Health & Safety - StBodensNS

1. It is the duty of every employee as Scoil Naomh Buadáin:

§ To take reasonable care for his/her own safety, health and welfare and that any person who may be affected by his/her acts or omissions at work.

§ To co-operate with his/her employer and any other person to such extent as will enable his/her employer or any 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 anything provided (whether for his/her use alone or for use by him/her safety, health or welfare while at work.

§ To report to the Board of Management without unreasonable delay, any appliance, protective clothing, convenience, equipment of anything provided in pursuance of any of the relevant statutory provisions or otherwise, for securing safety, health or welfare, of which he/she becomes aware.

2. No person will intentionally or recklessly interfere with or misuse any appliance, protective clothing, and convenience, equipment of anything provided in pursuance of any of the relevant statutory provisions or otherwise, for security safety, health or welfare of persons arising out of work activities.

3. Employees will by using available facilities and equipment provided, ensure that work practices are preformed in the safest manner possible.

4. The provision of such information, instruction, training and supervisions as is necessary to ensure safety and health at work of its employees.

5. The provision and maintenance of suitable protective clothing or equivalent as necessary to ensure the safety and health at work of its employees.

6. The preparation and revision as necessary of adequate plans to be followed in emergencies e.g. fire drill, injuries etc.

7. The safety and prevention of risk to health at work in connection with use of any article or substance.

8. The provision and maintenance of facilities and arrangements for the welfare of employees at work.

9. Obtaining where necessary, the service of a competent person for the purpose of ensuring the safety and health at work of its employees.

10. The continuing updating of the Safety Statement.

11. The provision of arrangement for the selection from amongst its employees of a representative.

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

2. The Board of Management of St. Boden’s N.S     will ensure that the provisions of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work     Act 1989 are adhered to.

3. A Safety Committee may be established to     monitor the implementation of the Safety and Health Policies of St.     Boden’s N.S and the requirements under the Safety, Health and Welfare at     Work Act 1989.

It is the policy of the Board of Management of Scoil Naomh Buadáin

• To give a copy of the Safety Statement to     all present and future staff
• That any additional information or     instructions regarding Health, Safety and Welfare at Work not contained in     the document will be conveyed to all staff as it becomes available.
• That Health, Safety and Welfare will form     an integral part of any future staff training and development plans

The hazards have been divided into two categories. Rectifiable hazards and hazards that can be minimised.

Hazards that can be rectified or minimised will be dealt with as a matter of urgency by the BOM. Those that cannot will be clearly indicated and appropriate procedures listed beside them.

The Board of Management in consultation with the employees will review and make recommendations on the elimination of hazards.

1. FIRE

It is the policy of the Board of Management of Scoil Naomh Buadáin that:

• There is an adequate supply of fire     extinguishers, which will deal with any type of fire
• All fire equipment is identified and regularly     serviced
• Regular Fire Drills take place at least     once a term
• Instructions are given in the use of fire     extinguishers for specific materials/equipment
• Fire alarms are clearly marked
• Signs will be clearly visible to ensure     visitors are aware of exit doors
• All electrical equipment be unplugged or     turned off outside school office hours and when the school is vacated for     lengthy periods
• An assembly area is designed outside the     building
• Those leaving buildings/classrooms should     let someone know
• Exit signs are clearly marked
• There will be a named person in each unit     responsible for fire drills and evacuation procedures
• The school and equipment have been checked     by a fire officer and all recommendations made by him/her have been     implemented

It is the school policy that all electrical equipment is used only by competent persons. Teachers assume responsibility for switching on and off electrical appliances and lights.

P.E equipment is used only under the supervision of the class teacher. Every effort is made to ensure the safety of the children during P.E lessons

It is the school policy to keep all hallways clear. Children are instructed to walk along corridors in single file. Running in corridors is forbidden. Hallways are not carpeted so the surface can be slippy on wet days.

There are two toilets each to the four classrooms in the school. All toilets are cleaned daily. Towels are provided and are washed regularly. There are toilet facilities for visitors to the school and separate toilets for teachers. Sanitary disposal units are provided.

The surface of the playground is predominantly grass. Therefore it does not become slippery in icy conditions. There is a cemented and tar area at the front of the school. The children use this area as little as possible when there are icy conditions.

Every effort is made by the teachers to ensure that the children leave the school grounds at 3.00pm. Children are encouraged to leave the school grounds immediately at 3.00pm using the pedestrian path and pedestrian exit. Children are not permitted to jump the wall to exit from school grounds. Children who travel by bus mount the buses at the gate. These children are encouraged to behave responsibly while mounting, dismounting and on the bus.

• Machinery, Kitchen Equipment &     Electrical Appliances

It is the policy of the Board of Management of Scoil Naomh Buadáin that machinery, kitchen equipment and appliances are used by competent persons. Such appliances and equipment will be subject to regular maintenance checks.

• Chemicals

It is the policy of the Board of Management of Scoil Naomh Buadáin that all chemicals, detergents etc will be stored in clearly identifiable containers bearing instructions and precautions for their use and kept in a locked area and protection provided for use when handling them.

• Drugs/Medications

It is the policy of the Board of Management of Scoil Naomh Buadáin that all medication, drugs etc be kept in proper medication cabinet, locked at all times, key to which is kept in a safe place.

• Wet Floors

It is the policy of the Board of Management that wet areas in classrooms will not be polished or made slippery. That washing of floors is conducted after school hours to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, elimination of danger of slipping. To this end warning signs regarding wet floors will be used.

• The Code of Discipline

The Code of Discipline in the school provides for a level of behaviour to minimise personal risk or stress to any employee. The Code of Discipline also ensures a safe environment for all pupils.

• Access to Employees is by Consent

When the employee feels at risk from or threatened by a particular person on school property, this must be drawn to the Board of Management’s attention. The Board of Management will undertake to ensure that in such circumstances all appropriate measures will be taken to protect employees.

It is the policy of the Board of Management of Scoil Naomh Buadáin that an employee will be trained to apply first aid to other employees and pupils. All required remedies and equipment are made available for first aid. There will be an adequate supply of properly equipped first aid boxes available at all times to staff which will contain:

Elastoplast Plasters

Waspeze

Tape

Savlon Antiseptic Disinfectant

Panadol

Optrex eye lotion

Cotton bandage

Burneze,

Antiseptic wipes

Scissors

First Aid Chart

Disposable gloves (which must be worn at all times when administering first aid).

When the Patron is making nominations to the Board of Management and when parents are electing parents representatives to the Board of Management, they are requested to bear the Health & Safety Act in mind and where possible to ensure that the Board of Management should contain at least one member with skills in this area.

Persons coming into school premises must identify themselves clearly to secretary at reception before gaining access to classroom. Any contractor should make direct contact with the principal or deputy principal before initiating any work on the school premises.

It is the policy of the Board of Management of Scoil Naomh Buadáin to minimise sound pollution – room to room, yard to room etc.

When people are working on the premises with drill or other loud implements they must wear protective ear muffs. Where such work is taking place which constitutes any threat to Health & safety the school will be closed or the work not take place during school hours.

All flammable, toxic and corrosive substances must be kept in the locked room provided. All the above substances must be clearly and accurately labelled at all times.

When a child who needs to be lifted is enrolled in the school, suitable support services must be provided, arrangements made and training provided for lifting of the child in order to minimise strain on staff.

Arrangements will be made to ensure the protection of staff from violent or disturbed children.

As a general rule teachers will not be involved in the administration of medication to pupils. In exceptional circumstances, where a teacher agrees to become involved in the administration of medication, the INTO advises that:

• The parents of the pupil concerned should     write to the Board of Management requesting the Board to authorise the     teacher to administer the medication
• The request should also contain written     instructions of the procedure to be followed in the administration of the     medication
• The Board of Management, having considered     the matter, may authorise she/he should be properly instructed by the     Board of Management
• A teacher should not administer medication     without the specific authorisation of the Board
• In administering medication to pupils,     teachers should exercise the standard of care of a reasonable and prudent     parent
• The Board of Management should inform the     schools insurance accordingly
• The Board of Management should seek an indemnity     form the parent(s) in respect of any liability that may arise regarding     the administration of the medication

Note: Where the above procedure is put in place the Board of Management should give consideration to authorising another member of staff to administer the medication in the event that the regular teacher is absent from school. Arrangements should also be made by the Board of Management for the safe storage of medication.

Implemented 2009

Reviewed on February 2017