SCOIL MHUIRE MOUNT SACKVILLE PRIMARY SCHOOL HEALTH AND SAFETY

scoil mhuire mount sackville primary school health and safety statement october 2020 statement on policy the b

SCOIL MHUIRE MOUNT SACKVILLE PRIMARY SCHOOL
HEALTH AND SAFETY STATEMENT
October 2020
STATEMENT ON POLICY
The Board of Management of Scoil Mhuire Mount Sackville, charged with
the direct government of the school, has prepared this health and
safety statement in accordance with the requirements of the Safety,
Health and Welfare Act 2005. In doing so it is mindful of the unique
place the school occupies as an extension of the home life of the
child and of the responsibilities entrusted to the personnel of the
school by the parents of the pupils. In particular, the policy takes
account of the arrival of Covid-19 in Ireland.
The Board also recognizes its statutory obligations under legislation
extends to employees, students, to any person legitimately conducting
school business and to the public. The policy requires the
co-operation of all the school community.
CHARACTERISTIC SPIRIT OF THE SCHOOL
Our school aims to provide a happy, secure, safe, friendly learning
environment for all members of the school community.
Safety, health and welfare within the school is and has always been a
most sacred duty incumbent on all members of the school community and
one which calls for constant vigilance. The Board of Management of
Scoil Mhuire Mount Sackville will ensure that, in so far as is
practicable, the highest standards of safety shall prevail and that,
at a minimum, the provisions of the Safety, Health and Welfare Act,
2005 are applied.
AIMS:
The Safety Statement aims to:
*
Create a safe and healthy school environment, in so far as is
reasonably practical by identifying, preventing and tackling
hazards and their accompanying risks.
*
Ensure understanding of the school’s duty of care towards pupils.
*
Protect the school community from workplace accidents, ill health
at work and the current Covid-19 pandemic.
*
Outline procedures and practices in place to ensure safe systems
of work.
*
Comply with all relevant health and safety legislation (so far as
is reasonably practicable) to include the following areas:
*
Provision of safe workplace for all employees, teachers,
SNA’s, childcare workers, secretary, caretaker.
*
To ensure competent employees, who will carry out safe work
practices
*
Safe access to and from places of work.
*
Design, provision and maintenance of all places in the school
shall 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.
*
Fire regulations will be compiled with and revised by the
Board.
*
Safe equipment including maintenance and use of appropriate
guards.
*
Employees will be consulted on matters of health, safety and
welfare.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF EMPLOYER – BOARD OF MANAGEMENT
*
Provide and maintain a workplace that is safe and do likewise for
all machinery and equipment.
*
Manage work activities to ensure the safety, health and welfare of
employees.
*
Ensure that risks are assessed and hazards are eliminated or
minimized as far as is reasonably practicable.
*
Prepare a safety statement and regularly update it, particularly
when there has been a significant incident and/or the
introduction/spread of Covid-19 cases within the school.
*
Provide and maintain decent welfare facilities to employees.
*
Prepare and update procedures to deal with emergency situation and
communicate those procedures to employees.
*
Appoint a competent person to oversee the functions of the Board
in relation to Health and Safety.
*
Provide training and handbook to workers in a format and language
that is appropriate, including training on the commencement of
employment.
*
Report serious accidents to the Health and Safety Authority.
*
Consult annually with employees and provide them with information
in relation to safety, health and welfare.
*
Require employers from whom services are contracted to have an up
to date safety statement.
*
The Board of Management will undertake to carry out a yearly
health and safety audit at the commencement of each year.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF EMPLOYEES
Health and safety is everyone’s business. As a worker you have legal
duties designed to protect you and those you work with.
Responsibilities include:
a.
To take reasonable care for own safety, health and welfare, that
of any person who may be affected by his/her acts or omissions
while at work.
b.
Not to be under the influence of an intoxicant to the extent that
they endanger your own or other person’s safety.
c.
Not to engage in improper conduct that will endanger self or
anyone else.
d.
To co-operate with his/her employer and any other person to such
an extent as will enable his/her employer or the other person to
comply with any of the relevant statutory provisions.
e.
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 by him/her in common
with others) for securing his/her safety, health or welfare at
work.
f.
Report to the Board of Management without reasonable delay, any
defects in plant equipment, place of work, or system of work,
which might endanger safety, health or welfare of which he/she
becomes aware.
g.
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 otherwise, for securing safety, health or
welfare or persons arising out of work activities.
h.
Employees using available facilities and equipment provided should
ensure that work practices are performed in the safest manner
possible (see section 9 of Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act
1989).
RESPONSIBILITIES OF CARETAKER:
The caretaker will:
*
On wet days, display “wet floor” signs and mop the floors to avoid
accidents.
*
Check that the play areas are kept clean and free from glass
before use.
*
Check that roofs, guttering, drainpipes etc… as far as can be seen
are sound and well maintained.
*
Check that manholes are safe.
*
Check that there are no uneven/broken/cracked paving slabs.
*
Check that outside and inside lighting works and is sufficient.
*
Check that all builder’s materials, caretakers’ maintenance
equipment, storeroom etc are checked and stored securely.
*
Ensure that refuse is removed from the building each day and is
carefully stored outside.
*
Avoid using paints and other chemicals in the vicinity of
children.
*
Ensure that delivery vans and or other vehicles etc do not enter
the play areas during school.
*
Respond to specific and ad-hoc needs of the school, as identified
by the principal on an on-going basis (particularly in dealing
with the threat of Covid-19 e.g. additional signage, monitoring of
hand sanitizer stocks, enhancing access/entry points etc…)
CONSULTATION AND INFORMATION
Staff: It is the policy of the Board of Management of Scoil Nano Nagle
to consult with staff in preparation and completion of this statement,
to give a copy of the safety statement to all present and future
staff, 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.
Home/School Communications: Information in respect of health and
safety issues are communicated to the home through newsletter, health
and safety policy, school website and reminders notes/e-mails.
Parents/guardians are asked to co-operate with the school to ensure
its safe and smooth running.
ENTITLEMENTS OF SAFETY REPRESENTATIVE (Section 25 Safety, Health &
Work Act, 2005)
The Board of Management will organize the selection of safety
representative from the staff who will conduct consultations with the
principal teacher, Ms. Úna O’ Kelly and/or with the Board with regard
to health and safety matters. Ms. Joanne Finneran is the current
safety representative.
The safety representative has the right to:
*
Represent the employees at the place of work in consultation with
the employer on matters in relation to health and safety.
*
Inspect the place of work on a schedule agreed with the employer
or immediately in the event of an accident, dangerous occurrence
or imminent danger or risk to safety, health and welfare of any
person.
*
Receive appropriate training.
*
Investigate accidents and dangerous occurrences.
*
Investigate complaints made by employees.
*
Accompany an inspector carrying out an inspection at the
workplace.
*
Make representations to and receive information from an inspector.
*
Consult and liaise with other safety representatives in the same
undertaking.
*
Advise and assist the principal in relation to Covid-19 measures
being adopted by the school.
IDENTIFICATION OF HAZARDS, RISK ASSESSMENT
Each year, the Board of Management will carry out a risk assessment,
identifying hazards, assessing the risks and specifying the actions
required to eliminate or minimize them. This “walk-through” was most
recently conducted during the second week of September 2020.
Safety Checks and Audits: Teachers and ancillary staff are requested
to conduct a periodic safety check of their classrooms and or work
place and to effect or to request immediate corrective action. Our
Health and Safety book is always available to all members of staff to
record areas of concern. This recommendation equally applies to the
clerical staff, special needs assistants, childcare workers cleaning
staff and to the caretaker.
POLICIES/PROCEDURES FOR DEALING WITH SPECIFIC RISKS AND POTENTIAL
HAZARDS
The Board of Management in consultation with the staff has identified
the following areas of school life and activity to be a source of
potential danger, requiring special care in order to prevent injury or
damage to members of the school community.
a.
PROCEDURES TO DEAL WITH EMERGENCIES
1.
Fire-drill and School Evacuation Procedure
The Board of Management draws attention to the dangers of fire and to
the loss of life that may be caused in the event of a fire in the
school. It is the policy of the Board of Management of Scoil Mhuire
Mount Sackville that:
a.
A Fire drill is carried out once a term. Each teacher shall
instruct his or her pupils in the fire drill to be observed in the
event of a fire. Each time the children vacate the classroom they
do so in accordance with the fire drill code displayed in each
classroom and also in the Parent’s Room and P.E. hall / computer
room.
b.
The assistant principal 2 Ms. Joanne Finneran, in consultation
with the principal, will be responsible for fire drills and
evacuation procedures. A separate plan outlines the procedures for
fire drills and evacuation procedures.
c.
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 authorized and qualified persons. Each fire
extinguisher shall have instructions for its use.
d.
Fire alarms shall be clearly marked.
e.
Signs shall be clearly visible to ensure that visitors are aware
of exit doors and routes.
f.
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.
g.
A plan of the school shows assembly points outside the school.
h.
Assembly areas are designated outside each building and the
location specified.
i.
Exit signs shall be clearly marked.
j.
All electrical equipment shall be unplugged when unattended for
lengthy periods and when the building is empty. Teachers are
responsible for their own classroom. The secretary and principal,
as appropriate, are responsible for the office. Staff
recreational/eating areas are every teachers’ responsibility.
Cleaners will also monitor this in the course of their work.
k.
All recommendations made by a Fire Officer and/or Aegis Fire Ltd
maintenance company in addition to these provisions will be
implemented.
l.
Fire exiting procedures have been slightly modified to take
account of the Covid-19 related requirements to maintain the
maximum social distance between children/staff.
2.
Procedures for dealing with Serious Accidents
All incidents, no matter how trivial and whether to employee or to
students or to members of the public must be reported immediately to
the person responsible for the hazard identified in the Statement and
the Safety Officer and/or the principal.
Parents are sent for in case of medical emergencies. A register is
kept of parents and guardian’s addresses and phone numbers. Parents
are asked to update this information when a change occurs. They are
asked to supply emergency contact names, address and phone numbers.
Telephone numbers of local doctor, Gardaí and hospital are kept in the
secretary’s office, staff room and principal’s office in the school.
Members of staff and students are reminded:
a.
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 effects 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.
b.
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.
3.
Exceptional Closures
As a general rule, the school authorities complies with all relevant
circulars, guidelines and legislation in relation to exceptional
closures. In accordance with Rules 60 and Rule 62 (Exceptional
Closings) and closure of school in the interest of Public Health, the
Board may close the school for Health and Safety reasons. The
exceptional cause may include:
*
Inclement Weather
*
Heating breakdown
*
Essentials repairs (repairs which cannot wait for school vacations
e.g. severe damage caused by vandalism, no water supply)
*
Recommendation of a Medical Officer of Public Health (similar to
the 2020 lockdown, or some partial localised lockdown thereof).
2. SAFETY AND WELFARE ISSUES
PUPILS:
2.1 Supervision of Pupils
Under Rule 123(4) and circular 16/73 of the Department of Education,
the principal teacher, Ms. Úna O’ kelly, on behalf of the Board of
Management, is responsible for the discipline of the school generally,
the control of other members of the teaching staff, including the
co-ordination and effective supervision of their work, the
organization of the school and other matters relating to the work of
the school. In carrying out these duties, Ms. O’ Kelly organises
supervision of the order and general behavior of the pupils during
school hours. In particular, she organises and participates in the
effective supervision of the pupils during breaks, lunch periods,
assembly and dismissal. A table of names and times of supervision
duties is on display in the staff-room. She arranges adequate
supervision and work for pupils whose teacher is absent. She holds
regular conferences with staff on matters concerning the general work
of the school.
The deputy principal, Ms. Brenda Clifford, assists the principal
teacher in the day-to-day organisation and supervision of the school.
In consultation with the principal, Ms. Clifford , draws up a roster
of teachers in charge of supervision of the children during break
times. The roster is clearly displayed. A copy of the roster is
distributed to each teacher. An archive of the roster is retained for
reference.
2.2 Supervision of Pupils at Opening and Closing Time:
Our school building opens at 9.20 a.m. and in accordance with Rule
124(4) all teachers will be present to exercise the required
supervision over their classes at that time. During break times, the
school makes special arrangements to ensure adequate care of the
children. Attention of the teaching staff is directed to Rule 121(4).
The school gates open at 8.50 a.m. The principal organises an
additional roster to provide supervision of the children as they
assemble in the yard.
2.3 Activity Inside and Outside the Classroom
Members of staff supervise all educational activities inside and
outside the classroom, in accordance with school policies and
procedures. All or any hazardous activities are not allowed within the
confines of the classroom. Within the classroom and school building
during normal school business, the hazards, with potential for injury
for all within the school are:
a.
Activity involving the use of tools of any kind e.g. scissors,
knives pointed implements etc.
b.
Activity involving the use of electrical power.
c.
Moveable furniture.
d.
In all pupil activity involving games of whatsoever kind teachers
will exercise prudent judgment on the level of safety required and
bring to the notice of the principal any matter requiring
attention or corrective action.
e.
It is noted that the selection of locations for school tours and
outings requires careful consideration, to take due account of the
duty of care required for the age and conduct of pupils.
2.4 Code of Behaviour and Anti Bullying Policy
In 2015, the Board of Management undertook a review of the existing
code of behavior, in accordance with the NEWB Guidelines. The list of
school rules is conveyed to pupils through talks at assembly and from
their teachers in the classroom. Parents are informed of the school
rules through our CODE OF BEHAVIOUR document, which has been
circulated to each family and is available on our website
www.scoilnanonagle.com
2.5 Enrolment Policy
The Board of Management reserves the right to defer/refuse the
admission of pupils with a history of violence in other schools
towards pupils and staff pending safety audit and professional advice.
2.6 Car and Road Safety
For safety reasons, parents / guardians are requested to:
*
Avoid dropping children off and picking them up at the beginning
and end of the school day on the yellow lines outside the school
*
Reverse into the school entrance to turn the car
*
Avoid using the car park entrances with children for safety
reasons
*
Pupils and parents are expected to follow the directions of the
school traffic warden
2.7 Collection of Pupils During School Hours
Parents/guardians who wish to collect pupils from school early must
only do so via the school office. Pupils will only be released to
known adults. Children will not be released to sibling under 18 years,
unless accompanied by a note from parent / guardian or telephone
contact with school authorities. In compliance with our Covid-19
protocols, parents/guardians will not be allowed enter the building
during such collections. Parents will talk to the secretary through
the intercom system at the front buzzer entrance door. The pupil will
be brought out to the parents by the secretary.
2.8 Allegations or Suspicions of Child Abuse
The school has updated its Child Protection Policy and is fully
compliant with the Child Children First Act. All child protection
issues are referred to Tusla and are overseen by the principal. All of
the school’s child safeguarding documentation is displayed in the
school building (as required) and can be found on the school website –
www.scoilnanonagle.com
3. HEALTH ISSUES
3.1 School Hygiene
Hygiene is the concern of everyone in our school. Good hygiene
practice is essential for the health and welfare of all in the school.
For this reason, any infringement of the code of conduct in this
regard will be viewed with particular seriousness. Teachers train
their pupils in good hygienic practice. The staff, including ancillary
staff, is requested to be vigilant in this regard and to bring to the
notice of the principal teacher any corrective action, which may be
deemed to be necessary.
Adequate facilities for waste disposal must be available. An Adequate
supply of hot and cold water, paper towels, soap and sanitary disposal
facilities must be available. 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.
Since September 2020 an additional staff eating area has been provided
to enhance social-distancing measures. Strict limits have been set on
the numbers using each room at any given time.
3.2 General Cleanliness of School Environment
The Board of Management maintains a high standard in relation to
cleanliness and general maintenance of the school environment. The
Board typically employs one cleaner. Classrooms and general purpose
areas are cleaned daily, with additional cleaning procedures added per
day in the broader school environment/communal areas in light of the
Covid-19 pandemic. Heavy duty cleaning is undertaken during mid-term
breaks and summer holidays. Cleaning staff have been provided with
additional PPE/protective clothing during their work. The caretaker
maintains the outside environment.
3.3 Infectious Diseases
It is the policy of the Board of Management of Scoil Mhuire Mount
Sackville that all infectious diseases shall be notified and steps
taken to ensure that safety of staff and students against all such
diseases. The Board of Management will endeavour to minimize the risk
by adherence to sound principles 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 adequate supply of water, soap, towels and
a facility for the safe disposal of waste.
Parents / guardians are notified of infectious / contagious
infections. The publication, Infectious Diseases (HSE) is the
reference guidelines used by the school.
The arrival of Covid-19 to Ireland has resulted in significant
implications for all schools. To reflect these changed circumstances,
the school has undertaken a detailed risk assessment for Covid-19
specifically. This document is attached as an appendix to this safety
statement. The school undertakes to comply fully with all the
Department of Education & Skills (and Department of Health)
recommendations for the safe running of the school. The school’s
“Re-opening Plan” (August 2020) should also be read in conjunction
with the “Covid-19 Risk Assessment”.
3.4 Managing Specific Health Issues
It is the responsibility of parents/guardians to inform the school of
any serious/specific illness. This becomes an even greater
responsibility during the Covid-19 pandemic. There is a dedicated
section on the enrolment form allowing parents/guardians to identify
any such allergics/illness/special information.
3.5 Administration of Medicines
It is preferable at all times that parents administer medicine to
their children. Where this is not possible, the school under the
direction of the Board of Management may make arrangements to
administer medication only in exceptional circumstances. In such
circumstances, strict guidelines and instructions will be issued by
the Board of Management. The school has a policy on the administration
of medication. A form must be filled out by parents and approved by
the BOM before any medication is administered.
3.6 First Aid
The staff safety officer, will see that there will be maintained in
the school a properly equipped First Aid Box containing:
*
Disinfectant (Savlon)
*
Cotton wool
*
Sterile wipes
*
Bandages
*
Steri strips
*
Scissors
*
Disposable gloves
*
Icepack is available in freezer section of fridge
*
Burn spray
*
Vinegar and bread soda for stings
Please Note: Disposable gloves must be used at all times in the
administration of First Aid.
The staff safety officer will ensure each staff member has a small
first aid bag to be used for yard supervision and also a green first
aid box in each classroom.
4. OTHER SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
4.1 No Smoking
The school is designated a non-smoking zone. Staff and visitors are
expected to refrain from smoking inside the school grounds.
4.2 Mobile Phones
Pupils are forbidden to use mobile phones in the school. The use of
mobile phones by adults for essential calls should be kept to a
minimum and, generally speaking, should be taken/made in an open area
where pupils are not present. To respond to Covid-19 related issues,
staff have been asked to have their mobile phones close to hand at all
times during the working day (since September 2020).
4.3 Dogs
Dogs in and around the school are a hazard to children. Parents /
guardians are requested to ensure that dogs do not enter the school
grounds. The Dog Warden will be sent for when dogs cause a problem
around the school grounds.
4.4 Visitors to School during School Hours
*
In the interest of safety and security, it is essential that the
school authorities know how many people are on the premises and
who they are. Therefore, all visitors to the school during school
hours are requested to report to Reception and state the reason
for their visit. In light of Covid-19, unscheduled visitors will
not be admitted under any circumstances. If admitted, a scheduled
visitor must sanitize upon entry and exit, wear a face mask and
ensure that their visit is recorded in the visitors’ log. The
visitor will be accompanied to and from their destination in the
building.
*
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
provision. 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/her
employees 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 suitable protection.
*
A complaints procedure is in place for dealing with problems. At
all times, parents/guardians are requested to make appointments
with the class teacher and/or the principal if there is a need to
discuss matters of a serious nature. Under no circumstances should
serious matters be discussed in the classroom and/or in the
presence of other children during school hours. Given Covid-19
restrictions, telephone/electronic contact with parents will be
prioritized.
5 MACHINERY, KITCHEN EQUIPMENT AND ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES
It is the policy of the Board of Management of Scoil Mhuire Mount
Sackville that machinery, kitchen equipment and electrical appliances
are to be used only by competent and authorized persons. Pupils are
not allowed to carry, plug or unplug electrical equipment. Electrical
equipment and appliances will be subject to regular maintenance checks
by a competent person. 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 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
correct fuse.
*
Follow official guidelines issued by the Health and Safety
Authority.
6. REPORTING AND RECORDING ACCIDENTS AND SERIOUS OCCURRENCES
6.1. The school will comply with the requirements for reporting very
serious accidents and dangerous occurrences to the:
Health and Safety Authority
10 Hogan Place
Dublin 2
Tel (01) 6147000
6.2 Incident / Accident Book
All incidents and serious occurrences are recorded in the School
Incident Book which is kept in the staff room. Serious incidents are
also recorded in the school incident report form in principal’s
office.
Statement Subject to Review
This safety statement has been prepared on conditions existing in the
premises of the school at the time of writing. It may be altered,
revised or updated to comply with any changes of personnel, experience
and the requirements of the Health and Safety Authority.
The safety statement emanates from the Board, is dated and signed by
the chairperson.
Chairperson: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­
Date: 19th October 2020
Principal: Date: 19th October 2020
Page 20 of 20