HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY

Transcription

1 1. GENERAL POLICY: a) Our policy is to provide and maintain safe and healthy working conditions, equipment and systems of work for all our employees, and to provide such information, training and supervision as they need for this purpose. We also accept our responsibility for the health and safety of other people who may be affected by our activities. This is done in compliance with the legal requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, Management of Health and Safety at Work Act 1992 & 1999 and other E.C. Health and Safety Directives. b) The allocation of duties for safety matters and the particular arrangements, which we will make to implement the policy, are set out below. c) The policy will be kept up to date, particularly as the company changes in nature and size. To ensure this, the policy and the way in which it has operated will be reviewed every year. 2. ORGANISATION: a) Overall and final responsibility for health and safety in the company is that of the Managing Director. b) The Operations Manager has overall responsibility for the implementation of this policy within Daniel s Den division of the company. c) Each Manager is responsible for this policy being carried out in the session he/she manages. For this purpose a Manager is considered to be: - Operations Manager - Session Leader at Daniel s Den d) Deputy Managers (where appointed) are responsible for health and safety issues in their units in the absence of the Manager. e) Parent and toddler groups/crèche Supervisors, and other appointed staff with supervisory responsibilities, are responsible for safety in their particular areas. f) All employees have the responsibility to co-operate with the supervisors and managers to achieve a healthy and safe workplace and to take reasonable care of themselves and others. g) Whenever an employee, supervisor or manager notices a health or safety problem, which they are not able to put right, they must straightaway tell the appropriate person above and record it in the health and safety book. 3. SYSTEMS AND PROCEDURES: 3.1 Premises a) Each of the premises shall have effective heating arrangements that are maintained so that they work efficiently. Temperatures in the premises will be monitored by thermometers that are on display and maintained to provide a comfortable environment for both the children and the employees. b) Effective and efficient lighting shall be provided in all premises. c) All premises will be kept clean and tidy. Good housekeeping practices will be maintained, including the removal of waste and the safe storage of materials, toys, equipment, etc. d) The number of children or employees permitted in a room will take account of the room dimensions and space. Adequate space should be provided so that toys and equipment can be laid out safely with enough room for children to play safely and without risk of bumping into or striking against objects, etc. e) All premises will be maintained both internally and externally to provide a safe working environment.

2 f) All furniture and equipment provided for use will be maintained in a safe condition. g) A supply of drinking water shall be provided in all premises. A sign will be provided to distinguish this from non-drinking water in premises where there may be more than one source of water. h) All premises are designated as smoke free environments. 3.2 Risk Assessments a) Daniel s Den will identify all significant hazards and risks within the workplace and will eliminate or reduce such hazards and risk. The appropriate risk assessment will be completed, recorded and reviewed regularly. The assessments will be suitable and sufficient. b) Risk assessments will be brought to the attention of all employees. Section of this document refers to Fire Risk Assessments and Section 3.6 to COSHH. The Risk Assessments are detailed in separate documents. 3.3 Accident Recording and Reporting a) An Accident Book will be provided for employees. The location of the accident book will be made known to all employees. b) There will be a separate Accident Book kept for accidents incurred by children at the parent and toddler sessions, crèches and any other activity organised by Daniel s Den. c) All accidents, no matter how trivial, will be recorded in the appropriate accident book. d) Reportable accidents or notifiable diseases will be reported to the appropriate enforcing authority within 10 working days. e) Accidents will be investigated to prevent re-occurrence. The separate Accident Reporting Procedure describes in details the steps to follow in recording and reporting accidents. 3.4 First Aid a) There will be designated First Aiders (and their names will be displayed in prominent locations) in each of the premises. b) The location of First Aid Boxes will be displayed with the appropriate sign, i.e. white cross on a green background. c) All First Aid Boxes will be kept adequately stocked and the contents up to date. Tablets and medicines must not be kept in the first aid box. d) Training of First Aiders and/or Appointed Persons for parent and toddler groups and crèches will cover administration of first aid to children of the appropriate age. e) Portable First Aid Boxes will be taken on all excursions and trips and will be adequately stocked. f) When first aid is administered, it will be entered into the appropriate accident book. g) All First Aid Boxes, including portable boxes, will be green with a white cross. 3.5 Fire and Emergency Procedures Fire Safety Signs a) Fire Action Notices will be completed and displayed throughout each of the premises. b) Fire Exit Signs will be displayed throughout each of the premises.

3 3.5.2 Fire Log Book a) In premises where a Fire Alarm is installed, this will be tested weekly and the results recorded in the Fire Log Book. b) Fire Drills will be conducted at our premises at least three times per year and at the schools termly. The dates, and times and durations of drills will be recorded in the Fire Log Book. c) Where Emergency Lighting is installed the maintenance of it will be undertaken and recorded in the Fire Log Book. In the absence of installed emergency lighting, torches will be provided for use Fire Fighting Equipment a) In premises where a Fire Alarm is installed, Fire Activation points will be provided throughout the premises. In the absence of a Fire Alarm, a hand bell or whistle will be provided and kept in a single location that is known to all employees. b) Fire Extinguishers will be provided throughout the premises and will be maintained and serviced annually. c) A Fire Blanket will be provided in each kitchen area. d) Smoke Detection will be provided, either through standalone smoke alarms or smoke alarms interfaced with the Fire Alarm where one is installed. e) Fire Exits and Fire Doors will be clearly signed, unlocked (while premises are in use) and free from obstruction at all times. f) Fire evacuation instructions will be provided to all employees. g) A Fire Assembly Point will be designated at a suitable distance from the premises. h) The Fire Certificate (if applicable) will be kept on the premises. i) There will be Fire Wardens of other Designated/Responsible persons to take charge in the event of an emergency. Training will be provided to these persons to ensure that they are competent to fulfil their roles. j) Smoking will not be permitted within the premises. k) Combustible items will be stored safely and not in direct contact with heat sources. l) Training will be provided on fire safety issues to all employees Fire Risk Assessment a) A Fire Risk Assessment will be carried out for all premises Bomb Threats a) In the event of a bomb threat the alarm shall be raised in the same manner as for a fire (see section 3.5.3) and the person raising the alarm shall inform the others that the alarm is for a bomb threat. b) Bomb threat evacuation instructions will be provided to all employees. c) A Bomb Threat Assembly Point will be designated at a minimum of 500 metres from the premises. d) There will be Wardens of other Designated/Responsible persons to take charge in the event of an emergency. Training will be provided to these persons to ensure that they are competent to fulfil their roles e) The police and other emergency services will be notified as soon as possible. 3.6 Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) a) A list or inventory of the hazardous substances, including cleaning materials, used will be kept and displayed. b) COSHH assessments will be undertaken and reviewed every three years, or more frequently if the need may arise.

4 c) Hazardous substances will be stored in their original containers. d) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Clothing, i.e. gloves, aprons, etc., will be provided. e) All hazardous substances will be stored out of reach of children and in a safe and secure location. 3.7 Security of Persons and Premises a) Perimeter fencing will be provided at all parent and toddler groups as appropriate. b) Exterior lighting will be provided at all premises. c) Burglar alarms will be installed in those premises which are considered to be at risk of burglary or vandalism, and where provided will be fitted with panic buttons which can be used in case of a violent attack. d) Toughened glass and safety glazing will be used for all low level glazing. e) Visitors, contractors etc will be requested to produce identification. f) Children should not be able to open the exit doors in parent and toddler groups. g) A sign in and out sheet on the welcome table will be used. There will be a visitor sign in book. h) Unauthorised persons will not be permitted access. i) In nurseries windows that open outwards or upwards will have restrictors fitted. 3.8 Safety in Kitchens a) Children will not be permitted access to the kitchen area except for cooking activities. Then they must be supervised at all times and never left unattended. b) All catering staff must attend and pass a basic food hygiene course. c) Catering staff will ensure that heavy and hot loads and liquids are handled safely. d) All equipment and appliances with the kitchen area will be kept in good working order. e) Removal of waste will take place daily. f) Knives and other sharp objects will be kept well out of reach. g) Adequate ventilation will be provided by means of ventilator fans and/or windows. Fans will be cleaned regularly to prevent the accumulation of dirt and grease. Windows will be covered with mesh to prevent the ingress of flies and other insects. h) Catering staff will wear appropriate footwear and clothing. 3.9 Contractors a) Contractors will be required to work safely at all times and have due regard for the safety and well being of our employees and children as well as their own employees. b) Contractors will not be permitted to bring or use unsafe plant, machinery or equipment onto the premises. c) The identification of contractors will be checked before they are permitted access. d) Contractors will be required to sign in and out of the premises. e) Contractors are not permitted to smoke on the premises Medication This section applies to crèches, nurseries and schools only not our parent and toddler sessions. a) Prescribed and non-prescribed medicines will be administered in nurseries in accordance with the separate policy on Medication and First Aid. b) No medicines will be administered in schools, with the exception of Calpol which will be used with parent s permission to control fevers. c) The local Health Authority guidelines will be followed for children with infectious diseases. d) Medication will be kept out of reach of children in a secure area. e) Medication prescribed for one child will not be given to another.

5 f) Staff will be provided with specific training relating to the administration of medication for children suffering from anaphylaxis shock. g) Children who are taking ill while attending a nursery or school will be cared for in accordance with the separate policy on Medication and First Aid Asbestos a) Daniel s Den will ensure wherever practical that all asbestos is removed from premises before they are occupied by its employees or children. b) If asbestos is known to be present, it will be identified and marked with the appropriate signs. c) Monitoring of the condition of known asbestos in the premises, including the removal or encapsulation of damaged, unsealed asbestos etc, will be undertaken by a reputable Contractor. d) Only HSE approved Asbestos Removal Contractors will be used if asbestos needs to be removed or encapsulated. It will be ensured that the Contractor has completed the relevant documentation and notified the enforcing authority when asbestos removals need to be undertaken. e) Records of asbestos will be maintained on the premises. f) Other Contractors, i.e. plumbers, electricians, maintenance persons etc, will be informed of all known locations of asbestos within the premises Electricity at Work a) All portable electrical appliances will be maintained in a safe condition and tested annually by a competent person. Appliances which satisfactorily pass the safety test will be marked as such with the date of the test (i.e. labels). Appliances which are found to be faulty will be marked as such and either disposed of or kept out of service until they can be repaired and made safe. b) Fixed electrical installations will be tested by competent persons in accordance with the current IEE regulations at least once every five years, and any defects found will be rectified within one year of the test. c) Employees will undertake daily visual inspections of electrical appliances before use, e.g. checking cables, flexes, plugs for damage and defects, etc. d) Good cable management will be implemented so as to prevent slips, trips, falls and damage to equipment, etc. e) Residual Current Devices (RCD) will be provided and used wherever possible and applicable. f) Low-level electrical sockets in nurseries and schools will be fitted with plug covers. g) All portable electrical appliances in nurseries and schools must be unplugged when not in use and the plug cover inserted in the socket. h) No items containing water or other liquids should be placed on top of electrical appliances, nor must any other item that may obstruct ventilation slots in the appliance Gas Installations a) All installations of gas appliances will be carried out by CORGI registered gas fitters. b) All gas appliances will be tested annually by a CORGI registered gas fitter Equipment and Toys a) The Manager will ensure that the equipment and toys that are provided are safe and properly maintained. b) Wherever possible it will be ensured that equipment and toys conform to British or other European standards (C/E mark). c) All equipment and toys will be washed and thoroughly cleaned regularly. d) Damaged items will be removed immediately until they are repaired or replaced.

6 3.15 Off-Site Activities a) Off-site activities will be organised in accordance with the separate Procedure on Off-Site Trips Toilets a) Non-slip flooring should be provided in the toilet areas. b) Toilets should be adequately lit and ventilated, either using natural ventilation (preferred) or mechanical ventilation. c) Separate male and female staff toilets and a disabled toilet will be provided wherever practical. d) Toilets will be kept in a clean and orderly condition. e) Washing facilities will be provided in the immediate vicinity of each sanitary convenience with a supply of clean hot and cold or warm running water. f) The temperature of water provided in washing facilities in children s toilets will be thermostatically controlled. g) Soap (preferably antibacterial) or other means of cleaning will be provided in all toilets. h) Disposable paper towels or hot air dryers will be provided in all toilets for drying. i) Toilets should provide privacy for all age groups using them. j) Locks should preferably not be fitted on the doors of toilets used by young children in nurseries. Where they are fitted, staff should be able to get safe and easy access in the event a child gets locked in. k) Toilets in nurseries should preferably be child size and basins should be preferably be located at an appropriate height for children. Where this is not possible, step stools should be provided for access. l) There should be a clinical waste bin provided in female staff toilets for the safe disposal of used sanitary dressings Nappy Changing Facilities This section applies to nurseries, schools and crèche facilities only not to our parent and toddler sessions. a) Nappy changing will be carried out according to the separate Nappy Changing Procedure Manual Handling and Lifting a) There are no prescribed limits for manual handling and lifting as what one person can manage with ease another would find difficult. Staff should not lift anything they consider to be beyond their ability and should report to their supervisor/manager if they require assistance or do not know the correct way to manually handle an item. b) Prior to undertaking any manual-handling task each employee should ensure that they have seen and understood the assessment of the task and that any equipment or personal protective equipment required is readily available. c) As a preliminary precaution, employees should warm up their muscles first, plan the movement, and check the area in which they will be carrying for obstructions, slippery or uneven surfaces, height and width restrictions, etc. d) As general principles, employees should: Obtain a good grip by making maximum use of the palm, the ball of the hand and the base of the fingers (not just the tip of the fingers). Keep the back straight (but not necessarily upright), not bending the back forwards or sideways. Keep the chin well in and the head up to help maintain correct spinal shape.

7 Place the feet approximately shoulder width apart. If the load is to be moved horizontally after the initial lifting, one foot should be placed slightly in front of the other in the direction of the intended movement. Keep the arms close to the body to reduce strain and improve balance. The body should be kept in its normal position to help act as a counterweight to the load, again reducing strain and improving balance. Using the leg muscles, staff should bend at the knees, lift the load vertically, within the body area letting the leg muscles take the strain. All movement should be steady, smooth and deliberate and should avoid stretching, snatching or twisting. A change of direction should be made by moving the feet rather than the body. e) When moving the load: Ensure that vision is not obscured. Check over the route in advance, moving any obstructions and dealing with any slippery floors. Unless the load is small, avoid stacking higher than it is possible to go with the arms still close to the body. Use steps or a platform if it is necessary to stack higher. If loads are unwieldy or cannot be grasped, some form of carrying handle or lifting aid should be used. Staff should not lift loads in excess of what they are safely capable of doing, and should seek assistance or use mechanical lifting aids for heavy loads. Movements should be synchronised and co-ordinated when working in a team. f) Special care must be taken when lifting a child as they are liable to twist and wriggle and so be unstable. Always lead a child by the hand rather then lifting and carrying whenever possible. Never carry a child up or down stairs. If a child is distressed or needs attention, this can be achieved by squatting down to the child s level rather than lifting, or by sitting and down and placing the child on the lap. When it becomes absolutely necessary to carry a child, ensure a good hold and maintain an awareness that the child will move unpredictably Use of Display Screen Equipment The section below applies to staff who habitually use Display Screen Equipment (also referred to a Visual Display Units - VDUs) as a significant part of their normal work. They do not apply to staff who use VDUs only occasionally. a) Daniel s Den will carry out risk assessments which will encompass the whole workstation (including equipment, furniture, and the work environment), the job being done, and any special needs of individual staff (whose views may be sought as part of the assessment). Steps will be taken to reduce risks where any are identified. b) Workstations should have sufficient space, have suitable lighting without reflections or glare, have adjustable display screens and keyboards, have adjustable chairs, and generally be within a good working environment. c) Staff will be permitted to take breaks or change their activity, with the agreement of their manager. The timing and length of the break will depend upon the nature and intensity of the work, recognising that for work with VDUs short, frequent breaks are better than longer, less frequent ones. d) Staff may ask Daniel s Den to provide and pay for an eye and eyesight test to be carried out by an optometrist or doctor. e) Daniel s Den will provide training to ensure that employees can use their VDU and workstation safely, and know how to make best use of it to avoid health problems.

8 3.20 Safe Use of Vehicles on the Premises a) Where parking is available on the premises, this should be in clearly marked parking bays and areas. b) Care should be taken while driving on the premises, particularly in the presence of children. c) Pedestrians, particularly children, should be kept separate from vehicles House Keeping a) All premises will be kept clean and tidy and free of litter. b) Maintenance programmes and procedures will be put in place to deal with repairs, etc. c) External areas, grounds, play areas and equipment will be kept safe for use. d) Items will be stored safely and a safe means of access such as a footstool or stepladder will be provided. e) Large items will be stored at a low level External Play Areas This section applies to nurseries and schools only. a) Wherever practical toys and equipment will be erected on a safety impact absorbent surface. Where this is not possible, toys will be erected on soft ground, i.e. grass, and/or mats provided. b) All play areas will be kept clean and litter free. c) Adequate security perimeter fencing will be provided around each play area. All gates must be kept closed when children are playing in the area, and be fitted with catches that cannot be opened by the children. d) Play areas will be well defined and kept separate from car parks, parked vehicles, moving traffic, etc. e) It is Daniel s Den s policy not to use paddling pool on our premises Visitors a) Visitors must report to the appropriate member of staff (i.e. Manager, School Secretary, Receptionist, etc) upon arrival. b) Visitors must not be left unattended or allowed to walk around the premises unaccompanied. c) Visitors will be prevented from having access to unauthorised areas and direct access to children unless accompanied Communication a) Employees will be provided with information about the general duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and specific legal requirements relating to their work. b) Employees will be given information about any substances, materials, machinery, etc., which they come into contact with that may be hazardous to their health. c) Discussions will take place with contractors, before they start work, on how they plan to do their job safely. This will include the equipment needed, whether they can operate in segregated areas, will hazards be created that may affect our employees or children, and whether they will require the premises to be closed down or whether they can carry out the work outside of normal operating hours Training a) Training will be provided to employees to enable them to work safely and carry out their health and safety responsibilities.

9 b) Employees will be supervised as far as necessary for their safety - especially young workers, new employees, trainees and employees carrying out unfamiliar tasks Safety Audits and Inspections a) Regular checks and inspections of the workplace, appliances, equipment, toys and working methods, etc., will be carried out by the Manager of each site. b) The Operations Manager will conduct a Health and Safety Inspection of each site at least once per year. Signed:. Date: Position:.