Statement of Safety, Health and Welfare at Work

GENERAL POLICY STATEMENT

 It is Kilbarron National schools intention to do all that is reasonably practicable to prevent injury to people, and damage to property, and to protect everyone (including staff, pupils, public, contractors and visitors) from foreseeable hazards. The safety and health of all employees, pupils and visitors is an important objective and we will ensure this as far as is reasonably practicable.

It is the Board of Management’s responsibility to:

• Provide and maintain safe and healthy working conditions, taking account of statutory requirements.

• Provide training and instruction, where necessary, to enable employees to perform their work safely and effectively.

• Make available where possible all necessary safety devices and protective equipment and supervise their use.

• Maintain a constant and continuing interest in health and safety matters pertinent to the school’s activities.

• Ensure the safety and health of all pupils in this school.
• Keep this Safety Statement and other safety documents under review.

The detailed arrangements for achieving these objectives are set out in the main body of the Safety Statement, as per the Health,Safety and Welfare at Work Act of 2005 and in conjunction with all other relevant school policies including  the School’s Child Welfare Protection Policy.

There is also a specific duty to report to your safety representative any equipment or defects which might endanger safety, health and welfare of employees, pupils, contractors and the public. This requirement facilitates the protection of all employees and pupils by constantly improving systems of work, in line with events and incidents that occur from time to time.

Introduction

 

The Board of Management brings to the attention of its staff the following arrangements for safeguarding the safety, health and welfare of all those employed and others while on  the school premises.

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 or operational changes. The Board of Management Safety Officer shall carry out a safety audit annually and a report made to the B.O.M and 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 Kilbarron N.S. wishes to ensure that as far as is reasonably practicable:

• The design, provision and maintenance of all places in the school shall be safe and without risk to health and safety.
• There shall be safe access and egress to and from places of work.
• Plant and machinery may be operated 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 and safety.
• 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 employees.
• Plans for emergencies shall be complied with and revised as necessary.
• The Board of Management will continually revise this statement as necessity arises, and shall be re-examined by the Board following the delivery of the annual report/update from the Safety Officer early in the school year.
• Employees shall be consulted on matters of health and safety.
• Provisions shall be made for the election by employees of a safety representative.
• To take such care of the pupils as a sensible, careful and solicitous parent would take if placed in circumstances similar to those which pertain in a school (in loco parentis).

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

The Board of Management of Kilbarron N.S. undertakes to ensure that the provisions of the Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act of 2005 are adhered to:

Allocation of Responsibilities for Safety/Health

Principal

Safety begins at management level and so the overall responsibility for the establishment and maintenance of an effective policy for Safety, Health and Welfare at Work rests with the Principal in conjunction with the School Board.

He/She shall:

• Demonstrate their commitment by taking active steps to be aware of the safety record of the premises and shall issue any necessary reasonable directives in the interest of the health, safety and welfare of all employees and pupils, contractors, and the public.
• Endeavour to ensure that there are available, sufficient funds and facilities to enable the safety policy to be reasonably implemented.
• Periodically appraise the effectiveness of the statement.
• Ensure that the responsibilities are properly assigned, understood and accepted at all levels.
• Procure advice and assistance whenever necessary and take heed, together with remedial action, on any matters brought to their attention.
• Ensure that reasonable safety considerations are observed by any contractors working within the school and that they are aware that any work carried out must be in accordance with current Health & Safety Regulations and any relevant Codes of Practice.
• Ensure that this Safety Statement is available to and read by all staff and appropriate third parties.

Safety Officer

• The Safety Officer shall demonstrate his/her commitment by being fully familiar with the School’s Safety Statement and any subsequent revisions.
• Ensure the Safety Statement is effectively communicated at all levels and is observed.
• Ensure that regular safety checks are carried out.
• Ensure that regular evacuation drills are carried out and recorded.
• Liaise with staff to ensure best safety practices are adhered to at all times
• Ensure that up to date records are kept of all health and safety training, accidents/incidents and remedial actions taken.
• Update the BOM at regular intervals re health and safety matters.

The Board of Management

The BOM must ensure that best practice in relation  to all matters pertaining to Health and Safety are adhered to at all times, and provide whatever support is necessary to ensure that the staff can carry out their duties in the knowledge that they are working in a safe environment at all times.

Teachers

Must ensure that reasonable account of health and safety is taken in all departmental procedures and will:

• At all times demonstrate an exemplary approach to safety and health in orderto engender in their students a total commitment to safety and health.
• Be accountable to the Principal for any breach or omission regarding safety and health matters.
• Be aware of statutory regulations and the best available working practices and methods of training, which they should apply.
• Take in to account the safety of contractors and visitors on the premises.
• Ensure that all injuries and dangerous occurrences are reported and shall investigate the full circumstances causing any injuries, even minor ones, in order to prevent recurrences.

Duties of Employees

Employees have general statutory obligations under the Safety, Health and Welfare

at Work Act 2005, Chapter 2 Section 13 which includes the following:

1. 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.
2. To co-operate with the BOM, Principal, and any other designated person in order to comply with all relevant statutory provisions.
3. To use in such a 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.
4. To report to the Principle/ Board of Management/Designated Person, without unreasonable delay, any defects in plant, equipment, place of work, or system of work, which might endanger safety or welfare of which he/she becomes aware.

They must never intentionally or recklessly interfere with, or misuse any appliance, protective clothing, etc provided in pursuance of any of the relevant statutory provisions or otherwise, for securing safety, health or welfare or persons arising out of work activities.

In addition, all employees are reminded to:

• Only carry out duties they are trained to perform.
• Keep work areas clean.
• Be careful when moving items.
• Not to run on floors and steps.
• Note that any form of dangerous prank or unauthorised hazardous activities is totally prohibited on school premises.

Safety Inspections

 A inspection programme for all health and safety matters will be established and implemented.

This will provide an effective method of checking, monitoring, and documenting health and safety practices in the school.

The recorded findings and any recommendations will be brought to the attention of the Board of Management.

Where possible all recommendations will be implemented.

Consultation and Information

It is the policy of the Board of Management of Kilbarron N.S. to consult with staff in preparation and completion of hazard control forms, to give a copy of safety statements 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.

The School Board of Management is committed to meeting its obligations under Section 26 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 on consultation. The consultation process will be reviewed at regular intervals by the BOM. Health, safety, and welfare, will appear for discussion on the regular Board of Management meetings. The School Board recognises the statutory rights of a Safety Representative as set out in Section 25 of the Act and is committed to co-operating with the person appointed.

In accordance with the regulations, the Safety Representative will be given access to any information in the possession of management that pertains to the safety, health and welfare of employees and pupils. The Safety Representative will be given the opportunity to receive appropriate training. The Safety Representative will be informed when an Inspector of the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) visits the premises and will be facilitated in order to discharge his/her functions under Section 25 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005.

Hazard Identification and control measures

Hazards

Hazards shall be divided into two categories. 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/reduced in so far as resources and circumstances allow.

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

1. Wet areas (corridors, areas around sinks, toilets, exit, entry areas and grass)
2. Oil tank
3. Trailing leads
4. Computers
5. Fuse board
6. Electric kettle
7. Boiler house
8. Ladder
9. Protruding units and fittings e.g. coat hooks, shoe lockers, etc.
10. Internal storeroom
11. Lawnmower
12. Flat roof on building extension.
13. Walls around perimeter of school
14. Icy surfaces during cold spells
15. Mats in corridor
16. Windows opening out
17. Doors (catching fingers)
18. Basketball pole
19. Fencing on basketball court
20. Bars on ramp up to school door
21. Supervision of detained/sick children during break-time
22. Man hole covers when wet.

To minimise these dangers the following safety/protection measures must be adhered to, also  ref duties of employees as directed by H,S & W at work act 2005.

1. 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.
2. 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 school Safety Statement and shall adhere to its provisions.
3. In addition all such plant and machinery is to be used in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations.
4. 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.
5. All machinery and electrical equipment are fitted with adequate safeguards.(BOM Safety Officer)
6. Precautionary notices, in respect of safety matters are displayed at relevant points, e.g. No running in corridors etc. (Staff Safety Rep.)
7. Ladders must only be used with another person’s assistance.
8. Avoid use of glass bottles where possible by pupils. Remove broken glass immediately on discovery. (All teachers and ancillary staff)
9. Check that floors are clean, even, non-slip and splinter-proof. (BOM Safety Officer)
10. Check that PE equipment is stacked securely and is positioned so as not to cause a hazard. Check that all PE and other mats are in good condition.(Staff Safety Rep.)
11. An annual routine for inspecting furniture, floors, apparatus, equipment and fittings. (BOM Safety Officer and Staff Safety Rep.)
12. Check that wooden beams, benches etc. are free from splinters and generally sound. (Staff Safety Rep.)
13. Check that all sports equipment including goal posts, vaulting horses, beams and benches etc are stable and do not wobble when in use. (Staff Safety Rep.)
14. Check that protective padding is in place around uprights for basketball stands if deemed required
15. Check that there are no uneven/broken/cracked paving slabs or concrete. (BOM Safety Officer)
16. Check that roofs, guttering, drainpipes etc as far as can be seen are sound and well maintained. (BOM Safety Officer)
17. Check that manholes are safe. (BOM Safety Officer)
18. Check that all play areas are kept clean and free from glass before use.(Teacher on yard supervision duty)
19. Check that outside lighting works and is sufficient. (BOM Safety Officer)
20. Check that all builder’s materials, maintenance equipment, external stores etc. are stored securely. (Principal and BOM Safety Officer)
21. Check that refuse is removed from the building each day and is carefully stored outside. (Cleaner)
22. Children will be encouraged to be litter conscious – no food or drink will be allowed in schoolyard.
23. All food will be disposed of in bins provided to deter mice/rats in school building.
24. Children will not be allowed to play on grass during wet weather.
25. Children will be advised not to hang/swing from bars on the wheelchair ramp.
26. Children will be advised not to put fingers on jambs of doors.
27. Children will not be allowed to undertake activities beyond their ability.
28. Floor cleaners with non-slip properties will be used – floors will only be cleaned after school hours where possible.
29. Children are not permitted onto flat roofs to retrieve playing balls, etc.
30. The Code of Discipline of Kilbarron N.S. provides for a level of behaviour to minimise injury or risk of injury to any pupil.

Constant Hazards

 

Machinery, Kitchen equipment, Electrical appliances.

It is policy of the Board of Management of Kilbarron 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.

Fire

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

•  an adequate supply of appropriate fire extinguishers, suitable for the type of fires likely to occur in each area, are available, identified and regularly serviced by authorised and qualified persons. Each fire extinguisher shall have instructions for its use.(BOM Safety Officer)
• The principal will ensure that fire drills shall take place at least once a term.
• Fire alarms shall be clearly marked. (BOM Safety Officer)
• Signs shall be clearly visible to ensure that visitors are aware of exit doors and routes. (Staff Safety Rep.)
• 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.(Staff Safety Rep.)
• Assembly area is designated outside school building.(Principal)
• Exit signs shall be clearly marked.(BOM Safety Officer)
• 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. Staff room is every teacher’s responsibility. Cleaner to check when cleaning.
• Principal shall be responsible for fire drills and evacuation procedures

Evacuation

 

• Children shall be instructed to leave the room in single file and make their way to the designated  assembly area (via the nearest safety exit, the teacher follows  closing doors behind him/her).
• At the designated  assembly point an accurate roll call must to be taken to ensure that nobody is missing.
• With the exception of a search for a missing person, no one is allowed to enter the building again for any purpose.
• All recommendations made by a Fire Officer in addition to these provisions shall be implemented.

 

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.(BOM Safety Officer) Before using any appliance the user should check that:

• All safety guards that are a normal part of the appliance are in working order.
• Power supply cables/leads are intact 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 Health and Safety Authority.

Chemicals

It is the policy of the Board of Management of Kilbarron N.S. that all chemicals, photocopier toner, detergents etc. be stored in clearly identified containers bearing instructions and precautions for their use and shall be kept in a secure 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 Kilbarron 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 staff room 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. Ref the School’s Child Welfare Protection Policy

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

Note:  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.

Highly Polished Floors

It is the policy of the Board of Management of Kilbarron 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.

 

Note:  Attention is drawn to the possibility of outside floors and surfaces being affected by frost in cold weather.

 

Slips, Trips and Falls

 The following measures are in place to reduce risks to a minimum in the school.

• Passageways to be kept free from obstruction.
• Running in the building is prohibited.
• “Horseplay” or foolish pranks are prohibited.
• Power cables and phone leads must be routed or secured by rubber sheathing or taped down, i.e. it is not acceptable to have unsecured cables trailing across walkways.#
• Tripping hazards associated with loose, upturned or damaged carpet must be reported and rectified immediately.
• If a spill occurs then this must be cleaned up immediately to minimise the risk of someone else slipping on it.
• Safe means must be used when accessing heights. Suitable steps must be provided for. Under no circumstances may employees and pupils use files, boxes or swivel chairs as a means of access.
• Items are not to be stored on windowsills.

Smoking

It is the policy of the Board of Management of Kilbarron N.S. that the school grounds shall be a non-smoking area to avoid hazards to staff and pupils from passive smoking, and reduce the risk of fire due to careless disposal of cigarette ends and or matches.

Heating and Ventilation

The heating system is regularly maintained and complies with the requirements of circular 24/82.

Blinds on the windows provide adequate shading from the sun. Windows are easily opened and provide for ventilation.

Infectious Diseases

 

It is the policy of the Board of Management of Kilbarron 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.

Health checks

The Mid Western Health Board carry out periodic health checks on the pupils. In the interm the teachers are requested to be vigilant and to watch closely for signs of infectious viruses or bacteria in pupils. Similarly teachers should be watchful for epidemics such as hair infestation, scabies, impetigo, etc. Where necessary all precautions will be taken to protect the health and welfare of all pupils to the point of closing the school for a certain period of time should the need arise. Notes will be sent to all parents advising them if there is an infestation in the school. Parents will be reminded to comb/treat hair especially at holidays, breaks and weekends. Parents will be notified discreetly by the teacher or principal if infestation has been detected and will be discouraged from attending school until the problem has been dealt with. Children with infectious viruses etc. are to be discouraged from attending school. It is important that teachers also find out if children in the class suffer from chest problems and if so use their own discretion in seating them away from chalk dust etc.

First Aid

It is the policy of the Board of Management of Kilbarron N.S. that limited first aid will be provided by the staff e.g. washing cut area/applying plaster.

(1)        Notices are posted in office detailing:

• Procedure of calling ambulances etc….,
• Telephone numbers of local Doctor, Gardai, Hospital.(Staff Safety Rep.)

(2)        All incidents, no matter how trivial, and whether to employees, students or 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. All accidents will be recorded in an accident book with details of date/time/location/witnesses and action taken.

Note:  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 in 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 shall not create any hazard, permanent or temporary, without informing the principal or his nominated agent and shall mark such hazards with warning signs or other suitable protection.

Collecting Children

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

Supervision of Pupils

 

(As per Church & General Insurers guidelines)

1. The school will be open to receive pupils at 8.50 a.m.

Students should not arrive in school before this time.

No responsibility is accepted for pupils arriving before this time. 

 

1. Assembly will take place at 9.05 a. m. to 9.15 a.m. (use of toilet facilities, hang up coats etc).
2. Classes will end each day at 2.45 p.m. – 1.45 p.m. in the case of Junior and Senior Infants.
3. Children are not safe and are not supervised if they are on or at school premises outside these times.
4. Parents who wish to have their children escorted home should make their own arrangements to have them met at the school gate. The person to escort them should be at the classroom door no later than 1.45 p.m. for junior and senior and infants and at the school gate for 2.45 p.m. for all other children, as the school cannot accept responsibility for looking after the children after these times.
5. In case of children travelling by the school bus, the school cannot accept responsibility for escorting them from the bus to the school or from the school to the bus. Those parents who feel that their children need to be escorted on these occasions, should make arrangements to ensure that some escort is provided.
6. Teachers, who may be on the premises earlier or later than these times, are there for work purpose (e.g. correction or preparation of school work/activities) and are not there for supervision purposes.
7. School tours: Parents/guardians must furnish a signed form indicating their consent to the pupil going on the trip, and also giving the teacher the right to authorise any medical or surgical procedure necessary.

Action to be taken to avoid injury due to aggression/bullying:

Where obvious animosity exists between particular students, every effort must be made to keep them apart. This cannot, of course, be done on a permanent basis. However, if evidence can be produced that every effort has been made, it may assist in the defence of a claim, which may be brought against the teacher or the Board of Management for any injury suffered.

If at any time a student is found to be in possession of any item that could be considered to be an offensive weapon then it must be taken from him/her. In addition, it is essential that it be placed in an area where it cannot be easily retrieved.

If, in any game, there is an undue level of violence or very rough play, the game should be discontinued on the basis that if it is allowed to continue serious injury could result.

(Ref school policy on bullying)

Revision of this Safety Statement

The Board of Management of Kilbarron N.S. shall regularly revise this statement in accordance with experience and the requirements of the Health and Safety Act 2005,and all other relevant regulatory requirements.

To ensure that each copy of the Safety Statement contains a record of all changes, The Safety Officer will record the change or amendments on an amendment list. The amendment list along with any revised or new pages will then be circulated to all on the circulation list.

 

Appendix 1

School Visits, Tours etc.

 School Tours will be arranged by the school to present the children with a new environment

in which they can observe, investigate and relate their findings to their own environment.

Some of the  hazards associated with external visits include

 

• accident or injury to the children on road or play areas
• accident or injury due to unsafe venue
• accident or injury due to defective transport

Arrangements and controls

 

• A form of approved transport, appropriate to the distance and the numbers travelling

will be chosen.

• Teachers will take with them a tour kit and a mobile phone.
• Teachers will be extra vigilant when taking children out of the school
• Pupil’s behaviour on tours will comply with the standard set down in the School’s Code of Discipline.

 

Appendix 2

School Dramas and Plays

 Pupils will always be encouraged to take part in drama and school plays as part of their development.

The main hazards associated with school dramas and plays are as follows but not exclusive.

• Accident or injury to the children due to unfamiliar surroundings.
• Inappropriate stage height
• Faulty stage props
• Unstable benches or chairs
• Trailing electrical cables
• Difficult environment to supervise
• Arrangements and controls

 

Where possible all dramas and plays will be staged in within the school building Teachers will ensure proper supervision

Pupil’s behaviour at all functions will comply with the standard set down in the School’s Code of Discipline.

Appendix 3

Injury /Incident Reporting and Investigating

 Accident/Incident Reporting

All incidents, no matter how trivial, and whether to employees, pupils or visitors must

be reported immediately to the Principal/Designated Person or in their absence their deputy on the appropriate form/log. This is necessary to monitor the progress of safety standards and to ensure thatproper medical attention is given where required and as an aid in the identification of hazards, so that the appropriate measures can be taken to prevent the accident from reoccurring. Where an accident investigation is necessary, all employees are obliged to cooperate fully with such an investigation and to provide any information, which may be useful in establishing the circumstances leading up to the accident.

Any recommendations arising  out of an investigation must be give due consideration by the Board of Management, and implemented if deemed necessary in preventing reoccurrence of such accidents/incidents.

Where recommended preventative measures cannot be introduced immediately, alternative measures must be put in place to eliminate/reduce the  risk presented.

Appendix 4

Management of Visitors and Contractors

Visitors and Contractors

 Visitors

Kilbarron National School has a responsibility to ensure, as far as is reasonably possible,

the safety of visitors and contractors while on the site. To this end the following policies will apply:

• All visitors are to check in with the principle or designated deputy when they arrive at the school.
• Visitors will be accompanied by a representative of Kilbarron National School at all times while on the property.

• Visitors are to obey the school safety rules and emergency procedures at all times.

• It is the duty of all employees to ensure to the best of their ability visitors comply with safety rules.

 

 Contractors

 

• Contractors will not be allowed on the premises to carry out work until the School Board has checked and is satisfied with their insurances.

• If an architect or engineer is involved they shall take responsibility for ensuring that the contractor is reputable and competent.

• The contractor must liaise with a School Board-appointed official and discuss and agree the safety precautions deemed necessary by either party.

• Contractors must take all due care of their own safety, the safety of their employees and all others affected by their work.

• Contractors must not use any equipment or the service of personnel belonging to or engaged by the School Board without prior approval being granted by the School Board-appointed official.

• Scaffolding and other access equipment used by contractors/sub-contractors must be erected and maintained in accordance with current standards and regulations.

• Every contractor working on the school premises must comply with all applicable statutory requirements, best industry practices and any special safety rules or conditions imposed by the occupier.

In this regard, it is the responsibility of the contractor to:

• Provide all necessary instruction, training and information on health and safety matters to their employees

• Provide competent and adequate supervision of their employees and activities.

• Provide all necessary safety equipment and clothing for their employees
• Ensure that plant and equipment brought onto the School site is safe and in good working order fitted with any necessary guards and safety devices and with any necessary certificates available for checking.

• Ensure that all accidents and dangerous occurrences are reported to the

School official in charge

• Ensure that all School safety notices and alarms are followed at all times.
• Ensure that hazardous substances are not brought on to the premises without prior notice and permission.

• Ensure that ‘approved’ hazardous substances are stored and used safely whilst on the premises.

• Ensure, on completion of work, that all hazardous substances are removed from the premises.

• Monitor and assess the safety performance of their employees.
• Ensure that all subcontractors are advised accordingly and, in particular, are not brought onto School premises without prior notice or permission.

Prior to the commencement of any work on the premises the following should be observed:

• An assessment of the likely safety hazards and risks involved in or associated with the proposed work must be undertaken by both parties. The extent of each party’s involvement will be determined by the separate sets of safety responsibilities as agreed.

• The degree of risk assessment that must be carried out before work begins will depend on the nature and extent of activities associated with each individual contract.

• No work, not matter how minor, should commence without some form of prior consultation, hazard identification and risk assessment.

For major contracts, the provisions of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work

(Construction) Regulations, 1995 must be adhered to.

 Appendix 5

 Administration of Medication Policy

As a general rule teachers will not administer medicine to pupils. However there may be exceptional circumstances where a teacher might agree to become involved in the administration of medicine with the authorisation of the Board of Management.

In these circumstances the following guidelines will be observed.

• The parents of the pupil will write to the Board of Management requesting the Board to authorise a teacher to administer the medication.

• The request should contain the pupil’s name, address, two contact telephone numbers and instructions of the procedure to be followed in administering the

• medication.

The Board of Management/Principal, having considered the matter, may authorise a teacher to administer the medication. If the teacher is so authorised she/he should be properly instructed by the Board of Management/Principal.

In administering the medication to pupils, teachers should exercise the standard of care of a reasonable and prudent parent.

• The Board of Management should inform the school’s insurers accordingly.
• The Board of Management should seek an indemnity from the parents in respect of any liability that may arise regarding the administration of medication to their child/children due to the unusual circumstances involved, especially if this practice is expected to continue over a prolonged period.

 Appendix 6

Manual Handling

 Lifting/Handling

 We recognise the risk of injury which may arise from handling relatively light items, handling awkward loads or handling loads, which are too heavy, or if poor handling techniques are used. Amongst the problems identified is poor posture, overreaching when stacking, bending rather than squatting for loads at low level and trying to step over and around objects on the floor when carrying loads. Also individuals should request assistance when the load is excessive or difficult to handle.

Risk of injuries:

• Abdominal injuries
• Repetitive strain injuries
• Fatigue leading to accidents.
• Injuries from sudden exertion and back injuries.

Arrangements and Controls

All teachers are alert to poor practices in manual handling and have instructions to

remind employees of the proper techniques whenever necessary. Appropriate

personal protective equipment will be provided where necessary.

Employees are advised:

• Not to move or lift any load which could cause injury. Assistance should be sought where necessary.
• Not to obstruct their vision when carrying large items.
• Not to rush, and to exercise care when going around corners, ascending or descending stairways or steps.
• Use mechanical aids – levers, hoists, wheels etc.
• Organise the work area in relation to the configuration of the loads, distance over which loads are to be moved etc.
• Gangways and other working areas shall be big enough to allow ease of movement by staff and mechanical aids.
• Floors and walking surfaces shall be kept in good condition and free from obstructions.
• The area should be properly illuminated and care shall be taken to avoid temperature extremes.

 Signed of behalf of the Board of Management

Kilbarron National School.

 

Chairperson: ____________________________   Date:

 

Principal: ________________________________Date:

Safety Officer: ___________________________   Date:

(Nominee of BOM)

 

Staff Safety Rep.: __________________________Date:

(Nominee of staff)

 

Policy statement in accordance with the Safety, Health and

Welfare at Work Act 2005.

Members of the Board of Management:

Lisa McGeeney, Maureen Donoghue, Margaret O’Brien, Eimer Browne, Fr. Michael Cooney, Kevin Connolly, Séamus O’Sullivan, John Hogan

Safety Officer: Lisa McGeeney

Staff Nominee: Eimer Browne

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