Health and Safety Statement 2019-20
Safety Statement for St.Colman’s N.S, Cappagh
The Board of Management of St.Colman’s N.S. 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.
Continue Reading 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 St.Colman’s N.S wishes to ensure that as far as is reasonably practical: The Board of Management of St.Colman’s N.S recognises that its statutory obligations under legislation extends to employees, students, to any person legitimately conducting school business, and to the public. The Board of Management of St.Colman’s N.S undertakes to ensure that the provisions of the safety, Health and welfare at Work Act 1989 are adhered to: Duties of Employees It is the duty of every employee while at work: No person will intentionally or recklessly interfere with or misuse any appliance, protective clothing, convenience or other means or thing provided in pursuance or any of the relevant statutory provisions or other wise, for securing safety, health or welfare or persons arising out of work activities. Employees using available facilities and equipment provided should ensure that work practices are performed in the safest manner possible (see section 9 of safety, health and welfare at Work Act 1989). It is the policy of the Board of Management of St.Colman’s N.S to consult with staff in preparation and completion of hazard control forms, to give a copy of the safety statement to all present and future staff, and to convey any additional information or instructions regarding health, safety and welfare at work to all staff as it becomes available. Health, safety and welfare at work will be considered in any future staff training and development plans. Hazards Hazards shall be divided into 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. It is the policy of the Board of Management of St.Colman’s N.S that: 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. To minimise these dangers the following safety/ protective measures must be adhered to (see duties of employee pages 1-2 of this document): Constant Hazards Machinery, Kitchen equipment, Electrical appliances. It is the policy of the Board of Management of St.Colman’sthat 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: It is the policy of the Board of Management of St.Colman’s N.S that all chemicals, photocopier toner, detergents etc be stored in clearly identifiable containers bearing instructions and precautions for their use and shall be kept in a locked area, and protection provided to be used when handling them. (Secretary/Cleaner/Principal where appropriate). Drugs And Medication It is the policy of the Board of Management of St.Colman’s 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. To ensure the continued welfare of the staff and children, toilet and cloakroom areas are provided. A Staffroom separate from the work area is provided, where tea and lunch breaks may be taken. Staff must co-operate in maintaining a high standard of hygiene in this area. A high standard of hygiene must be achieved at all times. Adequate facilities for waste disposal must be available. An adequate supply of hot and cold water, towels and soap and sanitary disposal facilities must be available. Members of staff and students are reminded: Highly Polished Floors It is the policy of the Board of Management of St.Colman’s N.S that every attempt will be made to avoid the creation of slippery surfaces. The washing of floors shall be conducted, as far as is possible, after school hours to eliminate as far as possible, the danger of slipping. Where floors are wet, warning signs regarding wet floors shall be used. Attention is drawn to the possibility of outside floors and surfaces being affected by frost in cold weather, and staff and pupils shall be told to use handrails when going up or down stairs. Step edges shall be fitted with clearly marked edges of a non-slip nature wherever practical. It is the policy of the Board of Management of St.Colman’s N.S that the school shall be a non-smoking area to avoid hazard to staff and pupils of passive smoking. The Board of Management shall minimise the danger arising from broken glass. Staffs are asked to report broken glass to the Principal so that it may be immediately removed. It is the policy of the Board of Management of St.Colman’s 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. It is the policy of the Board of Management of St.Colman’s N.S that a member of staff shall be trained to provide First Aid to staff and pupils. Mrs. Maria Geraghty will see that there will be maintained in the school a properly equipped First Aid Box available to staff at all times containing: Disposable gloves must be used at all times in administering First Aid 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. This statement shall be regularly revised by the Board Of Management of St.Colman’s N.S in accordance with experience and the requirements of the Health and Safety Act and the Health and Safety Authority. Signed on behalf of the Board of Management: Chairperson :________________________ Date:__________ Principal:_____________________ ___ Date:___________ Safety Officer:____________________ Date:________Nominee of BOM Safety Officer:____________________ Date:________Nominee of staff Policy statement in accordance with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 1989 Members of the Board of Management: Chairman:Mrs. Mary O’ Donoghue Board Members of Cappagh N.S Safety Officer:Maria Geraghty Staff Nominee:Niall Kinnarney Prepared by representatives of the Board of Management, in consultation with parents and teachers in accordance with the safety, Health and Welfare Act at Work Act 1989
Consultation and Information
Fire
Chemicals
Welfare
Smoking
Broken Glass
Infectious Diseases
First Aid
Access To School
Collecting Children
Revision of This Safety Statement