided with protective equipment, wherenecessary.Bellrock staff and contractors use and store hazardousproducts in accordance with instructions on the productlabel. All hazardous products are kept in their originalcontainers, with clear labelling and product information.Any hazardous products are disposed of in accordance withspecific disposal procedures.Emergency procedures, including procedures for dealingwith spillages, are displayed near where hazardousproducts are stored and in areas where they are routinelyused.6.1 Gas safetyInstallation, maintenance and repair of gas appliancesand fittings will be carried out by a competent Gas Saferegistered engineer in conjunction with Bellrock.Gas pipework, appliances and flues are regularlymaintained by Bellrock.All rooms with gas appliances are checked by Bellrock toensure that they have adequate ventilation6.2 LegionellaA water risk assessment has been completed by Bellorock.This risk assessment will be reviewed regularly and whensignificant changes have occurred to the water systemand/or building footprint.6.3 AsbestosStaff are briefed on the hazards of asbestos, thelocation of any asbestos in the school and the action to take ifthey suspect they have disturbed itArrangements are in place to ensure that contractors aremade aware of any asbestos on the premises and that itis not disturbed by their workContractors will be advised that if they discovermaterial which they suspect could be asbestos, they will stop workimmediately until the area is declared safeA record is kept of the location of asbestos that hasbeen found on the school site7. EquipmentAll equipment and machinery is maintained in accordancewith the manufacturer’s instructions. In addition, maintenance schedules outline when extra checks should take place When new equipment is purchased, it is checked to ensure that it meets appropriate educational standards All equipment is stored in the appropriate storage containers and areas. All containers are labelled with the correct hazard sign and contents Page 47.1 Electrical equipment All staff are responsible for ensuring that they use and handle electrical equipment sensibly and safely Any pupil or volunteer who handles electrical appliances does so under the supervision of the member of staff whoso directs them Any potential hazards will be reported to the School Business Manager immediately Permanently installed electrical equipment is connected through a dedicated isolator switch and adequately earthed Only trained staff members can check plugs Where necessary a portable appliance test (PAT) will be carried out by a competent person All isolators switches are clearly marked to identify their machine Electrical apparatus and connections will not be touched by wet hands and will only be used in dry conditions Maintenance, repair, installation and disconnection work associated with permanently installed or portable electrical equipment is only carried out by a competentperson7.2 PE equipment Pupils are taught how to carry out and set up PE equipment safely and efficiently. Staff check that equipment is setup safely Any concerns about the condition of the gym floor or other apparatus will be reported to the PE Coordinator7.3 Display screen equipment All staff who use computers daily as a significant partof their normal work have a display screen equipment (DSE)assessment carried out. ‘Significant’ is taken to be continuous/near continuous spells of an hour or more at a time Staff identified as DSE users are entitled to an eyesight test for DSE use upon request, and at regular intervals thereafter, by a qualified optician (and corrective glasses provided if required specifically for DSE use)7.4 Specialist equipment Parents are responsible for the maintenance and safety of their children’s wheelchairs. In school, staff promote the responsible use of wheelchairs. Oxygen cylinders are stored in a designated space, and staff are trained in the removal storage and replacement of oxygen cylinders.8. Lone working Lone working may include:
● Late working● Home or site visits
● Weekend working● Site manager duties● Site cleaning duties Page 5
● Working in a single occupancy office Potentially dangerous activities, such as those where there is a risk of falling from height, will not be undertaken when working alone. If there are any doubts about the task to be performed then the task will be postponed until other staff members are available. If lone working is to be undertaken, a colleague, friend or family member will be informed about where the member of staff is and when they are likely to return. The lone worker will ensure that they are medically fit to work alone.9. Working at height We will ensure that work is properly planned, supervised and carried out by competent people with the skills, knowledge and experience to do the work. In addition:
● The Site Supervisor retains ladders for working at height
● Pupils are prohibited from using ladders
● Staff will wear appropriate footwear and clothing when using ladders
● Contractors are expected to provide their own laddersfor working at height
● Before using a ladder, staff are expected to conduct avisual inspection to ensure its safety
● Access to high levels, such as roofs, is only permittedby trained persons10. Manual handlingIt is up to individuals to determine whether they are fitto lift or move equipment and furniture. If an individualfeels that to lift an item could result in injury orexacerbate an existing condition, they will ask for assistance.The school will ensure that proper mechanical aids andlifting equipment are available in school, and that staff aretrained in how to use them safely.Staff and pupils are expected to use the following basicmanual handling procedure:Plan the lift and assess the load. If it is awkward orheavy, use a mechanical aid, such as a trolley, or ask anotherperson to helpTake the more direct route that is clear from obstructionand is as flat as possibleEnsure the area where you plan to offload the load isclearWhen lifting, bend your knees and keep your backstraight, feet apart and angled out. Ensure the load is heldclose to the body and firmly. Lift smoothly and slowlyand avoid twisting, stretching and reaching wherepracticable11. Off-site visits
● When taking pupils off the school premises, we willensure that:
● Risk assessments will be completed where off-site visitsand activities require them
● All off-site visits are appropriately staffed
● Staff will take a school mobile phone, a portable firstaid kit, information about the specific medical needsof pupils along with the parents’ contact detailsPage 6
● For trips and visits with pupils in the Early Years Foundation Stage,there will always be at least one firstaider with a current paediatric first aid certificate● For other trips, there will always be at least one firstaider on schools trips and visits
● Please see the Education Visit Policy.12. LettingsThis policy applies to lettings. Those who hire anyaspect of the school site or any facilities will be made aware ofthe content of the school’s health and safety policy, andwill have responsibility for complying with it.13. Violence at workWe believe that staff should not be in any danger atwork, and will not tolerate violent or threatening behaviourtowards our staff.All staff will report any incidents of aggression orviolence (or near misses) directed to themselves to their linemanager/headteacher immediately. This applies to violencefrom pupils, visitors or other staff.14. SmokingSmoking is not permitted anywhere on the school premises.15. Infection prevention and controlWe follow national guidance published by Public HealthEngland when responding to infection control issues. Wewill encourage staff and pupils to follow this goodhygiene practice, outlined below, where applicable.15.1 HandwashingWash hands with liquid soap and warm water, and dry withpaper towelsAlways wash hands after using the toilet, before eatingor handling food, and after handling animalsCover all cuts and abrasions with waterproof dressings15.2 Coughing and sneezingCover mouth and nose with a tissueWash hands after using or disposing of tissuesSpitting is discouraged15.3 Personal protective equipmentWear disposable non-powdered vinyl or latex-freeCE-marked gloves and disposable plastic aprons where thereis a risk of splashing or contamination with blood/bodyfluids (for example, nappy or pad changing)Wear goggles if there is a risk of splashing to the faceUse the correct personal protective equipment whenhandling cleaning chemicalsPage 7Please see Intimate Care and First Aid Policies.15.4 Cleaning of the environmentClean the environment frequently and thoroughlyClean the environment, including toys and equipment,frequently and thoroughly15.5 Cleaning of blood and body fluid spillagesClean up all spillages of blood, faeces, saliva, vomit,nasal and eye discharges immediately and wear personalprotective equipmentWhen spillages occur, clean using a product that combinesboth a detergent and a disinfectant and use as permanufacturer’s instructions. Ensure it is effectiveagainst bacteria and viruses and suitable for use on the affectedsurfaceNever use mops for cleaning up blood and body fluidspillages – use disposable paper towels and discard clinicalwaste as described belowMake spillage kits available for blood spills15.6 LaundryWash laundry in a separate dedicated facilityWash soiled linen separately and at the hottest wash thefabric will tolerateWear personal protective clothing when handling soiledlinenBag children’s soiled clothing to be sent home, neverrinse by hand15.7 Clinical wasteAlways segregate domestic and clinical waste, inaccordance with local policyUsed nappies/pads, gloves, aprons and soiled dressingsare stored in correct clinical waste bags in foot-operatedbinsRemove clinical waste with a registered waste contractorRemove all clinical waste bags when they are two-thirdsfull and store in a dedicated, secure area while awaitingcollection15.8 AnimalsWash hands before and after handling any animalsKeep animals’ living quarters clean and away from foodareasDispose of animal waste regularly, and keep litter boxesaway from pupilsSupervise pupils when playing with animalsSeek veterinary advice on animal welfare and animalhealth issues, and the suitability of the animal as a petPage 815.9 Pupils vulnerable to infectionSome medical conditions make pupils vulnerable toinfections that would rarely be serious in most children. Theschool will normally have been made aware of suchvulnerable children. These children are particularly vulnerableto chickenpox, measles or slapped cheek disease(parvovirus B19) and, if exposed to either of these, theparent/carer will be informed promptly and furthermedical advice sought. We will advise these children to haveadditional immunisations, for example for pneumococcaland influenza.15.10 Exclusion periods for infectious diseasesThe school will follow recommended exclusion periodsoutlined by Public Health England.In the event of an epidemic/pandemic, we will followadvice from Public Health England about the appropriatecourse of action.16. New and expectant mothersRisk assessments will be carried out whenever anyemployee or pupil notifies the school that they are pregnant.Appropriate measures will be put in place to controlrisks identified. Some specific risks are summarised below:Chickenpox can affect the pregnancy if a woman has notalready had the infection. Expectant mothers shouldreport exposure to antenatal carer and GP at any stage ofexposure. Shingles is caused by the same virus aschickenpox, so anyone who has not had chickenpox ispotentially vulnerable to the infection if they have closecontact with a case of shinglesIf a pregnant woman comes into contact with measles orGerman measles (rubella), she should inform her antenatalcarer and GP immediately to ensure investigationSlapped cheek disease (parvovirus B19) can occasionallyaffect an unborn child. If exposed early in pregnancy(before 20 weeks), the pregnant woman should inform herantenatal care and GP as this must be investigatedpromptly17. Occupational stressWe are committed to promoting high levels of health andwellbeing and recognise the importance of identifyingand reducing workplace stressors through risk assessment. Systems are in place within the school for responding to individual concerns and monitoring staff workloads.18. Accident reporting18.1 Accident record book
An accident form will be completed as soon as possible after the accident occurs by the member of staff or first aider who deals with it. As much detail as possible will be supplied when reporting an accident Information about injuries will also be kept in the pupil's educational record Page 9Records held in the first aid and accident book will be retained by the school for a minimum of 3 years, in accordance with regulation 25 of the Social Security(Claims and Payments) Regulations 1979, and then securely disposed of18.2 Reporting to the Health and Safety Executive The School Business Manager will keep a record of any accident which results in a reportable injury, disease, or dangerous occurrence as defined in the RIDDOR 2013legislation (regulations 4, 5, 6 and 7).The School Business Manager will report these to the Health and Safety Executive as soon as is reasonably practicable and in any event within 10 days of the incident. Reportable injuries, diseases or dangerous occurrences include:
● Death
● Specified injuries. These are:· Fractures, other than to fingers, thumbs and toes· Amputations· Any injury likely to lead to permanent loss of sight or reduction in sight· Any crush injury to the head or torso causing damage to the brain or internal organs· Serious burns (including scalding)· Any scalping requiring hospital treatment· Any loss of consciousness caused by head injury or asphyxia· Any other injury arising from working in an enclosed space which leads to hypothermia or heat-induced illness, or requires resuscitation or admittance to hospital for more than 24 hours
● Injuries where an employee is away from work or unable to perform their normal work duties for more than 7 consecutive days● Where an accident leads to someone being taken to hospital ● Where something happens that does not result in an injury, but could have done● Near-miss events that do not result in an injury, but could have done. Examples of near-miss events relevant to schools include, but are not limited to:· The collapse or failure of load-bearing parts of lifting equipment· The accidental release of a biological agent likely to cause severe human illness· The accidental release or escape of any substance that may cause a serious injury or damage to health· An electrical short circuit or overload causing a fire or explosion Information on how to make a RIDDOR report is available here: How to make a RIDDOR report – http://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/report.htm18.3 Notifying parents The EYFS Assistant Head Teacher will inform parents of any accident or injury sustained by a pupil in the Early Years Foundation Stage, and any first aid treatment given, on the same day, or as soon as reasonably practicable.18.4 Reporting child protection agencies The Head Teacher/ Safeguarding Team will notify MASH/Social Workers etc. of any serious accident or injury to, or the death of, a pupil in the Early Years Foundation Stage while in the school’s care. Page 1018.5 Reporting to Ofsted The Head Teacher will notify Ofsted of any serious accident, illness or injury to, or death of, a pupil in the Early Years Foundation Stage while in the school’s care. This will happen as soon as is reasonably practicable, and no later than 14 days after the incident.19. Training Our staff are provided with health and safety training as part of their induction process. Staff who work in high risk environments, such as in science labs or with woodwork equipment, or work with pupils with special educational needs (SEN), are given additional health and safety training.21. Links with other policies This health and safety policy links to the following policies:
● First Aid
● Educational Trips and Visits
● Emergency Evacuation
● Intimate Care Page 11Appendix 1: Accident Report Name of injured person Role / class Date and time of incident Location of incident Incident details Action taken Follow-up action required Name of person attending the incident Signature Date Page 12Appendix 2: Recommended absence period for preventing the spread of infection
This list of recommended absence periods for preventing the spread of infection is taken from non-statutory guidance for schools and other childcare settings from Public Health England. For each of these infections or complaints, there is further information in the guidance on the symptoms, how it spreads and some ‘do’s and don'ts 'to follow that you can check. Infection or Complaint Recommended Period Athlete’s foot None. Campylobacter Until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped. Chicken pox (shingles)Cases of chickenpox are generally infectious from 2 days before the rash appears to 5 days after the onset of rash. Although the usual exclusion period is5 days, all lesions should be crusted over before children return to nursery or school. A person with shingles is infectious to those who have not had chickenpox and should be excluded from school if the rash is weeping and cannot be covered or until the rash is dry and crusted over. Cold sores None. Rubella (German measles)5 days from appearance of the rash. Hand, foot and mouth Children are safe to return to school or nursery as soon as they are feeling better, there is no need to stay off until the blisters have all healed. Impetigo Until lesions are crusted and healed, or 48 hours after starting antibiotic treatment. Measles Cases are infectious from 4 days before onset of rash to4 days after so it is important to ensure cases are excluded from school during this period. Ringworm Exclusion not needed once treatment has started. Scabies The infected child or staff member should be excluded until after the first treatment has been carried out. Scarlet fever Children can return to school 24 hours after commencing appropriate antibiotic treatment. If no antibiotics have been administered the person will be infectious for 2 to 3 weeks. If there is an outbreak of scarlet fever at the school or nursery, Page 13the health protection team will assist with letters and factsheet to send to parents or carers and staff. Slapped cheek syndrome, Parvovirus B19, Fifth’s disease None (not infectious by the time the rash has developed).Bacillary Dysentery(Shigella)Microbiological clearance is required for some types of shigella species prior to the child or food handler returning to school. Diarrhoea and/or vomiting(Gastroenteritis)Children and adults with diarrhoea or vomiting should be excluded until 48hours after symptoms have stopped and they are well enough to return. If medication is prescribed, ensure that the full course is completed and there is no further diarrhoea or vomiting for 48 hours after the course is completed. For some gastrointestinal infections, longer periods of exclusion from school are required and there may be a need to obtain microbiological clearance. For these groups, your local health protection team, school health advisor or environmental health officer will advise. If a child has been diagnosed with cryptosporidium, they should NOT go swimming for 2 weeks following the last episode of diarrhoea. Cryptosporidiosis Until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped. E. coli (verocytotoxigenic or VTEC)The standard exclusion period is until 48 hours after symptoms have resolved. However, some people pose a greater risk to others and may be excluded until they have a negative stool sample (for example, pre-school infants, food handlers, and care staff working with vulnerable people).The health protection team will advise in these instances. Food poisoning Until 48 hours from the last episode of vomiting and diarrhoea and they are well enough to return. Some infections may require longer periods (local health protection team will advise). Salmonella Until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped. Typhoid and Paratyphoid fever Seek advice from environmental health officers or the local health protection team. Flu (influenza)Until recovered. Tuberculosis (TB)Pupils and staff with infectious TB can return to school after 2 weeks of treatment if well enough to do so and as long as they have responded to anti-TB therapy. Pupils and staff with non-pulmonary TB do not require exclusion and can return to school as soon as they are well enough. Whooping cough (pertussis)A child or staff member should not return to school until they have had 48 hours of appropriate treatment with antibiotics and they feel well enough to do so or21 days from onset of illness if no antibiotic treatment. Page 14ConjunctivitisNone.GiardiaUntil 48 hours after symptoms have stopped. Glandular fever None (can return once they feel well).Head lice None. Hepatitis A Exclude cases from school while unwell or until 7 days after the onset of jaundice (or onset of symptoms if no jaundice, or if under 5, or where hygiene is poor. There is no need to exclude well, older children with good hygiene who will have been much more infectious prior to diagnosis. Hepatitis B, A cute cases of hepatitis B will be too ill to attend school and their doctors will advise when they can return. Do not exclude chronic cases of hepatitis B or restrict their activities. Similarly, do not exclude staff with chronic hepatitis B infection. Contact your local health protection team for more advice if required. Hepatitis C None. Meningococcal meningitis/septicaemia If the child has been treated and has recovered, they can return to school. Meningitis Once the child has been treated (if necessary) and has recovered, they can return to school. No exclusion is needed. Meningitis viral None. MRSA (methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus)None.Mumps5 days after onset of swelling (if well).Threadworm None. Rotavirus Until 48 hours after symptoms have subsided. Page 1y