Health & Safety Policy
The Board of Management brings to the attention of its staff the following arrangements for safeguarding the safety, health and welfare of those employed and working in the school and all school users.
This policy requires the co-operation of all employees. It shall be reviewed annually or more frequently if necessary, in the light of experience, changes in legal requirements and operational changes. A safety audit shall be carried out annually by the Board of Management Safety Officers and a report made to staff. All records of accidents and ill-health will be monitored in order to ensure that any safety measures required can be put in place to minimise the recurrence of such accidents and ill-health.
The Board of Management of Scoil Náisiúnta Muire gan Smál wishes to ensure that as far as is reasonably practical:
The design, provision and maintenance of all places in the school shall be safe and without risk to health.
There shall be safe access to and from the school grounds and school building.
Plant and Machinery may be opened safely in so far as is possible.
Work systems shall be planned, organised, performed and maintained so as to be safe and without risk to health.
Staff shall be instructed and supervised in so far as is reasonably possible so as to ensure the health and safety at work of its employees.
Protective clothing or equivalent shall be provided as is necessary to ensure the safety and health at work of its employees.
Plans for emergencies shall be complied with and revised as necessary.
This statement will be continually revised by the Board of Management as necessity arises, and shall be re-examined by the Board on at least an annual basis.
Employees shall be consulted on matters of health and safety.
Provisions shall be made for the election by the employees of a safety representative.
The Board of Management of Scoil Náisiúnta Muire gan Smál recognises that its statutory obligations under legislation extends to employees, students, to any person legitimately conducting school business, and to the public.
The Board of Management of S.N.Muire gan Smál undertakes to ensure that the provisions of the Health and Safety Act 2005 is upheld.
Duties of Employees
It is the duty of every employee while at work:
To take reasonable care for his/her own safety, health and welfare, and that of any person who may be affected by his/her acts or omissions while at work.
To co-operate with his/her employer and any other person to such extent as will enable his/her employer or the other person to comply with any of the relevant statutory provisions.
To use in such manner so as to provide the protection intended, any suitable appliance, protective clothing, convenience, equipment or thing provided (whether for his/her lone use or for use by him/her in common with others) for securing his/her safety, health or welfare at work.
To report to the Board of Management without unreasonable delay, any defects in plant, equipment, place or work, or system of work, which might endanger safety, health or welfare of which he/she becomes aware.
No person will intentionally or recklessly interfere with or misuse any appliance, protective clothing, convenience or other means or thing provided in pursuance or any of the relevant statutory provisions or other wise, for securing safety, health or welfare or persons arising out of work activities.
Employees using available facilities and equipment provided should ensure that work practices are performed in the safest manner possible.
Consultation and Information
It is the policy of the Board of Management of S.N. Muire gan Smál. to consult with staff in preparation and completion of hazard control forms, to give a copy of the safety statement to all present and future staff, and to convey any additional information or instructions regarding health, safety and welfare at work to all staff as it becomes available. Health, safety and welfare at work will be considered in any future staff training and development plans.
Hazards
Hazards shall be divided into 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 in so far as resources and circumstances allow. For March 2006 audit, see Appendix 1.For Sept 2010 see appendix 2
Fire
It is the policy of the Board of Management of Scoil Náisiúnta Muire gan Smál . that:
The Board of Management will ensure that an adequate supply of fire extinguishers, suitable for the type of fires likely to occur in each area, is available, identified and regularly serviced by authorised and qualified persons. Each fire extinguisher shall have instructions for its use.
The principal will ensure that fire drills shall take place at least once a term.
Fire alarms shall be clearly marked. (Responsibility of Board of Management Safety Officer)
Signs shall be clearly visible to ensure that visitors are aware of exit doors and routes.(Staff Safety Officer)
All doors, corridors, and entries shall be kept clear of obstruction and shall be able to be opened at all times from within the building. Each teacher who has an exit in her classroom must ensure it is kept clear. P.E. hall and main door – Principal and secretary will see they are free of obstruction.
A plan of the school shows assembly points outside the school.
Emergency Assembly Point
All children line up in designated class fire assembly positions in yard at the back of the school
All teachers and special needs assistants stay with their individual class
All other staff principal, secretary, caretaker and visitors proceed to the Junior Infants fire assembly point
Exit signs shall be clearly marked.
Principal shall be responsible for fire drills and evacuation procedures.
All recommendations made by a Fire Officer in addition to these provisions shall be implemented.
The following hazards (in so much as can be identified) are considered by the Board of Management to be a source of potential danger and are brought to the attention of all concerned.
Wet corridors
Oil tank
Trailing leads
Computers
Paper Cutter
Projectors
Fuse Board
Electric water heater
Boiler house
Ladders
Excess Gravel on school yard
Protruding units and fittings
Flat and sloped roof of school
Lawnmower
Paved pathways
Icy surfaces on a cold day
Mats in hall
Windows opening out especially room 8
To minimize these dangers the following safety/ protective measures must be adhered to (see duties of employee pages 1-2 of this document):
Check that refuse is removed from building once a week and is carefully stored outside. Caretaker.
Duties
Responsibility
Access to and operation of plant/equipment (e.g. lawnmower) 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 (e.g. The Caretaker). The Principal/Board of Management will send copies of this Safety Statement to all contractors prior to contract. Any other contractors entering the school must be shown a copy of the schools Safety Statement and shall adhere to its provisions.
Caretaker
The Principal/Board of Management will send copies of this Safety Statement to all contractors prior to contract
In addition all such plant and machinery is to be used in strict accordance with the manufactures instructions and recommendations.
All
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.
Board of Management
All machinery and electrical equipment are fitted with adequate safeguards
Board of Management
Precautionary notices, in respect of safety matters are displayed at relevant points e.g. slippery floors.
Caretaker
Ladders must be used with another person’s assistance.
All
Avoid use of glass bottles where possible by pupils. Remove broken glass immediately on discovery
All
Check that floors are clean, even, non-slip and splinter-proof.
Caretaker
Check that PE equipment is stacked securely and in positioned so as not to cause a hazard.
Mrs Griffin
Check that all PE and other mats are in good condition.
Mrs Griffin
An annual routine for inspecting furniture floors apparatus, equipment and fittings.
Board of Management Safety Officer, Ben Lennon and Staff Safety Representative, Mr Reilly
Check that vaulting horses, beams and benches are stable and do not wobble when in use.
Class teacher when in use
Check that there are no uneven/broken/cracked paving slabs.
Caretaker
Check that roofs, guttering, drain pipes etc as far as can be seen are sound and well maintained.
Board of Management Safety Officer Ben Lennon
Check that manholes are safe.
Caretaker
Check that all play areas, especially sand pits, are kept clean and free from glass before use.
Caretaker
Check that outside lighting works and is sufficient.
Board of Management Safety Officer, Ben Lennon
Check that all caretakers’ maintenance equipment, external stores etc. are stored securely.
Board of Management Safety Officer, Ben Lennon
Check that refuse is removed from building once a week and is carefully stored outside.
Caretaker
Constant Hazards
Machinery, Kitchen equipment, Electrical appliances.
It is the policy of the Board of Management of S.N. Muire gan Smál that machinery, kitchen equipment and electrical appliances are to be used only by competent and authorised persons. Such appliances and equipment will be subject to regular maintenance checks.
Electrical Appliances
Arrangements will be made for all appliances to be checked on a regular basis at least annually by a competent person (i.e.) maintenance person, the supplier or his agent. Before using any appliance the user should check that:
All safety guards which are a normal part of the appliance are in working order
Power supply cables/leads are 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 the Health and Safety Authority.
Chemicals
It is the policy of the Board of Management of S.N. Muire gan Smál that all chemicals, photocopier toner, detergents etc be stored in clearly identifiable containers bearing instructions and precautions for their use and shall be kept in a locked area, and protection provided to be used when handling them.
Cleaning chemicals will be locked in the storage room (cleaner).
Toner will be stored in the office filing cabinet (secretary).
Medicine Cabinet
First Aid Equipment and medicine will be stored safely in a cabinet marked “First Aid” in the resource room. Each staff member will be made aware of its location and contents. Shane Reilly the Safety Representative of the school management team will replenish supplies as the need arises.
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.
A high standard of hygiene must be achieved at all times. Adequate facilities for waste disposal will be available. An adequate supply of hot and cold water, towels and soap and sanitary disposal facilities must be available.
Highly Polished Floors
It is the policy of the Board of Management of Scoil Náisiúnta Muire gan Smál that every attempt will be made to avoid the creation of slippery surfaces. The washing of floors shall be conducted, as far as is possible, after school hours to eliminate as far as possible, the danger of slipping. Where floors are wet, warning signs regarding wet floors shall be used. Attention is drawn to the possibility of outside floors and surfaces being affected by frost in cold weather.
Smoking
It is the policy of the Board of Management of Scoil Náisiúnta Muire gan Smál that the school shall be a non-smoking area to avoid hazard to staff and pupils of passive smoking.
Broken Glass
The Board of Management shall minimise the danger arising from broken glass. Staff are asked to report broken glass to the Principal so that it may be immediately removed.
Visual Display Units
It is the policy of the Board of Management of S.N.Muire gan Smál that the advice contained in the guidelines on the safe operation of visual display units, issued by the Health and Safety Authority be carefully followed. Any up-to-date information regarding hazards relating to the use of VDU’s will be studied and recommendations and directives implemented.
Infectious Diseases
It is the policy of the Board of Management of S.N. Muire gan Smál that all infectious diseases shall be notified and steps taken to ensure the safety of staff and students against all such diseases. The Board of Management will endeavour to minimise the risk by adherence to sound principals of cleanliness, hygiene and disinfection and have provided disposable gloves for use in all First Aid applications, cleaning tasks, etc. Toilets and washrooms shall be provided at all times with an adequate supply of water, soap, towels and a facility for the safe disposal of waste.
First Aid
Notices are posted in office detailing:
location of first aid box – resource room
procedure of calling ambulances
dial 999 or 112
state your name and give details of medical emergency
give clear concise directions to the school (if required)
give school telephone number 041 9822126
telephone numbers of local Doctor, Gardaí, Hospital.
Doctor – Dr. Daly, Clogherhead - 041 9822228
Gardaí – Drogheda Barracks – 041 9838777
Hospital – Lourdes Hospital – 041 9837601
All incidents, whether to staff members, students or members of the public will be recorded in “The Incident Book” which will be kept in the staff room.
The Safety Representative will see that there will be maintained in the school a properly equipped First Aid Box available to staff at all times containing:
sticking plasters
Anti-histamine for Stings, etc.
Tape
Disinfectant (e.g.) Savlon
Eye lotion (e.g.) Optrex
Antiseptic cream
Cotton Bandage
Cream for First Aid treatment of Burns
Antiseptic Wipes
Scissors
First Aid Chart
Anapens for children with severe allergies (to prevent anaphylaxis) – supplied by the children’s parents
Defibrillator – to be used by trained individuals only
Disposable gloves must be used at all times in administering First Aid
Access To School
Inasmuch as is compatible with the practical layout of the school premises, anyone entering the school premises shall be required to identify themselves to the Principal or the Secretary as relevant before gaining admittance to the school. Any contractor must make direct contact with the Principal before initiating any work on the premises and shall be shown a copy of the safety statement applying to the school and shall agree to its provisions.
While work is in progress, any noise shall be avoided wherever possible during school hours and shall at all times be reduced to the minimum necessary. The contractor and his workmen shall not create any hazard, permanent or temporary, without informing the principal or his nominated agent and shall mark such hazard with warning signs or other suitable protection.
Collecting Children
All parent/guardians/carers in the interest of safety must obey all signs upon entering the school grounds.
Cars are advised to drive slowly in the vicinity of the school grounds.
Only staff cars are permitted on school grounds.
Oil company to be notified in writing that delivery will not be accepted while the children are in the grounds (i.e. drop off, collection and during break times).
Revision Of This Safety Statement
This statement shall be regularly revised by the Board Of Management of Scoil Náisiúnta Muire gan Smál . in accordance with experience and the requirements of the Health and Safety Act and the Health and Safety Authority.
Signed on behalf of the Board of Management:
Chairman: Rev Fr. Aidan Murphy________________ Date:
Principal: Mrs Edel Victory_______________ Date:___________
Safety Officer: Mr. Ben Lennon____________________ Date:________Nominee of BOM
Safety Representative:_ _____________ Date:________ Nominee of staff
Scoil Náisiúnta Muire gan Smál
Policy statement in accordance with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 1989
Policy Reviews carried out:
November, 2010, September, 2011, June, 2012, November, 2012, November, 2013, October, 2014.
( Review details available for viewing in school).