Health and Safety Policy

Other policies to be read in conjunction with this policy are as follows:-
•   Fire Evacuation Policy
•   Educational Visits Policy
•   Intimate Care Policy
•   Reducing the Need for Restrictive Physical Intervention Policy
•   Supporting Children with Medical Conditions Policy
•   Behaviour for Learning Policy
•   E-Safety and Acceptable ICT Use Policy

PART 1: STATEMENT OF INTENT

The Governing Body at Summercroft Primary, an Academy School, will strive to achieve the highest standards of health, safety and welfare consistent with their responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and other statutory and common law duties.

This statement sets out how these duties will be conducted and includes a description of the establishment’s organisation and its arrangements for dealing with different areas of risk. Details of how these areas of risk will be addressed are given in the arrangements section.

This policy will be brought to the attention of, and issued to, all members of staff and governors and a reference copy kept on the School’s Policies group on the email system and shared network drive in the ‘Policies’ folder.

This policy statement and the accompanying organisation and arrangements will be reviewed in line with our school’s policy document review timetable.

PART 2: ORGANISATION

As the employer, Summercroft Primary, an Academy School, has responsibility for Health and Safety.

At school level duties and responsibilities have been assigned to staff and governors as laid out below.

Responsibilities of the Governing Body

The Governing Body are responsible for ensuring health and safety management systems are in place and effective. They fulfil a strategic role in health and safety and are not expected to be involved in day to day management of the school.

As a minimum these management systems should adhere to the HCC health and safety policy, procedures and standards as detailed in the Education Health and Safety Manual.

A Health and Safety Governor, Chris Adams, has been appointed to receive relevant information, monitor the implementation of policies and procedures and to feedback health and safety issues and identified actions to the Governing Body.

The Governing Body will receive regular reports from the Headteacher or other nominated member of staff in order to enable them to provide and prioritise resources for health and safety issues.

Where required the Governing Body will seek specialist advice on health and safety which the establishment may not feel competent to deal with.
At Summercroft, the Governing Body as the employer provides access to competent health and safety advice via HCC’S Health and Safety team as required by the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – telephone 01992 556478.

Responsibilities of the Headteacher

Overall responsibility for the day to day management of health and safety in accordance with the Governing Body’s health and safety policy and procedures rests with the Headteacher.

The Headteacher has responsibility for:

Co-operating with the Governing Body to enable health and safety policy and procedures to be implemented and complied with.
Communicating the policy and other appropriate health and safety information to all relevant people including contractors.
Ensuring effective arrangements are in place to pro-actively manage health and safety by conducting and reviewing inspections and risk assessments and implementing required actions.
Reporting to the Governing Body on health and safety performance and any safety concerns and issues which may need to be addressed by the allocation of funds.
Ensuring that the premises, plant and equipment are maintained in a safe and serviceable condition.
Reporting to the Governing Body any significant risks which cannot be rectified within the establishment’s budget.
Ensuring all staff are competent to carry out their roles and are provided with adequate information, instruction and training.
Ensuring consultation arrangements are in place for staff and their trade union representatives (where appointed) and recognising the right of trade unions in the workplace to require a health and safety committee to be set up.
Monitoring purchasing and contracting procedures to ensure health and safety is included in specifications and contract conditions.

Whilst overall responsibility for health and safety cannot be delegated, the Headteacher may choose to delegate certain tasks to other members of staff.

The task of overseeing health and safety on the site has been delegated by the Headteacher to the Business Manager.

Responsibilities of other staff holding posts of special responsibility

The Site Manager and Assistant site Manager will:-

Apply the school’s health and safety policy to their own department or area of work.
Ensure staff under their control are aware of and follow relevant published health and safety guidance (from sources such as CLEAPSS, AfPE etc)
Ensure health and safety risk assessments are undertaken for the activities for which they are responsible and that identified control measures are implemented.
Ensure that appropriate safe working procedures are brought to the attention of all staff under their control.
Take appropriate action on health, safety and welfare issues referred to them, informing the Business Manager of any problems they are unable to resolve within the resources available to them.
Carry out regular inspections of their areas of responsibility and report and record these inspections.
Ensure the provision of sufficient information, instruction, training and supervision to enable staff and pupils to avoid hazards and contribute positively to their own health and safety.
Ensure that all accidents (including near misses) occurring within their area of responsibility are promptly reported and investigated.

Responsibilities of employees

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, all employees have general health and safety responsibilities. All employees are obliged to take care of their own health and safety whilst at work along with that of others who may be affected by their actions.

All employees have responsibility to:

Take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and others in undertaking their work.
Comply with the school's health and safety policy and procedures at all times.
Report all accidents and incidents in line with the reporting procedure.
Co-operate with school management on all matters relating to health and safety.
Not to intentionally interfere with or misuse any equipment or fittings provided in the interests of health safety and welfare.
Report all defects in condition of premises or equipment and any health and safety concerns immediately to their line manager.
Ensure that they only use equipment or machinery that they are competent / have been trained to use.
Make use of all necessary control measures and personal protective equipment provided for safety or health reasons.

For avoidance of doubt, the school has no responsibility for the health and safety related to the Children’s Centre operated by YMCA on the school site.

PART 3: ARRANGEMENTS

Detailed information on the school’s expectations are provided in the Education Health and Safety Manual.

Appendix 1           Risk Assessments
Appendix 2           Offsite visits
Appendix 3           Health and Safety Monitoring and Inspections
Appendix 4           Fire Evacuation and other Emergency Arrangements
Appendix 5           Inspections and maintenance of Emergency Equipment
Appendix 6           First Aid and Medication
Appendix 7           Accident Reporting Procedures
Appendix 8          Health and Safety Information and Training
Appendix 9          Personal Safety and Lone Working
Appendix 10       Premises Work Equipment
Appendix 11       Flammable and Hazardous Substances
Appendix 12       Asbestos
Appendix 13       Contractors
Appendix 14       Work at Height
Appendix 15       Lifting and Handling
Appendix 16       Display Screen Equipment
Appendix 17       Vehicles on Site
Appendix 18       Lettings
Appendix 19       Stress and Wellbeing
Appendix 20       Legionella
Appendix 21       School Swimming and pools

APPENDIX 1: RISK ASSESSMENTS

General Risk Assessments
The school conducts and documents risk assessments for all activities presenting a significant risk. These are co-ordinated by the Site Manager following guidance contained in the Education Health and Safety Manual and are approved by the Headteacher.

Risk assessments are available for all staff to view and are held centrally in the School Office. These assessments will be reviewed on an annual basis or when the work activity changes, whichever is the soonest. Staff will be made aware of any changes to risk assessments relating to their work.

Individual Risk Assessments
Specific assessments relating to staff member(s) or pupil(s) are held on that individual’s file and will be undertaken by the relevant line manager.
Such risk assessments will be reviewed on a regular basis.

It is the responsibility of all staff to inform their line manager of any medical conditions (including pregnancy) which may impact upon their work.

Curriculum Activities
Risk assessments for curriculum activities will be carried out by the responsible class teacher using the relevant codes of practice and model risk assessments detailed below.

Whenever a new course is adopted or developed all activities are checked against these and significant findings incorporated into the relevant texts in daily use.

The school has a subscription to CLEAPSS and their publications are used as sources of model risk assessment within science, art and DT.

In addition the following publications are used within the school as sources of model risk assessments:

Be Safe! Health and Safety in primary science and technology, 4th Edition ASE ISBN ISBN 978-0-86357-426-9
National Society for Education in Art & Design (NSEAD)
http://www.nsead.org/hsg/index.aspx
Safe Practice in Physical Education and School Sport’ Association of PE ‘afPE’ http://www.afpe.org.uk/

APPENDIX 2: OFFSITE VISITS

The school has adopted the Outdoor Education Advisory Panel’s national guidance (OEAP) for learning outside the classroom and offsite visits and all offsite visits will be planned following this guidance available via http://www.thegrid.org.uk/info/healthandsafety/visits/manual.shtml

Responsibilities of key roles are outlined by the OEAP here:
Visit leader
EVC
Headteacher

The LA’s Offsite Visits Advisor must be notified of all level 3 trips, which include self-led adventurous activities, fieldwork trips to open or "wild" country, and all trips overseas. This will be done via the use of Evolve, the online notification and approvals system.

Evolve will be used for the planning and approval of all offsite visits. Relevant risk assessments, participant’s names etc. will be attached electronically as required.

The member of staff planning the trip will submit all relevant paperwork and risk assessments relating to the trip to the school’s Educational Visits Co-ordinator (EVC), who will check the documentation and planning of the trip and if acceptable initially approve the visit before referring to the Headteacher.

The EVC should attend training and refresher training every 3 -5 years.

APPENDIX 3: HEALTH AND SAFETY MONITORING AND INSPECTIONS

A formal inspection of the site will be conducted on a termly basis, dividing the site between KS1, KS2 and outside areas and be undertaken and co-ordinated by the Site Manager and Business Manager and governors informed.

There will also be an annual H&S audit undertaken.

A written record of each inspection will be made including any actions and follow ups which will be sent to the Head Teacher.

A named governor will be involved in monitoring the school’s health and safety management systems on an annual basis and report back to both the relevant sub-committee and full Governing Body meetings.

Advice and pro forma inspection checklists to assist the monitoring process can be found in the Education Health and Safety Manual.

Inspections will be conducted jointly with the establishment’s health and safety representative(s) if possible.

APPENDIX 4: FIRE EVACUATION AND OTHER EMERGENCY ARRANGEMENTS

The Headteacher is responsible for ensuring the school’s fire risk assessment is undertaken and implemented following guidance contained in the Education Health and Safety Manual.

The fire risk assessment is located in the Fire folder in the Site Manager’s room and will be reviewed on an annual basis.

Emergency Procedures

Fire and emergency evacuation procedures are detailed in Emergency Evacuation Plan and a summary posted in each classroom. These procedures will be reviewed at least annually and are made available to all staff as part of the school’s induction process. This training is supported by regular drills.

Evacuation procedures are also made available to all contractors and visitors.

Emergency exits, fire alarm call points, assembly points etc. are clearly identified by safety signs and notices.

Emergency contact and key holder details are maintained in the Business Continuity Plan held on sharepoint and updated to the LA via Solero.

Fire Drills

Fire drills will be undertaken termly and results recorded in the fire log book.

Fire Fighting

Staff must ensure the alarm is raised BEFORE attempting to tackle a fire.
The safe evacuation of persons is an absolute priority. Staff may only attempt to deal with small fires, if it is safe to do so without putting themselves at risk, using portable fire fighting equipment.
Staff are made aware of the type and location of portable fire fighting and receive basic instruction in its correct use at induction.

Details of service isolation points (i.e. gas, water, electricity)

KS2 – School Office for water and gas
KS2 and KS1 – Photocopier room for electricity
KS1 – Boiler room for water
Rainbow room – gas

Details of chemicals and flammable substances on site
An inventory of these will be kept in the Site Manager’s office for reference.

APPENDIX 5: INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE OF EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT

The Site Manager is responsible for ensuring that the school’s fire log is kept up to date and that the following inspection and maintenance is undertaken and recorded in the fire log book located in Site Manager’s room. There are two logs – KS1 and KS2.

FIRE ALARM SYSTEM

Fire alarm call points will be tested weekly in rotation. This test will occur weekly on Fridays at 7am.
Any defects on the system will be reported immediately to the alarm contractor - details in the Site Manager’s Fire folder.
A fire alarm maintenance contract is in place and the system tested quarterly.

FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT

Weekly in-house checks ensure that all fire fighting equipment remains available for use and operational.
A contractor undertakes an annual maintenance service of all fire fighting equipment.
Defective equipment or extinguishers that need recharging should be taken out of service and reported directly to the Site Manager.

EMERGENCY LIGHTING SYSTEMS

These systems will be checked for operation monthly in house and annually a full discharge test and certification of the system will be undertaken. Details can be found in the Fire Folder.

MEANS OF ESCAPE

Daily checks for any obstructions on exit routes and ensures all final exit doors are operational and available for use.

APPENDIX 6: FIRST AID AND MEDICATION

The school has assessed the need for first aid provision and identified the following staff to provide first aid (both on site and where required for trips/visits and extra curricular activities)

TRAINED TO FIRST AID AT WORK LEVEL (3 days /18 hrs):
Jo Paxton 21 – 22.03.19 Extension 201
Julie Bennett 23 – 25.04.19 Extension 213

TRAINED TO EYFS STANDARD (PAEDIATRIC FIRST AID, 2 days/ 12 hrs):
Clair del Federico

TRAINED TO EMERGENCY FIRST AID AT WORK (1 day / 6 hrs):
Janet Goldsworthy June 2017

OTHER TRAINING IN EMERGENCY FIRST AID (6 hr):

First aid qualifications remain valid for 3 years. The Deputy Headteacher will ensure that refresher training is organised to maintain competence and that new persons are trained should first aiders leave.

FIRST AID BOXES ARE LOCATED AT THE FOLLOWING POINTS:

All classrooms
School Office
KS1 corridor

The Office Manager is responsible for regularly checking (termly) that the contents of first aid boxes , including mobile kits, are complete and replenished as necessary.

Transport to hospital

Where a first aider considers it necessary, the injured person will be sent directly to hospital (normally by ambulance). Parents or carers will be notified immediately of all major injuries to pupils.

No casualty will be allowed to travel to hospital unaccompanied and an accompanying adult will be designated in situations where the parents or carers cannot be contacted in time.

Where there is any doubt about the appropriate course of action, the first aider will consult with the Health Service helpline (NHS Direct 0845 4647) and, in the case of pupil with the parents/carers.

Important telephone numbers

Herts and Essex Hospital 01279 655191
Princess Alexandra Hospital 01279 444455
School Nurse Alice Smyck 01920 443793

Administration of medicines

All medication will be administered to pupils in accordance with the DfE document
Supporting pupils at school with medical conditions. Detailed arrangements are provided in a separate policy ‘Supporting Children with Medical Conditions and Managing Medication in School’.

No member of staff will administer any medication (prescribed or non-prescribed)
to any children without a parent’s written consent except in exceptional
circumstances.

Any member of the office staff can accept medication and is responsible for checking that all relevant information has been provided by parents or carers prior to administering.

Records of administration will be kept by Jo Paxton, Office Manager.

All non-emergency medication kept in school is securely stored with access strictly controlled. All pupils know how to access their medication. Under no circumstances will medication be stored in first aid boxes.

Emergency medication and devices such as asthma inhalers, blood glucose testing meters and adrenaline pens are always readily available to children and not locked away. These are kept in each classroom and clearly labelled.

The school have chosen to hold an emergency salbutamol inhaler and an emergency epipen for use by pupils who have been prescribed them and for whom parental consent for its use has been obtained.

In the event of a possible severe allergic reaction in a pupil without a prescribed device / parental consent emergency services (999) would be contacted and advice sought as to whether administration of the emergency AAI is appropriate.

Individual Health Care Plans (IHCP)

Parents and carers are responsible for providing the school with up to date information regarding their child’s health care needs and providing appropriate medication.

IHCPs are in place for those pupils with significant medical needs e.g. chronic or ongoing medical conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy, anaphylaxis etc.

The IHCP is developed with the pupil (where appropriate), parent/carer, designated named member of school staff, specialist nurse (where appropriate) and relevant healthcare services. These plans will be completed at the beginning of the school year or when child enrols / on diagnosis being communicated to the school and will be reviewed annually by Jo Paxton, Office Manager.

All staff are made aware of any relevant health care needs and copies of health
care plans are available in the medical folder in each classroom or in the medical folder in the School Office.

Staff will receive appropriate training related to health conditions of pupils and
the administration of medicines by a health professional as appropriate.

All staff were trained in in the use of epipens and inhalers on 25th March 2019.

APPENDIX 7: ACCIDENT REPORTING PROCEDURES

Accidents to employees

All employee accidents, violent incidents and near misses no matter how minor, must be reported to the Finance Assistant and an accident form shall be completed.

Employee accident / incident forms are to be retained for a minimum of 3 years.

Accidents to pupils and other non-employees (members of public and visitors to site)

A local accident book is kept in the School Office and used to record all minor incidents to non-employees, more significant incidents as detailed below must also reported to HCC using the online accident reporting system hosted on Solero.

•   Major injuries.
•   Accidents where significant first aid treatment has been provided.
•   Accidents which result in the injured person being taken from the scene of the accident directly to hospital.
•   Accidents arising from premises / equipment defects.

Parents / carers will be notified immediately of all major injuries.

Major incidents and accident investigation

All major incidents will be reported to the Headteacher. Individual parents and carers will be notified immediately of all major injuries as and when required.

Accidents will be monitored for trends and a report made to the Governing Body as
necessary.

The Headteacher, or their nominee, will investigate accidents and take remedial steps to avoid similar instances recurring. Faulty equipment, systems of work etc. must be reported and attended to as soon as possible.

Reporting to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

Incidents involving a fatality or major injury will be reported immediately to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) on 0345 300 9923 and the Education Health and Safety team on 01992 556478.

Incidents resulting in the following outcomes must be reported to the HSE via their online reporting system http://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/ within 15 days of the incident occurring.

A pupil or other non-employee being taken directly to hospital for treatment and the accident arising as the result of the condition of the premises or equipment, due to the way equipment or substances were used or due to a lack of supervision or organisation etc.
Employee absence or inability to carry out their normal duties as the result of a work related accident, for periods of 7 days or more (including weekends and holidays).

APPENDIX 8: HEALTH AND SAFETY INFORMATION AND TRAINING

Consultation

Health and Safety issues are the responsibility of the full Governing Body. It may choose to delegate certain aspects of this responsibility to a sub Committee.

The Health and Safety Governor shall report to the full Governing Body at every meeting. Health and Safety shall be a standing item on the full Governing Body agenda.

The full Governing Body meets at least termly and health, safety and welfare issues affecting staff, pupils or visitors are reported via the Headteacher’s report. Action points from meetings are brought forward for review by school management.

Communication of Information

Detailed information on how to comply with the health and safety policy is given in the Education Health and Safety Manual, which is available for reference via the Grid.

The Health and Safety Law poster is displayed in each staffroom.

The Education Health and Safety Team Tel: 01992 556478 provide competent health and safety advice for the school.

Health and Safety Training

All employees will be provided with:-

A copy of and induction training in the requirements of this policy;
update training in response to any significant change;
training in specific skills needed for certain activities, (e.g. use of hazardous substances, work at height etc.) and refresher training where required.
Refresher training where required

Any new instructions or restrictions will be communicated to all staff and highlighted as part of the standard cycle of policy review.

Training records will be kept on SIMS.

The Deputy Headteacher is responsible for co-ordinating health and safety training needs and for including details in the training and development plan. This includes a system for ensuring that refresher training is undertaken within the prescribed time limits.

The Headteacher will be responsible for assessing the effectiveness of training received.

Each member of staff is also responsible for drawing the Headteacher's attention to their own personal needs for training and for not undertaking duties unless they are confident that they have the necessary competence.

APPENDIX 9: PERSONAL SAFETY AND LONE WORKING

The school believes that staff should not be expected to put themselves in danger and will not tolerate violent or threatening behaviour to its staff.

Staff will report any such incidents to the Headteacher. The school will work in partnership with the LA and police where inappropriate behaviour or individual conduct compromises the school’s aims in providing an environment in which the pupils and staff feel safe.

Lone working

Staff are encouraged not to work alone in school. Work carried out unaccompanied or without immediate access to assistance should be risk assessed to determine if the activity is necessary.

Work involving potentially significant risks (for example work at height) must not be undertaken whilst working alone.

Staff working outside of normal school hours must inform an adult of their expected start and finish times and sign in and out of the school premises.

Where lone working cannot be avoided staff should ensure they have means to summon help in an emergency e.g. access to a telephone or mobile phone etc.

School staff responding to call outs
Nominated key holders attending empty premises where there has been an alarm activation should do so with a colleague if possible or inform an adult. They should not enter the premises unless they are sure it is safe to do so.
The school buys into a key holder service who will attend call outs or will contact the Site Manager if unable to attend. (Arena)

APPENDIX 10: PREMISES AND WORK EQUIPMENT

All staff are required to report to the Site Manager any problems found with plant or equipment. Defective equipment will be clearly marked and taken out of service by storing in a secure location pending repair or disposal.

The Site Manager is responsible for identifying all plant and equipment in an equipment register and ensuring that any specific training or instruction needs, personal protective equipment requirements are identified and relevant risk assessments conducted where required.

Equipment is restricted to those users who are authorised or have received specific training as detailed in the ladder register.

Planned maintenance and inspection

Regular inspection and testing of school plant and equipment is conducted to legislative requirements by competent contractors. Records of such monitoring will be kept in by the Site Manager in the Site Manager’s room (Key areas for compliance are outlined on the Grid)

Curriculum Areas

The Site Manager is responsible for ensuring maintenance requirements for equipment in their areas are identified and implemented.

Electrical Safety

All staff will conduct a basic visual inspection of plugs, cables and electrical equipment prior to use. Defective equipment will be reported to the Site Manager.

All portable items of electrical equipment will be subject to formal inspection and testing (Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)) on an identified cycle (dependant upon the type of equipment and the environment it is used in). All earthed equipment (class 1) and cables attached to such equipment will be tested annually.

This inspection and testing will be conducted by the Site Manager and Assistant Site Manager on an annual basis over a period of 3 months.

The Site Manager is responsible for keeping an up-to-date inventory of all relevant electrical appliances and for ensuring that all equipment is available for testing

Personal items of equipment (electrical or mechanical) should not be brought into the school without prior authorisation and must be subjected to the same tests as school equipment.

A fixed electrical installation test (fixed wire test) will be conducted by a contractor on a 5 year cycle and 20% physical test of wiring will be undertaken annually in order to provide a full set of results over a 5 year period as detailed in the electrical folder.

External play equipment

External play equipment will only be used when appropriately supervised. This equipment will be checked daily before use for any apparent defects, and the Site Manager will conduct and record a formal termly inspection of the equipment.
PE and Play equipment is subject to an annual inspection by a contractor.

APPENDIX 11: FLAMMABLE AND HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES

Every attempt will be made to avoid, or choose the least harmful of, substances which fall under the “Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002” (COSHH Regulations).

The Site Manager is responsible for COSHH and ensuring that an up to date inventory and model risk assessments contained in the relevant national publications are in place. (CLEAPSS, Association for Science Education's "Topics in Safety" etc.)

They shall ensure:-

an inventory of all hazardous substances used on site is compiled and regularly reviewed.
material safety data sheets are obtained from the relevant supplier for all such materials.
If required, full COSHH risk assessments are conducted and communicated to staff exposed to the product/substance.
all chemicals are appropriately and securely stored out of the reach of children .
all chemicals are kept in their original packaging and labelled ( no decanting into unmarked containers).
suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) has been identified and available for use. PPE is to be provided free of charge where the need is identified as part of the risk assessment.

Where persons may be affected by their use on site, the Site Manager is responsible for ensuring that COSHH assessments are available from contractors (this applies to both regular contracts such as cleaners and caterers and from builders, decorators, flooring specialists, etc).

APPENDIX 12: ASBESTOS

An asbestos survey and management plan is in place for the school in accordance with HCC’s asbestos policy. The school’s most recent asbestos management survey was conducted on 13th June 2016.

The school’s asbestos log (including school plans, asbestos survey data and site specific management plan) is held in the Site Manager’s room.

The Headteacher will ensure that all school staff (and others such as catering and cleaning staff who may not be employed directly by the school) are made aware of the location of asbestos containing materials (ACM) within their work areas.

Under no circumstances must staff undertake any work which could disturb the fabric of the building or fixed equipment, e.g. affixing anything to walls without first obtaining approval from an Asbestos Authorising Officer. (Even stapling or pushing a drawing pin into ACM may result in the release of fibres into the air.)

In the event of any damage occurring to materials known or suspected to contain asbestos this will be reported to one of the school’s asbestos authorising officers and the area immediately evacuated and closed or locked off.
Professional advice will be sought and details of the incident reported to HCC’s asbestos team asbestos@hertfordshire.gov.uk.

The school’s asbestos authorising officer is Colin Camp and refresher training is required every 3 years.

Prior to any work commencing on the fabric of the building or fixed equipment (e.g. boilers, kilns etc.), either by contractors or school staff, one of the asbestos authorising officers must check the asbestos log and establish whether permission to work can be given.

The Headteacher or asbestos authorising officer shall ensure:

That the asbestos log is consulted at the earliest possible opportunity and that all work affecting the fabric of the building or fixed equipment is entered in the permission to work log and signed by those undertaking the work.
A visual inspection of asbestos containing materials remaining on site is conducted and recorded (legal requirement to do so annually as a minimum).
The limitations of the management survey and areas of the building that have not been surveyed are understood and considered as part of the permission to work process e.g. areas above 3m in height, within ceiling voids (where panels / tiles are fixed), floor voids and ducts etc.
All records pertaining to asbestos are effectively maintained and retained (legal requirement to do so for a period of 40 years).
The school’s asbestos management plan is kept up to date and that any asbestos works (removal, new project specific surveys etc.) are notified to the LA via asbestos@hertfordshire.gov.uk.

APPENDIX 13: CONTRACTORS

All contractors used by the school shall ensure compliance with relevant health and safety guidance and good practice.

All contractors must report to the School Office where they will be asked to sign the visitors book and wear an identification badge. Contractors will be issued with guidance on emergency procedures, relevant risks, and local management arrangements.

The Site Manager is responsible for monitoring areas where the contractor’s work may directly affect staff and pupils and checking whether expected controls are in place and working effectively.

School managed projects

The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 applies to all building, demolition, repair and maintenance or refurbishment work.

Where the school undertakes projects direct the governing body are considered the ‘client’ and therefore have additional statutory obligations. These projects are managed by the Site Manager unless it is decided that external expertise is required on the school’s behalf who will ensure landlords consent has been obtained and, where applicable, all statutory approvals, such as planning permission and building regulations have been sought.

Contractors will be required to provide a construction phase plan, risk assessments
and method statements detailing the safe systems of work to be used prior to works commencing on site.

Risk assessments and method statements shall be specific to the site and all aspects of the works to be undertaken. The school, contractors and any subcontractors involved will exchange relevant information regarding the work activities and agree the risk assessments.

APPENDIX 14: WORK AT HEIGHT

Working at height can present a significant risk, where such activities cannot be avoided a task specific risk assessment will be conducted to ensure such risks are adequately controlled. A copy of this assessment will be provided to employees authorised to work at height.

Storage above head height is minimised as far as possible, where this cannot be avoided only light-weight and rarely-used items are stored there.

When working at height (including accessing storage or putting up displays) appropriate stepladders or kick stools are to be used. Staff must not climb onto chairs etc.

Only those persons who have been trained to use ladders safely may use them.
Basic instruction is provided to all staff who use ladders / stepladders
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg455.htm

Formal training on work at height, use of ladders, mobile tower scaffolds etc. will be provided where a significant risk is identified as part of an individuals role e.g. site staff, drama, ICT technician etc.

The establishments nominated person(s) responsible for work at height is Colin Camp.

The nominated person(s) shall ensure:

all work at height is properly planned and organised;
the use of access equipment is restricted to authorised users;
all those involved in work at height are trained and competent to do so;
the risks from working at height are assessed and appropriate equipment selected;
a register of access equipment is maintained and all equipment is regularly inspected and maintained and
any risks from fragile surfaces is properly controlled.

Mobile platform

Only the Site Manager is trained to use the mobile platform. The Assistant Site Manager must request support from a trained person if use of a mobile platform is required.

APPENDIX 15: LIFTING AND HANDLING

Generic risk assessments for regular manual handling operations are undertaken and staff provided with information on safe moving and handling techniques. Staff should ensure they are not lifting heavy items and equipment unless they have received training and/or equipment in order to do so safely.

Those manual handling activities which present a significant risk to the health and safety of staff, will be reported to the Site Manager and where such activities cannot be avoided a risk assessment will be conducted to ensure such risks are adequately controlled. A copy of this assessment will be provided to employees who must follow the instruction given when carrying out the task.

Paediatric Moving and Handling

All staff who move and handle pupils have received appropriate training (both in general moving and handling people techniques and specific training on any lifting equipment, hoists, slings etc. they are required to use).

All moving and handling of pupils has been risk assessed and recorded by a competent member of staff.

Equipment for moving and handling people (hoists, slings etc.) is subject to inspection on a 6 monthly basis by a competent contractor.

APPENDIX 16: DISPLAY SCREEN EQUIPMENT

All staff who use computers daily, as a significant part of their normal work (significant is taken to be continuous / near continuous spells of an hour or more at a time) e.g. admin / office staff shall have a DSE assessment carried out.

Staff identified as DSE users are entitled to an eyesight test for DSE use every 2 years by a qualified optician (and corrective glasses if required specifically for DSE use).

Advice on the use of DSE is available in the Education Health and Safety Manual

APPENDIX 17: VEHICLES ON SITE

Vehicular access to the school is restricted to school staff and visitors only and not for general use by parents or guardians when bringing children to school or collecting them.

Access to the school must be kept clear for emergency vehicles.

The vehicle access gate must not normally be used for pedestrian access.

APPENDIX 18: LETTINGS AND SHARED USE OF PREMISES

Lettings are managed by the Business Manager following HCC guidance and the Hiring Premises Management Agreement.

APPENDIX 20: STRESS AND WELLBEING

The school and Governing Body are committed to promoting high levels of health and well being and recognise the importance of identifying and reducing workplace stressors through risk assessment, in line with the HSE and HCC’s management standards.

APPENDIX 21: LEGIONELLA

The school complies with advice on the potential risks from legionella as identified in the Education Health and Safety Manual.

A water risk assessment of the school has been completed on 30th September 2010 by NEMO. The Business Manager is responsible for ensuring that the identified operational controls are being conducted and recorded in the school’s water log book.

This risk assessment will be reviewed where significant changes have occurred to the water system and or building footprint.

The risks from legionella are mitigated by basic operational controls and thus the following checks are recorded.

Water is heated and stored to 60 deg C at calorifiers (any vessel that generates heat within a mass of stored water);
Weekly flushing of seldom used outlets and all showers (with all outlets flushed after school holiday periods);
Monthly temperature checks on sentinel outlets (those nearest and furthest away from calorifiers;
Quarterly disinfection/descaling of showers;
Six monthly temperature checks of stored water;
Stored cold water tanks are inspected for compliance and safety on an annual basis by the Site team and tank water temperature recorded.

APPENDIX 22: SCHOOL SWIMMING

Primary school swimming in public pool

These will be planned as an offsite visit in line with the schools policy.

The school will obtain a copy of the pool’s normal operating procedure (NOP) and emergency action plan (EAP) which identify the safety arrangements for the host pool.

In addition the school will obtain assurance over:
•   The level of training of the swimming teacher(s);
•   Pupil and swimming teacher ratios;
•   Rescue and lifeguard provision provided;

The Deputy Headteacher will ensure adequate provision is made for lifesaving, first aid and resuscitation cover appropriate to the type of swimming sessions.

See the swimming risk assessment for more detailed procedures.

Addendum to H&S policy

In recognition of the current circumstances due to COVID-19, this addendum to the school’s H&S policy sets out the arrangements in relation to the return to full-time school from September 2020.

In line with the school’s wider responsibilities under Health and safety legislation detailed in the main H&S policy, the school has produced a COVID-19 risk assessment detailing the control measures in place to mitigate risks of transmission, this is based on the national guidance for schools produced by the DfE.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/actions-for-schools-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak/guidance-for-full-opening-schools

Our risk assessment has been consulted on with all staff and will be regularly reviewed to any reflect changes in national guidance as well as local operational issues.

The Headteacher will:

Have overall responsibility for the development and implementation of the wider H&S policy, COVID-19 risk assessment and action plan.

Consult with all staff as part of the planning and risk assessment process.

Ensure all documentation is regularly reviewed to meet current need and any updated guidance from the Government or Local Authority.

Ensure that all staff, including temporary staff, peripatetic and supply teachers, visiting coaches etc. are briefed on the required controls for managing risk.

Put in place a monitoring process to review how staff and students adapt and adopt to the controls put in place, reviewing the risk assessment to reflect any additional controls or risks which become apparent as operational activities and curriculum are delivered.

Ensure that individual risk assessments (for both staff and pupils) are conducted
where required.

All staff will:

Carry out all work in accordance with the policy, risk assessment and action plan, including additional tasks as part of the response to COVID-19.

Take the opportunity to contribute to the risk assessment and action planning process.

Ensure appropriate controls and procedures are brought to the attention of all staff under their control.

Be responsible for reporting any Health and Safety risks related to COVID-19 to the Headteacher.

The COVID-19 risk assessment ensures compliance with the Governments guidance on managing the risk of COVID-19 namely to:

minimise contact with individuals who are unwell by ensuring that those who have coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms, or who have someone in their household who does, do not attend school;
ensure enhanced cleaning, handwashing and hygiene procedures are in place and in line with national guidance;
wear face coverings where recommended, in communal areas of the school where social distancing is hard to maintain;
minimise contact between individuals and maintain social distancing wherever possible;
ensure staff wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) in circumstances where this is required.
In the event of any infection the school will:
engage with the NHS Test and Trace process;
manage confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) amongst the school community;
contain any outbreak by following local health protection team advice.
Report confirmed cases

Relevant Health and Safety information and the school plans for management of COVID-19 risks has been communicated to all staff and the wider school community.

Health and Safety Policy October 2020 with COVID addendum.pdf

Contact Details

Health and Safety Policy