Arles N.S.

Safety Statement- Nov 2013

In accordance with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, it is the policy of

the Board of Management to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the safety, health and welfare at work of all staff and to protect students, visitors, contractors and other persons at the school from injury and ill health arising from any work activity. The

successful implementation of this policy requires the full support and active co-operation of all staff, students, contractors and visitors to the school.

It is recognised that hazard identification, risk assessment and control measures are

legislative requirements which must be carried out by the employer to ensure the safety,

health and welfare of all staff.

The Board of Management, as employer, undertakes in so far as is reasonably

practicable to:

promote standards of safety, health and welfare that comply with the provisions and

requirements of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and other relevant

legislation, standards and codes of practice;

provide information, training, instruction and supervision where necessary, to enable

staff to perform their work safely and effectively;

maintain a constant and continuing interest in safety, health and welfare matters

pertinent to the activities of the school;

continually improve the system in place for the management of occupational safety,

health and welfare? and review it periodically to ensure it remains relevant, appropriate

and effective;

consult with staff on matters related to safety, health and welfare at work;

provide the necessary resources to ensure the safety, health and welfare of all those to whom it owes a duty of care, including staff, students, contractors and visitors.

The Board of Management is committed to playing an active role in the implementation of

this occupational safety, health and welfare policy and undertakes to review and revise it in light of changes in legislation, experience and other relevant developments.

Signed:______________________

Chairperson, Board of Management

School: Arles N.S.

Date:_______________________

Arles N.S.

Health & Safety Policy

The Board of Management brings to the attention of its staff the following arrangements for safeguarding the safety, health and welfare of those employed and working in the school.

This policy requires the co-operation of all employees. It shall be reviewed annually or more frequently if necessary, in the light of experience, changes in legal requirements and operational changes. A safety audit shall be carried out annually by the Board of Management Safety Officers and a report made to staff. All records of accidents and ill-health will be monitored in order to ensure that any safety measures required can be put in place to minimise the recurrence of such accidents and ill-health.

The Board of Management of Arles N.S. wishes to ensure that as far as is reasonably practical:

The design, provision and maintenance of all places in the school shall be safe and without risk to health.
There shall be safe access to and from places of work.
Plant and Machinery may be opened safely in so far as is possible.
Work systems shall be planned, organised, performed and maintained so as to be safe and without risk to health.
Staff shall be instructed and supervised in so far as is reasonably possible so as to ensure the health and safety at work of its employees.
Protective clothing or equivalent shall be provided as is necessary to ensure the safety and health at work of its employees.
Plans for emergencies shall be complied with and revised as necessary.
This statement will be continually revised by the Board of Management as necessity arises, and shall be re-examined by the Board on at least an annual basis.
Employees shall be consulted on matters of health and safety.
Provisions shall be made for the election by the employees of a safety representative.

The Board of Management of Arles N.S. recognises that its statutory obligations under legislation extends to employees, students, to any person legitimately conducting school business, and to the public.

The Board of Management of Arles N.S. undertakes to ensure that the provisions of the safety, Health and welfare at Work Act 2005 are adhered to:

Duties of Employees

It is the duty of every employee while at work:

to take reasonable care for his/her own safety, health and welfare, and that of any person who may be affected by his/her acts or omissions while at work.
To co-operate with his/her employer and any other person to such extent as will enable his/her employer or the other person to comply with any of the relevant statutory provisions.
To use in such manner so as to provide the protection intended, any suitable appliance, protective clothing, convenience, equipment or thing provided (whether for his/her lone use or for use by him/her in common with others) for securing his/her safety, health or welfare at work.
To report to the Board of Management without unreasonable delay, any defects in plant, equipment, place or work, or system of work, which might endanger safety, health or welfare of which he/she becomes aware.

No person will intentionally or recklessly interfere with or misuse any appliance, protective clothing, convenience or other means or thing provided in pursuance or any of the relevant statutory provisions or other wise, for securing safety, health or welfare or persons arising out of work activities.

Employees using available facilities and equipment provided should ensure that work practices are performed in the safest manner possible (see Safety, health and welfare at Work Act 2005).

Consultation and Information

It is the policy of the Board of Management of Arles N.S. to consult with staff in preparation and completion of hazard control forms, to give a copy of the safety statement to all present and future staff, and to convey any additional information or instructions regarding health, safety and welfare at work to all staff as it becomes available. Health, safety and welfare at work will be considered in any future staff training and development plans.

Hazards

Hazards shall be divided into categories of Low/Medium or High Risk. Those which can be rectified will be dealt with as a matter of urgency. Those that cannot will be clearly indicated and appropriate procedures listed beside them. All hazards shall be eliminated in so far as resources and circumstances allow.

Fire

It is the policy of the Board of Management of Arles N.S. that:

The Board of Management will ensure that an adequate supply of fire extinguishers, suitable for the type of fires likely to occur in each area, is available, identified and regularly serviced by authorised and qualified persons. Each fire extinguisher shall have instructions for its use.

The Deputy Principal will ensure that fire drills shall take place at least once a term.

Fire alarms shall be clearly marked. (Responsibility of Board of Management Safety Officer)

Signs shall be clearly visible to ensure that visitors are aware of exit doors and routes.(Staff Safety Officer)

All doors, corridors, and entries shall be kept clear of obstruction and shall be able to be opened at all times from within the building. Each teacher who has an exit in her classroom must ensure it is kept clear. GP Room and main door – Principal will see they are free of obstruction.

A plan of the school shows assembly points outside the school.

Assembly areas are designated outside each building, and the locations specified.

Exit signs shall be clearly marked.

All electrical equipment shall be left unplugged when unattended for lengthy periods and when the building is empty. Teachers are responsible for their own classroom. The secretary/Principal, as appropriate, is responsible for the office. Staff room is every teacher’s responsibility. Cleaner to check when cleaning.

Bottled gas shall be stored in a secure place in such a manner as to minimise the danger of explosion in the case of fire.

Deputy Principal shall be responsible for fire drills and evacuation procedures.

All recommendations made by a Fire Officer in addition to these provisions shall be implemented.

The following hazards (in so much as can be identified) are considered by the Board of Management to be a source of potential danger and are brought to the attention of all concerned.

Wet corridors
Gas tanks
Trailing leads
Computers/Laptops
Guillotine
Projectors
Fuse Board
Electric kettles
Boiler house
Ladders
Excess Gravel on school yard
Protruding units and fittings
Flat roof of corridor and flat roof of school
External Pump house and Boiler house to be kept locked
Lawnmower
Slabs/Cement around perimeter of school
Tower House to be kept locked
Icy surfaces on a cold day
Mats in hall
Windows opening out

To minimise these dangers the following safety/ protective measures must be adhered to (see duties of employee pages 1-2 of this document):

Access to and operation of plant/equipment is restricted to qualified members of the staff, whose job function is that of running, maintaining, cleaning and monitoring particular items of plant in the course of their normal duties. Copies of this Safety Statement will be sent to all contractors prior to contract by the Principal/Board of Management. Any other contractors entering the school must be shown a copy of the schools Safety Statement and shall adhere to its provisions.
In addition all such plant and machinery is to be used in strict accordance with the manufactures instructions and recommendations.
Where applicable Board of Management will ensure that members of the staff will have been instructed in the correct use of plant, machinery and equipment.
All machinery and electrical equipment are fitted with adequate safeguards.
Precautionary notices, in respect of safety matters are displayed at relevant points.
Ladders must be used with another person’s assistance.
Avoid use of glass bottles where possible by pupils. Remove broken glass immediately on discovery
Board of Management will check that floors are clean, even, non-slip and splinter-proof.
Principal will check that PE equipment is stacked securely and in positioned so as not to cause a hazard.
Check that all PE and other mats are in good condition.
An annual routine for inspecting furniture, floors, apparatus, equipment and fittings. (Board of Management Safety Officer and Staff Safety Representative).
Check that wooden beams, benches etc. are free from splinters and generally sound.
Check that vaulting horses, beams and benches are stable and do not wobble when in use.
Check that there are no uneven/broken/cracked paving slabs. (Caretaker under Board of Management.)
Will check that roofs, guttering, drain pipes etc as far as can be seen are sound and well maintained. (Board of Management Safety Officer.)
Caretaker to check that manholes are safe.
Check that all play areas, especially sand pits, are kept clean and free from glass before use.
Check that outside lighting works and is sufficient. (Board of Management.)
Check that all builder’s materials, caretakers’ maintenance equipment, external stores etc are stored securely. (Principal and Board of Management Safety Officer.)
Check that refuse is removed from building each day and is carefully stored outside. (Caretaker.)

Constant Hazards

Machinery, Kitchen equipment, Electrical appliances.

It is the policy of the Board of Management of Arles N.S. that machinery, kitchen equipment and electrical appliances are to be used only by competent and authorised persons. Such appliances and equipment will be subject to regular maintenance checks.

Electrical Appliances

Arrangements will be made for all appliances to be checked on a regular basis at least annually by a competent person (i.e.) maintenance person, the supplier or his agent. Before using any appliance the user should check that:

All safety guards which are a normal part of the appliance are in working order
Power supply cables/leads are in tact and free of cuts or abrasions.
Unplug leads of appliances when not in use.
Suitable undamaged fused plug tops are used and fitted with the correct fuse.
Follow official guidelines issued by the Health and Safety Authority.

Chemicals

It is the policy of the Board of Management of Arles N.S. that all chemicals, photocopier toner, detergents etc be stored in clearly identifiable containers bearing instructions and precautions for their use and shall be kept in a locked area, and protection provided to be used when handling them. (Secretary/Cleaner/Principal where appropriate).

Drugs And Medication

It is the policy of the Board of Management of Arles N.S. that all drugs, medications, etc be kept in a secure cabinet, locked at all times and the key kept in a separate and secure place and used only by trained and authorised personnel.

Welfare

To ensure the continued welfare of the staff and children, toilet and cloakroom areas are provided. A Staffroom separate from the work area is provided, where tea and lunch breaks may be taken. Staff must co-operate in maintaining a high standard of hygiene in this area.

A high standard of hygiene must be achieved at all times. Adequate facilities for waste disposal must be available. An adequate supply of hot and cold water, towels and soap and sanitary disposal facilities must be available.

Members of staff and students are reminded:

A person who is under medical supervision or on prescribed medication and who has been certified fit for work, should notify the school of any known side effect or temporary physical disabilities which could hinder their work performance and which may be a danger to either themselves or their fellow workers. The school will arrange or assign appropriate tasks for the person to carry out in the Interim.
Staff and students are not allowed to attend the premises or carry out duties whilst under the influence of illicit drugs or alcohol. Any person found breaking this rule will be liable to disciplinary action.

Highly Polished Floors

It is the policy of the Board of Management of Arles N.S. that every attempt will be made to avoid the creation of slippery surfaces. The washing of floors shall be conducted, as far as is possible, after school hours to eliminate as far as possible, the danger of slipping. Where floors are wet, warning signs regarding wet floors shall be used. Attention is drawn to the possibility of outside floors and surfaces being affected by frost in cold weather, and staff and pupils shall be told to use handrails when going up or down the ramp. Step edges shall be fitted with clearly marked edges of a non-slip nature wherever practical.

Smoking

It is the policy of the Board of Management of Arles N.S. that the school shall be a non-smoking area to avoid hazard to staff and pupils of passive smoking.

Broken Glass

The Board of Management shall minimise the danger arising from broken glass. Staff are asked to report broken glass to the Principal so that it may be immediately removed.

Infectious Diseases

It is the policy of the Board of Management of Arles N.S. that all infectious diseases shall be notified and steps taken to ensure the safety of staff and students against all such diseases. The Board of Management will endeavour to minimise the risk by adherence to sound principals of cleanliness, hygiene and disinfection and have provided disposable gloves for use in all First Aid applications, cleaning tasks, etc. Toilets and washrooms shall be provided at all times with an adequate supply of water, soap, towels and a facility for the safe disposal of waste.

First Aid

It is the policy of the Board of Management of Arles N.S. that all members of staff shall be trained to provide First Aid to staff and pupils.

Notices are posted in office detailing:

arrangements for giving first aid,
location of first aid boxes,
procedure of calling ambulances etc….,

telephone numbers of local Doctor, Gardaí, Hospital.

All incidents, no matter how trivial and whether to employees or to students or to members of the public must be reported immediately to the person responsible for the hazard identified in the Statement or in the event that the accident/incident occurs in any other place to which that paragraph dealing with hazards does not relate to the Safety Officer. This is necessary to monitor the progress of safety standards and to ensure that the proper medical attention is given where required. An Accident Report File is to be maintained for the recording of all accidents and incidents by the Safety Officer.

The Secretary will see that there will be maintained in the school a properly equipped First Aid Box available to staff at all times containing:

sticking plasters
Anti-histamine for Stings, etc.
Tape
Disinfectant (e.g.) Savlon
Eye lotion (e.g.) Optrex
Antiseptic cream
Cotton Bandage
Cream for First Aid treatment of Burns
Antiseptic Wipes
Scissors
First Aid Chart

Disposable gloves must be used at all times in administering First Aid

Access To School

In as much as is compatible with the practical layout of the school premises, anyone entering the school premises shall be required to identify themselves to the Principal or the Secretary as relevant before gaining admittance to the school. Any contractor must make direct contact with the Principal before initiating any work on the premises and shall be shown a copy of the safety statement applying to the school and shall agree to its provisions.

While work is in progress, any noise shall be avoided wherever possible during school hours and shall at all times be reduced to the minimum necessary. The contractor and his workmen shall not create any hazard, permanent or temporary, without informing the principal or his nominated agent and shall mark such hazard with warning signs or other suitable protection.

Collecting Children

All parent/guardians/carers in the interest of safety must obey all signs upon entering the school grounds.
Those parking outside the school grounds are advised to accompany children to and from the school premises.

Revision of This Safety Statement

This statement shall be regularly revised by the Board Of Management of Arles N.S. in accordance with experience and the requirements of the Health and Safety Act and the Health and Safety Authority.

Signed on behalf of the Board of Management:

Chairman:________________________ Date:__________

Principal:_____________________ ___ Date:___________

Safety Officer:____________________ Date:________Nominee of BOM

Safety Officer:____________________ Date:________Nominee of staff

Policy statement in accordance with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005

Members of the Board of Management:

Chairperson: Declan Fenlon

Safety Officer: Brian Miller

Staff Nominee: Catherine Lawlor

This Policy statement is in accordance with Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, and subsequent amendments 2006- 2007.

Prepared by representatives of the Board of Management, in consultation with parents and teachers in accordance with the Safety, Health and Welfare Act at Work Act 2005

RISK ASSESSMENT

Safety Hazards	Low	Medium	High	Control Measures	Review
1. Slips, Trips and Falls			x
Fall From Height: Children climbing over wall for ball			x	Ideally put in a high net. If not, put in a gate at wooden fence and put a style on stone wall.
Snow/Bad Weather			x	In Winter, de-ice and spead salt. Bring pupils inside building earlier.
Septic Tank				Put more clay around Septic Tank and Manholes.
Loose Paving				Loose Paving near pitch.
Possible Cracks in Cement				Keep an eye for cracks in cement
Loose Cables				Avoid having any loose cables.
				Tidy up cable in Photocopying room.
				Tidy up cable going into Middle Room by window.
2. Signage (Children could design signs)			x	Sign at Main Gate “Pedestrians use other Entrance. Cars/Bus Only”
				Staff Car Park “Cars Parked At Own Risk” (Put sign in grass)
				Policy to all Parents “Please note new signs which have been advised for Health & Safety Reasons”
				At Handrails “Use the Handrails”.
				Near Woodland Area: “No Access. This is not a Play Area”
				At Fence Gate: “No Unauthorised Access”.
				“No Climbing” on back wall with possible style.
				“Keep Away” sign at corner of field where heap of cut grass is.
				“Keep Off Wall” sign at side of pitch.
				“No Unauthorised Access” sign on red gate at road
				Get a Public Liability Sign and put beside keypad on front door.
				“Keep Off the Wall” sign at front beside school gate.

3. Housekeeping
Corridors				All corridors should be kept clear. (A minimum of 1 metre wide)
Old Computers				Old computers to be recycled and removed from staff toilets and GP Room
Ceramic Tile Project				Ceramic Tile Project to be moved from outside staff room.
Windowsills				All windowsills to be kept clear at all times.
Access to Printer/Photocopier				Objects to be removed so as to clear the access to printer and photocopier.
Coat Rack in corridor				Remove mobile coat rack from corridor.
Photocopying Room				Tidy up Photocopying Room and the cable in there.
Art Rack				Art Rack not to be left in corridors or between Middle and Junior Rooms.
Paints used by children				Ensure all paints are non-toxic.
Laptops				Ensure laptops are well secured on desks.


4. Other
Tap on Oil Tank				Raise it/ Secure it better.
Fence Gate				Put padlock on this gate.
Vegetable Garden				Children to clean hands after use. Wear gloves.
Hedges/Boundary				Cut back all thorny bushes and briars.
Emergency Lights				Electrician to check Emergency Lights. They should be on all the time.
Wireless Router				Wires from Wireless Router to be tidied up.
Library in Senior Room				Move Library in Senior Room to ensure 1 metre wide access.
New Welcome Mats				New Mats needed at Junior and Middle Room doors. Ensure they fit correctly.
Bench between Middle and Junior Room				Remove anything from underneath the bench.
5. Fire
Fire Drills				Have Fire Drills Once a Term
Extension Leads				Don’t use extension leads on 17 Amp fuse sockets.
				Ensure all extension leads have Surge Protection.
Area around Fire Extinguishers				Mark area around all Fire Extinguishers with yellow tape on floor.
Fire Extinguishers				Move fire extinguishers 1 metre above ground.
				Training needed for all staff on use of Fire Extinguishers
Emergency Windows				Label all Emergency Windows
				Put strip on floor around emergency exit in Junior room.




6. Chemicals
Toilet Cleaners				Toilet cleaners to be removed from staff toilets.
All Chemicals				Store all chemicals safely